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.
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.
1 My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you,
2 So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly];
3 Yes, if you cry out for insight, And lift up your voice for understanding;
4 If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver and search for her as you would hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] And discover the knowledge of God.
Photo by: Quang Nguyen Vinh of Vietnam 🇻🇳
Theses verses encourage us to pursue godly wisdom and understanding. Through godly wisdom and understanding we can see people and situations from God’s perspective. We can also make decisions that are in line with God’s will. Godly wisdom and understanding will help us to stay secure in God’s truth and love. So don’t hesitate to cry out to the Lord for insight, no matter what you are facing.
May our hearts be filled with joy as we show reverence to Him and continue to grow in the knowledge of how awesome He truly is.
Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Photo by: Tima Miroshnichenko of Poland 🇵🇱
This verse came to mind recently and I felt overwhelmed by God’s love. Just knowing that He will supply whatever I need, brought me joy. It does not matter where we are or what predicament we are in; God will give us what we need. God’s ability to supply all we need goes far beyond money or other material items. He gives the rest, strength, peace, joy or comfort that we need. He puts the right people in our lives at the right time. He gives us Himself so that we know He is always there with us and we can see and feel His love for us.
What is it that you need from the Lord? Trust Him to supply whatever you need. He is our loving Father and He cares for us more than we can even understand at times.
Father,
Thank you for supplying our needs. We know that you are faithful and give us what we need. During times where we feel we are lacking something, help us to trust that you are working. Even when we do not see what we are praying for with our natural eyes, help us to remain steadfast with thankful hearts. Help us to choose joy, even when we go through times of trial. You promised that those who seek and trust you, lack no good thing (Psalm 34:20).
Drawing Closer to Christ 