Larry Eiss

He Knows He knew us before we were formed in our mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5) He knows the thoughts of our hearts (Acts 1:25) He knows what we are doing (Psalms 139:2) He knows what is best for us (Micah 6:8) Because He knows all things (John 21:17) we can rest assured that He knows the best way to handle our problems, concerns, and needs. Therefore, like Mary demonstrated at the wedding at Cana of Galilee (John 2:3) we need only tell Him of our need, concern, or problem. We do not need to be burdened with using the right words or trying to figure out possible solutions so we can ask for the right one. Philippians 4:6 (NASB 2020) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Something I’ve found helpful is to tell Him my concern, tell Him my hopes, and then tell Him that I trust Him whatever the outcome may be. Whenever anxiety arises, doubts creep in, or I’m feeling frightened, I remember that Father Loves me. I recognize that even when I do not get the outcome I hope for, He is there already and I do not need to be afraid. I’m learning that life on planet earth is not all about me and my comfort. You see, we are ambassadors here and, in that role, our lives present the Lord Jesus and the Kingdom of Light to those around us. We get to participate as He edifies, encourages, and equips our families, our friends, and other saints. We get to hold the Light as He shines on those held in bondage in the domain of darkness. All this is possible because He knows. He knows the end; He has known it from the beginning. He knows the needs of people we have no idea are involved in our lives. He knows the terrible chains that hold those bound in darkness. He knows He is the Life everyone needs. Grace and peace to you. Larry

Are Spiritual Gifts for You? What is the purpose of spiritual Gifts? Why does Father give them to His children? #hillbillytheologian #christlife #dependentlife #spiritualgifts

Don't be Offended by the World Don't expect wicked evil people to act like godly righteous people, don't be upset or offended. They are under a strong delusion & held in bondage to sin & wickedness. They have no hope of escape apart from the Lord Jesus. #hillbillytheologian #christlife #dependentlife #offence #evil

What Wondrous Love Isaiah 42:6–7 (NIV) “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” Unrighteousness characterized us. We wandered alone in the desert, Blind and in bondage to sin, Held in darkness, Behind strong bars, Imprisoned in the dungeon of sin, In willfulness trying to make ourselves righteous. But God Came to earth to live with us, Paved the way to live within us, Held the keys to that dark dungeon, Lit for us the way to freedom. Looking upon the One who was pierced, We are made whole. Healed from the malady of sin. Freed from the law of sin and death. Given eternal life in Christ Jesus, We were given what we could not achieve. Praise His name, In faith taking Him at His word, We became righteous, holy, and blameless. Seated with Him, Hidden in Him, Completely blessed in the heavenly realm. Now He works in us, Renewing our minds to this truth. Pouring His love into our hearts, We are so filled with joy, We love Him in return, Deeply and from the heart. Grace and peace to you. Larry

Father is Making you Eager for Good Works Titus 2:11-12 is a glorious passage I often quote. But 13-14 are also wonderful. "looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds." (Titus 2:13-14 NASB20) #hillbillytheologian #christlife #dependentlife #goodworks #hope

Psalm 23 Made Real in the New Testament Psalm 23 (KJV) Other verses (NASB 2020) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me,” Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. John 10:9 “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” He leadeth me beside the still waters. John 4:14 “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.” He restoreth my soul. Matthew 11:29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. John 16:13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Luke 1:78–79 “Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, To shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Colossians 1:13 “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,” I will fear no evil. 1 John 5:18 “We know that no one who has been born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.” 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” For thou art with me. John 14:20 “On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I in you. Matthew 28:20 “...and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.” Hebrews 12:6 “For whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He punishes every son whom He accepts.” Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Revelation 19:9 “Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Thou anointest my head with oil. 2 Corinthians 1:21 “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God,” My cup runneth over. Romans 5:5 “and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” 1 John 4:19 “We love, because He first loved us.” Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Galatians 5:22–23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. John 14:2–3 “In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “... and so we will always be with the Lord.” Grace and peace to you. Larry

The Love That Comes From God We read that God is Love. (1 John 4:8 & 16) We read that the Love God has for the world is the reason He sent Jesus. (John 3:16) We read in Romans 5:8 (NASB 2020) that "God demonstrates His own Love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This is real Love. It is God’s Love. It is Love that reaches out first. It is Love that risks rejection. Love is perfected when it is reciprocated. God reached out in Love though He knew that many would reject Him. We often read that we are to love God, but if God coerced us, manipulated us, or forced us to love Him, our love would be no more than a sham. We might act loving when His eye was on us, but our hearts would be bitter and cold toward Him. That we have the ability to reject Him--freedom to choose--is necessary for there to be a real Love relationship between us and God. This kind of risk-taking Love is not natural to us. We cannot will ourselves to Love this way. That’s why we read in 1 John 4:19 that we Love because He first Loved us. His Spirit, His Life, His Love within us is the only way it’s possible for us to have this Love or give it to anyone. In Greek the word is agapé. This kind of Love comes from God (1 John 4:7) and has been poured into our new hearts (Romans 5:5). It is from the overflow of His agapé Love within our hearts that we can extend such Love to those around us. He is the source of it. He gave it to us. That’s why we can show it to others. God’s Love, agapé Love, that’s true Love. Grace and peace to you. Larry

The Accuser When we get the idea that we don’t measure up, we’re failing at bearing fruit, or maybe even that we might not be saved, we are miserable. That idea comes from our enemy, the accuser. He wants us to be confused, ashamed, guilty, and fearful. He knows that two things he loves will result if we are. First, we will not enjoy the abundant life of freedom and rest that Jesus has given us. Second, he knows that as long as we believe we aren't good enough, our focus will remain on ourselves--trying to be better and berating ourselves for failing--rather than on the Source of our Life and righteousness who made us good enough. Ignore that jerk! Father says we are Holy, righteous, blameless, and above reproach! (Colossians 1:22) Father says He loves us and wants to be with us. (John 14:3 & 17:24-26) He says He lives in us and we're safely kept in Him right along with Jesus Himself. (Colossians 3:3, Galatians 2:20) Truth like this is kryptonite to the accuser. Here's a short article on our identity according to God: larryeiss.com/blog/202274he-… Grace and peace to you. Larry

The Root Causes the Fruit If you are in Christ, if Christ is in you, you bear much fruit. It's not even about you, it's about that amazing Root to whom you're inexorably connected. That glorifies God! "“I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5 NASB20) "“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." (John 15:8 NASB20) #hillbillytheologian #christlife #dependentlife #fruit #root

The Mystery Colossians 2:2–3 “that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and that they would attain to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (NASB 2020) When we are encouraged in heart and united in love, the full riches of complete understanding are ours. When we understand completely what God has done for us, in us, and to us, we can truly know the mystery of God. That mystery is Christ Himself. (Colossians 2:2) That mystery is the Gospel. (Ephesians 3:8-12) That mystery is Christ in us. (Colossians 1:27) Do you see it? In Christ are all the limitless treasures of wisdom. (Colossians 2:3) Wisdom to understand the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10) Wisdom to understand the weakness of the flesh. (Romans 6:19 & 8:3) Wisdom to know the value of simply resting in Christ and allowing His life to be manifested through us. (Hebrews 4:9, Colossians 3:15-16) In Christ are all the limitless treasures of knowledge too. (Colossians 2:3) Knowledge of God. Not just knowing about Him but knowing Him personally. (Philippians 3:8, Ephesians 3:19, 1 John 5:20) Knowing Him is eternal life. (John 15:3) Knowing Him is everything because He is the source of everything. (Colossians 1:16-17) The good news is that not only are we in Christ, but He is in us as well. (Romans 8:1, Colossians 1:27) Grace and peace to you. Larry

He Calls You Friend! John 15:15 is profound because it is one place Scripture helps us see that while God Loves us, He also really likes us. "No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15 NASB20) #hillbillytheologian #christlife #dependentlife #love #friend

Love Looks Outward But that doesn't mean you don't matter. I love the clarity of Scripture in saying that we should not think only of ourselves. That gives us important perspective. We matter, but so do others. Love looks outward. It is not self-centered. #hillbillytheologian #christlife #love #selfcare

Look at Jesus and Live Numbers 21:4-9 recounts the Lord's instruction to Moses about raising a snake up on a pole to save people's lives. This is a shadow of what is now made real in Christ. Shadow: Snakes were killing the Israelites. The snakes represent sin. Reality: The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) Shadow: The people confessed that they had sinned. (verse 7) Reality: If we confess our sins He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) Shadow: Moses made a bronze snake. (Some translations say brass, and that's fine.) Bronze, or brass, is an amalgamation of two metals. Reality: Jesus is, in a sense, an amalgamation; fully God and fully man. (Colossians 1:15 & 19) Shadow: The snake is lifted up on a pole. Reality: Jesus was lifted up on a pole. The cross. (John 3:14-15, 8:28, & 12:32) Shadow: When the people trusted God's word and looked at the snake, they escaped death. Reality: Trusting God's Word (Jesus), looking to Him, gives life. (John 3:14-17) Let this reassure you in the faith. The Gospel is 100% true! Grace and peace to you. Larry

Anxiety Overwhelmed Me Have you ever been filled with anxiety and fearful? I have, and I can tell you it's awful. I want to relate one such incident and encourage to that Father cares about it and He's right there with you. #hillbillytheologian #christlife #dependentlife #anxiety #fear

Victory over the Flesh Galatians 5:16 tells us that if we, “walk by the Spirit, [we] will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” (NASB 2020) That is true every single time, but it sure doesn’t seem that way sometimes. We who are in Christ still have the freedom to choose. We can choose to walk in the way characteristic of the flesh, and we can choose to walk in the way characteristic of the Spirit. Mind renewal is needed (see Romans 12:2). Not one single person on this planet, not even the most spiritual person you can think of, walks according to the Spirit 100% of the time. So, don’t allow guilt and shame to overcome you when you fail. That’s the tactic of the enemy. He tempts you to sin, and then accuses you of sinning and tells you you’re a complete failure and you probably don’t even believe. The enemy is a defanged and declawed liar and truth is his kryptonite. The truth is that you are a holy, righteous, and blameless child of the Most High God and you are above reproach. (see Philippians 2:15 & Colossians 1:22) Romans 8:33–34 asks, “Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns?” (NASB 2020) I really love this verse because God we know, but the one who condemns us? Well he is so unimportant that the Apostle is like, “who?” The word of God is truth. Since it is God who calls you a “holy one,” righteous and above reproach, that must be true of you. Live by faith in the truth. Jesus is the Truth, and He lives in you, Saint. Subscribe to daily emails at my web site for free encouragement in your inbox every day. Grace and peace to you. Larry

Why God's Promises are Yes AND Amen 2 Corinthians 1:20 says that all God's promises are yes (Greek=nai) and amen (Hebrew=amen). The message is that no matter who you are, His promises are fulfilled in the Lord Jesus for YOU! Guaranteed!! #hillbillytheologian #christlife #promiseofgod

Why God's Promises are Yes AND Amen 2 Corinthians 1:20 says that all God's promises are yes (Greek=nai) and amen (Hebrew=amen). The message is that no matter who you are, His promises are fulfilled in the Lord Jesus for YOU! Guaranteed!! #hillbillytheologian #christlife #promiseofgod

Growth and Contentment Two-year-old children feel no shame over their inability to compose music on the piano. Five-year-olds don't feel guilty that they can't grasp calculus or solve differential equations. Children of seven don't beat themselves up over not having mastered rocket science. At ten, no child has counted themselves a failure for failing to contribute to the field of particle physics. Children know that they need to grow. Children want to grow. Children feel no guilt or shame in being exactly where they are on the continuum of maturity. I think I would have had a much less frustrating life as a Christian had I understood how that might apply to my life in Christ. For years I didn't realize that it was perfectly acceptable for me to be exactly where I was in my faith and in my understanding of God. Saint, He's not disappointed with how few verses you've memorized. He's not impatiently tapping His foot because you don't grasp all the doctrine your friend seems to have figured out. He's not on the edge of His throne with worry that your faith is tenuous, or you have unresolved doubts. He's not seeing a therapist because he's concerned about your continuing struggle with <your struggle here>. Let me encourage you with this: Seek to know Him better, more personally and intimately. Choose good and godly attitudes and actions. But never fear that your faltering steps, frailties, and failures are making God fed up with you. You can be relaxed and content. Father loves and enjoys you right where you are. That's the way of grace. He who has begun a good work in you will see it through to completion. Grace and peace to you. Larry Drop by LarryEiss.com for more encouragement.

God, Darkness & Light Psalm 139 is a fascinating passage. One interesting thing it says is that darkness and light are the same to God. Reading this Psalm gives us, a glimpse of just how magnificent He is. #hillbillytheologian #magnificence #god #light #glory

Perfect You In Jesus, all the fullness of the God-head dwells bodily. (Colossians 2:9) He is the image of the invisible God. (Colossians 1:15) This is another way of saying that He is God. One thing we can be sure of is that God is perfect in every way. (Matthew 5:48) If He were not perfect, He would not be God. Being perfect, there is no sin in Him. (1 John 1:5, 2 Corinthians 5:21) It would be impossible for there to be any sin in Him because that would make Him imperfect. When you wonder if you have been completely forgiven and made completely clean from sin, remember this: You live, and move, and exist in Christ. (Acts 17:28) Your life is securely protected (hidden) with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3) Holy Spirit lives in you. (1 Corinthians 3:16) So united are you with Jesus that He is your life. (Colossians 3:4) You are one spirit with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:17) Saint, if you are not 100% forgiven and pure, then God is not God. Grace and peace to you. Larry