Psalm 10:1 ” Why, O Lord, do You stand far off? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble? “

We just think God is far off or even worse – hiding from us when times are tough.  But it’s only our own apprehension and doubt that causes us to question.  In Psalm 46:1 it states, ” God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” The Hebrew meaning for the word ever-present is – to be exceedingly present or found, emphasizing the speed, completeness and might of the Lord’s help.   The  truth is…God has never left, nor will He ever leave you.  Just because we think He’s not “doing anything” does not mean He’s not working in ways we aren’t aware of… for He’s still in control of the entire situation and will work things out for the good of those who love Him.

Hebrews 10: 37-38 ” For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.”

In these scriptures, Paul is quoting Habakkuk 2:3-4 to help explain that justification is by faith alone, not by works.  No amount of good deeds and clean living will make me right before God…for it’s only by trust and faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, that I’m saved.

Mark 6:7 ” Calling the Twelve to Him, He sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.”

Why did Jesus send the Disciples out in twos?  It goes back to Deuteronomy 17:6, “On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but no one shall be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.”   By sending them out in pairs, there was built-in   accountability, safety,  and responsibility for them.  With them both witnessing the same thing…they could then validate and verify the miracles, signs, and wonders they saw.

Philippians 3:9 ” …that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.”

There’s the Law of works and the Law of faith.  The Law of works tell you that if you’re perfect and do enough good works down here on earth, you can somehow “work” your way into heaven.  But in the end,  the only thing you’ll  see is depression, anxiety, and discouragement…for no one can live a perfect life, and despite  how many good works you do, it’ll never be enough.  On the other hand the Law of faith frees us from that condemnation  and  self-loathing  that loves to torture us when we fail.  Within the Law of faith there is not only that freedom,  but saving grace and mercy… all in the name of Jesus.

John 14:2 ” In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

We all long for a place to call our own.  A safe, quiet place,  full of peace and security, where we can feel loved.  That’s what your Heavenly Father is making ready for you right now.  A place for you to dwell and remain in,  not like anything else you’ve ever lived in before.  It is beyond anything you can imagine…but it will be perfect for you in every way.

James 1: 2-3 ” Consider it pure joy my Brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

Trials and temptations…we don’t like them.  We would  rather live  blissfully  in some kind of bubble insulated from the world and all bad stuff, but this scripture tells us otherwise.  It says as Believers we need to look upon trials and temptations with happiness…  because  by them we are refined in the crucible of Christ …becoming more like Him everyday.

I Corinthians 1:5 ” For in Him you have been enriched in every way – in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.”

Take a moment to remember yourself as a brand new Christian…now look at yourself today.  From the beginning, the Lord has been pouring into you  divine revelation and understanding.  He’s been improving, refining, and endowing you in all aspects in order that you might  fight the good fight.  And today you stand, having been  built up in Christ…strong, and full of Godly wisdom.

Proverbs 28:5 ” Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.”

The world has a hard time distinguishing between right and wrong, especially when wrong seems to be glamorized  in all forms of entertainment.   Discerning between good and evil should be a simple thing.  But it takes a heart that’s filled with fairness, honor and integrity that can fully differentiate between the two.

I Corinthians 11:23-26 ” The Lord Jesus, on the night He as betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is for you, do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this , whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.’ “

The Eucharist…Holy Communion…the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper – these verses are used often to explain and give enlightenment to this sacred act.  But sadly,  the  receiving of Communion is often rushed or so common place that the Believer isn’t allowed the time to truly dwell on what the elements they hold in their hands mean.  Communion is a reminder of  who Jesus is and what He  has done for us.  It’s a chance to ponder where we’d be without Him.  The next time you take Communion…look at the bread and cup carefully…reflect on His goodness and mercy…meditate on what He’s done for you…and declare your thanks.

I Corinthians 4:1 ” So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God.”

Just who is a servant of God?  Pastors and Ministers…yes.  Evangelists and Missionaries…yes.  But have you ever given thought that you also are a servant of God?  As a Believer, you have been given the responsibly as a Steward of the Gospel.  In your Christian journey, the divine truths of following Jesus are being revealed to you every day.  As a Believer, you are then held accountable for spreading the Gospel Message to those the Lord brings across your path.