Our journeys are different…each path unique and special. But the Lord asks the same of each of us. His commandments are straight forward and simple… they aren’t confusing or open for interpretation. The Lord asks for our everything…our heart, soul, mind, and strength. In exchange…we have Him forever.
Month: August 2013
Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us…”
There are times in our lives when we feel totally powerless…defenseless, helpless, and weak. Many times the situation hinges on someone else, and has nothing to do with us…but that doesn’t make the feelings any less overwhelming. The scripture wants to show that the power of God Almighty Himself is alive and well inside of us, and all we need to do is grasp this vision….and suddenly that feeling of powerlessness will be changed into strength and authority. The situation may not change…but your view of it will.
II Peter 1:16 ” We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”
For years the Apostle Peter traveled, lived, and ate with Jesus. He watched as countless sick were brought to the Lord and healed in an instant. Peter marveled as Jesus held up a few fish in thanksgiving…and then fed thousands from what He had in His hand. With all he had personally seen, you can imagine his disbelief when accused of making up false myths and fables about his Lord. Rather, the Apostle Peter had come as a Teacher, who unfolding Divine things, showed them the sovereign power and magnificence of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 28:16 ” So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘ See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.’ “
We, the Church, have been built on the solid, firm foundation of Jesus Christ. He is the rock we can confidently establish ourselves on…knowing He will never fail us. We are the “living” stones, built one stone at a time, into His Spiritual House…His Church.
I Corinthians 5:6 “…Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? “
In the New Testament, yeast is figuratively used for evil or sin, which can penetrate and corrupt our lives if allowed. The way this usually happens is when we compromise in some small area of our life. We say to ourselves, “It really doesn’t matter…it’s just a trivial thing…it’s not hurting anyone.” But just like yeast, it only takes a scant amount to leaven the entire batch…and soon that small unwise action blossoms, showing our vulnerability towards compromise in other areas of our life.
Exodus 4:13 ” But Moses said, ‘ O Lord, please send someone else to do it.’ “
This was the fifth time Moses had balked when the Lord called him to lead the Jewish people. Each time God called, Moses used every excuse in the book of why he couldn’t. We do the same thing…God calls and we make excuses of why we can’t. But God didn’t ask Moses to do anything other than be obedient…and He does the same of you. God will equip and enable you with everything you need to accomplish the task He has called you to. The next time God tells you to do something, don’t start objecting…just say “Yes”.
I Timothy 6: 6-7 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
One of my very first jobs as a Nurse was working Labor and Delivery at a county hospital…and through those countless deliveries of babies, I can never recall a newborn bringing anything with them! Conversely, I’ve never seen a U-Haul trailer hitched to a hearse headed towards the cemetery. The Lord wants us to be satisfied with whatever we have here on earth… that it’s not about the “things”, but what we do with those things God gives us. If I may paraphrase Job… “I came with nothing, I will leave with nothing…the Lord gives and He takes away…but regardless of it all…I will praise His name.”
Psalm 86:11 ” Teach me Your way O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.”
Guide me in the path of Your faithfulness Lord. Let my heart be so united with Yours that I will not falter to the left or to the right, but will walk fully trusting in You and Your awesomeness. Amen.
Matthew 5:10 ” Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
I can probably dare say that most of us have never truly suffered for the sake of the gospel…have never had to denounce the world, claiming only Jesus, and endure the consequences. Have Never sworn our allegiance to our Savior, and shed blood over our stand. In I Peter 3:14 it says, “But even if you should suffer for what is right you are blessed.” Doing what is right may not be easy, or popular…but you will be blessed because of it.
Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
Peacemakers advocate harmony instead of hostility, agreement rather than anger, and tranquility in place of turmoil. A peacemaker will seek for the well-being of others…even if that means loving their enemies, and praying for those who persecute them. As it says in James 3:18, ” Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”
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