I recall being in a situation where I witnessed a horrific multi-vehicle accident on the highway I frequently travel. I thanked God for ordering my steps so that I might miss that situation.
23The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]. 24Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him. 25I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread. 26All day long they are merciful and deal graciously; they lend, and their offspring are blessed. 27Depart from evil and do good; and you will dwell forever [securely]. 28For the Lord delights in justice and forsakes not His saints; they are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked [in time] shall be cut off.
Psalm 37:23-28 [AMP]
A friend questioned me about my assertion that God protected me from that event. His question:
Are you saying that the people who were in that crash did not have
their “lives ordered by the Lord?” Or, for that matter, the people who lost
their lives in Katrina in New Orleans, or the big earthquake in Japan, or
the floods all over the world every year, or the recent tornadoes in the
south… were they all not spared because the Lord wasn’t ordering their
lives?
Deep, questions. Is it true that God is playing favorites, or that He chooses to ignore certain people in favor of others?
At the risk of falling into a theological quagmire, I provided the most honest answer that my understanding could generate. After all, this is the kind of idea that theologians spend countless hours discussing… and debating. This is the type of philosophical conundrum about which thousands of pages of dissertation are written.
Thinking back to the tragedy of 9/11, I recall a common thread while listening to the stories of those who survived... or who missed the tragic events altogether.
Many who survived said that “something” told them to sleep in late... or that “a feeling” led them to be a few hours late that day. One gentleman offered to buy his daughter a sandwich for her lunch and she insisted on going to a deli that was so far off his beaten path that it set him way behind his typical schedule and, as a result, caused him to miss what might have been a fatal encounter with the followers of Osama bin Laden.
Even more interesting is the interview with a gate attendant who saw the two men who would crash one of the jets into one of the world trade towers. This gentleman said that he had “a funny feeling” about those guys... but the line was long and he didn’t want to delay the flight.
I think a lot of people have those funny feelings... or feel a prompting from that “Je n’ai sais pas” that tells them to do or not do something. What most people fail to realize (or, to accept) is that these is not just random premonitions or some sort of intuition. What is it?
God is talking to you!
God is saying, “Hey, watch out... something is about to happen.”
Perhaps, if some of the victims of that wreck that I witnessed were interviewed, one might hear them say things like:
“Something told me not to turn on my blackberry while driving...”
“Something told me to watch the road and not fiddle with the radio...”
“I had a feeling I shouldn’t have sped up to cut off that 18-wheeler...”
God speaks to His chidren. Unfortunately, those not in a personal relationship with Him are not tuned into His frequency and may often miss the message. In my experiences and observations, even those who have given their lives to Him through Christ Jesus often allow things to drown out that still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).
I myself miss it quite often, but lately have been exercising myself to be more attentive -- and it pays off. If you are inclined to do the same, be aware of a few important things:
The Inner Witness
As a born again believer, the Holy Spirit of God lives and resides within you. You are His temple.
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].
1 Corinthians 6:19 [AMP]
God is not a billion miles away. He is right there... closer than your skin as the poet wrote. We don’t need to get into a prayer line or a confessional booth. We can boldly go to the throne of Almighty God Himself just like a child will crawl into his daddy’s lap for comfort, for love, for whatever we stand in need of. God is our Abba (the Hebrew word for Daddy) Father.
Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
Hebrews 4:16 [AMP]
For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!
Romans 8:15 [AMP]
And because you [really] are [His] sons, God has sent the [ Holy] Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba (Father)! Father!
Galatians 4:6 [AMP]
As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].
Psalm 103:13 [AMP]
We are His sheep (Psalm 95:7 and Psalm 100:3). He is our Shepherd (John 10:14). He speaks to us. We incline our hearts to hear Him.
The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.
John 10:27 [AMP]
We must listen to and hear the voice of the Lord. How do we do so?
16But they have not all heeded the Gospel; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed (had faith in) what he has heard from us? 17So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself). 18But I ask, Have they not heard? Indeed they have; [for the Scripture says] Their voice [that of nature bearing God's message] has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the far bounds of the world.
Romans 10:16-18 [AMP]
We need to have faith in order to be pleasing to God -- to believe that He is God, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him(Hebrews 11:6).
Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). As we spend time in the Bible... and communicating with God through constant prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), we will grow in our ability to hear from God.
As if to prove His power to speak to us... the Lord gave Judypie the following on this same topic. Coincidence? Nope. Just Him ordering our steps.
The Word and His Voice
by Judy Ann
Thank you Father, for teaching and training me to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd. I’ll not follow the voice of a stranger. Your Voice and Your Word agree; You and Your Word are one. Thank You for Truth that exposes the false and counterfeit. I delight in Your Word, which is eternal. Your Word is Light dispelling the darkness. Your Word is Life swallowing up death. Hallelujah! I praise You in the name of Jesus. Amen.
God Directs Your Path
by Judy Ann
Father, may I always listen for Your gentle whisper. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to take me by the hand and guide me into all the truth. He speaks only what He hears, and He will tell me what is yet to come. In all my ways I acknowledge You, and You shall direct my path. In the name of Jesus, I thank You for Your great love for me. Amen.
11-12 Then he was told, "Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by."
A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper
1 Kings 19:11-12 [MSG]
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].
John 16:13 [AMP]
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
Proverbs 3:6 [AMP]
Lord’s Path
by Judy Ann
The Lord’s path is paved with love and mercy for everyone willing to stop and ask for directions -— for those who cling to His life-giving promises.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and steadfast love, even truth and faithfulness are they for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.
Psalm 25:10 [AMP]
Prayer to Begin the Day
by Judy Ann
Father, I come before You rejoicing, for this is the day that You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. To obey is better than sacrifice, so I am making a decision to submit to Your will today, that my plans and purposes may be conducted in a manner that will bring honor and glory to You. Cause me to be spiritually and mentally alert in this time of meditation and prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 [AMP]
Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
1 Samuel 15:22 [AMP]
Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.
One of the most popular search items on the internet is some variation of casting your cares upon the Lord.
Apparently, a lot of people are having severe troubles in their lives and are looking for a way to get relief from those problems. They could be dealing with:
Financial problems
Fear of terrorist attacks
Unemployment
Bad relationships
If you are seeking in this area, know that the answer is as close as your Bible.
St. Peter tells us, in his first epistle:
6Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, 7Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 8Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
1 Peter 5:6-8 [AMP]
Whatever is bothering you... whatever is taking your sleep away... whatever is driving your blood pressure upwards... whatever seems an insurmountable obstacle... just humble yourself under God’s mighty hand.
You can’t handle it yourself... so why even deceive yourself by thinking that you are big and bad and tough enough to handle it? Just take it to the throne of Almighty God (who loves you more than you could ever comprehend) and let Him deal with it... and then keep your eyes open so that satan can’t harm you.
By the way, you can listen to the original Cast Your Cares Upon the Lord podcast using the audio control below:
The human body and central nervous system cannot tolerate the burden of worry, fretting, and anxiety. This type of burden causes a chemical imbalance in your DNA and interferes with the production of necessary hormones for physical, mental and emotional health. Worry is probably the major cause of sickness. The Holy Spirit taught me to cast all my burdens on the Lord during a crucial time in my life. I chose not to worry and declared that God cared for me and my household. The Holy Spirit taught me how to take off my cares and lay them on the Lord. I approached God boldly in prayer and read His Word aloud to myself until worry subsided. Today I teach classes on Overcoming Worry, but find that some Christians are determined to worry and have their anxiety attacks. The choice is yours. You can lug around the worries and cares or you can talk to the Lord about any situation whether it is financial, marriage relationship, the death of a loved one, or children gone astray. Choose to cast the care of any circumstance that is causing you to worry over on the Lord because He cares for you.
That about says it all, doesn’t it? Worry makes you sick. Worry makes you physically weak. Worry makes you spiritually weak. Worry is like faith in reverse... rather than believing God for the victory, you are believing your problems for defeat. How about making a decision to exorcise worry from your life, once and for all?
Have you ever said, “That person gets on my nerves” or possibly had someone say that about you? Well… if people are getting on your nerves, don’t worry. Judypie has a meditation to deal with that too! Just pray this prayer:
To you, O Lord, I pray. My enemies will not triumph over me, and I will never be disgraced for trusting you. Show me the path where I should go, point out the right road for me to walk. Lead and teach me for you are the God who gives me salvation. Thank you for seeing me through eyes of everlasting love and kindness. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Psalm 25
A Psalm of David
1-2 My head is high, God, held high; I'm looking to you, God;
No hangdog skulking for me.
3 I've thrown in my lot with you;
You won't embarrass me, will you?
Or let my enemies get the best of me?
Don't embarrass any of us
Who went out on a limb for you.
It's the traitors who should be humiliated.
4 Show me how you work, God;
School me in your ways.
5 Take me by the hand;
Lead me down the path of truth.
You are my Savior, aren't you?
6 Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God;
Rebuild the ancient landmarks!
7 Forget that I sowed wild oats;
Mark me with your sign of love.
Plan only the best for me, God!
8 God is fair and just;
He corrects the misdirected,
Sends them in the right direction.
9 He gives the rejects his hand,
And leads them step-by-step.
10 From now on every road you travel
Will take you to God.
Follow the Covenant signs;
Read the charted directions.
11 Keep up your reputation, God;
Forgive my bad life;
It's been a very bad life.
12 My question: What are God-worshipers like?
Your answer: Arrows aimed at God's bull's-eye.
13 They settle down in a promising place;
Their kids inherit a prosperous farm.
14 God-friendship is for God-worshipers;
They are the ones he confides in.
15 If I keep my eyes on God,
I won't trip over my own feet.
16 Look at me and help me!
I'm all alone and in big trouble.
17 My heart and kidneys are fighting each other;
Call a truce to this civil war.
18 Take a hard look at my life of hard labor,
Then lift this ton of sin.
19 Do you see how many people
Have it in for me?
How viciously they hate me?
20 Keep watch over me and keep me out of trouble;
Don't let me down when I run to you.
21 Use all your skill to put me together;
I wait to see your finished product.
22 God, give your people a break
From this run of bad luck.
Psalm 25 [MESSAGE]
Fear is a Killer
We listen to Pastor Gregory Dickow each week and are impressed by his 40 day fast from wrong thinking. It has nothing to do with not eating... but it has a lot to do with not worrying! Free your mind... and the rest will follow!
With the economy in the worst condition since the 1930’s, people have been killing themselves. Even worst, and as a first, some have murdered their spouse and children before taking their own life. Why? Because of fear of the consequences of the economic downturn. Hey folks, fear is a killer! Jesus Himself said so:
Men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken and caused to totter.
Luke 21:26 [AMP]
Although it is one thing for people to be so afraid that they faint or drop dead... it is another to take a gun, knife, or bottle of pills and do the job yourself.
Or, even worse... to do harm to innocent family members. The sad truth is that satan is trying to draw souls into hell by causing them to deny the salvation freely offered by Jesus and choosing to handle their problems themselves.
If you have a friend or a family member who is going through some difficulty because of the pressures of this life and the world system that is turning upside down on itself, you can help by having them slam some of the word of God into their iPod or MP3 player.
Suicide is not the answer... it only opens the door for problems your loved ones will spend their lives dealing with... and if you don’t know Christ as your Savior, you will have an eternity to deal with it!
Wisdom from Judypie
Do you know the reason we are stressed? Because we think our needs are not going to be met. We say, “Oh my goodness, I'm not going to have what I need!” Jesus tells us not to worry about what you are going to eat. And don’t worry about what you are going to wear. He’s saying only one thing is important — His righteousness. These things don't even take significance until your deepest needs are met. You are to find your satisfaction in Him. If you don't find your satisfaction in Him, you're going to be stressed. Are you stressed out about something today? Turn it over to Jesus and turn your focus to Him. Let Jesus meet your needs and transform your heart today. (Adrian Rogers)
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?
Matthew 6:30 [AMP]
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”-
Psalm 46:10
Father, You are leading me on paths I do not know, past all my fantasies, hopes, doubts and fear. When I go through deep waters and great trouble, You will be with me. When I go through rivers of difficulty, I will not drown! When I walk through the fire of oppression, I will not be burned up -- the flames will not consume me. Even though I walk through the shadow of death I will fear no evil. You lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. In the name of Jesus I will rejoice in You and be glad. Amen.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.
Isaiah 43:2 [AMP]
1 THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. 2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. 3 He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake. 4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over. 6 Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
Psalm 23 [AMP]
Father, in the name of Jesus, I clothe myself with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from me]. I repent and renounce pride and arrogance. Father, You give grace to the humble. Therefore I humble myself under Your mighty hand, that in due time you may exalt me. Amen.
6 But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it). 7 So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.
James 4:6-7 [AMP]
34 Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, yet He gives His undeserved favor to the low [in rank], the humble, and the afflicted. 35 The wise shall inherit glory (all honor and good) but shame is the highest rank conferred on [self-confident] fools.
Proverbs 3:34-35 [AMP]
Are you worried, anxious about anything? I encourage you to pray this prayer aloud:
In the name of Jesus, I cast the whole of my care [all my anxieties, all my worries, all my concerns for my future, my family, once and for all] on You, for You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully. Amen!
5 Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)--[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)--[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble. 6 Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, 7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
1st Peter 5:5-7 [AMP]
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
Of course, in most of the United States a major winter storm has wreaked havoc in the lives of millions of people -- causing traffic jams, airline cancellations, power outages and even deaths! But this blog is not about meteorolotical events. This is about those storms of life that test us. Sometimes, to our very core.
You might have a frightening medical diagnosis... or a bill that is beyond your current budget... or turmoil with your job or relationship. Regardless of what is going on... you are being tested.
God allows tests and trials into our lives in the same way that a coach has his players practice to the point of exhaustion. Or the way a platoon sergeant may have his troops march until they are ready to drop. It is not about being mean. Rather, it is to prepare them for greater challenges ahead.
I remember working out at a gym in Augusta Georgia with a great trainer. She would have me doing super-sets that had my arms so stiff and sore, I could barely bring a fork to my mouth to eat, or bring my hands up to the keyboard to write computer code.
Stinking of linament, I was asked why I paid money to let this woman do these things to me. But the eventual manifestations of strength and definition in my biceps, triceps and other muscles was well worth a few days of discomfort.
In like manner, the greater glory of God makes the things we suffer in life worthwhile.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3-9 [AMP]
In fact, James (the half brother of Jesus) said that he could even glory in his trials. How? By the assurance that enduring those things will perfect and complete us.
2Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 [AMP]
The tests and trials of life may cause us grief (1 Peter 1:6), but it will result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus returns (1 Peter 1:7). The things of this life are temporary. The kingdom of God, however, is eternal.
When facing a storm, think about this song written in 1905 by Charles A. Tindley… and rejoice in the fact that storms eventually pass over, and seasons always change.
O courage, my soul, and let us journey on,
For tho' the night is dark, it won't be very long.
O thanks be to God, the morning light appears,
And the storm is passing over, Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The storm is passing over,
Hallelujah!
O billows rolling high, and thunder shakes the ground,
The lightnings flash, and tempest all around,
But Jesus walks the sea and calms the angry waves,
And the storm is passing over, Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The storm is passing over,
Hallelujah!
The stars have disappeared, and distant lights are dim,
My soul is filled with fears, the seas are breaking in.
I hear the Master cry, "Be not afraid, 'tis I,"
And the storm is passing over, Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The storm is passing over,
Hallelujah!
Now soon we shall reach the distant shining shore,
Then free from all the storms, we'll rest forevermore.
And safe within the veil, we'll furl the riven sail,
And the storm will all be over, Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The storm is passing over,
Hallelujah!
Remember that all of God’s tests are open book tests. Just open the B-I-B-L-E (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) and you will find the answers you need to pass any and every test that comes your way -- and to graduate to greater glory with Christ walking beside you and His Spirit indwelling you every step of the way!
Pop Quiz by Brotha DC
This past week was a very difficult one for your Brotha DC. There were many challenges that I had to face in my employment, in my personal relationships, in my health, and even in my walk with God.
Of course, such challenges are not necessarily a new or unexpected thing. Quite the contrary, we know that as Christians we are tested by the circumstances of life. Quite often, the enemy will throw things at us -- the Bible calls these “fiery darts” in one translation… “flaming missiles” in the Amplified translation.
Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
Ephesians 6:16 [AMP]
These flaming missiles are weapons of mass destruction in the spiritual warfare that we all must face. The shield of faith is the weapon of choice as we read in the above scripture.
But, what happens when it feels as if your shield of faith it is failing? In the science fiction world of Star Trek, the space ships have something called shields. These shields protect the ship from phasers, torpedoes, disruptors, and even hostile aliens attempting to beam aboard your ship without permission. Those shields however are not impenetrable. Enough hostile fire can cause the shields to fail. When that happens, one must either abandon ship or face certain doom.
As I had originally stated, I had faced quite a number of these challenges and yet I was determined to maintain my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This evening, my friends and I gather together to study the fourth chapter of the book of Romans. This is a powerhouse passage on the subject of faith. It chronicles how Father Abraham pleased God through his faith. The reality is that none of us caned please God without the essential element of faith operating in our lives.
But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].
Hebrews 11:6 [AMP]
What happens when it your faith is so severely challenged that you believe that it no longer exists? What happens when you are bombarded so violently that your shields are at the point of collapse? What happens when it seems that you no longer have faith?
That seemed to be the dilemma faced by a dear friend. He too was going through fiery trials. And while our shared experiences seem to evoke the popular saying that misery loves company, it was rather alarming to hear that my friend was struggling under a situation in which the heavens were like brass (see Deuteronomy 28:23). He expressed an inability to communicate with God and felt as if perhaps God Himself was bombarding him.
The Spirit of God used this to remind me that my tests were just that... tests. Pop quizzes. And, they are open book tests. When I begin to feel the way that my friend expressed, I rely upon my faith in the veracity of God’s holy word.
I know that I am always quoting my friend Charlie Peacock... but he has a knack for putting things on paper... and then setting them to music... that has blessed me even when it seems that all hope is lost. Check out these lyrics from Charlie’s Coram Deo project:
Promises of mercy
Promises of love
Faithfully given to me
Every word from Your voice
Solid as a rock
None like the sand of the sea
I meditate on every word You’ve spoken
Great and precious promises never to be broken
Great and precious promises
All of them are true
Given in love by You...
Many are the promises that I rely upon when faced with one of life’s pop quizzes. Read through the spiritual crib sheet below and allow your shield of faith grow... because faith comes by hearing the word of God:
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Jeremiah 29:11 [AMP]
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom.
Luke 12:32 [AMP]
God is for you, He is not against you. He is invested in seeing you succeed in the end. He wants you to inherit the Kingdom.
Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old.
Isaiah 43:18 [AMP]
Instead of your [former] shame you shall have a twofold recompense; instead of dishonor and reproach [your people] shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double [what they had forfeited]; everlasting joy shall be theirs.
Isaiah 61:7 [AMP]
Past defeats are just that... things of the past. Leave them there and move forward.
You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Psalm 128:2 [AMP]
Return to the stronghold [of security and prosperity], you prisoners of hope; even today do I declare that I will restore double your former prosperity to you.
Zechariah 9:12 [AMP]
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 [NIV]
You may not see it now... but God promises it will be yours.
All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].
Proverbs 15:15 [AMP]
Again... it all comes down to your attitude. Are you going to have anxious thoughts? Are you going to have evil forebodings? Or, are you going to raise your shield of faith and rejoice that Jesus has worked it out and you will see it come to pass?
Show me a sign of [Your evident] goodwill and favor, that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because You, Lord, [will show Your approval of me when You] help and comfort me.
Psalm 86:17 [AMP]
King David in the Bible prayed the above prayer... and we know from the scriptures that God answered him big time! Make this your prayer and expect to see God move through your circumstances.
Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles or is overthrown, Lest the Lord see it and it be evil in His eyes and displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him [to expend it upon you, the worse offender].
Proverbs 24:17-18 [AMP]
If someone did something to you, don’t sit around with an unforgiving attitude, praying that some calamity falls on him or her. And if it does happen... don’t dance and laugh at their misfortune. Pray the way that Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them...”
Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.
Isaiah 53:4-5 [AMP]
I shall not die but live, and shall declare the works and recount the illustrious acts of the Lord.
Psalm 118:17 [AMP]
If the enemy has attacked your health, stand on God’s promises for healing.
Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.
Luke 10:19 [AMP]
But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.
Isaiah 54:17 [AMP]
Jesus has won the victory... so then why have a sour and dour attitude? You have power... USE IT! These are promises that are active and alive and full of power. Put them to work!
And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
Isaiah 30:18 [AMP]
That last scripture above puts the icing on the proverbial cake. God is waiting to be gracious to you. His will is to bless you.
Remember, life is a test. We often find ourselves facing pop quizzes. The key is that whether or not we pass is based largely on our attitude.
The children of Israel had an attitude check when they left slavery in Egypt for the promised land.
They saw God mightily deliver them from Pharaoh
They saw miracles along the way... including the parting of the Red Sea
They saw the drowning of Pharaoh’s army
Yet, despite those and many other blessings, they rebelled after hearing a bad report about the land of promise.
As a result, the rebellious Israelites had to wander the wilderness for forty years and die in the desert... leaving the promised land to their offspring. That is why, thanks to Joyce Meyer, we find the following scripture so very important:
And you shall [earnestly] remember all the way which the Lord your God led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and to prove you, to know what was in your [mind and] heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.
Deuteronomy 8:2 [AMP]
God had the children of Israel spend forty years making what should have been an eleven day journey. Why? To humble them (in the face of their faithless rebellion) and to prove what is in their mind and heart -- to show whether or not they would keep the commandments of the Lord. Quite often, we spend a lot of time trying to get somewhere that others seem to reach without much time or effort. When we find our dreams deferred... it is important to do an attitude check and to see whether or not we are obeying God.
I recall a friend testifying in church years ago that he was glad that he was penniless because he would spend any money he might have had on liquor and loose women. But does that mean that Gods will is for us to be broke and penniless? No! God wants us to be blessed by having money, not to wind up with a hangover and a disease. Change your attitude and the blessings will follow.
Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation!
Habakkuk 3:17-18 [AMP]
This is the attitude of a victorious Christian. Granted, you may not feel victorious with an empty fridge... an empty bank account... and an empty growling stomach. Yet, if you have the right attitude, you will see the hand of God move as you seek His face.
I recall being a starving college student with no clue how I would afford a four-year degree. For that matter, I couldn’t afford a decent meal. I would spend hours walking around the neighborhoods surrounding the campus, looking for coins people dropped in the street. I would spend hours collecting enough pennies to get a sandwich. But during my greatest desperation, a mother from our church was inspired to cook for the young men in our dormitory. A knock at the door and an unexpected blessing -- a hot home-cooked meal from a woman who surely has great treasure in heaven.
As my spiritual father Dr. David Durham used to say, “When you run out... God runs in.”
It is all a matter of your attitude.
The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! For the Chief Musician; with my stringed instruments.
Habakkuk 3:19 [AMP]
Thanks again to Mama Joyce for bringing these scriptures to our attention. Those who put their complete trust in God have a Mighty Warrior watching their back.
God Hears the Prayers of His People
by JesusLover Judy
Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. The moment I pray, You send an angel for my words, and Your answer is on its way to me.
I purpose with the help of the Holy Spirit that I will always have an excellent spirit, and remain in right standing with You.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Hear my prayer, O God;
listen to the words of my mouth.
Psalm 54:2 [NIV]
1 In the third year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, a message was made plain to Daniel, whose Babylonian name was Belteshazzar. The message was true. It dealt with a big war. He understood the message, the understanding coming by revelation: 2-3 "During those days, I, Daniel, went into mourning over Jerusalem for three weeks. I ate only plain and simple food, no seasoning or meat or wine. I neither bathed nor shaved until the three weeks were up. 4-6 "On the twenty-fourth day of the first month I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris. I looked up and to my surprise saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body was hard and glistening, as if sculpted from a precious stone, his face radiant, his eyes bright and penetrating like torches, his arms and feet glistening like polished bronze, and his voice, deep and resonant, sounded like a huge choir of voices. 7-8 "I, Daniel, was the only one to see this. The men who were with me, although they didn't see it, were overcome with fear and ran off and hid, fearing the worst. Left alone after the appearance, abandoned by my friends, I went weak in the knees, the blood drained from my face. 9-10 "I heard his voice. At the sound of it I fainted, fell flat on the ground, face in the dirt. A hand touched me and pulled me to my hands and knees. 11 "'Daniel,' he said, 'man of quality, listen carefully to my message. And get up on your feet. Stand at attention. I've been sent to bring you news.'
"When he had said this, I stood up, but I was still shaking. 12-14 "'Relax, Daniel,' he continued, 'don't be afraid. From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you. But I was waylaid by the angel-prince of the kingdom of Persia and was delayed for a good three weeks. But then Michael, one of the chief angel-princes, intervened to help me. I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia. And now I'm here to help you understand what will eventually happen to your people. The vision has to do with what's ahead.'
Daniel 10:1-14 [MESSAGE]
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 [AMP]
Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long.
Overcoming Doubt and Unbelief by JesusLover Judy
Father, I believe Your Word, and ask You to remove any unbelief or doubt concerning the integrity of Your promises. In the name of Jesus, I renounce the world’s allurements that attempt to pull me into sin—they are ineffective in my life. Your Word is my standard and because I am a doer of Your Word, I will not be deceived. The fresh Manna of Your Word keeps me on target with Your plans, Lord. My steadfast confidence is in You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
12[Therefore beware] brethren, take care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to cleave to, trust in, and rely on Him], leading y to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God. 13But instead warn (admonish, urge, and encourage) one another every day, as long as it is called Today, that none of you may be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [by the fraudulence, the stratagem, the trickery which the delusive glamor of his sin may play on him]. 14For we [a]have become fellows with Christ (the Messiah) and share in all He has for us, if only we hold our first newborn confidence and original assured expectation [in virtue of which we are believers] firm and unshaken to the end. 15Then while it is [still] called Today, if you would hear His voice and when you hear it, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion [in the desert, when the people provoked and irritated and embittered God against them]. 16For who were they who heard and yet were rebellious and provoked [Him]? Was it not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? 17And with whom was He irritated and provoked and grieved for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose dismembered bodies were strewn and left in the desert? 18And to whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who disobeyed [who had not listened to His word and who refused to be compliant or be persuaded]? 19So we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest], because of their unwillingness to adhere to and trust in and rely on God [unbelief had shut them out].
Hebrews 3:12-19 [AMP]
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."
Prayer of Affirmation
by JesusLover Judy
Father, I thank You for helping me as I enlarge the place of my tent and strengthen my stakes. In You there is hope for despair. In You there is stability for turmoil. In You there is prosperity for poverty. In You there is health and healing for sickness. In You there is peace for conflict, whether it is in a relationship, in my home, or in my land. In You, Lord Jesus, is well-being for every area of life!
Hallelujah! Thank You Holy Spirit for divinely orchestrating every aspect of my life! Jesus is Lord over my spirit, soul and body, and over my relationships. Amen.
2 “Enlarge the place of your tent,
stretch your tent curtains wide,
do not hold back;
lengthen your cords,
strengthen your stakes. 3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left;
your descendants will dispossess nations
and settle in their desolate cities.
Isaiah 54:2-3 [NIV]
Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long.
A Healing Prayer
by JesusLover Judy
Jesus was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.
Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. I receive divine healing for my spirit, soul and body in the name of Jesus. Amen.
3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:3-5 [NIV]
“I am the Lord that heals you”
“He sent His Word and healed them. And He saved them from the grave”
Psalm 107:20 (NLV)
Audrey Dubois of Hope For All in Jesus Prison Ministry sent a testimony to Judypie that demonstrates the theme of this week’s blog. Dru Black, a former teacher at the jail ministry, had an experience that exemplifies the power of our God in protecting our lives:
I WAS SITTING AT THE RED LIGHT AT 242 & I-485, WITH A BUS LOAD OF SENIOR CITIZENS. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN & THE HOLY SPIRIT GRABBED ME IN THE STOMACH AND SAID “WAIT,” I STARTED TO RE-LOOK BOTH WAYS AGAIN AND BEFORE I COULD GET MY HEAD BACK AROUND TO THE RIGHT OF ME, A FULLY LOADED LOG TRUCK DOING ABOUT 70 CAME BARRELLING THRU THE LIGHT. JESUS SAVED MY LIFE THAT DAY, AS WELL AS ALL THOSE ON MY BUS. GLORY TO HIS HOLY NAME! I’LL NEVER FORGET IT. NO-ONE CAN TELL ME GOD DOESN’T TALK TO US IN THESE DAYS! AS HE SPOKE VERY CLEARLY THAT DAY, THANK GOD I LISTENED... DRU BLACK
This week’s blog features articles by Jolan, Judypie, and Adrian Rogers.
All is Well
by JesusLover Judy
Jesus said: If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your heart, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7). What a wonderful promise. If your thoughts, actions and habits are controlled by the Word of God, you will know that in spite of circumstances all is well.
Each and every day take time to pray Scriptural prayers, meditate and read your Bible. You can have complete assurance and boldness before God if you keep His commandments and habitually practice what is pleasing to Him.
Believe in and rely on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He has commanded us (1 John 3:20-24). Regardless of circumstances you can rest assured – all is well.
Father, I acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.
Empowered by Your Spirit, I purpose to keep Your decrees and commands, which You have given me, so that it may go well with me and my children after me, and that I may live long in the land the Lord my God gives me for all time. To the glory of God the Father, I acknowledge that Jesus is Lord of my home, ministry and the work place. Jesus is Lord of my life!
Amen.
Know, recognize, and understand therefore this day and turn your [mind and] heart to it that the Lord is God in the heavens above and upon the earth beneath; there is no other.
Therefore you shall keep His statutes and His commandments, which I command you this day, that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may prolong your days in the land which the Lord your God gives you forever.
Deuteronomy 4:39-40 [AMP]
Oh, that they had such a [mind and] heart in them always [reverently] to fear Me and keep all My commandments, that it might go well with them and with their children forever!
Deuteronomy 5:29 [AMP]
He Took on the Status of a Slave 1-4If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
9-11Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.
Rejoicing Together
12-13What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
14-16Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing.
Philippians 2:1-16 [MESSAGE]
Amen.
With God, There is No Such Thing as Can’t
by Jolan
The other day I was in the car with a friend of mine. We were talking about God and different aspects of our faith.
Not thinking, I blurted out, “If Primo ever cheated on me, I think I could forgive him but I don’t think I could be with him.”
She said, “Well my daddy used to tell me that when you make a blanket statement like that then it’s like you are testing God.”
Testing God?
Well this statement has stayed with me since last Saturday and I felt it important to share with you what I got out of this.
We have to take each situation as God gives it to us. We accept it and deal with it while leaning on our Father for help and understanding.
Jesus said to him, On the other hand, it is written also, You shall not tempt, test thoroughly, or try exceedingly the Lord your God.
Matthew 4:7 [AMP]
She also said, that when we say things like that it gives the devil way too much room to mess with our lives. I have really thought about this and have taken it to heart. Why should I say that I can not do something? It is like saying God cannot do something and we all know that is not true. God can do all things. As His child I have to be careful about the statements I make.
I don’t want Satan to have any hold over me. I don’t want to give him an opportunity to hurt me. It is like giving the enemy ammunition. Satan wants to hurt us. He loves it when we give Him reasons to sin or to dismiss Gods laws. When we are angry, it is hard to forgive but if we do not forgive others then God will not forgive us. When bad things happen it is easy to question God but when we worry and don’t trust in God but in mere humans then we are falling into sin, because we are showing lack of faith in God. Remember how the Satan tempted Eve…
NOW THE serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden?
Genesis 3:1 [AMP]
Hmmmm.
Really did God really say you shouldn’t lie? A little white lie won’t hurt.
Porn – nahhhh, its not sinning if you don’t do anything.
Forgiveness? Why forgive when they hurt me…It’s just too hard. They don’t deserve it.
Sex before marriage, that’s not a sin, its not cheating if you aren’t married.
What lies are you listening to? How does the devil twist your thoughts to fit the crime. How does he justify your sin to you? Remember the devil is the Father of lies, he is slick and his number one goal is to hurt you and deceive you.
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on the Lord shall be compassed about with mercy and with loving-kindness.
Psalm 32:10 [AMP]
By [the help of] God I will praise His word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me?
Psalm 56:4 [AMP]
I cannot predict how I will behave to future events but I now think, well my Father would never give me anything I could not handle.
For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.
1 Corinthians 10:13 [AMP]
But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.
The Bible is my comfort.
When I read Gods letters to me, I always learn something new. And if you read carefully enough God makes many promises, promises that if you follow, will prove true time and time again.
Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
James 1:3 [AMP]
For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12 [AMP]
God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
[You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations,
1 Peter 1:6 [AMP]
So be truly glad!* There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.
So that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed.
1 Peter 1:7 [AMP]
These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
There is no part of the Bible that says life will always be great. Unfortunately life can be very trying and at times lonely and sad. But we are promised paradise. A paradise in heaven with our Father. With Jesus. I cannot even explain how wonderful it will be but there is no sadness or pain, only happiness. Think of your happiest moment. . .that will be nothing compared to the joy you will feel in heaven.
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.
Revelation 21:4 [AMP]
So when God sends trials and tribulations my way I will see them through with His help. I know that I can handle anything God brings me and in the future I’ll trust my Father. He would never lead me astray and if I obey His word, then there is no such thing, as I can’t.
Trust
by JesusLover Judy
Father, I thank you for the Holy Spirit Who brings all things to my remembrance.
As far as I am concerned, Father-God, You turn to good what is meant for evil.
You brought me into the position that I currently hold so that others may benefit from the blessings You pour through my life.
I rest in You knowing that in all things You are working for my good because I love You, and You called me according to Your purposes.
I will trust in You, Lord, at all times for Your ways are perfect.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day.
Genesis 50:20 [AMP]
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
Romans 8:28 [AMP]
Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
Psalm 62:8 [AMP]
“In the glory of His Presence...I see the beauty of His ways”
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your goodness. In the name of Jesus I cast the whole of my care—all anxieties, worries and concerns—upon You. I know that You love me and care for me, and those for whom I am praying.
Today I make all my requests known to You with thanksgiving. I know You hear me, and I believe Your best answers are on the way from the moment I ask. Amen.
Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits.
Thank the God of all gods,
His love never quits.
Thank the Lord of all lords.
His love never quits.
Psalm 136:1 [MESSAGE]
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Philippians 4:6-7 [MESSAGE]
Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
1 Peter 5:7 [AMP]
Trust the LORD in everything.
Peace
by Adrian Rogers
Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
Colossians 3:15 [CEV]
In Florida where I was raised, we had a lot of hurricanes. Even as a child I learned that in the center of the worst hurricane, there’s a calm called the “eye” of the storm.
When the storm passes over, there is a calm like a millpond on a summer evening. Friend, in your storm today there is a center that is calm.
It’s the heart of God.
He is there. He is the great I AM in the midst of your storm. As someone has well said, “God gives peace that the world can't take away.” It is supernatural peace.
Do you have the peace of God in your heart?
Claim the promises of Psalm 29:11, Isaiah 26:3, and Romans 5:1 today.
