In our vain human nature, great understanding often brings with it boastful self-importance…that somehow we know much more than others. But the Lord doesn’t want us to be wise in our own eyes, but rather, if we want to boast about anything, let us boast that we’re loved by God.
Tag: word of god
Mark 3: 4-5 ” Then Jesus asked them, ‘ Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill? ‘ But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts. He said to the man, ‘ Stretch out your hand. ‘ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.”
Jesus was in the Synagogue on the Sabbath when He came upon a man with a shriveled, deformed hand. The questions He posed to the Pharisees were simple and to the point…what is more important – the Sabbath’s laws and rituals or human life? No wonder Jesus was so exasperated at their callous and insensitive silence. For all the Pharisees saw was the Law, while all Jesus saw was the suffering.
Isaiah 25:1 ” O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your Name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.”
Thanking God and being grateful should be an everyday occurrence for us. Thanking Him for the many blessing we see and experience…but as importantly, the many blessings we’re totally unaware of… Blessings of safety, security, and certainty in His love. Today, take a moment to thank the Lord for the many wonderful things in your life.
Joshua 1:9 ” Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Fear will stop us in our tracks for a bit…but discouragement is much more devastating in the long run, especially to our psyche. Discouragement will eat at our self-confidence, break our spirit, and dash all hope. When we allow discouragement to creep in…we’re suddenly intimidated and demoralized to the point of giving up. That’s when we need to stop… and remember this scripture and its directives.
Deuteronomy 4:24 ” For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”
The Lord allows no rivals…He is the only One worthy of our worship. His protective intolerance towards idolatry is for our own good, but also realize, He will never tolerate glib lip-service of faux reverence. As Exodus 15:7 states, ” In the greatness of Your majesty You threw down those who opposed You. You unleashed Your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble.”
Matthew 13:44 ” The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”
Human beings are an inquisitive lot. We are ever searching, ever seeking, ever pursuing for what we don’t have. Whether it be physical desires or mental enlightenment…the quest is always there. But what are we really searching for in that vast “field” we call life? We trudge along, head down, turning over rocks in this field, when there’s a treasure hidden right under our nose…and it’s called Jesus. A prize so exquisite, that we’ll give up all just for the change to claim it.
Colossians 3:15 ” And be thankful.”
A large Dutch oven full of bubbling beef stew is simmering away on this cold, blustery Fall afternoon…and it has me feeling very thankful. Thankful for a lovely vegetable garden this past Summer with so much produce that my freezer is now full. Thankful for friends that gave us potatoes from their plentiful spud harvest. But I am especially thankful to the Lord for His sunshine and rain that help to grow this delicious smelling meal.
Amos 8:11 ” The days are coming, declares the Sovereign Lord, ‘ When I will send a famine through the land – not a famine of food or thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.’ “
We need to be able to hear God’s truths…His revelations, promises, and commands. But in the world today, it’s very difficult to make out His voice amidst all the noise and chaos. Our minds are constantly being bombarded by worldly racket that so easily drowns out that still small voice. The only way we can receive from God is to make a concerted effort to shut out the world daily…and listen to Him.
I John 4:4 ” You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
God’s promise in this chaotic and ever frightening world reveals His Power to Believers. The Lord can’t isolate or insulate you from the troubles of this world, but in this scripture He promises you that He has overcome the world – and chiefly, the devil. And if He resides within…you also are a overcomer . For if God is your protector, who can be against you?
Hebrews 13:5 ” Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
This is a promise of comfort to all Believers – of God’s unfailing presence in a tumultuous world. This promise is absolute…God will never write you off, leave you behind, or abandon you. It is unconditional and abiding forever in its meaning…He will never leave you forsaken.
Safetypinlove 