What is your trust and confidence in today? Is it in the great education you received, is it in the prestigious and high power job you finally landed, is it in your family name that demands attention and respect… or maybe is it in your proud pronouncement of being a self-made man? When we rely on our own intelligence, rather than the Lord’s, we’re setting ourselves up for failure. God wants us to find our safety and security in Him…not in ourselves. If we commit our lives, our plans, our dreams, and aspirations to Him, He will make the way even and level under our feet.
Philippians 4:8 ” Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble,whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
What we think about, what we listen to, and watch on TV or on the computer will impact our thought pattern greatly…the saying, garbage in-garbage out, holds true to our brain cells. If you are continually putting ungodly or questionable material into your mind, why be surprised what comes out of your mouth, or how farfetched and bizarre your day dreams will become. The Lord wants us to occupy our mind with thoughts that are right, pleasing, and virtuous in His eyes.
Amos 7: 7-8 ” This is what He showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in His hand. And the Lord asked me, ‘What do you see Amos?’ ‘A plumb line,’ I replied. Then the Lord said, ‘Look I am setting a plumb line among My people Israel; I will spare them no longer.’ “
God was using the analogy of a measuring tool to show just how far the Israelite nation had fallen into sin. The Lord’s perfect standard showed glaringly how deeply they had backslidden…It was now a time of judgment. God uses His plumb line today to show us when we’re “off center”…it might be the Holy Spirit whispering with that still small voice, or it may be His Word, when we read the Bible, that speaks to us about a certain area of our life that needs to change. He may even send another Christian into our life to exhort us with truth of just how far we have wandered away from Him. The Lord’s plumb line is straight and true, and He desires that our life to be the same.
Luke 9: 1-2 ” When Jesus had called them together, He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and He sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”
The Lord gathered the disciples together, laying out a game plan of what He wanted them to accomplish. He sent them out as ambassadors to proclaim the Gospel to others…But Jesus specifically gave them power to cast out demons and heal the sick. When God commissions you to go out into the world on His behalf, it will be with specific goals He wants you to attain, but He will never send you out without first endowing you with the power, physical capacity, and authority to carry it out. Each of His callings are unique, although there is one overlying mission for all…that is to proclaim the Good News where ever you go.
Psalm 91:1 ” He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Moses had asked the Lord to show him His glory, and God had agreed, but told him,” When My glory comes, I will place you a cleft of the rock, and cover you with My hand until I pass by.” In that shadow of His hand we are protected and sheltered from adversity and the onslaught of the enemy. In that safe spot, we rest in peace and tranquility, knowing our Heavenly Father’s loving hand is safeguarding us, and keeping us from harm.
I Peter 1: 8-9 ” Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
The literal definition of faith is believing, having not yet seen. We step out in trust even though we can’t see around that corner in our life. We move confidently ahead, knowing that the Lord is always there…right beside us, guiding, prompting, and always encouraging us. And so it is with gladness of heart that can not be expressed by mere words, that we look forward to the finish line, to the thing we cherish most…eternal life with our Heavenly Father.
Judges 6:14 ” The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of the Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?’ “
The Lord had come to Gideon and addressed him as a mighty warrior…which Gideon disputed and started to reject, when God stopped him by saying…”Go in the might you have at this very moment…you need nothing more…in your weakness I will make you strong.” The Lord’s encouragement released vision in Gideon, who in turn encouraged his fellow Israelites, and a fresh vision was released in the entire nation, and subsequently they were able to defeat the Midians. You never know when a word of encouragement will release vision in someone’s life…when a kind word will suddenly allow a person to see themselves through their Savior’s eyes. Release vision in someone’s life today by speaking encouragement into them.
Proverbs 11:24-25 ” One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
When it comes to giving, God tests the heart and is pleased with integrity. The Lord wants our giving to be done with the right motive… He desires us to give out of a heart of mercy, not for what we can gain from it. Those
Luke 17: 20-21 ” Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The Kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, Here it is, or There it is, because the Kingdom of God is within you.’ “
Jesus let the Religious Leaders know that despite how closely or attentively they were watching for the Kingdom to appear…it would not come in the way they were hoping or anticipating. They wanted God’s Kingdom to arrive with shock and awe, and overwhelming power and force. But instead, Jesus told them not to look here or there for it, but rather…to look in their hearts.
Isaiah 29:24 Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction.”
The Lord reminds us daily, “This is the way – Walk in it.” But at the same time the world is pulling and enticing us to wander and stray off the path. Our human nature is easily distracted by the shininess of worldly things, and it takes real prudence and insight to keep our eyes focused on the right way. As our Christian Walk evolves over the years, we gain understanding, wisdom, and success when we are open to instruction from the Lord. If we accept His teaching, we will not stumble.
Safetypinlove 