Psalms 1:1-2, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
There is so much information available to us nowadays. We have to be careful to make sure the things we are hearing and reading are in sync with the Word of God. His Word is full of wisdom and will guide us into truth.
Photo by: Ben Mack of Australia 🇦🇺
Knowing that God is working in our hearts to mature us so that we can grow in our relationship with Him and help others, brings joy, in spite of circumstances. Following the ways of the Lord will not always be easy, but our obedience will lead to a blessed life.
Psalm 146:1-2, “Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”
The words of these verses remind us of the true commitment and passion that it takes to live for the Lord. Resolving to give God praise, for all of our lives, as long as we live, happens one day at a time, as we willingly surrender our hearts to the Him. The Lord will give us the strength we need to trust Him each day. Don’t hesitate to cast your cares upon the Lord today, as you give Him praise for who He is and all that He is doing, right now today, in your life and the lives of those you love.
I recently remembered a time towards the end of last year, when my daughter and I were leaving the hospital after visiting my mom. As we were walking out, there was a woman sitting on the bench. When we walked by she said, “Excuse me. Can I ask you a question?” We said, “Yes.” She said, “Why is it that those addicted to crack (she didn’t put it quite so nicely) are the only ones who want to help you?” She continued on by expressing that the “good people” never want to help you but the crack addicts will invite you into their world and help you anyway they can, even offering you more crack.
Seeing and hearing her frustration that night, I thought of how often her statement may have been true, even in my own life. I wondered how many opportunities I may have passed up to do good and help someone in need.
Photo by: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz
One of my favorite stories in the Bible, is the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, found in John chapter 4. Jesus was willing to go against the societal norms and speak to someone He should not have spoken to. By doing so, He changed her life. Although Jesus already knew her story, He was still willing to listen to the woman. I love the example that Jesus set for us.
It is quite easy to come up with conclusions about a person, but until we hear someone’s story, we don’t know the truth of their journey. Taking time to listen to someone, is not always encouraged nowadays, especially if the person doesn’t meet our standard of normal. But operating in the Spirit of Love, and challenging the “norm,” will open the door for meaningful conversations; conversations that can bring about positive changes that make a difference in the lives of people.
May we be a beacon of hope to those in need; freely giving all that God has called us to give.
Matthew 17:20 NIV, “He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
We may have times in life where we question our faith in God, and feel as if our lack of faith has hindered our progress or even caused us to not experience the answer to some of our prayers. However, this verse encourages us by reminding us that even a small amount of faith in God, the size of a mustard seed, can have a huge impact.
God can see our hearts, and when we come to Him in prayer, we do not have to speak many words or have all the answers. All we need is faith, the size of a mustard seed. Then, Jesus said, nothing will be impossible, and mountains will move.
So trust God and don’t be discouraged. Believe that He can do great things with your mustard seed faith.
3 The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD: “LORD, save me!”
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
8 For you, LORD, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
Photo by: Andrea Piacquadio of Hungary 🇭🇺
The Psalmist was facing death and was in deep distress and sorrow, but when he called out to the Lord, he was delivered. No matter how bad your situation is, the Lord can deliver you when you cry out to Him for help. He is our Protector, the One who knows all and sees all.
I especially love verse 7, when He encourages Himself to return to rest because of the Lord’s goodness. Even in the midst of trials, we can remember God’s faithfulness and goodness and return to rest. We can cast our cares upon Him and know that He sees our tears and will keep our feet from stumbling.
Are you facing tough circumstances today? Call on the name of the Lord Jesus and find the rest and deliverance that you need. Have faith that He is working out what is best for you.
Romans 10:13,“For everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
When we receive Jesus Christ into our hearts and lives, we are set free from the grip of sin. We receive salvation and eternal life. The Holy Spirit even comes to live within us. However, when reading this verse, I am also reminded of the obedience that is necessary to walk in this freedom on a daily basis.
Obedience is not always going to be easy, it can be a challenge, especially when God requires us to change something we do not want to change. That could be a job, certain relationships, wrong mindsets, or bad habits. The reality is, that certain sins can be appealing to us, so we want to hold on to them. We may even make excuses for them. But God wants to set us free. He knows that once we are free, it draws us closer to Him. And who doesn’t want to draw closer to Jesus Christ?
Something I have noticed in my own walk with the Lord, is that when I obey Him, and do that simple thing or not so simple thing, He has been telling me to do, things change for the better.
I love Ephesians 3:20 that says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
With God’s power working in us, we are set free to experience even more than we can ask or think. Some versions say, ask or imagine. God’s freedom is greater than anything we can ask for, think or imagine. But remember, this freedom comes only when we are willing to trust and obey Him.
Heavenly Father,
We are thankful for the freedom you give us. We want to trust and obey as you lead us through this life so that we can walk in the freedom you have promised. Help us not to be in bondage to certain sins or ignore the things you bring to our attention that need to be changed. Thank you for being a loving and compassionate God, who is patient and understands our struggles, but also wants to heal our hearts and set us free.
Drawing Closer to Christ 