Author: kezha1

Isaiah 55:7 tells us, “Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts.” It’s very simple then, we are to leave behind unhealthy habits…renounce dark thoughts…cast off secret sins, and turn away from all things that draw us away from the Lord and His Word. Also, we need to take a hard look at any cunning intentions that still linger in our lives and get rid of them, for too many are comfortable, appealing, and easy to fall back on…but in the end, they’re not good for us. In James 2:18, he challenges anyone who claims to have faith in God to demonstrate and make it visible to everyone by obedience…which is the difference between walking in the light and walking in darkness.

Luke 9:62 says, ” No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God.” When we give our heart, mind, and soul to Jesus, He demands that we forego our past…surrendering, relinquishing, and giving up everything that goes with it. The imagery Jesus uses here in this verse is plowing. Now having been raised on a corn and soybean farm in Central Illinois, I can personally tell you about plowing, which is the first part of cultivating the soil to plant. You start on the far right of the field, make one pass, and then drop the right front tire in the furrow and follow it. You’re continually looking ahead to ensure long straight rows, while never looking back or taking your eyes off your tire in the furrow. Consequently, when we’re forever looking back and focused on our past, we’re of no good to God. So keep moving forward with your eyes looking straight ahead…and never allow the past to influence your future.

Luke 6:37 tells us to forgive so we will be forgiven…that’s because God’s forgiveness isn’t some kind of reward for good behavior…it’s a call to remind us that unless we forgive others, we don’t have genuine repentance and faith in Him. We need to be asking God for forgiveness in order to forgive others, our self included. No Scripture in the Bible tells us to forgive ourselves…that’s because only God can forgive. But we can allow His forgiveness to change us from the inside out…exchanging all those degrading voices inside our head that taunt and insult for the Lord’s strong Voice of Truth. But God’s forgiveness will also show us where we need to acknowledge and take responsibility in forgiving others. Forgiving others isn’t an action intended for them but for us…it’s an intentional act of unchaining ourselves from the past hurt so we might be able to move on. In other words, forgiveness is freedom, and freedom from the past puts us on the path to healing.

In the Joel 1:6-7 we read where the locust plague has caused the entire land to be laid waste…ruining all vegetation. But in this verse, amidst all that devastation, God promises the physical renewal of the land. Now this is not the first time God used locust to inflict punishment. In Exodus 10:1-20, He used the locust plague in Egypt to harden Pharaoh’s disobedient heart…much in the same way He threatened Israel in Amos 4:9. But God is faithful, and a Covenant-Keeping God Who punishes but will never abandon. You may look around you today and see 0nly ruin…but God promises you restitution and compensation as you continue to seek Him.

The blessings of God-given wisdom reaches far into all aspects of our life if we allow it. It is a treasure trove of good judgement, skill, discernment, and discretion that can be applied to every area of our life. Wisdom will not only give us Godly insight into our personal life, but will extend into anything we touch, including economic benefits and profitability…and it’s there for the taking…just ask. (James 1:5)

When we’re in the thick of affliction, hardship, and difficulty it’s almost impossible to thank God for it…let alone be joyful in the midst. But if we look at the progression of these verses, we can see that there is joy because of what God produces through all our troubles. So instead of fearful uncertainty, we can now be assured of God’s love as He walks beside us through the mess. And as we persevere, we will gain endurance, confidence, and patience…never surrendering our hope, faith, and joy as we move forward day by day with Him.

II Timothy 1:8 tells us, “Do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord.” And the very best way to do so is sharing your testimony with others. For no one can ever dispute your personal testimony about how Jesus came into your life…it’s direct proof as you bear witness to the Good News of the Gospel Message. But your testimony also cannot be a pity party just about you…for if you admit it, you had very little to do with it other than turn from your life of sin and trust in Jesus. But your testimony is also extremely powerful, and that’s the reason Satan doesn’t want you to tell others…for Revelation 12:11 tells us that they overcame the evil one by the blood of the Lamb and their testimony…their personal declaration of faith and perseverance in the face of evil. So remember, your story will be the very best sermon you’ll ever preach to anyone…for it’s unique only to you, and may be just what they need to hear today.

The enemy loves to whisper that we’ve gone too far, sinned too greatly, or turned our back too long for Jesus to take us back. He heaps condemnation and blame on our already guilty conscious, shrewdly denouncing our actions as unforgiveable…and we believe him. But we only need to look to the empty tomb and imagine our heart being emptied of all the evil it holds. All it takes is repentance, faith, and the request to, “Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.” (Psalm 51:10) Then God can step in to intervene, create, and redirect our new heart and self. (Ephesians 4:23-24)

“How long Lord?” is one of the most poignant expressions found in Scripture. And I dare say that every Believer, at one time or another, has repeated it as they question God in the midst of suffering and anguish. For many, this will resonate deeply as they seek answers to challenges today. But realize, we are also not alone in asking this question of God…Isaiah did, Jeremiah did, Habakkuk did and Zechariah did. (Isaiah 6:11, Jeremiah 4:14, Habakkuk 1:2, Zechariah 1:12) They were all seeking answers in confusing and turbulent times…knowing that a compassionate God would supply the answer.

God’s direction is His Will for your life…His divine plan and purpose playing out in perfect harmony with who you are. Isaiah 48:27 says, “I am the Lord your God, Who leads you in the way you should go.” In the same vein, Proverbs 20:24 reminds us, “A man’s steps are from the Lord.” We should want the Lord to direct our steps due to our limited knowledge and inability to see into the future. So by the same way, we should rejoice when we don’t get what we pray for… for it’s God’s steadfast and unchanging faithfulness watching over us…protecting us from unseen evil,(II Thessalonians 3:3) and guarding us from trouble.(Psalm 32:7) That’s because, God is good and can only do what’s good. (Psalm 119:68)