 |
|
| |
Praying with Perspective Tapestry Magazine The Lord is righteous in all His ways and gracious in all His acts. The Lord is near all who call out to Him. Psalm 145:17-18 Many of us spend years asking God for something, and we don't always receive the happy answer we hope for. Sometimes God tells us no or calls us to wait on Him. When we feel He doesn't hear us, we need to return to the truth of Scripture. He does care about each of His children, and He always works for our good and for His glory. Even when we don't understand God's answers, we are called to keep trusting Him and believing that He has a purpose and a plan. When we're tempted to despair because of the difficulties we face, even if we have no other worldly comfort, He promises, His Comforter, the Holy Spirit, is with us (John 16:13). From our limited human perspective, we can't see the big picture. But we can rest in the fact that God sees eternity past and future, and He is Lord of it all. He is always at work, making us more like His Son and accomplishing His kingdom plan. ~~~~~ Father, When I don't understand what You're doing in my life, help me to trust in the truth of Who You are and Your great love for me that You demonstrated through Jesus. In Christ, Amen
|
| |
| |
In the last several messages we have considered the prophet Elijah as he was used by God to miraculously confront the 450 prophets of Baal, but then sank into a deep despair when threatened by Queen Jezebel; "I have had enough Lord, take my life" (1 Kings 19:4). We saw how God demonstrated His compassion, sent Elijah on a forty day journey through the desert, and revealed His presence in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12). But after all this, God had a very serious question for Elijah.
1 Kings 19:13
"Then a voice said to him, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'"
Obviously, the question was not in reference to Elijah's physical location. Elijah was standing on the mountain because God had called him to that exact location. Though God already knew the answer, His question was asking Elijah what had brought him to this spiritually defeated condition. Elijah had been given the opportunity to talk with God, witness His power, and actually stand in His presence; yet he was filled with doubt and felt terribly alone; "I am the only one left" (1 Kings 19:14).
Once again God could have lectured Elijah on his lack of faith. Instead, in His mercy, God gave Elijah the reassurance he needed to continue; "I reserve seven thousand in Israel - all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal" (1 Kings 19:18). God encouraged Elijah that there were many others fighting this same battle. He also gave Elijah a companion who would walk with him for the remainder of His ministry; "Anoint Elisha to succeed you as prophet" (1 Kings 19:17).
Jesus Christ died as a sacrifice for our sin so we could be restored to a loving relationship with our Heavenly Father. This relationship saves us from an eternal death in the fiery pit of hell; but it also allows us to be saved from the despair, fear, loneliness, and lack of purpose which surrounds us in the world today.
We are eternally saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. But as we walk, we must trust God to daily save us from the effects of a fallen world and our own weak and sinful nature. We must never be afraid or ashamed to tell God exactly how we feel: "I'm weak and lonely, frustrated and discouraged. Lord, I need You! ... Sometimes I wonder if You hear me cry, please hold me!!" Nothing we say will ever surprise God or cause Him to let us go.
Our Heavenly Father has called us to examine our heart, confess our condition, and trust Him for the solution - He has called us to be saved! Our strength in the Lord will often depend on recognizing and admitting our weakness. Let's strive to live each day in His presence; but let's also be prepared to respond honestly and without fear when God asks: "What are you doing here?"
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries
|
| |
***************************************************** | |
|
| |
| |
"Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, to be like us." Genesis 1 :28 Hope. It's about looking forward, seeing beyond the here and now, and anticipating the future. Hope pulls the joys of the future into the present because it believes there's more to come, and it doesn't wait to celebrate. God is all about hope. He is full of hopes and dreams for us. We can see it right there in the first chapter of His Word. He created an ideal environment to sustain us because He intended a future for us. Since He made us in His image, He created us to reflect His hope filled character. Consider these truths as you approach this day: ~Will your attitudes, words, and actions reveal a confidence that God will continue to be God? Not just in the Garden of Eden, not just in Sally Somebody's life-but in your life. And not just today, but tomorrow, next month, and years from now. ~Circumstances are never the real killers of hope. The death of hope lies in forgetting to focus on the One whose image you bear. ~You can celebrate today, no matter what your current circumstances look like. Life often hurts-and you may not experience the answers or provisions right now-but God promises you a hope-filled future in Him. Dear Lord, Please help me reflect your character today to a world that needs hope. In Christ, Amen
|
| |
| |
| Think about the right things. If you want to reduce the level of stress in your life, you must change the way you think because the way you think determines how you feel. And the way you feel determines how you act, which is why the Bible teaches that, if you want to change your life, you need to change what you're thinking about. This involves a deliberate conscious choice where you change the channels. You choose to think about the right things. Because the root cause of stress is the way we choose to think, we need to focus on the positive and on God's word. What is the result of not worrying, praying about everything, giving thanks, and focusing on the right things? Paul says we will then "experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians's 4:7) What a guarantee! He is guaranteeing peace of mind. Have you noticed that is what everybody seems to be looking for? Commit today to begin 2010 on the path of 'right thinking.' It may not always be easy to do, but the benefits (peace of mind) are well worth the challenge. ~~~~~~~~ The Pathway to Peace of Mind 1. Don't worry about anything. 2. Pray about everything. 3. Thank God in all things. 4. Think about the right things.
|
| |
| |
I see the branches and leaves Swaying gently in the trees, Bending with the afternoon breeze; Like the gentleness of Jesus by your side. Then I see another tree With strong and sturdy limb, Stretched 'round and under another, That looks so very weak and thin. Oh yes! That reminds me Of God's strength and how He Holds us up, whenever we feel Our burdens are too heavy. Once again the gentle winds blow, They encircle all around me now and I recall how Jesus' arms enfold me Bringing peace and comfort to my soul. Just as the squirrels gather fallen acorns And the birds seek insect and seed, I remember how Jesus provides For His created, and that includes You and Me. D. Geres Inverness,FL
|
| |
|
Follow this blog
