When I was a brand new baby Christian, there were several wise Godly women I spent time with, drinking in all their wisdom, insight, and knowledge. They were instrumental in grounding me in the Faith and directing my path these thirty some years…So now it comes full circle, and I have young women asking me for guidance and advice. The Lord wants this to happen…no one knows better about a situation than one who’s gone through it personally. God will bring people across your path that need you unique wisdom…don’t hold back…what you say is just what they need to hear.
Job 42:5 ” My ears have heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You.”
You may have heard about Jesus all your life…you allow His name to go in one ear and out the other, completely disregarding what He’s done for you… until that fateful day when circumstances bring you face to face with the cold reality of your own sinfulness. In the mist of your wretchedness, Jesus extends His hand, and suddenly recognition of the truth and revelation of Jesus allows you to see your Savior for the very first time. Finally, you not only have heard of Him… you now know Him.
I Thessalonians 5:11 ” Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
The Apostle Paul was actually encouraging and building up the followers of Christ in Thessalonica with this very scripture. When we edify and strengthen those around us…when we build people up rather than tearing them down, everyone benefits. Praising someone takes less energy than ridiculing them…and you feel a whole lot better about yourself when you walk away.
Exodus 16:15 “Moses said to them, ‘ It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat.’ “
God provided food for the Children of Israel out in the wilderness…and their first response was, “What is it?” The Hebrew word- manna- is quite literally…what is it? But God had a much bigger agenda than just feeding them. He was building their faith… trusting and depending on Him to provide, not only their daily bread, but so much more. Jesus even used this same illustration when tempted by the Devil…quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every Word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
Matthew 25:40 ” Jesus replied, ‘ I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ “
Sometimes when I’m dealing with a particularly surly, angry, or overbearing person, the Lord will quietly remind me that it may be Himself, in disguise, wanting to see how I’ll conduct myself. Will I repay evil with evil…or will I show compassion and understanding? Or if I see an elderly person struggling with groceries in the parking lot…will I go to their aid or walk away? We never really know when He may be checking on us.
Ezekiel 2:5 ” And whether they listen or fail to listen – for they are a rebellious house – they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
Ezekiel was called of God to be His spokesman. His duty was to the Lord and speaking on His behalf… in other words, Ezekiel was responsible to the people, but not for them. For in the end, they all recognized that he was a Prophet of God…but they chose not to heed his warning.
Romans 8:1 ” Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…”
Satan uses shame to shackle many a person and render them useless for the Kingdom. Feelings of condemnation from others can cause such emotions as unworthiness, humiliation, and guilt. But Jesus Christ did not come to condemn us,but to save us…and once we have confessed our sins and asked for forgiveness…all condemnation is gone. The moment we are forgiven, we are forgiven…even if the Devil whispers in our ear otherwise.
I Corinthians 15: 45 ” The first man Adam became a living being, the last Adam, a life-giving Spirit.”
In the very beginning God breathed life into the body of Adam, and to this day, each breath of ours belongs to God. But when Jesus came to the earth, He offered us something new…He breathed life into our dead Spirits, and enabled the Holy Spirit to come and dwell inside. By His death and resurrection, He gave us eternal Life, and a chance to live with Him forever.
Isaiah 64:8 ” Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.”
There are times in all our lives when we think we know more than God. We have this idea in our heads of how this “vessel” of ours should look…but God has a different idea…and this is where the conflict starts. He pushes and prods one way, and we whine and rebel the opposite. But the Master Potter always knows what the perfect vessel will be for the particular type of clay He has on the wheel. Yes, being “remolded” can be quite painful, and then there’s the firing… but at the end, a perfect vessel will emerge from the kiln.
Colosians 2: 6-7 ” So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Saying “Yes” to Jesus isn’t a one time deal, rather it’s a life-long journey that starts anew each morning you wake up and greet the new day. It’s a constant renewing of your faith in the Lord as you face each new challenge…your trust growing ever deeper as you see Him working in your life. Thank you Lord for your love and faithfulness!
Safetypinlove 