Thursday, January 14, 2016

Which way are you turning today?

Turn us again to yourself, O LORD God of Heaven's Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved. Psalm 80:19 NLT

"Turn us again to yourself" is an interesting phrase. I have a picture in my mind of us going one way (the wrong way) and God allowing something to happen in our lives that encourages us to turn around and go His way. The way that leads to salvation.

Another version puts it this way,

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; cause Your face to shine [in pleasure, approval, and favour on us], and we shall be saved! Psalm 80:19 AMP

Restore, meaning to bring back. God, our Heavenly Father wants to bring us back into relationship with Him. But He won't force us into that relationship. We have a free will. It is our choice. 

I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live and may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 AMP 

It is our choice to choose life. To choose Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. There is one who tries to stop us making that decision.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). John 10:10 AMP

The enemy doesn't want us to turn to Jesus. The enemy wants us to be confused and feel defeated. He is roaming around. We need to always be vigilant.

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a roaring lion [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 1 Peter 5:8 AMP

We need to learn how to stand firm in our choice to turn to Jesus. 

Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset - rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:9 AMP

Sometimes it is not easy, I know. Sometimes it seems it would be easier to run away and hide in a corner - but is that life? Is that what you were born for? To run and hide? No, I don't believe it was. God has a plan. We need to turn to Him, and keep turning to Him, and not give up.

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon  you, plans to give you the future you hope for...... When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and what it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." GOD's Decree.
Jeremiah 29:11, 13 The Message

Question for today, do you feel that God is asking you to turn back to Him? Or maybe turn a part of your life over to Him? Today, let's ask God for the courage to do what He is asking, trusting that He has a plan and it is good.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13 AMP





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