We just think God is far off or even worse – hiding from us when times are tough. But it’s only our own apprehension and doubt that causes us to question. In Psalm 46:1 it states, ” God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” The Hebrew meaning for the word ever-present is – to be exceedingly present or found, emphasizing the speed, completeness and might of the Lord’s help. The truth is…God has never left, nor will He ever leave you. Just because we think He’s not “doing anything” does not mean He’s not working in ways we aren’t aware of… for He’s still in control of the entire situation and will work things out for the good of those who love Him.
Month: October 2016
Ephesians 1: 18-19 ” I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. “
As Paul prayed this for the Church in Ephesus, I too pray this over you today. I ask the Lord to shine a light on His Word that you may have understanding and confidence in His purpose and plan for your life. I ask that He show you very plainly that you are a precious child of His, and an heir of heaven.
Psalm 24: 3-4 ” Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol.”
We all are tempted and enticed by idols. Idols are everywhere, and attempt to seduce us away from the only one true thing we should be worshipping – God. If our behavior is innocent and undefiled…if our heart is uncorrupted and free from guilt we will see God more clearly. For as it says in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” The purer a person becomes, the more clearly they can see God, for there are no obstructions to block His face.
Hebrews 10: 37-38 ” For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.”
In these scriptures, Paul is quoting Habakkuk 2:3-4 to help explain that justification is by faith alone, not by works. No amount of good deeds and clean living will make me right before God…for it’s only by trust and faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, that I’m saved.
Proverbs 10:9 ” The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.”
If you tell the truth in the first place, you’ll never have to remember what story you told which person. When you tell the truth from the beginning, your story will never change, despite how much time has passed. Being truthful, even if it’s uncomfortable, shows integrity…and besides, no matter how well we think it’s hidden, the real truth usually comes out in time.
Mark 6:7 ” Calling the Twelve to Him, He sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.”
Why did Jesus send the Disciples out in twos? It goes back to Deuteronomy 17:6, “On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.” By sending them out in pairs, there was built-in accountability, safety, and responsibility for them. With them both witnessing the same thing…they could then validate and verify the miracles, signs, and wonders they saw.
Psalm 33:6 ” By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth.”
Have you ever gone out into the dark and looked up into the sky? The vastness of the heavens and the brilliance of the stars are awe-inspiring, and seem to go on forever. This wonder was created by the Lord in His mighty power… His creative activity on display for our enjoyment.
John 10: 27-28 ” My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand.”
Elsewhere in John, Jesus proclaimed,”…that I shall lose none of all that He has given Me.” We can not be deprived of eternal life. We can not be plucked out of God’s hand. Our salvation is secure…our soul redeemed.
Lamentations 3: 55-57 ” I called on Your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: ‘Do not close Your ears to my cry for relief.’ You came near when I called You, and You said, ‘Do not fear.’ “
The Hebrews conceived of death as a giant pit. And when we’re in the darkest deeps of that pit mentality and emotionally…when depression and disappointment have taken over our lives, we have only one thing we can do. Out of the very depths of that hole we must cry out to the Lord… for He will hear us, listen to our pleas, and bring peace as only He can.
Safetypinlove 