I am amazed how often I run into people who shrug off God's Word as opinion. They feel that to follow the truth - THE Law of GOD - is simply too legalistic. I have actually quoted scripture to some and they in turn countered with, "Thanks for your opinion."

Recently in a conversation I had about a denominational author, I mentioned that I wished he would speak the truth about somethings. Namely, salvation! This person chastised me for not being open to what God is trying to teach me.

Dear readers, God will never try to teach anyone something that is not in His Word. God does not lie (Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:18), or try to confuse us (I Corinthians 14:23). If He did, what a sad state we would live in. There would be no hope as mentioned in Hebrews 6:19. The hope mentioned there is an anchor. This hope that anchors us is because of the promise that God made to us. Without that anchor, we would be tossed to and fro in the storms of life. Life without God is meaningless and lonely.

We cannot and must not exchange the truth of God for a lie, worshipping the creature more than the creator! (Romans 1:25)

Are there sometimes things in scripture that are hard to take? Yes! (Matthew 19:11) But are we to submit anyway? Emphatically yes! (Romans 10:3) God is soverign and we must submit to His will. Here are some truths laid down by His authority:

1. Our salvation is contingent on our actions. (Mark 16:16, John 3:3-5, Romans 6:3-5, 1 Peter 3:21, Titus 3:5, James 2:26, Revelation 20:13)
2. Women are not to take a place of authority over a man (I Timothy 2:12), but are commanded to teach other women. (Titus 2:1-5)
3. Homosexuality is wrong. (I Corinthians 6:9-10, Romans 1:24-28)

I could go on and on. There are so many other areas where we selfishly demand our will over the will of our Father. Let me conclude with one final thought. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) Do we truly love Him? If we do we will be willing to do whatever He says and more. Look at all that He has done for us (Romans 5:8, Hebrews 4:15), could we not go the second mile for Him?

In my Bible reading this morning, I found this great scripture:

"But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." Romans 8:25 KJV

The NKJV has a much better version: "But if we hope for that we see not, then we eagerly wait for it with perseverance."

There seems to be so much more there in the NKJV than in the KJV. I'm planning to look it up in the Greek inter liner and see which one is more accurate. But, isn't it true that we hope for what we do not see? In the verse prior to this, we learn that what we see, we no longer hope for it. Why hope for it when it is here?

So, we hope for what we do not see and it is something we are eager for. I don't know about you, but I am anxious to see heaven and my savior's face. I wouldn't give up this life with my family and church family for anything else.

I also like the word, 'perseverance' thrown in there. This indicates that life here won't be perfect. We need to continue on, faithfully, until our hope is fulfilled. Revelation continually reminds us to be faithful and to persevere and we will receive the crown of life.

Another great verse! I hope it has blessed you today.