Ezra was going to lead a group of Israelites from Babylon back to Jerusalem over dangerous and isolated territory. He had boldly told the King that God would protect them during this journey,…but now he had to believe his own words. Ezra called a fast, in order to humble themselves before God, committing the trip to Him, and asking for safe passage. When God tells us to do something, in the back of our heads we’re always thinking…but what if God doesn’t show up?!…I’ll be humiliated! First, there is boldness in stepping out when God speaks to you, then there is obedience when you follow through…and just like Ezra, God will be there every step of the way.
Tag: religion
I Thessalonians 4:7 ” For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”
What exactly is it to live a holy life? I dare say, what I consider to be living a holy life may differ greatly from what you think. Each one of us comes from differing cultures, backgrounds, and upbringings. Each one of us are at different places in our Walk with the Lord. Aristotle defined holiness as standing between caring to please no one, and endeavoring at all costs to please everyone. In other words…we should strive to please God not man, all the while being Jesus to everyone around us.
I John 4:18 ” There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.”
Fear, panic, anxiety…these are all negative emotions that can stem from something that happened to us a long time ago, but when triggered, can cause the same feelings as when the original event happened. We know in our head that we’re safe, but our emotions are telling us something completely different. The Lord doesn’t want us to live in fear. The Bible states that God is Love, and this perfect Agape love of God’s will drive all fear from our lives if we allow Him. His powerful love will break through all negative emotions and bring us peace. I pray that if you are battling negative emotions today,ask the Lord to fill you with His Agape Love.
II Kings 5:10 ” Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, ‘Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.’ “
Naaman was the commander of the King of Aram’s army…a great and highly regarded soldier…but he had leprosy. He was told that the Prophet Elisha could heal him of this, so armed with a letter from the King, gold, silver, and other gifts he went off to find him. But when Elisha did not personally greet him or accept his gifts, but rather sent a servant out to instruct him on what to do, Naaman went ballistic! He wanted fireworks and a sideshow, but all he got was direction on a simple task. After his master’s tirade had subsided, his servant wisely asked him…”If Elisha had told you to go do something outlandish in order to be healed, you’d do it! So why won’t you do something simple?” Naaman reconsidered, and obediently did what Elisha said…which is exactly what the Levitical Law decreed for purification…and he came out of the Jordan with skin like a little boy. Why do we think the more grand and elaborate the prayer for healing the better? Sometimes it may be as simple as praying…In the name of Jesus , be healed.
Psalm 31: 1-2 ” In you O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.”
The hard fact is that people will hurt, disappoint, and betray you…even those that tell you they love you. You trust someone, and they stab you in the back. You reach out to someone, only to have them reject you. At those times, you need to look to this scripture to help bring balance back into your life. Seek spiritual refuge in the Lord. He knows, and hears your prayers, and will deliver you…for when everything and everyone is taken away from the equation….it’s just You and God.
I Timothy 2 :1-2 ” I urge,then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
We are to pray for all those in authority over us…whether these people are believers or not. You may not agree with their political views, or approve of their actions, but you are still called to pray for them. The purpose is two fold…First, God has placed these people in places of power for a reason…so trust God. Secondly, it says ” that we may live peaceful and quiet lives”…praying for those in authority will only benefit us in the end.
Malachi 3:10 ” Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floorgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
A while back, my friend and her son had a discussion one Saturday evening about tithing. She had quoted this scripture to him, and challenged him to test God by starting to tithe on a regular basis. Her son agreed and the next morning put his tithe in the offering at church. Later that afternoon their little daughter disappeared only to be found floating face down in the swimming pool. Miraculously, they were able to revive her at the hospital with no apparent brain damage, and they took her home the next day. Coincidence? Miracle? A blessing beyond measure because of obedience? Regardless of how you see it, there’s one very grateful Grandmother thanking God for the life of her little Granddaughter.
Ecclesiastes 5:15 ” Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand.”
That old adage is so true…you can’t take it with you. What you have amassed materially during your lifetime will be as a mist the moment you die. All the “stuff” you proudly show others will mean nothing when you meet your Maker. What you have come into the world with, you will leave with…only the eternal things will truly matter.
II Timothy 3:5 “…having a form of godliness but denying it’s power.”
You’ve probably heard the old saying that beauty is only skin deep…Well, sometimes you’ll happen upon a person whose godliness is an eternal appearance only. They may seem to be devoted to the Lord by what they do, but when it comes to seeing the manifest power of God in their lives, it’s not there. They have rejected the idea that God can work mightily through them, thus completely limiting the Lord in their life.
Psalm 34:18 ” The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
There are times in our lives when life is very cruel…we’re discouraged, broken down, and emotionally numb. We might, like Jonah, be asking God to take away our lives. But we need to remember that the Lord is near, and He not only hears us,but will heal our shattered lives and bandage up our crushed spirits. He is near to all who summon His aide to rescue them.
Safetypinlove 