This is the Day

This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. ~Psalm 118:24

 

The climate in our world today is very chaotic. There are so many differing views and opinions that could often cause confusion. But as a Christian, I know that God is not the author of confusion and His Word is truth. He gives us assurance far beyond what the world could ever offer. The assurance that cause rejoicing, even in dire situations.

 

Have you ever seen a person praising God at a funeral? Have you ever heard a person saying, “Thank you, Jesus,” when they have been hurt? Not only have I heard it, I have been that person. It may seem strange to others to see someone glorifying God when circumstances appear dismal, but not to the true believer. I thank God for giving life, although it may be hard to let go when a loved one passes on. I thank God when I’ve been hurt emotionally or physically because I can recognize how to move forward [emotionally] and that I have the ability to feel pain [physically]. Does this mean that I want people to die in my life or that I want to live in pain? Absolutely not, that’s not what I’m saying.

Psalm 118:24 makes a solid statement that this is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it … period. There isn’t a conjunction offering an alternative. It doesn’t matter what you may be going through, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Although our situations may change, God never does. His truth stands no matter what.

So, today let’s meditate on what was accomplished on the Cross and not the gore and darkness of what the devil would have us to. It does not have to be Easter Sunday for us to acknowledge His Sacrifice. Many have distorted Halloween as a time of “having innocent
fun” by celebrating gloom. Instead, why not gather to celebrate life like many do at fall festivals?

God made October 31^st too, and it is for His glory, not the enemy’s.

About My Father's Business

Luke 2:40-50 (New King James Version)

40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,[a] filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. 41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother[b] did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” 49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Many circles of families and friends are close and exhibit love to one another. It’s nice to know that you’re in the thoughts of many who care about you; those who pray the best for you and are willing to give in any way to help you along your way. In this passage of Scripture, Jesus had grown to be a twelve year old and was strong in spirit and filled with wisdom. When His earthly parents (Joseph and Mary) questioned why Jesus had treated them in away that caused them worry, He answered in a way that they did not understand. He said, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

As I pondered this Scripture, I thought about all that had been revealed to Joseph and Mary years prior. Mary conceived the Child of the Holy Spirit. The angel of the Lord had appeared unto Joseph and confirmed this. They knew that He was the Son of God, but when Jesus answered them saying that He had to be about His Father’s business, they did not fully grasp the meaning of what He was saying. The Scripture goes further to state that His mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Mary knew it was a great call on her life to carry the Son of God in her womb. The favor of God was upon her life. And like a mother, she bonded closely with this Child. Although she was fondly attached to Jesus, He was not exclusively hers. God gave His only begotten Son to die for a fallen world. Mary didn’t want anything bad to happen to Jesus. As the Scripture states, they (Joseph and Mary) went back to seek Him. As a mother, she felt responsible for His well-being … but God cares for us best.

As we venture out into the world to do His will, our loved ones may be concerned for our safety and well-being. There are negative and cruel people in this world, but we must be about our Father’s business. As Christians, we are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. This is not to be about ourselves, but to be about advancing the Kingdom which is our Father’s business.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men,” Colossians 3:23.

There are many out there about their business; many who seek to advance themselves. But the Bible states, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” Matthew 6:33.

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly,” Psalm 84:11.

Facing Adversity

"And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry," 2 Timothy 4:4-5, KJV.

"And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions. As for you, be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully perform all the duties of your ministry," 2 Timothy 4:4-5, Amp.

There are times in life when we face adversity, but these are the times we ought to cling to our faith even more. Being mindful that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6), it puts things into perspective. No matter what, we must hold up the bloodstained banner.

When we encounter or experience those who downplay the power and might of our God, at least for me, it catapults me into defense mode. I am compelled to defend Him. Let us consider moments where our loved ones are unjustly spoken against, would you just sit there and say nothing if you could? Why does it seem as if when angry or derogatory words are thrown into the atmosphere that degrades our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, many (who are proclaimed Christians) say nothing about it? Imagine if Jesus was sitting right next to you (which He is in our hearts) and a saddened expression unfolds across his face. Would it prompt you to then defend Him?

We ought to truly lay down our lives and pick up the Cross (for every one has his/her own to bear). It is important to not be fair-weathered Christians, praising God only when things seem to be going well in our lives. We must honor Him at all times. He is not a celestial slot machine or a bellhop at our beckon call. We are called to serve Him, knowing that no good thing will He withhold. Is our trust in the Almighty or self?

In recent months, it has come to sadden me that some want to acknowledge God only when it is convenient. There may be someone waiting to hear about Christ and you at that particular moment could be the messenger. Somebody cared enough about us to share the Gospel; will you care enough to do the same?

Jesus Loves Us

John 3:16-21, NKJV

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

Usually, the first verse in this passage is often quoted, but let us explore even further. To the average person, they know John 3:16. They know what the Bible says in this verse, that God loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son, but do they actually believe it. And if they believe it, have they actually received it? In knowing the Word so well, it sometimes appears that there’s this spin off into a world of oblivion, for whatever reason. Many shun those who carefully share the Gospel of Jesus Christ out of love. Some backlash at another brother or sister for sharing the truth, but fail to personally seek God on the matter. For instance, verse 17: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” Romans 8:1, KJV. Jesus came to save the world. Do we seriously think He came all the way from Heaven just to point the finger and say you’re wrong, uh-uh you’re wrong, and hmm you’re wrong too? No, He came because He already knew that. Jesus came because the world was fallen and needed a Savior. He came to save.

Verse 18-19: “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” Many condemn themselves by rejecting God. And whether some want to admit it or not, when you willfully sin, you’re rejecting God. There is a stark difference when you do something wrong and genuinely ask God to forgive you with a earnest desire in seeking God’s help in the matter, than asking for forgiveness with a mind already set to do it again (Hebrews 10:26). God is not a toy to be played with.

Verse 20: “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” God came to shed light. He is Light. But sadly many hate the Light because He holds them responsible for their actions. And when their actions are evil and dark, the Light exposes it. How do we to let our light shine as the Bible instructs if we’re steadily putting it out by the way we live?

No matter the point in your life, praise God for His love. Thank Him for giving when we didn’t deserve. Honor Him by living for Him. He said that if we love Him, we’ll keep His commandments. We’ll obey His commandments if we truly love Him.

If we don’t get anything else, let us receive that Jesus loves us. Look back to the Cross, He proved it there. Are we proving it to Him today?

Weeping May Endure for a Night...

But joy comes in the morning...

Psalm 30

1I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

2O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

3O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

4Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

5For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

6And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.

7LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.

8I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.

9What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

10Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.

11Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

12To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Bold in the Truth

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;” 2 Timothy 2:15-17, KJV.

Isn’t it amazing how many non-believers are allowed, even prompted, to say whatever derogatory things their hearts so desire and Christians are expected to remain quiet? How disheartening it is to turn on the television to watch an old show and when commercials pop up, they totally disrupt your spirit. One could be viewing a documentary and the next minute here comes a commercial that drops profanity like it’s the natural thing to do. Well, I guess it is natural in this world.

It appears that the further we go along, year to year, decade to decade, it becomes progressively worse. It has become the norm to not only use profanity, but to use God’s name in vain. It is because many don’t truly believe that God will do what He said He’ll do. “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain,” Exodus 20:7. But many are ready to fight if another profanes the name of their mother or father. Why aren’t many who are professed Christians just as angered, or even moreso, when our heavenly Father’s name is degraded?

As we share God’s Word, we are to not be ashamed. Those of us who rightly divide the Word of truth, studying to show ourselves approved, must be bold. If we’re not bold or feel that we don’t have it in us to speak up ask God to develop it in you. Not everyone is outspoken although we may have a burning desire to serve Christ. Those of us who are shy, I implore you to ask God for it—I did. He is there to provide our needs. No good thing will God withhold. Many of us have not because we ask not. Ask and you shall receive according to His will. And this is definitely in God’s will because Jesus instructs us to share the Gospel with all.

There are many who are bold in unrighteousness that could care less about Christ and Christians. But Jesus warned us of these things. Jesus knew that we would have trials and tribulations. He knew that we would face adversity, but He equipped us. “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword,” Matthew 10:34. Jesus is peace and the sword is the Word of truth. He came to send a sword because He knew we would have to fight.

Put on your armor and be prepared to fight, remembering that we fight not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places. Despite those wiles of the devil, there is victory in Jesus!

Hated Without Cause

Ever been hated for no apparent reason? Refer to this Psalm of David, keeping in mind that the world hated Jesus before it hated you. And as you represent Jesus, the world will hate you for it. Turn to the Lord, no other help I know. 

Psalm 35

¹Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. ²Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. ³Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. ⁴Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. ⁵Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them. ⁶Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them. ⁷For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul. ⁸Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall. ⁹And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation. ¹⁰All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him? ¹¹False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not. ¹²They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. ¹³But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. ¹⁴I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother. ¹⁵But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: ¹⁶With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth. ¹⁷Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions. ¹⁸I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people. ¹⁹Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause. ²⁰For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land. ²¹Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it. ²²This thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me. ²³Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord. ²⁴Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me. ²⁵Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up. ²⁶Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me. ²⁷Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. ²⁸And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

God’s Will Be Done

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” Matthew 6:9-10, NKJV.

There are times in our lives when we don’t understand why God allow certain things to occur. There are also times when we may have sick family members and we pray for them to get healed, and they don’t. Have we ever considered that death is the best healing? Of course, this is for those who die in Christ.

In the model prayer that Jesus, our Lord and Savior, set forth for us to pattern our prayers after, He instructed us to pray in this manner, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” When we reach a level of spiritual maturity, as Christians we begin to understand that God is sovereign. And although we may not like everything that goes on in our lives, we must trust Him that He knows what He is doing. There may be a mother on her death bed whom a child doesn’t want to let go, but they belong to God … we all do. Even within ourselves, we may be facing a terrible situation where we see no way out, but God is The WAY. As Jesus stated, He is the door. “Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep,’” John 10:7, NKJV.

There is nothing too hard for God. In recognizing this, allow the peace of God (the peace that passes all understanding: Phil 4:7) to rest upon your hearts, praying that His will be done just as Jesus prayed. “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will,’” Matthew 26:39, NKJV.

Are you facing a difficult situation, lacking the understanding of why it’s happening? It is not for us to know the answer to everything. God’s ways are not our ways nor are His thoughts our thoughts. We must cast our cares upon Him for He cares for us.

Pray for God’s will to be done. It produces the best outcome no matter the situation.

God is The Source

From the beginning of time, God has been making provisions for the inhabitants of Earth. Even before we were ever created, God made sure that we had everything that we’d ever need which was all in Him. He created the heaven and the earth. He spoke into existence light in which we are able to see. He placed food in the sea and herbs upon the earth for us to eat. So why do we worry about what we think we don’t have?

“And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Matthew 6:28-30, KJV.

Just pray and trust God… Often, this is much easier said than done. What makes it difficult or challenging? Well, when in the midst of holding a child that may be dying in your arms—that could make it challenging. Or when hungry and there’s no food in the house or money in your pockets—that could make it challenging. But God said His word would not return unto Him void, that it will accomplish that thing in which He sent it to do (Isaiah 55:11). Why does faith shrink in times like these? God tells us to take no thought, wondering, what we will eat, drink or be clothed. He knows that we need these things. So, He instructs us to seek His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these other things will be given to us.

Let us not deceive ourselves into thinking that our spouses, jobs, or government checks are our source. Those are just resources that God uses to get to us what He already knows that we need. Let us remember, God has been making provisions for us ever since the beginning of time.

God is The Source.

Recommended Reading: Genesis 1, Matthew 6:25-34

God's Anointed

Focal Scripture: 1 Samuel 24

“Let the LORD judge between you and me, and let the LORD avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand shall not be against you. After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A flea? Therefore let the LORD be judge, and judge between you and me, and see and plead my case, and deliver me out of your hand.” So it was, when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept,” 1 Samuel 24:12-16, NKJV.

Saul sought David’s life even though David had done no wrong to him. The Lord told David that He would deliver his enemy into his hands—and God did indeed deliver Saul into David’s hand. David could have taken Saul’s life (just as Saul had wanted to take from him), but David’s heart (smote) struck him unto compassion and mercy to not do so to Saul. Saul was God’s anointed. Although Saul had been consumed by jealousy (of David’s success on the battlefield) and had evil spirits come upon him, he was still chosen by God, at the peoples’ pleas, to be king.

“Look, this day your eyes have seen that the LORD delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed,’” 1 Samuel 24:10.

God will bring justice. Even though some leaders may be acting outside of God’s will—let the Lord handle it. David let Saul go, but God’s word was still true. He still delivered Saul into his hand, but compassion overtook David—that God forbade him to take Saul’s life.

David was revealed to Saul. Upon realizing that it was indeed David who could have taken his life that very day, Saul wept saying that David was more righteous than him. “…for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil,” verse 17. This very act of compassion invoked humbleness in Saul for he also stated in verse 20, “And now I know indeed that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.” This came after multiple times of Saul seeking to kill David because of God’s favor on David’s life.

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,[a] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust,” Matthew 5:44-45, NKJV.

Let us overcome evil with good.

Steadfast in the Faith

Scripture Focus: 1 Timothy 4:1-7, KJV

1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Many make up things about the Word of God that is not scriptural. Don’t follow old wives’ tales. We must study the Word for ourselves, so that we may be spiritually edified.

Justification Alone, Through Faith in Jesus Christ

"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain," Galatian 3:1-4, KJV.

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed," Galatians 3:8, KJV.

"But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them," Galatians 3:11-12, KJV.

The Galatians reproved for departing from the great doctrine of justification alone, through faith in Christ.

Several things made the folly of the Galatian Christians worse. They had the doctrine of the cross preached, and the Lord's supper administered among them, in both which Christ crucified, and the nature of his sufferings, had been fully and clearly set forth. Had they been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, by the ministration of the law, or on account of any works done by them in obedience thereto? Was it not by their hearing and embracing the doctrine of faith in Christ alone for justification? Which of these had God owned with tokens of his favour and acceptance? It was not by the first, but the last. And those must be very unwise, who suffer themselves to be turned away from the ministry and doctrine which have been blessed to their spiritual advantage. Alas, that men should turn from the all-important doctrine of Christ crucified, to listen to useless distinctions, mere moral preaching, or wild fancies! The god of this world, by various men and means, has blinded men's eyes, lest they should learn to trust in a crucified Saviour. We may boldly demand where the fruits of the Holy Spirit are most evidently brought forth? whether among those who preach justification by the works of the law, or those who preach the doctrine of faith? Assuredly among the latter.

About this commentary:

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible is available in the Public Domain.

~We are saved by grace, not by works. We do works because we ARE saved, not to BECOME saved. Jesus Christ is enough. We must accept Him as Lord AND Savior with a desire to do His will. He said if we love Him, we'll keep His commandments, for He came not to do away with the law, but to complete it. ~

Trust in the Lord

It’s inevitable that man will fail you (whether by accident or on purpose), but through God all things are possible. He is the only constant in life that’s guaranteed to have our best interest at heart.

The devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). That’s the enemy’s primary focus. His fate is sealed and he does not care anything about us. In fact, I think he hates us. The slick, smooth tongue he used to convince the heavenly angels he has no problem using on us. Take note of their eternal home (Matthew 25:41).

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,” 1 Peter 5:8, KJV. Again, the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. This is not limited to the financial areas in our lives; he ultimately wants to steal our faith in God. The enemy may begin with something small (sometimes the things we consider big) to ensnare us; but in reality the small things are money, careers, etc. Now, I am not saying that these things are unimportant, that is not my stance at all, what I am saying is that they are small compared to the big picture: Faith and trust in the Almighty God. The devil has a way of using those things we care about to manipulate us into turning against God. Some have even committed suicide over a job, a living situation, and even another person.

Meditate on what Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it,” Matthew 10:34-39, KJV. If the enemy can get you to turn against God— he’s got you. Keep your faith! Fight the good fight of faith until the end, no matter what (1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7).

Also, remember that this can be a test that turns into a testimony; if you have destruction or separation that falls upon the family, remember that you always have Jesus, you always have God. He will never leave us nor forsake us. “But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God,’” Psalm 31:14, NKJV. Remember; trust in the Lord, not your circumstance.

Not the Norm

If the world hates you, know that it hated Jesus first...

John 15:16-27 (Amplified Bible)

16You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as [a]presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.

17This is what I command you: that you love one another.

18If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.

19If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you.

20Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours.

21But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name and on My account, for they do not know or understand the One Who sent Me.

22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin [would be blameless]; but now they have no excuse for their sin.

23Whoever hates Me also hates My Father.

24If I had not done (accomplished) among them the works which no one else ever did, they would not be guilty of sin. But [the fact is] now they have both seen [these works] and have hated both Me and My Father.

25But [this is so] that the word written in their Law might be fulfilled, They hated Me without a cause.(A)

26But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself] will testify regarding Me.

27But you also will testify and be My witnesses, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

As Christians, true Christians, we must know that we are not the norm. "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.," 1 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV.

The Lifestyle

God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). I love God for being Who He is. The Lord teaches us what love is and that we are to show that same love to others. He is love. When considering some of the things that go on in this world, do many of us display that same love Christ teaches?

It is not loving to put someone down because of their past nor is it godly to bring it up at every opportunity. From what I’ve heard many say to me, this is why they stay away from the church. Years ago, I remember someone sharing a testimony about a woman who used to be on the streets (by way of stripping or prostitution). She went to church with a mind to change from her old ways, but was met with much ridicule. It wasn’t necessarily what others said verbally to her, but their body language spoke volumes. I thought the church was where all of the sin-sick people gathered… to leave our burdens at the altar; to give it all to Christ. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:28-30, KJV.

How sad it is for someone who has been in the church for years to degrade another who just came off of the streets from drug-dealing or abusing, pimping, prostitution, stealing, or even murder. What if someone took a rap sheet of the things we’ve done in this body that was in our past? The only difference is that they got caught doing what they were doing. “Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 3:3. The past is the past and as we share testimonies or stories that will help those in these situations come to Christ (because as Christians we are living testimonies) it will help us to understand their struggle. Are we so removed from sin that we have become insensitive to their plight? Are we “holier than thou” because we’ve been out of the “lifestyle” so long? I thought we are called to be evangelists…preachers as Christ puts it. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” Mark 16:15. We are to proclaim the Gospel. This is not preacher in the sense of standing in a pulpit every Sunday, but preacher in a sense of telling those out in the world.

Back to the story about the young woman who had previously been in the streets, I learned that she decided to go back to the streets. It was noted that since people always looked at her strangely (seeing her past and not someone who was hurting and crying out for help) she decided to return to what people “in the church” saw her as. The Holy Spirit reminds me of the woman caught in the act of committing adultery and how the people were ready to stone her to death. Now, if Jesus can have compassion on someone who was actively in sin, should we at the very least show that same compassion for someone who had done it last month, last week,… or even last night?

I thank God that He is not like man. I know that I have my faults and that I don’t do everything perfectly, but God said, “Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see [Him] God,” Matthew 5:8. And I know my motives are pure. I have a heart to help others and share with them what I’ve learned. Just as noted in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29… Let every man examine himself. I ask the Lord right now in the name of Jesus to cleanse me of all unrighteousness, for as we live in this flesh we are subject to temptations, but that does not mean that we have to embrace it as a lifestyle. I'm liberated as I know ...  I’ve gotten out of “the lifestyle.”

Taste and See God's Goodness

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him,” Psalm 34:8, KJV.

David praises God, and encourages to trust him.

If we hope to spend eternity in praising God, it is fit that we should spend much of our time here in this work. He never said to any one, Seek ye me in vain. David's prayers helped to silence his fears; many besides him have looked unto the Lord by faith and prayer, and it has wonderfully revived and comforted them. When we look to the world, we are perplexed, and at a loss. But on looking to Christ depends our whole salvation, and all things needful thereunto do so also.

This poor man, whom no man looked upon with any respect, or looked after with any concern, was yet welcome to the throne of grace; the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The holy angels minister to the saints, and stand for them against the powers of darkness. All the glory be to the Lord of the angels. By taste and sight we both make discoveries, and have enjoyment; Taste and see God's goodness; take notice of it, and take the comfort of it. He makes all truly blessed that trust in Him ... they shall have grace sufficient for the support of spiritual life. And as to this life, they shall have what is necessary from the hand of God. Paul had all, and abounded, because he was content, Php 4:11 to 18. Those who trust to themselves, and think their own efforts sufficient for them, shall want; but they shall be fed who trust in the Lord. Those shall not want, who with quietness work and mind their own business. (Ps 34:11-22)

About this commentary:

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible is available in the Public Domain.

Praise God, even in Adversity

“I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities,” Psalm 31:7, KJV.

There are times in life when tears fall, brokenness comes, and lack of understanding abounds, but praise God. There may be issues of infidelity, betrayal, and deceitfulness swarming, but praise God. It doesn’t matter what you may be going through, still praise God.

Not too long ago, I awoke one morning not knowing what to pray. My spirit felt so burdened down, so heavy that all I could say to the Lord in that moment was that I don’t know what to pray. God led me to Psalm 150. That particular Psalm is all about praising Him. I heard in my spirit God saying, “When you don’t know what to pray, praise Me.” It helped me to understand that the Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf as stated in Romans 8: 26-27: “So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will.”

Being mindful that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. His mission has not changed; the intensity to do so, I believe, becomes even stronger when a person gets saved. The devil’s fate is sealed; he wants nothing but to deceive people into thinking God’s word isn’t true. We must submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7). So when difficult times arise, continue to thank God for who He is.

Jesus instructed that the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). Proverbs 4:23 (AMP) states “Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.” We want peace, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee,” Isaiah 26:3, KJV. The soul, our inner being, the part that will go on to be with Christ forever stems from our decision to choose life and not death; to surrender all to the Lord. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God,” Romans 13:1, KJV.

Our circumstances ought not to define us. There will be trials and tribulations in this life, but God is always there for us, ready to meet our needs. Praise Him in all things, for He is worthy to be praised.

Additional Reference: Psalm 96:4

No More than You can Bear

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it,” 1 Corinthians 10:13.

God has promised to not allow us to go through more than we can bear. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:28-30. God’s yoke is easy and His burden is light. Oftentimes we take on things that we don’t have to. Sometimes we may try to handle situations that are only alleviated through Jesus Christ. We are more than conquerors, but not in our own strength—only in Jesus (Romans 8:37). We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Take a look at the Amplified version of 1 Corinthians 10:13:

13For 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 [a]adjusted and [b]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 [c]a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.

At any time you feel that you’re struggling with anything or facing a faith-testing situation, refer to this scripture. As I meditated on this verse some time ago, I was able to grasp, understand, and truly see times where God made a way of escape for me. The key here is taking advantage of that emergency exit.

God’s Holy Word

I solicit prayers as my husband and I relocate to another state. I thank God for all of His many blessings and for growing my faith the way that He has. I know that He will continue to do so. As I prepare for my move, this post will be the last until we get settled at our destination, which will probably be about three to four weeks. I plan to begin posting again (weekly) in August. Please continue to be encouraged by God’s Holy Word by meditating on it daily. When you meditate on God’s word, you don’t have time to think about the distractions of the world.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and I pray that everyone who reads this message receives the will God has for your life; in Jesus’ name.

Psalm 14

–To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”

They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.

2 The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.

3 They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one.

4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, Who eat up my people as they eat bread, And do not call on the LORD?

5 There they are in great fear, For God is with the generation of the righteous.

6 You shame the counsel of the poor, But the LORD is his refuge.

7 Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!

When the LORD brings back the captivity of His people,

Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.

A description of the depravity of human nature, and the deplorable corruption of a great part of mankind.

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. The sinner here described is an atheist, one that saith there is no Judge or Governor of the world, no Providence ruling over the affairs of men. He says this in his heart. He cannot satisfy himself that there is none, but wishes there were none, and pleases himself that it is possible there may be none; he is willing to think there is none. This sinner is a fool; he is simple and unwise, and this is evidence of it: he is wicked and profane, and this is the cause. The word of God is a discerner of these thoughts. No man will say, There is no God, till he is so hardened in sin, that it is become his interest that there should be none to call him to an account.

The disease of sin has infected the whole race of mankind. They are all gone aside, there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Whatever good is in any of the children of men, or is done by them, it is not of themselves, it is God's work in them. They are gone aside from the right way of their duty, the way that leads to happiness, and are turned into the paths of the destroyer. Let us lament the corruption of our nature, and see what need we have of the grace of God: let us not marvel that we are told we must be born again. And we must not rest in any thing short of union with Christ, and a new creation to holiness by his Spirit. The psalmist endeavors to convince sinners of the evil and danger of their way, while they think themselves very wise, and good, and safe. Their wickedness is described. Those that care not for God's people, for God's poor, care not for God himself. People run into all manner of wickedness, because they do not call upon God for his grace. What good can be expected from those that live without prayer?

But those that will not fear God may be made to fear at the shaking of a leaf. All our knowledge of the depravity of human nature should endear to us salvation out of Zion. But in heaven alone shall the whole company of the redeemed rejoice fully, and for evermore. The world is bad; oh that the Messiah would come and change its character! There is universal corruption; oh for the times of reformation! The triumphs of Zion's King will be the joys of Zion's children. The second coming of Christ, finally to do away the dominion of sin and Satan, will be the completing of this salvation, which is the hope, and will be the joy of every Israelite indeed. With this assurance we should comfort ourselves and one another, under the sins of sinners and sufferings of saints.

About this commentary:

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible is available in the Public Domain.

True Repentance

There are synonyms used for the word repent such as regret, remorse, feel sorrow, but none of these accurately describe what true repentance is. It is more than feeling bad about something you’ve done. Judas felt bad about betraying Jesus, but did he repent? Thieves may feel bad about getting caught and thrown into jail, but do they really repent of their wrong doing? Repentance is to change your mind about living a sinful life.

When a person repents, they lay the foundation to be forgiven. John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ, “and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.’”[a] Matthew 3:2-3, NKJV. When Christ began His teaching ministry, He instructs people to repent. “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew 4:17, KJV.

Often messages are preached about the promises of God, but many fail to realize that repentance is required for these blessings to come about. You can feel sorry all day long about what you’ve done, wracked in guilt over your actions, but until the decision is made to turn away from a sinful life the foundation built is on shaky ground. Everything built upon it will eventually tumble and fall. This is evident when people experience the same things over and over in life wondering why deliverance hasn’t come. They listen to sermon after sermon, message after message, but never truly receive the Word. It’s not enough to be a hearer of the word, we must also be doers.

Repentance will be evident by the fruits one is displaying. Remember, Jesus said that you know them by their fruits. Repentance will be evidence in their works; is it of the flesh or of the Spirit? Repentance is a decision, plain and simple, to deny oneself and follow Christ. “Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart];” Matthew 3:8, AMP.