Philippians 3:13-14 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do..forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before..I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"
Forgetting those things which were behind him..and reaching forth to the things which were ahead..that was the life of Paul.
Paul had reason to look back and feel sorrow, shame, and even guilt. Acts 8:1 says that Saul was consenting (or giving his approval) to the stoning of Stephen..Stephen was a man of God, full of faith and power, according to Acts 6:8. In the very next chapter of the book of Acts, Saul is journeying toward Damascus when suddenly a light shines round about him from heaven..and the Lord Himself begins to speak to Saul. I have focused so often over the years on those words.."Saul, why persecutest thou me? I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." That particular phrase means simply that Saul (who later became Paul) was only hurting himself in his actions of rebellion against God...but the most startling statement from Christ Himself comes next..when He simply tells Saul to "Arise"..The Lord gives Saul specific instructions where to go, and Saul arises and follows the Lord's instructions. From that time on, Paul was a changed man. he was no longer Saul, the one who persecuted God's people, the one who had been so proud of his heritage, the one who gave his approval in the stoning of Stephen. He was now Paul, the one who was God's chosen vessel (Acts 9:15), the one who would bring the message of the gospel to the gentiles, the one who despite many trials and much suffering for Christ's name's sake, arose..went forward, and followed Christ.
I wonder if it was difficult for him to not look back, and dwell on what he had been part of with Stephen, and countless others. If he had not arisen, as Christ instructed him, if he had not gone forward, the New Testament as we know it, wouldn't exist..at least, it's writer wouldn't have been Paul. We might not see some of the incredible writings that we have come to know, love and hide in our hearts over the years of our walk with God.
I think sometimes about Lot's wife, looking back to the city of Sodom, and turning into a pillar of salt. I believe that there is some significance to the fact that she literally turned into a pillar of salt, and I am not sure what that is..if anyone knows, please email me..but the point is, she looked back. She looked back at the old life, and where she had been, and what she had come from..and it definitely affected her future. If you have time, read that passage in Genesis 19. Earlier in the passage, the angel of the Lord had spoken the same thing to Lot that he spoke to Paul...Arise!
Beloved, I believe that there is a message of hope in this that we need to see for our own lives today. I have seen with my own eyes, the precious people of God, literally "stuck"..in the past...unable to go forward..when in fact, God is saying, "Arise"..When you are His child, you do not have to live in the past..Jesus has already carried your guilt, and your shame. You don't need to carry that heavy load any longer. Ray and I have stressed this very point to the young men we've visited in the prison system for years..God not only loves you..but He has a purpose for you. He has a plan for your life. He wants you to go forward. He has need of you. Imagine once again, if Paul had stayed stuck in the past..and imagine now for a moment what the future might be for you, if you could simply let go of the past. Not one of us can walk forward and backward at the same time. It just can't be done. Paul knew this. He knew that in order to fulfill the call of God on his life, he would have to forget those things which were behind him, and he would have to press forward, toward the mark of the high calling of God in his life.
Beloved, there is a high calling in your life as well. The Lord loves you, just as He loved Paul. He wants you to be free of the things that may have held you captive. Today, I believe that he would say to you, as he said to Paul..Arise! Stop right now and drop the heavy load that you have been carrying. Give it to Jesus...and then begin to walk forward..no looking back at your past failures. Keeping your eyes on the things you have failed at, will be like tying a chain around your soul..it will keep you held prisoner, when in fact, you have been set free. Keep your eyes on God, beloved...that you may know Him, as Paul said. Arise! Go forward. Press in to Jesus. Trust Him. Plant yourself firmly in Him..and don't look back. You go girl!
The Peace of God
Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus"
The unlimited, indefinable peace of God does not come to us via our own effort. We cannot relax or meditate ourselves into the depths of His peace. We cannot mandate it by managing our circumstances. We cannot will it by virtue of sheer desire. We cannot think our way into it with our intellect. We cannot orchestrate it with our vast skills. We cannot obtain it with our finances. We cannot force it by wielding our power. We cannot steal it from anyone's possession.
His peace is most evident when everything is falling around you, and yet you have a sure and steady stilless at your core..a quiet confidence that God is in control..and that He sees what is happening. In the midst of the chaos, you have a sweet sense of comfort that is more evident than in so-called "ordinary" times. When everything is moving, it becomes easy to focus on the the One thing that remains unshakable.
When we finally recognize peace as the sweet presence of Jesus, we will never want anything else.
K Armstrong
The unlimited, indefinable peace of God does not come to us via our own effort. We cannot relax or meditate ourselves into the depths of His peace. We cannot mandate it by managing our circumstances. We cannot will it by virtue of sheer desire. We cannot think our way into it with our intellect. We cannot orchestrate it with our vast skills. We cannot obtain it with our finances. We cannot force it by wielding our power. We cannot steal it from anyone's possession.
His peace is most evident when everything is falling around you, and yet you have a sure and steady stilless at your core..a quiet confidence that God is in control..and that He sees what is happening. In the midst of the chaos, you have a sweet sense of comfort that is more evident than in so-called "ordinary" times. When everything is moving, it becomes easy to focus on the the One thing that remains unshakable.
When we finally recognize peace as the sweet presence of Jesus, we will never want anything else.
K Armstrong
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven"
I find myself in the last few weeks, coming in to a new season in my life. The thing is, I'm not sure yet what this new "season" is exactly, or where it will take me. Things are quickly changing and I, like many of you, have not been convinced that I am ready for all of this. There are changes in my church, changes in my job, changes in our ministry, and even the loss of a beloved friend. My husband and I have had the privilege of ministering at the Sacramento County Boys Ranch for five years. Yesterday when we went to spend some time with these young men who are in such need of someone to simply care, we found out that the Ranch is closing Friday, and all of the wards are being moved to other facilities..and this ministry that has been such a huge part of our life is simply gone.
As we drove home yesterday, both of us in tears, I began to think about the seasons in our lives. I thought about the actual seasons..summer, fall, winter, and spring...and I began to realize how boring and mundane life would be if it were always winter..or always summer..if I never got to see the changing colors of the leaves, or feel the warmth of the sun on my face. If I never saw another flower bloom, or another rainbow, or even a rain drop..what a tragedy it would be to live in a world without change.
I honestly believe that there are times in our lives where God allows some of the "props" to be removed..some of the things, and even the people, who have held us up..and He literally brings us into a new season..where it is us and Him..where it is His heart's desire for us to draw ever so close to Him..with no distractions..a time of sitting at His feet, a time for Him to have our full attention, to be able to pour into us..a time of renewed hope, and trust that is deepened, a time of strength being renewed, and peace in the midst of the storm becoming a reality..a greater understanding of the height and depth of the love that He has for us.
I am thankful for the changing seasons..and I am thankful that no matter what may be changing in the world around me..one thing never changes..and that is my Lord and Savior. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. On that, I place my trust. It doesn't matter if I am unclear about the future. I am a child of the King..and He IS my future. He promises that He will never fail me.
May we all, during these difficult days of being unsure what the future may hold, be reminded that our lives, and our hope are "In Christ". We have nothing to fear. He is the solid rock on which we stand. All other ground is sinking sand.
As we drove home yesterday, both of us in tears, I began to think about the seasons in our lives. I thought about the actual seasons..summer, fall, winter, and spring...and I began to realize how boring and mundane life would be if it were always winter..or always summer..if I never got to see the changing colors of the leaves, or feel the warmth of the sun on my face. If I never saw another flower bloom, or another rainbow, or even a rain drop..what a tragedy it would be to live in a world without change.
I honestly believe that there are times in our lives where God allows some of the "props" to be removed..some of the things, and even the people, who have held us up..and He literally brings us into a new season..where it is us and Him..where it is His heart's desire for us to draw ever so close to Him..with no distractions..a time of sitting at His feet, a time for Him to have our full attention, to be able to pour into us..a time of renewed hope, and trust that is deepened, a time of strength being renewed, and peace in the midst of the storm becoming a reality..a greater understanding of the height and depth of the love that He has for us.
I am thankful for the changing seasons..and I am thankful that no matter what may be changing in the world around me..one thing never changes..and that is my Lord and Savior. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. On that, I place my trust. It doesn't matter if I am unclear about the future. I am a child of the King..and He IS my future. He promises that He will never fail me.
May we all, during these difficult days of being unsure what the future may hold, be reminded that our lives, and our hope are "In Christ". We have nothing to fear. He is the solid rock on which we stand. All other ground is sinking sand.
Do not move an ancient boundary stoneset up by your forefathers. Proverbs 22:28
The context of this Proverb is also found in Deuteronomy 19:14, as well as Proverbs 23:10. The concern is the infringement on another’s land that would be unjust, especially that of the fatherless. Injustice is something that God hates; the oppression of the helpless and weak by the strong. Sadly, it’s not only the world that is guilty of this, but the church as well. Boundary stones were used to mark out land and fields. When they entered the land, they placed boundary stones to mark the lands each would possess. Their forefathers established these boundaries and they were not to be changed, especially when they were changed to take advantage of someone unable to defend their rights or land.
When we as the church fail to see the hurting and needy among us, we are guilty of what Solomon here warns of. When we want more personal visibility and prominence at the cost of someone else being pushed further “back” we are guilty of moving an ancient boundary. When we are only impressed with the prominent and strong and fail to see the vulnerable and weak, we are guilty of what Solomon here speaks of. When we are “super star” and “super ministry” driven, when we run here and there seeking the next great “move of God”, and fail to appreciate and honor those who labor faithfully among us without any fanfare, we are in danger of not discerning the ancient boundaries.
Paul encourages the Corinthian to give “greater honor” to the “less seemly” members. When the church functions as a business or as a worldly enterprise rather than as a community and spiritual family, we run the risk of moving ancient boundaries. Paul says, “The parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it…”
Individualism is not Biblical; individuality is. To live first for ourselves and our betterment is contrary to the heart of God. We must begin to see ourselves as only a part, first understanding and then believing that we truly need one another. We have all been given an inheritance, the Holy Spirit being the deposit. We honor Him when we honor one another. Let that be our heart and desire in this day. Let’s break away from the world’s values and pattern that has been so embraced by the church in the western world, and let’s pray that a genuine honor for each member will in fact be more and more evident in our churches. Let’s learn to love the ancient boundaries that God by His Holy Spirit has set in our midst.
R.Martinez
When we as the church fail to see the hurting and needy among us, we are guilty of what Solomon here warns of. When we want more personal visibility and prominence at the cost of someone else being pushed further “back” we are guilty of moving an ancient boundary. When we are only impressed with the prominent and strong and fail to see the vulnerable and weak, we are guilty of what Solomon here speaks of. When we are “super star” and “super ministry” driven, when we run here and there seeking the next great “move of God”, and fail to appreciate and honor those who labor faithfully among us without any fanfare, we are in danger of not discerning the ancient boundaries.
Paul encourages the Corinthian to give “greater honor” to the “less seemly” members. When the church functions as a business or as a worldly enterprise rather than as a community and spiritual family, we run the risk of moving ancient boundaries. Paul says, “The parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it…”
Individualism is not Biblical; individuality is. To live first for ourselves and our betterment is contrary to the heart of God. We must begin to see ourselves as only a part, first understanding and then believing that we truly need one another. We have all been given an inheritance, the Holy Spirit being the deposit. We honor Him when we honor one another. Let that be our heart and desire in this day. Let’s break away from the world’s values and pattern that has been so embraced by the church in the western world, and let’s pray that a genuine honor for each member will in fact be more and more evident in our churches. Let’s learn to love the ancient boundaries that God by His Holy Spirit has set in our midst.
R.Martinez
Proverbs 23:26 "Give me your heart, and let your eyes keep to my ways"
How do you see yourself? As someone downtrodden and depressed? Someone not worthy of being cherished? Someone who may not make it through another day? Someone who would find it normal in her life to be abandoned? I talk to so many women who seem to see themselves this way..and I know if it hurts me to hear it, it has to hurt the heart of God.
This is not how He sees you. He views you as His precious daughter. He loves you, cherishes you, is faithful to you, is honest with you, and will never leave you. The way you see yourself may not be the same way that God sees you. He longs to renew your mind to better align your thinking with His..and to align the nature of your heart with His.
Allow Him access to your thoughts..Give Him your heart..and keep your eyes set on Him. Ask Him to help you to see yourself through His eyes. Remember that beauty is not derived from outward adornment, but is the essence of the Holy Spirit living within you. It is a reflection of God's light refracted through your presence. It is a refining process of coming into the fullness that God has for you. You are precious and beautiful to Him. Don't ever forget that.
This is not how He sees you. He views you as His precious daughter. He loves you, cherishes you, is faithful to you, is honest with you, and will never leave you. The way you see yourself may not be the same way that God sees you. He longs to renew your mind to better align your thinking with His..and to align the nature of your heart with His.
Allow Him access to your thoughts..Give Him your heart..and keep your eyes set on Him. Ask Him to help you to see yourself through His eyes. Remember that beauty is not derived from outward adornment, but is the essence of the Holy Spirit living within you. It is a reflection of God's light refracted through your presence. It is a refining process of coming into the fullness that God has for you. You are precious and beautiful to Him. Don't ever forget that.
Isaiah 55:9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts"
One day, I believe the blinders will come off of our eyes, and we will see things for what they truly are and have been. I can honestly see the Lord, lifting a blindfold off my eyes, and then saying "surprise" as all the things that I didn't understand are revealed to me.
I believe that all the things that have made no sense will become crystal clear. All the pain that seemed unnecessary will suddenly become meaningful and then dissapate like a mist. All the loose ends will weave together perfectly. What we perceived as brokeness will be revealed only as tiny cracks caused by irrepressible growth. We will probably laugh when we look back and reflect on our totally incorrect perception of our circumstances and our misunderstanding and mishandling of people.
God has given us wonderful minds..so it's not that we just don't see things or aren't intelligent. It's just that we live within the limitations of being human. We are particularly constrained by our incomplete perspective from this side of heaven, and our miniscule part in the greatness of God's plan.
What is a comfort to know is that although we don't comprehend everything at the moment, God does. He knows everything. We can rest in that instead of frantically trying to figure our now what we may not understand until later.
K Armstrong
I believe that all the things that have made no sense will become crystal clear. All the pain that seemed unnecessary will suddenly become meaningful and then dissapate like a mist. All the loose ends will weave together perfectly. What we perceived as brokeness will be revealed only as tiny cracks caused by irrepressible growth. We will probably laugh when we look back and reflect on our totally incorrect perception of our circumstances and our misunderstanding and mishandling of people.
God has given us wonderful minds..so it's not that we just don't see things or aren't intelligent. It's just that we live within the limitations of being human. We are particularly constrained by our incomplete perspective from this side of heaven, and our miniscule part in the greatness of God's plan.
What is a comfort to know is that although we don't comprehend everything at the moment, God does. He knows everything. We can rest in that instead of frantically trying to figure our now what we may not understand until later.
K Armstrong
He will make you strong
1 Peter 5:10 "But the God of all grace, who hath called us into His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you"
This is actually an incredible promise. First, He is the God of ALL grace..and He has called us. Do you ever think about the fact that you have been called by God? Do you ever think about the purpose that He has for you? You are His child..and you were called by Him..into His eternal glory..amazing!
When we are suffering, we often feel as though the pain will never stop...but Peter shows the greater perspective in comparison with eternity..there may be a brief amount of suffering in this life..but even in that, God is with us to strengthen us and to bring us through. We don't have to rely on our own strength. We can rely and trust in His.
If you are in a trial, or suffering in some way, remember that feelings are totally irrelevant in the face of God's power, strength and grace. When we put too much stock in our emotions, we end up on the roller coaster ride of a lifetime..one that is destined to crash. But by focusing on Jesus, those emotions can be overcome..and we can be steadfast and strong in the midst of the turbulence that is around us. We need to deliberately choose to follow Christ, knowing that He is in control, whether or not it feels like He is. We are safe in His care.
When we trust in God instead of in our feelings, we allow Him to come in to our weakness and bring strength. We are restored.
This is actually an incredible promise. First, He is the God of ALL grace..and He has called us. Do you ever think about the fact that you have been called by God? Do you ever think about the purpose that He has for you? You are His child..and you were called by Him..into His eternal glory..amazing!
When we are suffering, we often feel as though the pain will never stop...but Peter shows the greater perspective in comparison with eternity..there may be a brief amount of suffering in this life..but even in that, God is with us to strengthen us and to bring us through. We don't have to rely on our own strength. We can rely and trust in His.
If you are in a trial, or suffering in some way, remember that feelings are totally irrelevant in the face of God's power, strength and grace. When we put too much stock in our emotions, we end up on the roller coaster ride of a lifetime..one that is destined to crash. But by focusing on Jesus, those emotions can be overcome..and we can be steadfast and strong in the midst of the turbulence that is around us. We need to deliberately choose to follow Christ, knowing that He is in control, whether or not it feels like He is. We are safe in His care.
When we trust in God instead of in our feelings, we allow Him to come in to our weakness and bring strength. We are restored.
Deuteronomy 7:6 "The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, his treasured possession"
You are His treasured possession. You have been set aside, called upon, and gold-starred. You are known by the God of the universe. He knows your name..and He has engraved you on the palm of his hand.
Do you live in the light of the knowledge of your identity in Christ? Do you know who you are in the eyes of God? Are you confident that you are of great value to Him? Are your expectations aligned with your divine destiny? Are the choices that you make based on the fact that you are His? Can you calmly say "no, thank you" and walk away from something or even someone whose ideas for your future are less than what God has for you?
One of the biggest crimes taking place in the world today is identity theft. All of us are trying to be more careful about the information we give to people in an attempt to protect who we are. Beloved, no one can ever steal your identity in Christ. When you have invited Him into your heart, you belong to Him..and no person, or set of circumstances can change the fact that you are His. You truly are His treasured possession.
Do you live in the light of the knowledge of your identity in Christ? Do you know who you are in the eyes of God? Are you confident that you are of great value to Him? Are your expectations aligned with your divine destiny? Are the choices that you make based on the fact that you are His? Can you calmly say "no, thank you" and walk away from something or even someone whose ideas for your future are less than what God has for you?
One of the biggest crimes taking place in the world today is identity theft. All of us are trying to be more careful about the information we give to people in an attempt to protect who we are. Beloved, no one can ever steal your identity in Christ. When you have invited Him into your heart, you belong to Him..and no person, or set of circumstances can change the fact that you are His. You truly are His treasured possession.
Faith
Luke 17:5-6 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
The African Impala (an African antelope) are amazing creatures that can jump to a height of over 10 feet and cover a distance greater than 30 feet. Yet Impalas can be kept in a zoo inside an enclosure with a simple 3 foot wall. Why? Impalas will not jump if they can’t see where their feet will land. Do we have something in common with these antelopes? Able to take great leaps of faith, but refusing to do it unless we can see where we’ll land?
George Mueller said of faith, “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends.”
In Biblical terms: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
True faith cannot see how the landing will occur…it simply leaps under the conviction that it WILL occur. Remember, Biblical faith begins where our power ends!
J. Tommas
The African Impala (an African antelope) are amazing creatures that can jump to a height of over 10 feet and cover a distance greater than 30 feet. Yet Impalas can be kept in a zoo inside an enclosure with a simple 3 foot wall. Why? Impalas will not jump if they can’t see where their feet will land. Do we have something in common with these antelopes? Able to take great leaps of faith, but refusing to do it unless we can see where we’ll land?
George Mueller said of faith, “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends.”
In Biblical terms: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
True faith cannot see how the landing will occur…it simply leaps under the conviction that it WILL occur. Remember, Biblical faith begins where our power ends!
J. Tommas
May Jesus assure you that as you follow Him
May Jesus assure you that as you follow Him
you will never meet a fear He cannot conquer,
you will never face an enemy He cannot defeat,
you will never enter a battle He cannot win,
you will never have a need He cannot meet,
you will never face a temptation He cannot overcome,
you will never have a burden He cannot lift,
you will never face a problem He cannot solve,
you will never have a bondage He cannot break,
you will never have a moment when He does not care,
you will never have a time when He is not there.
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]. Philippians 4:13 AMP
Happy Birthday Ray..you are still the love of my life!
you will never meet a fear He cannot conquer,
you will never face an enemy He cannot defeat,
you will never enter a battle He cannot win,
you will never have a need He cannot meet,
you will never face a temptation He cannot overcome,
you will never have a burden He cannot lift,
you will never face a problem He cannot solve,
you will never have a bondage He cannot break,
you will never have a moment when He does not care,
you will never have a time when He is not there.
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]. Philippians 4:13 AMP
Happy Birthday Ray..you are still the love of my life!
Romans 12:3 "God has dealt to each one the measure of faith"
As children of God, we should never believe for a moment that we don't have any faith. To think this would be to think God a liar..because His Word tells us that God has dealt to each one of us the measure of faith. Why then, do some people seem to have so much faith, while others seem to have none?
Faith is like a muscle. All of us are born with a measure of muscles. Some of us develop them better than others. Some exercise and their muscles become stronger. Others are more sedentary and their muscles atrophy. Likewise, our faith grows stronger when we use it. It also grows stronger when we feed it. Any time that we read or hear God's word, we are feeding our faith. When we begin to confess His Word out of our mouths, and believe it as being true, our faith grows even more.
Beloved, you have been given faith. God gave it to each of us. Start using it, believing that it is this measure of faith that causes you to draw from the inexhaustible power of a faithFULL and loving God!
Faith is like a muscle. All of us are born with a measure of muscles. Some of us develop them better than others. Some exercise and their muscles become stronger. Others are more sedentary and their muscles atrophy. Likewise, our faith grows stronger when we use it. It also grows stronger when we feed it. Any time that we read or hear God's word, we are feeding our faith. When we begin to confess His Word out of our mouths, and believe it as being true, our faith grows even more.
Beloved, you have been given faith. God gave it to each of us. Start using it, believing that it is this measure of faith that causes you to draw from the inexhaustible power of a faithFULL and loving God!
Deuteronomy 28:3 "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country"
You may have known someone who thought that they might have better "luck" moving to a new home or a new town or even a new state. Maybe they felt that things would go better if they changed jobs..or that life would be better if only their situation were different.
The truth is that it is not the place that brings the blessings that are in your life when you are a child of God.. it is Him! When you are His child, you are already blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). He has paid for your blessings with His blood..and those blessings are on the man..the person..YOU!
It was in the city of Jerusalem that Jesus was whipped, cursed and spat on. And it was outside the city on Calvary's hill that He was pierced and crucified. That is why you are blessed inside the city as well as outside in the country. You are blessed beloved..whatever your location might be.
Maybe you work for a non-Christian and you are not your bosses' favorite person..you are still blessed in spite of your boss. Your blessing has nothing to do with your boss or with the company you work for..it has to do with the fact that you are a child of God.
We don't always "see" or "feel" the blessings of God...and when we don't recognize God's hand in our lives..we need to check ourselves..not Him. Sometimes in our flesh, we tend to complain, and blame everyone around us..for what we see as our "lack" of blessing..but we are blessed because of Jesus' finished work on the cross..not for any other reason.
It doesn't matter where you work, live, what color your skin is, or what you do for a living. If God says you are blessed, YOU ARE BLESSED! And it is all because of Jesus!
The truth is that it is not the place that brings the blessings that are in your life when you are a child of God.. it is Him! When you are His child, you are already blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). He has paid for your blessings with His blood..and those blessings are on the man..the person..YOU!
It was in the city of Jerusalem that Jesus was whipped, cursed and spat on. And it was outside the city on Calvary's hill that He was pierced and crucified. That is why you are blessed inside the city as well as outside in the country. You are blessed beloved..whatever your location might be.
Maybe you work for a non-Christian and you are not your bosses' favorite person..you are still blessed in spite of your boss. Your blessing has nothing to do with your boss or with the company you work for..it has to do with the fact that you are a child of God.
We don't always "see" or "feel" the blessings of God...and when we don't recognize God's hand in our lives..we need to check ourselves..not Him. Sometimes in our flesh, we tend to complain, and blame everyone around us..for what we see as our "lack" of blessing..but we are blessed because of Jesus' finished work on the cross..not for any other reason.
It doesn't matter where you work, live, what color your skin is, or what you do for a living. If God says you are blessed, YOU ARE BLESSED! And it is all because of Jesus!
Trials and Tribulations
1 Peter 1:6-8 "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perisahable even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
Suffering is somethat that none of us look forward to. Even in recent days, I have seen some of the people I love facing some of the most difficult things imaginable. As the God-man, even Jesus suffered...and as His children..we also at times suffer.
When I am going through a trial, it is always a comfort for me to know that I am not alone and that there is a greater purpose behind what I am going through. Romans 8:18 says "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us"
Suffering and glory go together. It seems strange. It doesn't fit what our finite minds would think about glory. It doesn't fit what our minds would believe about suffering. They would seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum..but they go together in God's economy. God likens our suffering to the purifying of gold or silver. Neither metal is pure in its natural state. Both are mixed with all sorts of things that make them impure.
Silver and gold need to be refined before they reveal their beauty. So do we! the process of refining includes the melting down of the metal by fire, which is designed not to destroy the metal..but to bring forth its beauty!
Silver is crushed into small pieces and placed into a crucible. The silversmith places the crucible over the fire that has been prepared to just the right degree of heat, and then he watches carefully as the silver melts. Eventually, impurities rise to the top of the crucible. These are carefully scraped off by the silversmith. Then an even hotter fire is built. Once again the silver is subjected to the heat. Now, under this new intensity of fire, more and different impurities are released.
The silversmith never leaves the silver unattended in the fire, lest the silver be damaged by too much heat. Each time the fire is increased and the impurities are removed, the silversmith bends over the crucible to look at himself in the melted silver. At first, his image is dim...his face is barely discernable. However, with each new fire his image becomes more distinct. When he finally sees himself clearly, he knows all the impurities are gone. The refining is complete.
So it is with us beloved. God may allow the trial of suffering in your life. You may feel broken, crushed..in the crucible of suffering. You may feel the heat from the trial that you are bearing..but God would never leave your side as you go through..He is with you..by your side..and He is preparing you for glory. Whether you have known it or not, God has been there through every trial, pain and hurt. He has carefully watched so that you would not be destroyed.
Remember the verse for today.."In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than told which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
Beloved, may we all begin to see every trial for what it truly is..part of God's refining process. The question that confronts each of us is simply..how will we respond to difficulties? Will we let them embitter us, or will we allow them to transform us? Can we begin to see that God can use all that we have endured to give hope and life to others? Can we believe God..that He is good..all the time..that He cares for us..The tribulations and trials that come into our lives are not meant to destroy us...they drive us into the arms of God..and He holds us in His omnipotent hands.
God IS love..and He loves you with a love that is everlasting.
Suffering is somethat that none of us look forward to. Even in recent days, I have seen some of the people I love facing some of the most difficult things imaginable. As the God-man, even Jesus suffered...and as His children..we also at times suffer.
When I am going through a trial, it is always a comfort for me to know that I am not alone and that there is a greater purpose behind what I am going through. Romans 8:18 says "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us"
Suffering and glory go together. It seems strange. It doesn't fit what our finite minds would think about glory. It doesn't fit what our minds would believe about suffering. They would seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum..but they go together in God's economy. God likens our suffering to the purifying of gold or silver. Neither metal is pure in its natural state. Both are mixed with all sorts of things that make them impure.
Silver and gold need to be refined before they reveal their beauty. So do we! the process of refining includes the melting down of the metal by fire, which is designed not to destroy the metal..but to bring forth its beauty!
Silver is crushed into small pieces and placed into a crucible. The silversmith places the crucible over the fire that has been prepared to just the right degree of heat, and then he watches carefully as the silver melts. Eventually, impurities rise to the top of the crucible. These are carefully scraped off by the silversmith. Then an even hotter fire is built. Once again the silver is subjected to the heat. Now, under this new intensity of fire, more and different impurities are released.
The silversmith never leaves the silver unattended in the fire, lest the silver be damaged by too much heat. Each time the fire is increased and the impurities are removed, the silversmith bends over the crucible to look at himself in the melted silver. At first, his image is dim...his face is barely discernable. However, with each new fire his image becomes more distinct. When he finally sees himself clearly, he knows all the impurities are gone. The refining is complete.
So it is with us beloved. God may allow the trial of suffering in your life. You may feel broken, crushed..in the crucible of suffering. You may feel the heat from the trial that you are bearing..but God would never leave your side as you go through..He is with you..by your side..and He is preparing you for glory. Whether you have known it or not, God has been there through every trial, pain and hurt. He has carefully watched so that you would not be destroyed.
Remember the verse for today.."In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than told which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
Beloved, may we all begin to see every trial for what it truly is..part of God's refining process. The question that confronts each of us is simply..how will we respond to difficulties? Will we let them embitter us, or will we allow them to transform us? Can we begin to see that God can use all that we have endured to give hope and life to others? Can we believe God..that He is good..all the time..that He cares for us..The tribulations and trials that come into our lives are not meant to destroy us...they drive us into the arms of God..and He holds us in His omnipotent hands.
God IS love..and He loves you with a love that is everlasting.
Song of Songs 4:16 "Awake north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread abroad"
This verse was actually a prayer..rooted in the fact that in the same way beautiful fragrances may lie hidden in a spice plant, certain gifts may lie unused or undeveloped in a Christian's heart. Many seeds of a profession of faith may be planted, but from some the air is never filled with the aroma of holy desires or Godly deeds. The same winds blow on the thistle and the spice plant, but only one of them emits a rich fragrance.
Sometimes there are severe winds that blow into the lives of the children of God. Just as a torch burns more brightly when waved back and forth, and just as a juniper plant smells sweetest when thrown into the flames, so the richest qualities of a Christian often arise under the strong winds of suffering or adversity. A wounded or bruised heart can often emit the most beautiful fragrance imaginable...because it is also the heart that has drawn all the closer to the Rose of Sharon. His Name is Jesus.
Today, don't focus on the strong wind that seems to blow a myriad of difficult circumstances into your life. Focus on the One who can calm the storm..may your very prayers arise like incense into the nostrils of God. May you know the love of God and sense His strength in every situation. May you see yourself the way that He sees you. May even the most difficult trials in your life bring about a deeper determination to trust Him. If your heart is wounded, may you be able to have a sense of that beautiful fragrance that will emit from your life as you put your faith in Him.
Today, may you simply be blessed.
Sometimes there are severe winds that blow into the lives of the children of God. Just as a torch burns more brightly when waved back and forth, and just as a juniper plant smells sweetest when thrown into the flames, so the richest qualities of a Christian often arise under the strong winds of suffering or adversity. A wounded or bruised heart can often emit the most beautiful fragrance imaginable...because it is also the heart that has drawn all the closer to the Rose of Sharon. His Name is Jesus.
Today, don't focus on the strong wind that seems to blow a myriad of difficult circumstances into your life. Focus on the One who can calm the storm..may your very prayers arise like incense into the nostrils of God. May you know the love of God and sense His strength in every situation. May you see yourself the way that He sees you. May even the most difficult trials in your life bring about a deeper determination to trust Him. If your heart is wounded, may you be able to have a sense of that beautiful fragrance that will emit from your life as you put your faith in Him.
Today, may you simply be blessed.
Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. Ezekiel 32:7
Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming “I am the Christ,” and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Matthew 24:4-6
Because many large cities were walled in Biblical times, they would place guards or watchmen on the walls of the city to serve as lookouts. Their job was to notify of impending danger, hopefully before it arrived, allowing the citizens time to prepare to protect themselves from intruders or marauders. But not only were there watchmen in the natural, physical realm on city walls, there were also watchmen in the spirit realm; men such as Ezekiel, whom the Lord Himself calls a “watchman for the house of Israel.”
There were three different areas of concern and responsibility for the watchmen on the city’s walls. First they would look into the far distance, for any signs of potential danger. They would also look closely around the near proximity of the city, if by chance someone had approached and they hadn’t seen them in the distance. But they would also regularly turn and look into the city, making sure that no one had snuck into the city somehow and now was actually in their midst. Each of these is applicable for us today as His church.
Jesus tells us to “watch and pray.” We as His holy nation are all called to be watchmen, seeking the mind and heart of God to gain wisdom and then with that wisdom peering into the distance. But not only into that which is still potentially far away, but also into the near future, learning to understand the signs of the times that we live in. As a leader in His church I am also called to look back into “His city”, the church, and look for possible deception which may have “wormed” it's way into the church without being noticed.
Unlike in Ezekiel’s day, each of us has the responsibility to be watchmen today. Though some may be more given to the role than others, each believer must be able to discern and recognize truth from error. We must each be able to recognize good fruit and differentiate from that which is bad fruit. Jesus said, “It is by their fruit that you will know them.” This isn’t a time to be enamored with men’s personalities, charisma, and charms. This isn’t a time to be casual about our doctrine, because the deception will increase not decrease. Jesus said to “watch and pray.” Paul said to” watch and pray,” and Peter said to “watch and pray.” Develop an attitude of sober watchfulness, saints of God. But above all, be watching for the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
R. Martinez
Because many large cities were walled in Biblical times, they would place guards or watchmen on the walls of the city to serve as lookouts. Their job was to notify of impending danger, hopefully before it arrived, allowing the citizens time to prepare to protect themselves from intruders or marauders. But not only were there watchmen in the natural, physical realm on city walls, there were also watchmen in the spirit realm; men such as Ezekiel, whom the Lord Himself calls a “watchman for the house of Israel.”
There were three different areas of concern and responsibility for the watchmen on the city’s walls. First they would look into the far distance, for any signs of potential danger. They would also look closely around the near proximity of the city, if by chance someone had approached and they hadn’t seen them in the distance. But they would also regularly turn and look into the city, making sure that no one had snuck into the city somehow and now was actually in their midst. Each of these is applicable for us today as His church.
Jesus tells us to “watch and pray.” We as His holy nation are all called to be watchmen, seeking the mind and heart of God to gain wisdom and then with that wisdom peering into the distance. But not only into that which is still potentially far away, but also into the near future, learning to understand the signs of the times that we live in. As a leader in His church I am also called to look back into “His city”, the church, and look for possible deception which may have “wormed” it's way into the church without being noticed.
Unlike in Ezekiel’s day, each of us has the responsibility to be watchmen today. Though some may be more given to the role than others, each believer must be able to discern and recognize truth from error. We must each be able to recognize good fruit and differentiate from that which is bad fruit. Jesus said, “It is by their fruit that you will know them.” This isn’t a time to be enamored with men’s personalities, charisma, and charms. This isn’t a time to be casual about our doctrine, because the deception will increase not decrease. Jesus said to “watch and pray.” Paul said to” watch and pray,” and Peter said to “watch and pray.” Develop an attitude of sober watchfulness, saints of God. But above all, be watching for the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
R. Martinez
John 8:32 "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"
Pilate had a problem. The Jewish leaders kept bringing Jesus Christ before him and demanding his crucifixion. He could not find any justification for it, but he needed to keep the peace between the Jewish people and the Roman government. Pilate's brief interrogation of Jesus brought little clarity to the problem because Pilate was viewing things from a human perspective while Jesus was operating on a spiritual level.
Pilate asked Him about the accusation that He claimed to be a king.
"You are right in saying I am a king," Jesus replied. "In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
Frustrated, Pilate responded with a common philosophical question of the day, "What is truth?"
Some things never change. For over 2000 years, mankind has asked, "What is the truth?" And, like Pilate, so many people have missed it (even though it was right in front of them) because they were asking the wrong question. The question is not what is truth, but rather who is truth.
Jesus made it very simple for us. He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life." But instead of asking, "Who is truth?" we continue to echo Pilate's words, "What is truth?" As long as we ask that question, we will continue to leave as empty-handed as Pilate.
Jesus is the source of all truth. He is dependably correct in all matters. He is the reality in which we stand firm. Since Jesus is the truth, he is the most reliable source for the truth. He routinely began his teachings in the New Testament with the phrase, “I tell you the truth.” (“Verily, verily” in King James parlance.)
In that light, it’s interesting to look at other scriptures related to truth and substitute Jesus’ name:
"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth Jesus and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5)
“I have chosen the way of truth Jesus; I have set my heart on your laws.” (Psalm 119:30)
"They perish because they refused to love the truth Jesus and so be saved." (2 Thessalonians 2:10b)
"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
Philosophical theories of truth often attempt to answer the “nature question”: What is the nature of truth? Properly stated, it should be: What is the nature of Jesus Christ? People look to the stars or the hills for truth, but they are focused on creation instead of the Creator. Some look inside themselves to find truth, but given our sinful nature, that’s like looking in an oil drum for drinking water. In the worst cases, people look toward unholy spirits for guidance. But Jesus clearly said that He is “the truth,” not “a truth,” and followed it with “no man comes to the Father but by me.”
That’s why Paul warned the church, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-8)
Truth, according to the world, is relative or unobtainable. Jesus, however, is an absolute. He is present and he is faithful. He is the only way. Any other “path” to truth leads to destruction. But when you know The Truth, He will set you free.
R.Robison
Pilate asked Him about the accusation that He claimed to be a king.
"You are right in saying I am a king," Jesus replied. "In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
Frustrated, Pilate responded with a common philosophical question of the day, "What is truth?"
Some things never change. For over 2000 years, mankind has asked, "What is the truth?" And, like Pilate, so many people have missed it (even though it was right in front of them) because they were asking the wrong question. The question is not what is truth, but rather who is truth.
Jesus made it very simple for us. He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life." But instead of asking, "Who is truth?" we continue to echo Pilate's words, "What is truth?" As long as we ask that question, we will continue to leave as empty-handed as Pilate.
Jesus is the source of all truth. He is dependably correct in all matters. He is the reality in which we stand firm. Since Jesus is the truth, he is the most reliable source for the truth. He routinely began his teachings in the New Testament with the phrase, “I tell you the truth.” (“Verily, verily” in King James parlance.)
In that light, it’s interesting to look at other scriptures related to truth and substitute Jesus’ name:
"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth Jesus and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5)
“I have chosen the way of truth Jesus; I have set my heart on your laws.” (Psalm 119:30)
"They perish because they refused to love the truth Jesus and so be saved." (2 Thessalonians 2:10b)
"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
Philosophical theories of truth often attempt to answer the “nature question”: What is the nature of truth? Properly stated, it should be: What is the nature of Jesus Christ? People look to the stars or the hills for truth, but they are focused on creation instead of the Creator. Some look inside themselves to find truth, but given our sinful nature, that’s like looking in an oil drum for drinking water. In the worst cases, people look toward unholy spirits for guidance. But Jesus clearly said that He is “the truth,” not “a truth,” and followed it with “no man comes to the Father but by me.”
That’s why Paul warned the church, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-8)
Truth, according to the world, is relative or unobtainable. Jesus, however, is an absolute. He is present and he is faithful. He is the only way. Any other “path” to truth leads to destruction. But when you know The Truth, He will set you free.
R.Robison
Come unto Me
Isaiah 41:17-18 "The poor and the needy seek water, but there is none. Their tongues fail for thirst. I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water"
Behold, you are in the hollow of My hand. Yes, in the moment that you lift your voice to cry out to Me, and when you raise your voice to praise and magnify My Name, then shall My glory gather you up. Yes, I shall wrap you in the garments of joy, and My presence shall be your great reward.
Lift your eyes to Mine. You shall know without a doubt that I love you. Lift your voice to Me in praise; in this way, a fountain shall be opened within you, and you will drink of it's refreshing waters.
Pour out your heart to Me. From the deepest recesses of your being, let your love flow forth to Me. Let your lips utter My Name. Let your praises rise in the daytime and in the night. Then you will lie down in peace, and rise up in joy, and you will partake of a perpetual fountain. As it is written.."Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" John 7:38
Let the Word of God dwell in you richly; for My Words, they are Spirit, and they are Life. They are living and powerful, and you shall wield them in faith effectively against the powers of darkness.
Behold, you are in My embrace. Rest there. For My Spirit, and My ways are not to be mastered by intellect, but My loved is to be received by those who long after Me and who reciprocate in kind. As faith receives the promises, and those who seek Me are the recipients of the gift of faith, even so, to those who long for a closer relationship with Me, will I give a special portion of My love, so that they may have the power to love Me in return as I have loved them.
I give Myself, and My love fully, not measured out in portions. I will open My heart to you. I hide you in my heart, and it is my desire that you continually experience My peace and My joy. You will no longer go in and out..but you will dwell in Me as I have dwelt in you.
Frances Roberts
Behold, you are in the hollow of My hand. Yes, in the moment that you lift your voice to cry out to Me, and when you raise your voice to praise and magnify My Name, then shall My glory gather you up. Yes, I shall wrap you in the garments of joy, and My presence shall be your great reward.
Lift your eyes to Mine. You shall know without a doubt that I love you. Lift your voice to Me in praise; in this way, a fountain shall be opened within you, and you will drink of it's refreshing waters.
Pour out your heart to Me. From the deepest recesses of your being, let your love flow forth to Me. Let your lips utter My Name. Let your praises rise in the daytime and in the night. Then you will lie down in peace, and rise up in joy, and you will partake of a perpetual fountain. As it is written.."Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" John 7:38
Let the Word of God dwell in you richly; for My Words, they are Spirit, and they are Life. They are living and powerful, and you shall wield them in faith effectively against the powers of darkness.
Behold, you are in My embrace. Rest there. For My Spirit, and My ways are not to be mastered by intellect, but My loved is to be received by those who long after Me and who reciprocate in kind. As faith receives the promises, and those who seek Me are the recipients of the gift of faith, even so, to those who long for a closer relationship with Me, will I give a special portion of My love, so that they may have the power to love Me in return as I have loved them.
I give Myself, and My love fully, not measured out in portions. I will open My heart to you. I hide you in my heart, and it is my desire that you continually experience My peace and My joy. You will no longer go in and out..but you will dwell in Me as I have dwelt in you.
Frances Roberts
His Spirit
1 Corinthians 2:12 "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God"
Most of you probably know the story of David, and how he slew the giant, Goliath with just a slingshot and a stone. Have any of you, like me, ever wondered how it was that David was successful in this endeavor while others in the Israeli army didn't even dare face Goliath?
This thought has crossed my mind from time to time when I have read the story. What was it that gave David the courage to stand before the giant? I believe that his secret was simply that he was conscious of the victory that he had in God. and not of defeat. He knew a God who had rescued him time and time again. He knew a God that he could trust.
David probably remembered a day when as he tended his sheep, a lion came and took one of them. Rather than run in fear, David caught it by it's beard and smote it. The Lord delivered him that day from the lion's mouth. Another time, a bear came and took one of his flock, and David did the same thing. He went after the bear and smote it. The Lord delivered him from the bear too. David believed that this same God who delivered him from the mouth of the lion and the bear, would also deliver him from the giant Goliath.
I'm not suggesting that any of you go on a lion hunt..I'm suggesting that there truly are "lions" that come into our lives every day. They come in the form of problems, pain, adversity. David was conscious of what God had done for him. He knew that God was for him, that God loved him and even favored him. He believed that God's hand was upon him, and that he could live a victorious life with God on his side.
Each of us has a choice to make every day. We can choose to feed on the painful memories of the past. We can choose to reherse our failures over and over in our minds, causing nothing but anxiety and fear. Or we can choose, like David did, to simply be conscious and aware of God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives. We can choose to feed on God's Word and believing Him..rather than looking at our circumstances and feeling crushed under the weight. God wants to lift us up. He wants to carry us. He lives in us, and we are victorious simply because we are His.
Today remember that the same God who carried David, carries you. I am not saying that real problems and situations will never come. They will..but when they do, the way in which you perceive them is of utmost importance. Your God will not leave your side during the difficult times. And you have received NOT the spirit of this world..but you have received His Spirit. He is with you ALWAYS..even unto the end of the age.
Most of you probably know the story of David, and how he slew the giant, Goliath with just a slingshot and a stone. Have any of you, like me, ever wondered how it was that David was successful in this endeavor while others in the Israeli army didn't even dare face Goliath?
This thought has crossed my mind from time to time when I have read the story. What was it that gave David the courage to stand before the giant? I believe that his secret was simply that he was conscious of the victory that he had in God. and not of defeat. He knew a God who had rescued him time and time again. He knew a God that he could trust.
David probably remembered a day when as he tended his sheep, a lion came and took one of them. Rather than run in fear, David caught it by it's beard and smote it. The Lord delivered him that day from the lion's mouth. Another time, a bear came and took one of his flock, and David did the same thing. He went after the bear and smote it. The Lord delivered him from the bear too. David believed that this same God who delivered him from the mouth of the lion and the bear, would also deliver him from the giant Goliath.
I'm not suggesting that any of you go on a lion hunt..I'm suggesting that there truly are "lions" that come into our lives every day. They come in the form of problems, pain, adversity. David was conscious of what God had done for him. He knew that God was for him, that God loved him and even favored him. He believed that God's hand was upon him, and that he could live a victorious life with God on his side.
Each of us has a choice to make every day. We can choose to feed on the painful memories of the past. We can choose to reherse our failures over and over in our minds, causing nothing but anxiety and fear. Or we can choose, like David did, to simply be conscious and aware of God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives. We can choose to feed on God's Word and believing Him..rather than looking at our circumstances and feeling crushed under the weight. God wants to lift us up. He wants to carry us. He lives in us, and we are victorious simply because we are His.
Today remember that the same God who carried David, carries you. I am not saying that real problems and situations will never come. They will..but when they do, the way in which you perceive them is of utmost importance. Your God will not leave your side during the difficult times. And you have received NOT the spirit of this world..but you have received His Spirit. He is with you ALWAYS..even unto the end of the age.
Job 42:5 "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You"
Maybe someone you know initially told you about God. Maybe it was a friend or someone you work with. Maybe you continue to hear about Him on Sunday mornings and like Job you say to yourself, "I have heard of you by the hearing of the ear"..but your Lord and Savior wants you to also be able to say, "but now my eyes see you"
When Job spoke those words, he wasn't saying that he physically saw God. He was referring to the moment when he had a personal revelation of God. Somehow, in some way, the head knowledge that he had of God, had gone deep into his heart. That is God's wish for all of us. I believe it's the reason He says in Deuteronomy 4:29 "But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find Him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul".
I heard a man of God preach one time and he said that he believes many people have missed knowing God entirely..by about 18 inches. In other words, they have a head knowledge of God..but they have no heart knowledge..they don't truly KNOW Him. It was important that Job had a personal revelation of God. He had been through some difficult things. He was trying to understand why. God never really answered the why question..but He did answer the Who question. He reminded Job of Who He is. If we don't know God personally...if we don't have a personal revelation of Him..who and what will we trust when we have trials in our lives?
We, like Job, may not ever understand all the why's in our lives. But when we have been seeking God..with all our heart and soul, and we KNOW Him..we will certainly be able to say, "I may not understand..but I trust you Lord. I know that you love me. I know that you see what is happening to me. I know that you care. I may not know the why's of my situation..but I know that I am still in your very loving and capable hand."
Beloved, my prayer for each of us today is you will have a personal revelation of Him..that as you are reading your Bible, or hearing His Word being preached, it will touch you deeply..that in the depth of your very soul, you will be able to say, as Job did, "I see you, Lord". He promises that if we seek Him, we will find Him. Keep seeking.
When Job spoke those words, he wasn't saying that he physically saw God. He was referring to the moment when he had a personal revelation of God. Somehow, in some way, the head knowledge that he had of God, had gone deep into his heart. That is God's wish for all of us. I believe it's the reason He says in Deuteronomy 4:29 "But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find Him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul".
I heard a man of God preach one time and he said that he believes many people have missed knowing God entirely..by about 18 inches. In other words, they have a head knowledge of God..but they have no heart knowledge..they don't truly KNOW Him. It was important that Job had a personal revelation of God. He had been through some difficult things. He was trying to understand why. God never really answered the why question..but He did answer the Who question. He reminded Job of Who He is. If we don't know God personally...if we don't have a personal revelation of Him..who and what will we trust when we have trials in our lives?
We, like Job, may not ever understand all the why's in our lives. But when we have been seeking God..with all our heart and soul, and we KNOW Him..we will certainly be able to say, "I may not understand..but I trust you Lord. I know that you love me. I know that you see what is happening to me. I know that you care. I may not know the why's of my situation..but I know that I am still in your very loving and capable hand."
Beloved, my prayer for each of us today is you will have a personal revelation of Him..that as you are reading your Bible, or hearing His Word being preached, it will touch you deeply..that in the depth of your very soul, you will be able to say, as Job did, "I see you, Lord". He promises that if we seek Him, we will find Him. Keep seeking.
2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory"
Heavenly Father...
May I be compelled by the love of Christ, convinced that He died that I might no longer live for myself but for Him, the One who died for me.
May I be continuously reminded that whatever I am facing in this life is only temporary. May I be reminded that I have Your strength Lord.. may You give me the courage to make even the most difficult decisions, based on truth.
When I am tempted to live my life based on "feelings", may You remind me of that truth. May I be able to stand firm, even if I must stand alone. May I be reminded that You are doing a work in my life that is eternal..and for Your glory.
Help me to look, not at the things that are seen, but at the things which are not seen..for the things that are seen are temporal..but the things that are not seen are eternal.
Let me not regard Christ from a worldly point of view. I am in Christ. I am a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come!I am reconciled to you, my Father, through your Son Jesus.
Thankyou for what you did for me - through Him!
In the name of Jesus I praise and thank you for all your great mercies and your continuing and constant love.
Amen.
May I be compelled by the love of Christ, convinced that He died that I might no longer live for myself but for Him, the One who died for me.
May I be continuously reminded that whatever I am facing in this life is only temporary. May I be reminded that I have Your strength Lord.. may You give me the courage to make even the most difficult decisions, based on truth.
When I am tempted to live my life based on "feelings", may You remind me of that truth. May I be able to stand firm, even if I must stand alone. May I be reminded that You are doing a work in my life that is eternal..and for Your glory.
Help me to look, not at the things that are seen, but at the things which are not seen..for the things that are seen are temporal..but the things that are not seen are eternal.
Let me not regard Christ from a worldly point of view. I am in Christ. I am a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come!I am reconciled to you, my Father, through your Son Jesus.
Thankyou for what you did for me - through Him!
In the name of Jesus I praise and thank you for all your great mercies and your continuing and constant love.
Amen.
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