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.
“Depend upon it, dear brethren, the best sermons which we ever preach are those which are fullest of Christ.” Charles Spurgeon
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.
If Jesus defeated death, and the empty tomb is the undeniable evidence – then there is no dark thing within our hearts that He can’t also soundly defeat.
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)
Psalm 13:1-2 ” How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will you hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? “
“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.
When you get what you pray for – that’s God’s direction. When you don’t get what you pray for – that’s God’s protection.
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)
Matthew 6:11 ” Give us today our daily bread.”
The Greek word translated “daily” is only used here in the Lord’s Prayer. There are three interpretations for it. The first, is the sacramental view, referring to the bread received at the Lord’s Supper. Another view is that it symbolizes eternal life in the Lord’s coming Kingdom. The third, and the best view, takes it as a request for God’s provision for our physical needs. Jesus invites you to pray for the small things…not just the important and profound issues in your life. In fact, He welcomes all your requests…for each one is as important to Him as it is to you.
Matthew 23:1-3 ” Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples: ‘The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.’ “
Jesus was not urging the people to disobey their Church Leaders…quite the opposite. He rightfully recognized the legitimate offices they occupied. But what Jesus condoned, was how the Scribes and the Pharisees had added human traditions to the Law…and then blatantly disregarded both Law and tradition. It was your old, “Do as I say, not what I do.” scenario of not following their own teachings and directives…and Jesus had called them on it.
Proverbs 14:8 ” The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.”
A judicious person will look at every action and behavior in their life with Godly discernment, insight and moral understanding…knowing it promotes life. While the foolish person will readily listen to the deceitful speech of others that deal in falsehoods, and treachery. One listens to God…while the other is deluded by self-deception and lies.
II Thessalonians 2:8 ” And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of His mouth and destroy by the splendor of His Coming.”
The Antichrist is identified here and elsewhere in Scriptures as the “lawless one”. (I John 2:18, 4:3) He is an individual who will oppose and exalt himself over everything that is called Godly, even to the point of proclaiming himself to be God. But we see how effortlessly Christ Jesus deals with him at His Second Coming. In Revelation 2:16 and 19:15 it’s called the “sword of His mouth”. So by Christ’s mere breath and His appearance again here on earth, He will totally overwhelm and destroy His enemies in an instant.
Psalm 7:14 ” He who is pregnant with evil and conceives trouble gives birth to disillusionment.”
We see this metaphor used again by Isaiah when he writes, “The wicked conceive trouble and give birth to evil.” (Isaiah 59:4) Later, in the New Testament, James writes, “Evil desires are conceived and give birth to sin, and sin when full grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:15) What they all are saying, is that wickedness isn’t just one impulsive act, but rather a lifestyle of unwise decisions & desires…and where the excitement of temptation, enticement, and seduction is a preferred way of life. Therefore, their point is clear…a sinner will reap what he sows, and sadly, their sin will always bring retribution upon them…including eternal/spiritual death.
Safetypinlove 