God's Desire

 This is the time of year when we ask our family and friends what they want for Christmas. We are trying to see what they desire. Sometimes, their desire could be for a very special gift. Other times, they say that their desire is to have all of the family together for the holidays. It could even be that their desire is for good health. However, we all have things we desire, and so does God.

When Paul was inspired to write his first letter to Timothy, his son in the ministry, he clearly stated what God desires. (I Timothy 2:3,4) God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. That tells us a lot about God's heart. He is focused on others, not Himself, and He wants the best for everyone. I believe these things should be our desires, too.

God desires for everyone to have their sins forgiven and to have eternal life with Him in heaven. He did not create people to go to hell. Hell was created for the devil and his angels. God created people out of love, so He could have a relationship with each person born into this world. He is constantly drawing all people to Himself, so they can repent of sins, trust Jesus to forgive their sins, and to surrender to Jesus as Lord. Not everyone chooses to do that, but it is God's desire.

The other part of God's desire is for all people to come to the knowledge of the truth. Yes, it means the truth of the gospel, but I believe it means even more truth. God wants us all to have the knowledge of the truth, so we can believe the truth and live in it. Then, that truth will set us free from lives of sin and separation from God. It will enable us to live in God's design and truly experience life to the fullest. In other words God desires the best life possible for everyone. Now, we just have to receive it by grace through faith in Jesus.

#NHBaptistdotorg

Tomorrow, I intend to read I Timothy 3-5.