Anxious…

Anxious…

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7

Our Word of the Day conjures up thoughts and feelings that have put us at uneasiness of mind. There is so much going on in our world and in our lives that has us worried … filled with angst, apprehension, dread, and even fear. We feel tense and troubled amid the noise of disagreement, conflict, and violence. Yet, here we are instructed to not be anxious about anything. Easier said than done, right?

But perhaps we have missed the most salient point of this passage: the Peace of God! Have we lost connection with the peace of God? Where is this peace? How can it be found in a world with confusion, disruption, and deception all around us? I think we need to explore this issue further and see what the Scriptures hold for our instruction.

Peace begins with relationship … a personal relationship with God through His Son, Christ Jesus. King David, in his personal time spent with God, prayed: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23) Yes, in every situation we are to pray. We are to petition and present our requests to God. For prayer is how an intimate relationship with God is forged. We go to Him! He is the God who sees and hears! Indeed, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) As King David penned: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)

Peace is conferred with reception … it is a spiritual blessing received from God. Notice the text says “the peace OF God.” It is HIS peace … a peace that transcends all understanding … that is available to us when we pray and seek Him. Peace is what we receive through relationship with our trustworthy, faithful God! Consider what Jesus shared with His disciples in this regard:

John 14:25-27 (NIV)

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Again, we see that the peace of God is a gift. Jesus urges us to not be troubled or afraid about anything. He is with us! His Word is in us! His Holy Spirit indwells us and reminds us of everything He has said. Clearly, the promise of God to never leave us nor forsake us is true. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18) But the question becomes, “Have we left Him?” “Do we neglect to spend time in communion with Him? My friend, God will come to guard your heart and mind with His peace, but you have to meet with Him … spend time with Him … submit your life to Him … and then let your heart receive the peace He will give you.

Peace is sustained with repetition. To practice peace, Paul gives us this instruction:

Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Well, I hope your thoughts have been inspired … and any anxieties have been subdued. I pray you will have confidence in His love and protection in all circumstances! Yes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) Amen. I will end with this favorite passage:

Psalm 27:1-3

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

Have a Blessed Day!

Sufficient…

Sufficient…

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:7-8

One of the more difficult concepts for a believer to grasp is the suffering we are allowed to endure in life. James wrote: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) Likewise, Peter affirmed there is an inheritance reserved in heaven for us “who through faith are shielded by God’s power.” And he encouraged: “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:5-7)

Testing. Suffering. Affliction. These come to us to refine and strengthen our faith. When we reach the end of ourselves … when we are emptied of our own strength … then we have the opportunity to see God begin His work within us. And that is precious lesson to be experienced! Jesus foretold His followers that in the world we would have troubles and tribulation; but He also encouraged, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Indeed, as Paul sought through prayer to be relieved of demonic harassment and torment, Jesus reminded him, “My grace is sufficient….”

How blessed it is to know that the resources of the Lord for us are sufficient!

His Word is eternal and it stands firm in the heavens. ~ Psalm 119:89

His Truth is immutable and extends to all generations. ~ Psalm 100:5

His Mercy is abundant and endures forever. ~ Psalm 118

His Blood is fully propitiatory and atones our sins. ~ Romans 3:5

His Resurrection is the boundless power of our living hope. ~ 1 Peter 1:3

His Peace is more than enough to calm our hearts. ~ John 14:27

His Grace is ample to meet every spiritual need. ~ Ephesians 2:7

His Love is inseparable and everlasting. ~ Romans 8:35-39

His Presence is fullness of joy. ~ Psalm 16:11

Oh, my friends, I pray that you will know the complete sufficiency of our Lord Jesus Christ! For out of His fullness, we have all received grace in place of grace already given. (John 1:16) There is nothing you will ever lack in Him. “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.” (Colossians 2:9-10) Yes, Jesus is sufficient, and I encourage you to simply rest in His strength!

Have a Blessed Day!

Seek…

Seek…

Glory in His Holy Name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. (1 Chronicles 16:10-11)

The Spirit declares: “Today is the day to seek the Lord while He may be found; to call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6) And so my heart cries out: “You, O God, are my God; early will I seek You! My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1) “Those who know your Name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:10) “My heart says within me, ‘Seek His face!’ Yes, Lord, I will seek Your face today!” (Psalm 27:8) For You have said, “Blessed are those who keep Your statutes and seek You with all their heart!” (Psalm 119:2) Thus, Lord, “I seek you with all my heart; and do not let me stray from your commands.” (Psalm 119:10)

I believe we are called to always seek the face of the Lord Jesus! “The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” (Psalm 14:2) Does He find us seeking Him? Thus says the Lord: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) Do you seek Him with your whole heart? Have we come to understand that the Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him – to those who seek Him? (Lamentations 3:25) This is what the Lord says to His people: “Seek me and live!” (Amos 5:4) Indeed, let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you, O Lord; let those who long for your salvation declare, “The Lord is great!” (Psalm 40:16)

My friends, it is my desire to encourage us in this matter of seeking God. Jesus taught us to seek God and His Kingdom first above all things:

Luke 12:29-30 (NKJV)

Do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after; and your Heavenly Father knows that you need these things. Rather, seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

And Jesus has affirmed:

Luke 11:9-10 (NKJV)

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple. (Psalm 27:4)

O saints, let us seek Him!

Have a Blessed Day!

Witness…

Witness…

My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. (Psalm 71:15-18)

What a powerful witness of our Sovereign God the aging King David became as ruler of the nation of Israel. God chose Israel to be His treasured possession of all the peoples of the earth; and it was His purpose that Israel would be His witness to all nations. Their testimony of His awesome power and mighty deeds in the land of Egypt; their victories in the land of Canaan; and the ordinances of their worship in the tabernacle would be proof of the Almighty God who redeemed them and chose them:

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no Savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:10-12)

But Israel became hardened and did not fulfill their calling from God. (Cf. Romans 10-11) Therefore, God sent His Son to be a light to His people and to the nations. The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. (Cf. John 1:14) And He, Jesus, testified to the truth! As a faithful witness, Jesus revealed the Father. (Cf. Revelation 1:5; 3:14) And after His resurrection, Jesus sent His disciples into the world to be faithful witnesses as well:

Then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:45-49)

My friends, we have been empowered to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins in His Name. As Spirit-filled believers, we are witnesses of the atonement for sin accomplished in Jesus. Like the Apostles, we are called to be faithful witnesses of the Gospel of grace and reconciliation. Yes, it is my prayer that others will find assurance of eternal life in Christ.

Have a Blessed Day!

Doubt…

Doubt…

Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31)

Doubt is not a new phenomenon. It is the principal tactic of Satan to dissuade our trust in God … our faith in who He is and His nature. Doubt was planted in the Garden of Eden when Eve questioned the motivations of God. “Why would God withhold knowledge?” she wondered. And so, reverence gave way to doubt, and the consequence has impacted all creation. (Cf. Genesis 3) Yes, the history of man has been riddled with doubt toward God … the sin of unbelief. But God has been faithful through His plan of salvation to destroy the work of doubt and to redeem the glory of His grace.

Doubt…. It exposes our lack of confidence. It arouses our inclination not to believe or accept the truth even when it is right in front of us. It produces hesitation and distrust within our inner beings. We see its effect when Peter attempted to walk on the water. Jesus bid him to come, but Peter began to sink when he doubted. (Cf. Matthew 14:22-33) Yes, doubt crept in when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and began to look at the circumstances surrounding him.

Doubt suppresses our faith – our confidence in what we hope; the evidence of what we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1) And yet, even when the disciples saw Jesus after His resurrection, some of them still doubted. (Cf. Luke 24:36-43) We can recall what Jesus said to Thomas: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas responded to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:27-29)

My friends, God is still telling us today: “Stop doubting and believe!” He assures us: “Do not be afraid.” Yes, the Lord promises each of us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Cf. Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5) So, I pray we will believe Him at His Word without any doubt – because doubt is the enemy of faith! And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) Indeed, Jesus encourages us to pray with complete and unwavering faith:

Mark 11:22-24 (NKJV)

So, Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Have a Blessed Day!

Weary…

Weary…

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)

Weary is a word that describes our human condition far too often. We get caught up in the snares of over engagement. We labor at great length. We carry emotional and spiritual burdens far too heavy for us. The loads of life itself just bring us to sheer exhaustion. We are worn out … fatigued … drained as a result of excessive exertion and lack of sleep. Is it any wonder why we have become distressed and disheartened in this world?

Looking at these realities, I have found great comfort in the words of Jesus. I want to find rest … rest for my soul. Indeed, Jesus invites us each of us to come to Him and to learn from Him. For the Lord will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him … all whose thoughts are fixed on Him. (Cf. Isaiah 26:3) He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29) And Jesus said to His disciples: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

King David was a man who often faced the dangers of war and the burdens of governing the people of Israel. Yet, he advised: “Cast your cares of the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22) Likewise, the Apostle Peter drew upon this scripture and urged: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7) And Paul gave us this encouragement: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

My friends, Father God has provided us wise counsel in His Word to lean upon Jesus and to trust Him in all circumstances. Let us remember the purpose of all our labors in life is to bear fruit to the glory of God. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9) Yes, consider Jesus who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3) But most of all, take some time to rest at the feet of Jesus. Like Mary, we can still choose what is best! (Luke 10:38-42)

Have a Blessed Day!

Fear…

Fear…

Fear – A strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. It is a reaction to anxious concern or reason for alarm. We feel threatened in some way, and our senses become charged within a state of apprehension. It is natural for us as humans to feel the emotion of fear. We are designed by our Creator to have awareness of potential threats within our fallen world. Yet, we often find in scripture these words: “Do not fear” and “Do not be afraid.”

Isaiah 41:10-14 (NIV)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

My friends, in these latter days of trial and tribulation, we are not called to be fearful. For God has not given us a spirit of fear. The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid; rather He gives us power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7) As Peter reasoned: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord! Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…. (1 Peter 3:13-15)

Indeed, let us embrace these words: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3) And, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified. For the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Have a Blessed Day!

The God of My Life…

Psalm 42:8 (NIV)

By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.

Our Verse of the Day comes from a familiar Psalm – the first verses providing inspiration for popular praise and worship music. This psalm speaks to the intimate nature of our relationship with God … His quiet engagement and oversight of our lives … the comfort His presence gives us when we become discouraged in our journey of faith. I have reprinted Psalm 42 for us to see the context … the expression of longing within the human heart … the deep yearning we feel for God when He seems distant during our times of suffering. In those times when we feel forlorn or abandoned, this Psalm reminds us to praise God anyway … to put our hope and trust in Him … to find strength in the knowledge of His sure salvation.

Psalm 42 (NIV)

¹As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. ²My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? ³My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” ⁴These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. ⁵Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. ⁶My soul is downcast within me; therefore, I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. ⁷Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. ⁸By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life. ⁹I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” ¹⁰My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” ¹¹Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Have you had one of those days when God seems so far away? Are you feeling downcast in your spirit? I pray this Psalm over you! If you wonder where God might be in your circumstances, know that He is present right there with you. The Lord is directing His love toward you. He is singing His song over you. Indeed, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Cf. Zephaniah 3:17) Yes, Jesus is right beside you … walking in the furnace and going through the fire of affliction with you. (Cf. Daniel 3:24-27) Oh my friend, Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.” (Cf. Matthew 11:28-29) Yes, know that Jesus is interceding for you before the throne of the Father; for He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. (Cf. Hebrews 7:25)

The Psalms always seem to bless me and bring clarity of thought and vision for the day ahead. So many focus my attention on the love of God for me … reminding me of His presence and grace when my emotions might lead me to feel otherwise. I just thought it might be good for us to read the entire Psalm to bring us hope and encouragement … because I sense there is someone reading who just needs this Word from the Lord to begin their day. I pray the love and grace of God will be poured out upon you each morning … and fill you when it seems too hard to keep walking ahead. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, I pray. Amen.

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, for those who have been called according to His purpose. ~ Romans 8:26-28

To Live Is Christ…

Philippians 1:21 (NIV)

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

We have read or heard our Verse of the Day before, but what does it mean for us? How is it applicable to our understanding of the Christian life?

Paul wrote this Letter to the Philippians while he was in a Roman prison. I would say that has some impact on the context of his statement. So, I want us to look at the surrounding passage and see if it will give us a more definitive understanding:

Philippians 1:12-26 (NIV)

¹²Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the Gospel. ¹³As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ¹⁴And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. ¹⁵It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the Gospel. ¹⁷The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.¹⁸But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance (or vindication). ²⁰I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Paul’s thoughts and words definitely make more sense to me when put into this context. When we live for Christ Jesus, our life should be consumed with His presence in our inner being. We are called to have an intimate relationship with Jesus which creates an abiding fellowship with Him – which should impact our fellowship with one another as well. (Cf. John 17:20-24) Intimacy with Christ is the wellspring of fullness that His grace and redemption has granted us to receive in Him. Thus, His indwelling Spirit should make us emboldened to walk in sanctification and give us courageous to share the Gospel with those around us. Indeed, as members of His Body – the Church – we have been equipped and empowered to do both! (Cf. 2 Timothy 1:7) So, yes, life is about abiding in Christ and accomplishing His work. “Your Kingdom come … Your Will be done … on earth as it is in heaven.” This is our prayer and the hope for which we should live….

In looking at Paul’s example, we should not fear when we encounter desire situations and circumstances in our lives. It might be not the darkness of a prison cell, but if the current tribulations in our world are any indication, we will experience challenges to our faith and our resolve to persevere. The attack of our adversaries (spiritual forces of darkness) on our thoughts, our minds, our emotions, and even our bodies, should not cause us fear; rather, these trials should be viewed as a sign that the glory of Christ and His Spirit rests upon us. As the Apostle Peter asserted, you should “rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (Cf. 1 Peter 4:13-14) Similarly, Paul contemplated: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. (Cf. Romans 8:18-19)

Final Thoughts on Paul’s Statement … “to die is gain”.

Paul said it was more useful for he to be alive and to administer the Gospel as long as he had breath and strength. The same could be said for all of us who have a personal, intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus. But when (not if) we put off this covering of flesh and blood, there is a greater experience awaiting us in heaven. We are called to … we are drawn to believe His promise of eternal life. In John 14:2-4, Jesus said, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” So, perhaps, this is why Paul was unafraid to die. He trusted the promises we have received in Christ. As it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” (Citing Isaiah 64:4) — the things God has prepared for those who love Him….” (Cf. 1 Corinthians 2:9)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

God Is Our Refuge…

Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

We all face a myriad of challenges in this life. Our world continues to be plagued with viruses, famines, military upheavals, violence, political conflicts, and general unrest. But our Verse of the Day is a great reminder of the refuge we have in God! When our world seems upside down and our hardships feel overwhelming, God calls us to Himself. Like David we cry: “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (Cf. Psalm 57:1) We are not able to carry the burdens we face in this life alone; and so, Jesus encourages us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Cf. Matthew 11:28-30)

I just want to encourage you to know that God is ever present in your life … in your soul … in your inner being. He will help you when you are troubled at any time. Just get still before Him and ask Him to speak to you. He already knows your situation and your circumstances, so really all you need to do is listen and believe. Trust Him! The Father loves you more than you can comprehend! And if you ever doubt His love for you, then pray for faith. Ask Jesus to help you overcome your unbelief. (Cf. Mark 9:24) He is willing and able to meet you where you are. Just run into His arms and let His embrace give you assurance. He is ever present!

My friends, I pray for any of you who have become weary or discouraged. I urge you to let Jesus be your refuge and your strength … for He is! You and I will not make it through this life on our own … ever! So, just rest in Jesus, and let Him fight the battles for you. Oh, how we need a refuge in these times … a place of comfort … the presence of God to surround us … when nothing makes sense anymore. Yes, I ask You, Lord Jesus, to give us rest in our souls! Indeed, “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your Word.” (Psalm 119:28) How desperately we need you, Lord Jesus – You who are our Comforter in sorrow, when our hearts are faint within us. (Cf. Jeremiah 8:18)

So Now You Know…

Have a Blessed Day!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4