Today’s Bible Verse

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

Revelation 22:13

What Will Settle It?

Over the course of various conversations, I have heard a phrase used that sounds like this, “At the end of the day, it’s what really counts that matters.” First, to understand that statement a person would have to understand what really matters, right? Secondly, with everyone entitled to their opinion, who would be the one to settle that? Who is the standard? Is there a settling standard that would be applicable for any and every situation? Yes there is. It is the Word of God. 

In many ways, we are living in strange times. In the complexity of our current affairs there is no shortage of voices to be heard, opinions to be offered, and narratives to be expressed. Yet, for the Christian, there is one voice that should settle all issues – their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No matter what our background, upbringing, nationality, ethnicity, history or experience, God, through His Word, has the final say. Not only does the Bible clearly show this to be true, but this core value is what we’re encouraged to renew our minds to in order to live our Christian life without compromise and with a Bible-based conviction.

A powerful key that every disciple of Jesus is encouraged to pursue is understanding that the source and answer to all questions is God’s Word. In other words, His Word must be the final authority for our lives and thus in all of our circumstances, situations, challenges and problems as well. His Word is the answer to every situation past, present and future, as Scripture tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus is therefore:

“…the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

Revelation 22:13

Jesus settles it. Let me explain. To live an overcoming life, every Christian must make a decision. That decision is not based on the size of a problem or circumstance, it’s based on God’s promise to His children that can not be altered or changed by temporary things like people, time or circumstances. Although factual, they are not eternal or everlasting. God’s Word is all life-giving, problem-solving and circumstance-transforming when it’s received by faith and acted upon in faith regardless of what it is that we may be facing. But faith in God requires a surrender. It does not quit or give up; it’s a deliberate decision of trusting God and His Word beyond what we may see, feel think or hear. Do you remember what Jesus, our greatest example, said while in the garden of Gethsemane? He said:

“Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Your will, be done.”

Luke 22:42

Yes, Jesus exercised His faith in God’s will for His life and outcome – and that of all humanity. What’s important to understand in the life of faith is that we can not separate God’s character from His Word. His Word and His character are one and the same. Thus, we can not honestly say that we believe and trust in the God of the Bible but not believe and trust in what He has said in His Word! So that requires every Christian to make a decision. This decision is an act of your will. Now this simple but powerful choice is the “game changer” in any disciple’s life because it’s the difference between life and death. We see this revealed to us in the book of Deuteronomy:

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may life.”

Deuteronomy 30:19

Choosing His life is choosing His way and His way is not different from His Word or character. This is an important key to living our “best life” in Him. It’s also how a Christian makes a “faith-based decision”, meaning a decision not based on the temporary conditions and circumstances of the life we all live in. Now, this is why our devotional life in reading the Word of God, Life Group and church attendance is so important. Because these are godly environments where we renew our minds to the perfect will of God. 

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Romans 12:2

We can see that just because we are Christians, we do not instantly or automatically know “the perfect will of God.” It’s learning to do God’s will versus my will. Remember, preferences and opinions based on influences, education and experiences may be factual, but they are not truth. You see, God’s Word is His remedy for every affliction. It’s our key to defeating the adversary and enjoying the abundant life in Christ. 

So, let’s choose to let His Word be our Alpha and Omega, our beginning and our end, our first and our last – on any subject. We must choose to receive His Word. We must make it personal. Only you can make that decision. And when you do, expect His supernatural intervention on your behalf. Paul said it like this:

“We also thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its SUPERHUMAN POWER in those who adhere to, trust in and rely on it].

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (AMPC)

This superhuman power is waiting for every believer. Its only requirement is our faith and trust in God and His word. Today, and for the rest of the days of your life, you can settle it. You have God’s character and His Word guaranteeing that He will come through. He is absolutely faithful; He can not deny Himself. We have the power to choose. We may not be able to choose for others but we can settle it for ourselves today. We are more than conquerors and we will overcome every and any circumstance that may come our way in Jesus’ Name!

Something to Think About

I remember one of the first times I began to apply my faith in God’s Word for my life. At that time, I was attending a great church with a great pastor. It was a time when Southern California, along with the rest of the nation fell in a devastating economic crisis and I was right in the middle of it. I had a great education; I was young, enthusiastic and trained but nobody was hiring. It was bad economically. Financially, I was seriously hurting. It got to a point where my car was running on fumes. There was no food in the cupboard, and some bills that were coming due. 

It was in that time the Lord kept reminding of a simple word: “Trust.” He was ministering to me to trust Him totally and completely. Well of course, that’s a basic understanding for any Christian’s life. But His emphasis to me was to apply His word, and His word only, and to watch Him work on my behalf – without my help! He was asking me to not mention anything to anyone about my hardship, difficulties or financial challenge (and believe me, that wasn’t as easy as it might sound). He wanted me to deliberately speak His Word and to rejoice as if all my needs were met according to His riches in glory” (Philippians 4:19). He also told me not to lean on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). That wasn’t easy because my emotions, feelings and thoughts kept getting in my way. Yet, the Lord kept reminding me, “What does My Word say?” He’d remind me over and over (oh boy, there were some real “ugh moments” in that season). Yet, His still, small voice would reassure me, “Trust Me and trust My Word.”

As I now look back, as simple as it sounds, that was a time when God was having me “settle” the challenges of life. Not only those I was facing currently but any that would show up in the future. I was learning to settle all matters based on what His Word said. 

So, it was 4-5 days after the Lord told me to trust Him and the promises of His Word that things did not seem to be getting any better. It was definitely a fight of faith on my part. I recall it was a Wednesday night and I went to church. As I walked in a man I hardly knew walked up to me and said, “Hey Art, the Lord has really placed you on my heart. Do you have time for dinner after service?” I was about to say, “Maybe some other time,” because I didn’t have the money to spare, when he said, “Don’t worry, I’m paying.”

Well, all of a sudden my evening after service was free! It also wasn’t too long after that another person said to me, “The Lord told me to ‘sow seed’ into your life” (at that time, I didn’t really know what that really meant let alone experienced such a blessing). Suddenly that man stuffed my upper shirt pocket with some money! What a blessing! Outside of being born again, that was a thrill to see the Lord provide. I had learned how faith in God’s Word worked. That was an unforgettable lesson and He alone gets all the glory because only the Lord and I knew about it. I’ve had to apply that same practice time and time again and I still have a lot to grow and learn but the journey is a faith adventure. One thing I know is true: God’s Word settles the issue. Be encouraged, our best in Him is yet to come! (Pastor Art Sepulveda)

Today’s Declaration

God’s Word settles every circumstance, regardless of what it is. I am settled and that’s final. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever; therefore, I shall not be moved.

Lord I decree that in every circumstance Your Word settles it. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last to any and every situation I face.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your unconditional love. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for settling it for me—that in You I always triumph. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your leadership and guidance.

Today, I settle that I am settled that Your Word is the final authority that settles every situation in life in Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

Today’s Bible Reading

• Old Testament: Daniel 5-6; Job 20
• New Testament: John 13:1-11; 3 John 1:1-14