Trust
If someone asks you do you trust God, what’s your answer? If like me, your answer is ‘of course’. Then why does my trust not always remain with Him?
Waiting
https://makinghimknown.tv/waiting/
Choices
We make thousands of choices daily. Thankfully, during my “poor choice” chapters, I believe God was still pursuing me, asking me to choose differently. I believe the prayers of others, even ones I didn’t know were being spoken, were influencing my choices in ways I couldn’t understand. I believe my poor choices, once admitted, and surrendered, either have been or will be used by God for good.
Danger
Danger, danger Will Robinson! Anyone remember this line from the tv show, movie, or remake? It’s from Lost in Space. That title seems apropos with where the world is lately. The word danger literally means “the state of being warned”; so, if we dig a little deeper, the word warn means “to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or evil.” There are books in the Bible that highlight the dangers we’ll face, offering us warnings of what to be on the lookout for. Joel and 2 Peter are two the Lord had me digging into. If you’re not familiar with these books in the Bible here’s some context. Both books are warnings of the dangers for: -our behavior -our complacency -our self-centeredness -believing false teachers Joel – is just three chapters. The setting is us (the people) taking God for granted, turning to self-centeredness, idolatry, and sin. Joel gives a warning of how living like that would inevitably bring God’s judgment. Don’t mistake the fact, that since Eden people have sought independence from God’s control, as though our choices wouldn’t have an impact as we plot our own destiny. And God has allowed our rebellion, but soon the Day of the Lord will come. (Day of the Lord is God’s ultimate wrath or final fulfillment of the prophecies in the Bible.) Remember, God wants us to CHOOSE him, above anything and all things the world may offer or falsely promise. Joel 2:12-13 NKJV “Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.” 2 Peter- is just three chapters as well. The setting is Peter knowing his time on earth was limited. In his heart for Christ, he writes a warning letter to believers of what would happen, especially about the presence of false teachers. He reminds the readers of the unchanging truth of the gospel. Peter’s letter took courage. 2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them – bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. Today there appears to be more and more folks who call themselves Christians yet don’t follow biblical truth. This is dangerous. Followers of Jesus and His word need to beware of the dangers Joel and Peter warn us about; culture, customs, causes, or popular opinion being socially acceptable does not mean it is wise or aligned with God’s word. We should beware of redefining what the Bible calls sin. And measure what the world defines as “good” against His word. Bottom line, it is a choice…If we call ourselves Christians, we need to have non-negotiable facts of faith. Do we believe Jesus is the only way? Do we believe the Word is unchanging? Are we studying and reading the Word for ourselves? Do we represent and practice the Word? Do we prepare for opposition in how the Lord tells us to? Are we educating ourselves on the dangers of what the Bible tells us is happening or coming? Are we prepared to stand for what we’ve proclaimed to believe? Do we remember we are accountable for our words, and actions? …it’s a choice, to follow, obey and worship God alone as our sovereign Lord. The right choice is rarely the easy one. As we read and learn from the Bible, we know this to be proven true time and time again. Lord, thank You for Your patience and mercy, wanting all to have the chance to know You, a chance to repent and be saved. May I pay attention to Your warnings, may I not forget You told of us the dangers of our behavior, and believing those who would teach outside Your word. Lord, I pray for strength, for compassion, for a resoluteness to speak Your truth, even if my voice shakes. Help me choose You daily in my words and actions, may I have courage to represent You, and live according to Your word knowing I will never regret my decision no matter the danger. In Jesus Name. Amen This week’s playlist: Crowder – Prove It ft. KB – YouTube Prove It Crowder Carrollton – Made For This (Lyric Video) – YouTube Made For This Carrollton Terrian – Stayed On Him (Isaiah 26:3) (Lyrics) – YouTube Stayed On Him Terrain
Just Use Your Keys
Believers have been given heavenly keys that open doors of opportunity and blessing, but many times they toss the keys aside or even forget the keys are theirs to be used.
Keep On
Have you ever felt tired of the fight? Or just plain angry that it feels like the setback sneaks up on you just when you think forward is the direction you are heading? Or that you’re dealing with the same issue, again? I wrote this from my prayer chair tucked in my quiet corner at home shortly after screaming at God while doing the dishes. (Literally) Tears streaking down my face, speaking out loud how angry I am at Him. That’s about as real as it gets, right?! Doesn’t he know how weary this world is? Doesn’t he see that it’s exhausting to keep praying, to keep fighting, to keep on trying? As I settled in my chair, even in my anger, my soul reaches for Him, for His truth and I grab my Bible. The truth is He does know. He knows how I felt in the moment. He knows my heart. He knew I was angry. He knows the outcome. He knows it all. IT ALL. Every tear. Every pain. Every cry. Every ache. Every set back. Every word spoken before it is. Every motive. Every plea. If I’m being honest that’s frustratingly beautiful. It’s frustrating because my flesh says then why not just fix it Lord?! It’s beautiful because my spirit knows that He will in His time. My part is to keep on… To keep on praying. To keep on praising. To keep on surrendering. To keep on obeying. To keep on soaking in His word. To keep on trusting. If like me, you need some encouragement to “keep on” believing that the Lord does know or to “keep on” despite how it may feel below are a few truths. Soak them in. Believe them. Keep on… “So, keep up your courage, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.” Acts 27:25 “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:3 “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 Lord, thank you for this day, thank you for the knowing my heart and preparing me with your word, correction and love. Thank you Lord for helping me to keep on after the moments of tears and reminding me Your word is unfailing. In Jesus Name. Amen. Last, I leave you with one of my favorite poem. I hope it encourages you to Keep On… This week’s playlist: We Are Messengers – Come What May (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube Come What May We Are Messengers Terrian – God With Us (Lyrics) – YouTube God With Us Terrain FILL ME UP ( LYRICS )#Tasha #Cobbs – YouTube Fill Me Up Tasha Cobb