Sometimes, the truth hurts. It’s not that we don’t already know we’re on the wrong path…it’s when it’s brought to the light of day by someone else that we squirm. For when someone is bold and loving enough to confront us openly and honestly…we need to not react, but to listen. It’s called speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). It’s genuine love, not wanting to wound, but sincerely desiring spiritual growth in the other person.
Tag: daily inspirational blog
Isaiah 41:4 ” Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord – with the first of them and with the last – I am He.”
We can’t begin to appreciate the faithfulness of God. He was there before the dawn of time…and He will be there for us into the infinite future. We are told in Revelation 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” God will be with us from beginning to end…and He promises to never leave or forsake us. Or another way to say it would be- I am with you now…I’m still with you…I will be with you forever.
Isaiah 12:2 ” Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.”
The next time you’re trembling with fear and unable to understand the whys of what’s happening in your life…focus your mind on this. God is omnipotent…having all authority. He is omnipresent…having all presence. He is omniscient…having all understanding. Who better to place your trust in? For our hope can only come from God when our heart is steadfast and secure in Him.
Psalm 118:5 ” In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid.”
For many, the bondage of fear stops us from being able to move forward with life. We long to be liberated from the paralyzing emotions, but feel there’s little we can do to change. But if we’ll take the time to study a few Scriptures, we’ll discover that God has already made the way for us. It starts with this verse in Psalms. When I cry out to the Lord, He answers by liberating me from the terror I’m going through…in other words, setting me free from its control. And this freedom from fear can only be found in the truth of the Gospel. For Jesus declares to us in John 8:32, ” If you hold to My teachings, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” There can be freedom from doubt and fear, and it starts with the saving revelation of the Gospel Message.
II Peter 3:9 ” The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
God’s gracious gift of salvation is for everyone…for He wants all to be saved.( I Timothy 2:4) But we shouldn’t take His slowness in judgement as a sign of weakness, indecision, or wavering…but rather as long-suffering. For it’s only by God’s kindness, tolerance, and patience is He willing to give all of us the time to change our minds and repent.
II Samuel 22: 18-20 ” He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.”
These verses come from a Song of Praise David sang to the Lord after God had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies. Out of David’s heart came thanksgiving for God’s steadfastness…even in the face of calamity. And the deep-seated trust David had in God is not only evident here, but elsewhere when he declared, “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4) David was able to turn fear into faith by keeping his eyes on God and not his situation.
Hebrews 13:7 ” Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
I was blessed enough in my early Christian walk to have a lovely older lady come into my life. Joyce came up along side, took my arm, and together we navigated what being a Christian meant. Was she perfect with a perfect family? No, in fact, they had experienced many upheavals in their marriage. But what I saw in her was a God-centered life, marriage, and family, and that gave me hope that God could work in me. Through her example, Joyce guided, coached, and shepherded me on this brand new journey called Christianity. She was my mentor…and I will always admire her firm conviction, her consistent faith, and her unchanging trust in God.
Psalm 20:7 ” Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
In II Chronicles 32, the king of Assyria had invaded Judah and laid siege…empowered by his massive army of horses, chariots, and soldiers. However, King Hezekiah stood his ground and encouraged the people by saying, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the King of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.” (II Chronicles 32:7) So anytime when our circumstances look overwhelming… we need to remember that we too have that greater power with us.
Romans 5:5 ” And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who He has given us.”
It’s easy to love those we have a natural affinity for. It’s not hard at all to love our family and those close to us. Nor is it difficult to love those we’re naturally attracted to. But what about those who are like sandpaper against our soul? What about the unlovely of the world…the disagreeable, repugnant, and unpleasant people who God has called us to love regardless? For Jesus didn’t add any exceptions when He told us to, “Love one another.” But when we have the love of God…the unconditional, Agape, love within, we are able to look beyond the exterior and love the unlovely.
Exodus 3:4 ” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ “
What does it take for the Lord to get your attention? Will the still small voice of the Holy Spirit be enough…or do you need something more dramatic and sensational (like a burning bush) for you to even take notice? Awareness of the Lord takes discipline…to be able to quicken our ears to His voice. But also know when the Lord calls, He’s very specific…He will call you by name, not by random.
Safetypinlove 