God is still writing our story. There are many chapters yet to come. So why do we keep trying to steal His pen rather than trusting the Author of Life to write the perfect story for us? It’s crazy to think we know more about our story than God does…for only He knows how the story will end as Creator, sustainer, and finisher of the universe. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that it’s God Who has begun a good work in us, and it’s only Him that will carry it on to completion…accomplishing His plan & purpose until it’s fully achieved in our life. So quit trying to take His pen.
II Peter 3:18 ” Grow in God’s grace…”
God’s grace is lovingly and undeservedly given to us, yet we struggle to afford this same grace to others so many times during our day. Romans 5:17 tells us that His grace is abundant, glorious, (Ephesians 1:6) and poured out lavishly. (I Timothy 1:14) So why are we so stingy with our grace to others? II Peter 3:18 urges us to, “Grow in God’s grace.” Which means as we receive, so we are to in return give to others.
Isaiah 43:2 ” When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
Our God is trustworthy to bring His people through afflictions, but many times in our lives we will find ourselves inundated and swallowed up by stress, frustration, and overwhelming anxiety because of serious illness, loss of a loved one, or a traumatic experience. But we need to remember… when we feel like we’re drowning in an ocean of dread, our Savior, Jesus Christ, walked on those very waters and commanded the ferocious waves to subside.. and He will do it again for us. For the floodwaters may be dark and deep, and we may feel we’re powerless and will be swept away…. but God assures us that He will be with us and bring us through it all.
Ezekiel 33:32 ” Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.”
Sadly, the prophet Ezekiel was often seen as a performer rather than a messenger of God. The people of Israel were captivated by Ezekiel’s eloquent and vivid imagery of his prophecies, but to many, his divine messages became mere entertainment rather than a call to repentance and transformation. The Church today needs to take heed of their Church Services becoming concerts…of people coming for entertainment only and not hearing the entreatment for change…or attending for a performance, not accepting the divine prophecy.
“I would not give much for your religion – unless it can be seen. Lamps do not talk – but they do shine.” Charles Spurgeon
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16 that we are to let our light shine before men. For we are all children of the light. (I Thessalonians 5:5) But we aren’t to just brag about our Christian Walk, but in fact, to show it by our actions. (I John 3:18) For a lamp doesn’t have to boast of its brightness and sparkle…it just glows in the darkness…showing the way for others to follow.
Psalm 73:2 ” But as for me, my feet almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.”
The Psalmist was frightfully honest in this Scripture…he was having a crisis of faith…a moment when a person questions everything they regard as God’s truth and even have doubts about their own faith in Him. I dare say that as a Believer, every one of us has come to this point sometime in our life. That’s because our spiritual life is like a straight & narrow path that we walk. But this path is also choked with the pitfalls of skepticism, tragedy, and temptation. And so, this is when we have the challenge of maintaining our faith amidst adversity and struggling to keep going when our path gets hard. A crisis in faith does not have to be fatal, especially if we remember to not stop doing these things: don’t stop attending Church and gathering with other Believers, don’t stop praying, don’t stop reading the Bible, and finally, don’t believe the lie that God has given up on you because of your doubts.
Colossians 1:17 ” He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
This simple verse emphases the preeminence of Christ, indicating that He existed before all creation, (John 1:2 “He was with God in the beginning.”) and that all things are sustained through Him. To that, our very life and breath continue to exist and are maintained as He holds us together minute by minute. For Jesus is eternal, just as God is eternal…and through Him and for Him all things were created by Him. So, if today life seems incomprehensible and out of control…ask the Lord to hold you together.
Psalm 126:5 ” Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.”
As Jeremiah 50:4 tells us, we come in tears seeking the Lord in times of suffering and sorrow. But God promises to turn our mourning into gladness and give us comfort and joy instead of sorrow. (Jeremiah 31:13) For God our Redeemer can reverse and overrule all evil with good, and suffering with blessings as He restores, renews, and revives our broken spirits. We will then be able to enter Zion with singing and shouts of joy…with this everlasting joy being our crown. (Isaiah 35:10)
Mark 10:32 ” They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid.”
Jesus and His disciples were traveling from Jericho back to Jerusalem, and the disciples were terrified and confused as to why Jesus was heading back to the very people who wanted Him dead. There had been several attempts to arrest and kill Jesus by Church Leaders (John 7:32-52, John 8:58-59, John 10:22-39, John 11:45-54) so it was no surprise that they were frightened at the prospect of Jesus losing His life this time. There will be experiences in all our lives when our path is shrouded with the darkness of dismay and bewildering chaos. But as we look ahead, we will always see Jesus leading the way with resolve. So, continue to follow the light with confidence and trust…because Jesus knows exactly where He’s going.
Matthew 11:28 ” …and I will give you rest.”
Physical rest for the body is essential for our wellbeing…but emotional rest is just as important. In this Scripture, Jesus invites us to find rest and refreshment in Him when we’re weary from the day’s trials and tribulations. That’s why when our mind is in turmoil with confusion and agitation, we need to ask God to re-establish our rest in Him. For Psalm 62:1 tells us, “My soul finds rest in God alone.” Which is so very true…for it is only in Him that we can find lasting calm and peace.
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