His Words, Not Mine: Being Faithful Ambassadors of God’s Word
As Christ-followers, we are part of the King of King’s official envoy. We represent Him with every word shared and every interaction we have. It’s why we must not only know His Word, but we must also live His word.
Who & What? Learning to Believe God’s Truth About Yourself
There was a truth that was waiting for me and if you’re struggling with how to answer your ‘who’ and ‘what’, there is a truth that waits for you too. The absolute TRUTH. The truth of what God says about who and what we are.
Allowed or Approved: There Is A Difference
Have you ever had to tell a child or even a pet “no, stop it, it will hurt!”? Do they always listen? As a momma of two, now adult children, and one dog I can say in my experience it’s a flat-out no. Have you ever had to repeat yourself when giving instructions or advice to a child or an adult for that matter? What about after the 3rd time, a 4th time? Have you ever said “ok I tried to warn you?!” and then allowed them to end up with the consequences? As a momma of two adult children and one dog, I can say in my experience it’s a flat-out yes. We may allow something to happen but that doesn’t mean we approve of it. The same is true for God. If we read the word definitions and apply them to what we see in our country and world today it starts to make more sense. Allow- “permit; fail to restrain or prevent” vs. Approve- “to have or express a favorable opinion of; to accept as satisfactory” God may allow events to occur, that doesn’t mean he approves of them. In fact, it means God knows all that is taking place, and all His promises are coming to pass. We see so many things today that confirm what He told us would happen, that he would allow to happen. This is why what we believe is so important. To believe in God is not enough, we must also believe God himself. Believe the words he gave us as true, believe he meant them and there is purpose even when we don’t understand. Like children, we may question, but at the end of the day, our heavenly daddy wants us to know he wants what’s best for us and to believe his words are meant to protect us. As conservative values and true biblical beliefs are being ridiculed and persecuted across our country, more and more every day, even in some places that are supposed to represent freedom, I want to share a reminder of encouragement and truth. As Christ-followers we are to stand firm on God’s word, all of it. Yes, we are called to love, and we are also called to boldly speak the truth of God’s word and obey it. In this, we can live a life that is pleasing to our Savior while trusting him with the circumstances that may be allowed but not approved of. Think Daniel, how he disobeyed the King and still prayed to God every day, despite being ordered not too. Think Job, he was a model of faithfulness and suffering. He still honored God regardless of his circumstances. Think Esther, her courage and trust in the Lord saved her people from being destroyed by their enemies. Think John the Baptist, he shared many qualities with Elijah including calling a nation to repentance, rebuking the king, and persevering in the face of public misunderstanding and malicious persecution. Think how God approved of each one of them and ultimately guided them in their circumstances. For believers, it should make us cling to the hope that with every worldly event that moves away from God and His word, it is bringing us closer to Jesus’ return. As Corrie ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” We may not know the exact outcome in the days, weeks, and months ahead, or all that God will allow to happen, but for those that have a personal relationship with Jesus and live according to His truth, of which he does approve, we do know the final chapter, the finite ending. May we find encouragement in that. Thankfully there are so many scriptures that encourage us and remind us that what is allowed doesn’t mean approved. God is faithful and his promises will be fulfilled. “…You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” Joshua 23:14 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8 “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22 Normally, here’s where I would write a prayer, however as I was studying, I read this prayer from David praising the Lord’s presence and thought as we rely on God’s faithfulness and trust Him to use all things for good, even those allowed but not approved of, we should praise Him. “David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head overall. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs
Change
Everything changes…except for one thing. But before we get to that, let’s chat about things that do change, and of course, the best place to start is with the word definition, at least to a word nerd like me. Change: a: to make different in some particular b: to make radically different c: to give a different position, course, or direction to Here’s just a few things that change… Weather- the weather fluctuates depending upon the season and sometimes day to day, especially in the state I live. Fashion- the styles we wear change; think jelly shoes circa the 1980s, big bangs, and white spray cans of Aqua Net. Music- today we refer to music from past years as classic rock and old school country vs. today’s hip hop, alternative rock, and modern country. Then of course people. People do in fact change or at least have the ability and choice to change. There are physical changes that occur as we age, lose or gain weight, etc. People can also change in their character, their feelings, how they behave, and what they believe. I know this to be true because my husband and I, as individuals and in our marriage, are living proof of change. If I was to give a highlight reel of our lives the above definitions, a, b and c would all apply. Just ask those closest to us. I can also say not all change is appreciated, wanted, or easy when we’re in the middle of going through it. Yet as humans we’re able to change, to learn, to grow in all areas; physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Physically, from birth to adulthood, emotionally, as we mature, learn and gain experience and spiritually, which really is relationally since God designed us to know him intimately and to be in relationship with Him (and others.) God instructs us to change. “And he said: Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 God teaches us to learn. “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15 “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” Proverbs 9:9 God designed us to grow. “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” 1 Peter 2:2 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory now and forever!” 2 Peter 3:18 When we take a moment to truly think about the depth of care and thoughtfulness God used when He gave us the opportunity to change, learn, and grow, it’s quite humbling. Especially as we consider our anchor being the One that does not change. God does not change. “For I the Lord do not change.” Malachi 3:6 “He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind. “ 1 Samuel 15:29 “So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain” Hebrews 6:17-19 God and his living word is the only unchanging truth. He is our steadfast, strong anchor we can rely on, as we change and the world around us does too. – Shahla Wright Abba, thank you for being an unchanging anchor amongst a world that is constantly changing. Thank you for giving me the ability to change, learn and grow. Give me guidance that directs me and my heart to change in ways that are pleasing to You. May I have a teachable spirit and desire to grow closer to you. In Jesus Name. Amen. This week’s playlist: Crowder – The Anchor (Lyric Video) – YouTube The Anchor Crowder Matthew West – The God Who Stays (Official Music Video) – YouTube The God Who Stays Matthew West Hope Has A Name – River Valley Worship – YouTube Hope Has A Name River Valley Worship
Three Biblical Ways to Overcome Temptation Every Day
Temptation is something we all face, but God provides the tools we need to overcome it. In this post, discover three biblical ways to beat temptation every day and stand firm in your faith. Watch the video for a quick overview or read on for practical tips and encouragement!
Time
Ever heard the quote “we find time for what we value most”? It’s a quote that hopefully makes us think and ask the questions, ‘Where do I spend my time? Am I spending it on what I value?’ We all get busy with life, work, spouses, kids, church activities which aren’t bad things to spend time in. There’s a but here, did you hear it coming? But being busy with “good” things doesn’t equal quality time or mean our priorities are in the right place. Like any relationship, having one with Jesus takes time, commitment, and getting to know Him intimately. If we only get to know our spouse, family, or friends through the occasional conversation or thru word of mouth from others, how deep of a relationship would we have? This same concept applies with Jesus. Yet there is a key difference between all those relationships and one with our Savior… Jesus is supposed to be our first and foremost love. Yes, more than our spouses, our children, our work, our church activities, more than _______ (fill in the blank). Whatever takes up the most time in our lives is number one; if it’s before Jesus it’s in the wrong spot. Spending time with the One who knows us best, who understands how we feel, the questions we have, and best of all, desires time with us! What a treasure. God’s unfailing love and truth are available to each of us, call out to him, it doesn’t matter where we are. Literally, the shower, driving the car, lying in bed, sitting at work, it doesn’t matter where we are or what we’re doing, God has time for us. We choose what and who we value. If we’re intentional with our time, knowing when we value our time with Jesus, growing and deepening our relationship, making it our number one priority, all others will begin to fall into place. “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 Lord, thank you for wanting to spend time with me. As I read your word, help me recall it and plant it deep in my heart. Let me take comfort in the promises that when I call upon you and pray to you, you will hear me. That if I seek you with all my heart, I will find you. May my desire for time with you grow. In Jesus Name. Amen. This week’s playlist: Come To The Cross – YouTube Come To The Cross Michael W. Smith MercyMe – You Found Me (Audio) – YouTube You Found Me MercyMe