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.

Love...

As we embark upon the weekend that boasts in love, I am ever so reminded of the love God has for me … for us. He has taught me what true love really is, not only in words, but also in deed. God gave His only Son to die in my place and for that I can never repay Him. How could I possibly? He did this not so that we would try to do things to repay Him for His sacrifice, but He did this to show us that He dearly loves us.

When I look at the marriage relationship between a man and a woman, I am often reminded of what the Apostle Paul spoke about in the fifth chapter of Ephesians:

²² Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ²³ For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. ²⁴ Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, ²⁶ that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷ that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. ²⁸ So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.

This description led me to ponder how we ought to truly uphold our relationship, our commitment, with the Lord. For those who are married or in committed relationships, how do we value our mates? Do we respect them? Do we honor them? Do we consider their feelings, thoughts, and emotions? How about their dreams, visions, and aspirations? Well, God does, so much so that He teaches us Heavenly matters through earthly explanations in ways that we can understand them.

No one honestly desires to be trampled on, used, abused, and discarded. People don’t generally want to be the brunt of ridicule or maltreatment. So, when in a committed relationship, if we don’t want those things from a mate, we can certainly reason that God does not want that from us.

Do we love Him?

“If you love me, keep my commandments.” ~ John 14:15, NKJV.

Freedom & Liberty: Only through Jesus Christ

Luke 4:18-19

Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹⁸ The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],

¹⁹ To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord [the day ^[a]when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound].

(Additional reference: Isaiah 61)

The message of this verse resonates throughout the entire Bible: Freedom & Liberty. After having celebrated Independence Day, I know that the only way we are truly free is through Jesus Christ. “What does it mean to be free?” some may ask, while others question, “What does it really feel like?” In my own words, freedom is simply resting in the finished work on the Cross.

Many have challenging situations or financial hardships in life, while others appear to have it all together born with a “silver spoon” in their mouths. Some battle domestic violence while others may have a home filled with love and nurturing. No matter what the environment, we all have our crosses to bear and for some of us it may be a little heavier than the next person, but we must remember that to whom much is given, much is required (reference Luke 12:48).

One of the most beautiful accounts of freedom I’ve heard about came from a passage in the book Tortured for Christ written by Richard Wurmbrand. His experiences of being tortured in prison because of his faith in Jesus Christ epitomize the meaning of beauty for ashes. Although his body was beaten and forced to endure all kinds of cruelty, his faith was strengthened. He looked to the Lord where his help came from. Wurmbrand had to keep his mind on the Lord even as others cursed and ridiculed him. The battlefield is in the mind and we must keep our minds stayed on God, that’s the only way we are guaranteed peace.

As I continue my walk with the Lord, I pray that I recognize more opportunities to share the love of Christ with others and to let them know that freedom is available to us all, we just have to accept it by accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  ~Romans 10:9-10

The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth

Psalm 37:7-24, NKJV

Learn to be content, whatever the situation, as long as you are in the Lord. Wait patiently on God, He will elevate you to where He wants you in due season. Continue serving Him with the heart and not the flesh for God is a spirit and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth...



7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more. 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 12 The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth. 13 The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming. 14 The wicked have drawn the sword and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to slay those who are of upright conduct. 15 Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. 16 A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. 18 The LORD knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever.19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. 20 But the wicked shall perish; and the enemies of the LORD, like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away. 21 The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives. 22 For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, but those cursed by Him shall be cut off. 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 37 (entire division)

Nothing Impossible with God

“For with God nothing will be impossible,” Luke 1:37.

In this life, as we know it, there are encounters that challenge our physical and at times our spiritual strength or endurance. We may face adversity that test our faith and determine our strength. It is important as Christians that we remember Who our trust lies within. It is not in our own power or ability that trials are overcome, but by the power and might of the Almighty God.

In our lives and the lives of others, we may be able to pinpoint various “valley” experiences and “mountaintop” occurrences; euphoric highs and tumultuous lows. But we must be mindful that God is not only present when good things happen in our lives, but He is there when we go through the challenging times as well. He is not a fair-weather god, He is the omnipresent God who promises never to leave nor forsake His children … and He doesn’t (Hebrews 13:5).

When we aim high and set goals for ourselves, we shouldn’t let naysayers discourage us from working towards the things God said we can achieve. The Bible states in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” As long as we operate in His will and trust in the Lord, God will withhold no good thing (Psalm 84:11).

As we meditate on the truth and assurance that God can do anything and there is nothing impossible with Him, let us receive that Word. It takes more than just knowing what the Bible says; let it come alive within you. When someone offers a gift to you, it’s not truly yours until you accept it. Jesus died for a fallen world; He gave Himself as a ransom for all. And when He returns as the Bridegroom for His bride, only those committed to the Lord will go with Him. Accept all that the God has to give. Our union with God is a spiritual marriage, you’d be amazed at the power unlocked when you answer Him, “Yes, Lord, I do.”

Scripture taken from NKJV

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?

A Declaration of New Things

The Lord declares new things...

Isaiah 42:8-18, KJV

8I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

9Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.
10Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.
11Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.
12Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.
13The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.
14I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.
15I will make waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs; and I will make the rivers islands, and I will dry up the pools.
16And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
17They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.
18Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.

In this new year... give up idols. The Lord declares it.

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!

Controversy over the Sabbath (revisited)

It is interesting that many view Christians who go to church on Sunday as Sabbath breakers, although our Sabbath is Christ. We are to rest in the finished work completed on the Cross. While many acknowledge the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, has it truly been accepted?

We must be careful not to fall into legalism, merely observing a set of rules to be saved because works do not save us—Christ does. We do works because we ARE saved. We no longer have a desire to sin, although we’re not sinless. As Christians we place our trust and faith in Christ, not in our ability to keep this rule or that law. This does not mean that we run around shouting, “God knows my heart!” using this as some sort of escape clause to obeying His commands, rather understanding that God examines our motives to see if they are pure. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God,” Matthew 5:8. Are we truly seeking His kingdom and His righteousness? Are we truly loving one another and obeying His commands?

This point here, obeying His commands, takes us back to the fourth commandment where so many question our purpose for worshipping collectively on Sunday versus Saturday. Many view this as not obeying His commands. Well, even Jesus was questioned about His actions on the “Sabbath” (Matthew 12:3-8). But what many fail to realize is that Jesus came to fulfill the Law. His IS the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). “For while the Law was given through Moses, grace ([a]unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ,(A)” John 1:17, AMP.

“And that through Him everyone who believes [who [a]acknowledges Jesus as his Savior and devotes himself to Him] is absolved (cleared and freed) from every charge from which he could not be justified and freed by the Law of Moses and given right standing with God,” Acts 13:39, AMP.

As we rest in Christ, we open ourselves up to be led by the Holy Spirit. “When Gentiles who have not the [divine] Law do instinctively what the Law requires, they are a law to themselves, since they do not have the Law. They show that the essential requirements of the Law are written in their hearts and are operating there, with which their consciences (sense of right and wrong) also bear witness; and their [moral] [e]decisions (their arguments of reason, their condemning or approving [f]thoughts) will accuse or perhaps defend and excuse [them],” Romans 2:14-15, AMP.

There were hundreds of laws and commandments written in the Old Testament where yearly sins had to be atoned for, but there came One who made the ultimate sacrifice where those others were no longer needed.

Rest in the finished work on the Cross and be led by the Holy Spirit. He will never lead you astray.

Recommended reading: Controversy over the Sabbath—original posting

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.

The Secret Place

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust,” Psalm 91:1-2, NKJV.

Focal Scripture: Psalm 91

This Psalm speaks directly to those who trust in the Lord. And I believe it also speaks to those who need to trust in the Lord; those who may have been searching for a way out of their situations and circumstances, but too afraid to admit that they need help.

Psalm 91 opens with an affirmation of faith: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” The word dwells means to live in, reside in, or stay in. It describes a place that you would rest in, a place that is synonymous with home. And for the writer to go directly from dwell to secret place prompts the reader to think of a place of safety, especially when the word refuge and fortress is used to describe God. My husband was in the military twenty years of his life and I’m sure there have been times when either he or fellow soldiers had to retreat to military bunkers or bomb shelters. Those shelters or bunkers provided safety from the outside chaos. This is what it is like when resting in God.

This particular Psalm goes on to describe how God is worthy to be trusted. There are references made of how He delivers and protects: “Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler[a] and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday,” verses 3-6.

The way God protects is not true with any other being. God is the only One who can deliver and protect the way that He does. As human beings we may have good intentions, but our strength is limited. God is omnipotent. There may be times when we want to help a family member or friend out of a bind, but cannot. God is there, the ever present help, in our times of need. “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone,” verses 11-12. God provides us with guardian angels.

We must be mindful that this protection does not apply to everyone. This protection comes because we acknowledge His name. He places His protection over us because we place our trust in Him—not a job, spouses, or parents.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name,” verse 14.

Acknowledge God no matter where you are or who you may be around. He is not to just be tucked away whenever we think we need Him, but to be reverenced at ALL times. We trust Him to deliver us from our troubles. Can He trust us to acknowledge Him?

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

Faith

“For we walk by faith [we [a]regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance,” 2 Corinthians 5:7, AMP.

Things may not always look like what God has promised, but if you could see it, that’s not faith. We may go through trials and tribulations, but that does not mean that God has forgotten about us. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy,” 1 Peter 4:12-13, KJV. It is important to stand on the word of God and not the word of man. Man will have you going in so many directions that they themselves may not even follow, but our loyalty is to be to God.

God has clearly spoken into my spirit today that I am to have faith in Him, no matter what others may say. I am to have faith in Him regardless of the opinions of others. I am to have faith in Him, casting my cares upon Him for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). I thank God that He looks at the heart, extending unmerited favor upon our lives—His grace. I thank God that He loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son so that we can have everlasting life—Salvation. I thank God for His Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth—Revelation. I thank God for being God—Awesome above all things.

Hunger for His Presence

Earlier this year, the passage of Psalm 63 was posted. Today, I look at this same division of Psalm, keying in on verses 1 and 2: “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.”

As noted in the book of 1 Samuel, David was constantly at battle. It seemed a normal occasion for him to not only be fighting, but also persistently seeking God for guidance. As I read 1 Samuel 30, the sixth verse jumped out at me, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”

In the midst of turmoil, David encouraged himself in the Lord. He didn’t focus on the problem, rather on the One who is able to solve the problem. In Psalm 63, David makes it abundantly clear where our focus should be (as do our Lord and Savior makes clear throughout the Gospels in the New Testament). It should be on God. God provides all that we’ll ever need. Retribution should not be our center of attention when someone wrongs us, “…for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord,” Romans 12:19, NKJV.

We are to encourage ourselves in the Lord, our God, the One true and living God. We are to have a sincere longing for His presence. Sometimes I feel as if my words can’t express the gratitude I have for how God loves us so, but in essence that’s normal. If I had ten thousand tongues, I couldn’t thank Him enough. God’s continued grace and mercy deserves continued honor and praise! He is excellent, wonderful, majestic, and WORTHY to be praised.

Seeking a sincere relationship with Lord blesses a person beyond measure. When in the presence of the Lord, nothing else matter because you have all that you’ll ever need.

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.