Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God, for He is gracious and lovely; praise is becoming and appropriate.
Psalm 147:1 AMP

Over the past couple of days I have been asking God for a specific scripture for this season of our lives. This morning I believe He led me to Psalm 147:1-5. And it starts with 'praise'. It always starts with praise, taking us to a place of reverence for who God is. It may be praise in silence, it may be praise alone with God, it may be praise with song, it may be praise through the tears, but it must be praise.

Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live will I praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have any being. Psalm 146:1-2 AMP

Praise opens our eyes further to who God us, what He has done, and what He is doing. We can see Him more clearly, rather than our circumstances. Psalm 147 goes on ...

The Lord is building up Jerusalem; He is gathering together the exiles of Israel. Psalm 147:2 AMP

We don't have to look around far, or listen long to see what is happening in here in our churches, our schools, our communities and in other parts of the world to know that the Lord is building, He is gathering. We are part of that building and gathering, praise God. And we have a part to play in the building and gathering. But we need to stay close to Him, constantly in His Word, to know His heart and hear what He wants us specifically to do. We must be aware of distractions.

Then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless. Mark 4:19 AMP

Being free of distractions - a big challenge. The first step is often recognising what the distractions are in our lives. Thankfully the Holy Spirit is ready and willing to help us with that, if we ask Him.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows]. Psalm 147:3 AMP

He is the healer. I have been listening to some teaching CDs, and the preacher said, 'the greatest hindrance to faith is time.' I am not sure if I agree that time is the greatest hindrance, however it certainly is a hindrance. As time passes and you are yet to see healing manifest, it can be easy to waiver and wonder what God is doing. It is in those times, as this preacher says, that we need to stand on the scriptures God has given us and continually declare them.

But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgement shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 AMP

His Word. His Promises for us. Do we know them? Psalm 147 goes on....

He determines and counts the number of the stars; He calls them by their names. Psalm 147:3 AMP

Majesty, real majesty. Not just 'His Majesty king of this country' etc here on earth. No, real majesty - the creator of all. Purposeful with every part of creation. Another reminder of just Who it is we call God.

Finally, this passage ends with

Great is our Lord and of great power; His understanding is inexhaustible and boundless. Psalm 147:5 AMP

Yes, our God is great and of great power. We read about it, we see it. But He isn't a distant God. No. He is here. He understands. He understands us, more than we understand ourselves. He understands our desires, our passions and our fears. He simply and wonderfully understands.

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding.  Isaiah 40:28 AMP

And then, look what He gives to us,

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. Isaiah 40:29 AMP

And in return, what can we do? Praise Him.

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels, praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, all you stars of light! Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the heavens! Psalm 148:1-4 AMP

We have received an inheritance

Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. Ephesians 1:11 NLT

We have received an inheritance from God. Another version says, 'we obtained an inheritance'. The 'ed' means we have this inheritance today, or at least the first part of it.

It's in Christ that you, once you have heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free - signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. Ephesians 1:13-14 The Message

The beautiful, gentle Holy Spirit who resides in us. The Holy Spirit who is always ready to come to our aid, if we ask, listen and obey.

And not only the creation, but we ourselves too, who have and enjoy the firstfruits of the [Holy] Spirit [a foretaste of the blissful things to come] groan inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bodies [from sensuality and the grave, which will reveal] our adoption (our manifestation as God's sons). 

For in [this] hope we were saved. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For how can one hope for what one already sees? But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure.

So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. 

And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will.  Romans 8:23-27 AMP

And that, my friends, is only the first instalment of our inheritance when we unite with Christ. 

In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit. That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it - to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13-14 AMP

That is only the foretaste. The Holy Spirit working in us. The Holy Spirit that guides us in taking hold of this promise...

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labour] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 AMP

Questions for today, are you making full use of the first instalment of the inheritance you have received by choosing Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?  Are you asking, listening and obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit in every area of your life? 

I believe this is a continual journey for us all. I have found that some areas in my  life I have no problem submitting to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, but in other areas I am reluctant to give up my own motives and thoughts. So once again it is time to repent, accept God's forgiveness and listen, and wait in expectancy for what the Holy Spirit will teach us. Then act as He prompts.

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). Galatians 5:16 AMP

His plan is good

Valentines Day 2016 - look what was growing in our garden - a tangible, sweet smelling reminder of God's love for us. 

I wondered when He would prompt me to use this photo. Well today is the day, a day when  about two thousand years ago the world was in turmoil, and people were asking where is God? What is He doing? What is His plan now? (probably not too different to the questions many people are asking in today's world).

We, being blessed to live all these years later have the privilege of knowing what happened on the next day - Victory and reconciliation. Just as God knew then. He had a plan.

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bring us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5 NLT

Jesus is central to the plan.

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.  Ephesians 1:7 NLT

Jesus, our available every day, sweetness to all our senses, expression of God's love to us. Not just a fleeting expression from about two thousand years ago, but an every moment expression we can experience, if we yield to Him. Jesus is not like the rose that gradually wilts and dies. No He Lives. He Lives. He Lives.

[Again, the former successive line of priests] was made up of many, because they were each prevented by death from continuing [perpetually in office]; But He holds His priesthood unchangeably, because He lives on forever. 
Hebrews 7:23-24 AMP

And what does that mean for us?

Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them. Hebrews 7:25 AMP

God had a plan all the time. He still has a plan today. So today let's thank Him and chose to keep trusting that His plan is good. A plan that focuses on living abundantly in the 'now', and into eternity. A plan written in our hearts - Jesus.

This new plan I'm making with Israel isn't gong to be written on paper, isn't going to be chiseled in stone; This time I'm writing out the plan in them, carving it on the linings of their hearts. I'll be their God, they'll be my people. They won't go to school to learn about me, or buy a book called God in Five Easy Lessons. They'll all get to know me firsthand, the little and the big, the small and the great. They'll get to know me by being kindly forgiven with the slate of their sins forever wiped clean. Hebrews 8:10-12 The Message

Abundantly free

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people - free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! Ephesians 1:7 The Message

His blood - Us, abundantly free.

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). I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep. John 10:10 AMP

His life - Us, full and overflowing life

Over the past few weeks God has been teaching me about pain - physical pain that serves only to hinder life, the abundant life that He has given us. Physical pain that leads to emotional pain as you watch others suffering, feeling helpless. 

But what if physical pain serves to give life? We know it happens in childbirth, so why not in other areas of life? Maybe, just maybe, the physical pain causes us to go to a deeper more intimate relationship with Jesus, as we seek Him in the pain. He knows about pain. He experienced pain in every way possible. 

For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted(tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]. Hebrews 2:18 AMP

And He experienced it for a reason - to give us life. Life with our Heavenly Father - forever.

Therefore Jesus also suffered and died outside the [city's] gate in order that He might purify and consecrate the people through [the shedding of] His own blood and set them apart as holy [for God]. Hebrews 13:12 AMP

His suffering served to set us apart for God, to enable us to have an intimate relationship with God. But not only to give us the opportunity to live freely, but to help others see what Jesus has done.

"I am the Vine,  you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing." John 15:5 The Message

Because when we join with Jesus, the harvest is sure to be abundant, more people will come to the place where they will live life abundantly free.

Question for today, are you living in the freedom Jesus has given you, despite what is happening in your life? If not, ask Him today to show you how to be abundantly free despite your circumstances. And get ready, as it will probably involve some gentle mindset changes as He aligns your thoughts with His.

Again - He chose us.

Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love. Ephesians 1:4 AMP

Can you your head around get that truth - 'He chose us'? He chose us, the ones who make mistakes every day. The ones who upset people even though we try not to. The ones who make the wrong choices in different areas of our lives, again, even though we try not to. He chose us. 

He chose us, not to be His slaves, but to be His friends.

I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.]

You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you. John 15:16-16 AMP

He has chosen us for a reason. He had that reason in mind long before we were born. That is a bit of a mind-blowing concept, especially when you take a moment to consider that it applies not only to you and me, but to everyone on the earth - 7 billion plus people. And to all those who have gone before us, and to all those who are yet to be born.

In Him we were also made [God's] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will, so that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory! Ephesians 1:11-12 AMP

There is another One who was chosen. The One who was chosen to die for our sins and make a way for us to have a friendship with our Heavenly Father. His name is Jesus Christ. The Lamb of God. He is Lord of lords. And He chose us to save us.

They will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them; for He is Lord of lords and King of kings- and those with Him and on His side are chosen and called [elected] and loyal and faithful followers. Revelation 17:14 AMP

So today, let's take some time to remember Who Jesus is, and who we are because of Him ...

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 AMP

Let's choose to live in His light and to be His light in all we do today, despite what is happening around us.

God, the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours! 1 Peter 1:2 The Message

And let's not forget - He chose us.

He chose us

Easter is drawing near, so let's take some time to meditate on who Jesus is, what He has done, and who we are because of Him (really no different to what we should be doing every day!) 

Over the next few posts I will be asking God to give us fresh revelation as we read Ephesians 1:3-12. As we read it now, ask God to give you some new understanding of Christ and His love for you. Let's get ready for a wonderful God encounter as we read His word (tissues could be handy).

Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.

For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent] -

[So that we might be] to the praise and commendation of His glorious grace (favour and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favour, 

Which He lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence),

Making known to us the mystery (secret) of His will (of His plan, of His purpose). [And it is this:] In accordance with His good pleasure (His merciful intention) which He had previously purposed and set forth in Him,

[He planned] for the maturity of the times and the climax of the ages to unify all things and head them up and consummate them in Christ, [both] things in heaven and things on earth.

In Him we also were made [God's] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will,

So that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory!
Ephesians 1:4-12 AMP

Now, just to help us glean some more understanding, let's read it from The Message version...

Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people - free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. 

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
Ephesians 1:4-12 The Message

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for giving us the gift of being abundantly free through His blood. Please help us not to lose sight of the truth of what You have done for us and Your purpose for us. Thank you for choosing us. Thank You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

O Give Thanks

Today, let's meditate on these scriptures and give thanks to our God.

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

O give thanks to the God of gods, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever - 

To Him alone Who alone does great wonders, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

To Him Who by wisdom and understanding made the heavens, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

To Him Who stretched out the earth upon the waters, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

To Him Who made the great lights, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever -

......

To Him Who [earnestly] remembered us in our low estate and imprinted us [on His heart], for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

And rescued us from our enemies, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

To Him Who gives food to all flesh, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever;

O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!

Psalm 136:1-7, 23-26

Taste and see that the LORD is good

O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8 AMP

Today,  some scriptures to encourage us to always turn to God when the trials come. A reminder to give God the opportunity to work in our lives so we can experience His goodness.

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see - how good GOD is. Blessed are you who run to him. Psalm 34:8 The Message

When our feelings want to do a tantrum, we have to make the choice to run to Him, and to worship Him. Choosing to worship Him in the difficult times is an act of trust.

Worship GOD if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.  Psalm 34:9 The Message

God is there. He is listening. Always.

Is anyone crying for help? GOD is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find GOD right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get into trouble; still, GOD is there every time. Psalm 34:17-19 The Message

What happens in us when we do genuinely cry out to God, and worship Him despite the circumstances? We are revived and we live.

The humble shall see it and be glad; you who seek God, inquiring for and requiring Him [as your first need], let your hearts revive and live! Psalm 69:32 AMP

Regardless of what is going on, when we humble ourselves and ask God to help us, He answers, not always in the way we expect. But He does revive us.

Incline your ear [submit, and consent to the divine will] and come to Me; hear, and your soul will revive; and I will make an everlasting covenant or league with you, even the sure mercy (kindness, goodwill, and compassion) promised to David. Isaiah 55:3 AMP

Question, is there something going on in your life that is overwhelming you, causing fear to rise up and challenge your trust in God? Today, why not call out to God, and be expectant to taste and see that the LORD is good. Make a decision to trust that He will revive you.

Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the LORD,  you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:8-10 NLT

Let Him lead

The watchman opens the door for this man, and the sheep listen to his voice and heed it; and he calls his own sheep by name and brings (leads) them out.  John 10:3 AMP

This man, who the door is opened for - the Good Shepherd, Jesus, our Saviour.

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep. John 10:11 AMP

We are the sheep - listening.

Then with the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God) shine forth like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let him who has ears [to hear] be listening, and let him consider and perceive and understand by hearing. Matthew 13:43 AMP

We are the sheep - obeying. 

But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener, who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience). James 1:25 AMP

He calls us out by name. Jesus knows our name. Your name. My name.

I am the Good Shepherd, and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognise Me - John 10:14 AMP

He leads us. 

He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him - not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake. Psalm 23:3 AMP

It is in our best interests to follow, not only for ourselves, but for everyone He has planned to bring alongside and around us.

Question for today, are you a sheep that listen and obeys, in every area of your life? If, like me, when you take time to really look at your life, you realise the answer is No, then why not take some time today to repent and submit all areas of your life to Him. 

Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life. Psalm 25:1

And let Him lead.

Jesus and His blood

Jesus and His blood

By Alexandra, March 2016

Yesterday Alexandra, our 6 year old daughter, gave me this picture she had drawn. Her explanation as she handed it to me was something like, 'See Mum, this is Jesus and His blood.'

Okay. I look up from my work and look at what she has drawn. And yes, it is Jesus and His blood. After a couple of very challenging weeks, what a wonderfully simple reminder of what we have been given, regardless of what is going on - Jesus and His blood.

Therefore, since we are not justified (acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ's blood, how much more [certain is it that] we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God. Romans 5:9 AMP

The Message Bible puts it this way,

Now that we are set right with God by means of this sacrificial death, the consummate blood sacrifice, there is no longer a question of being at odds with God in any way. 

Romans 5:9 The Message

And then look what it goes on to say, another reminder of just how much God loves us, and what He has done for us even though we didn't deserve it.

If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we're at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by the means of his resurrection life! Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in prodding prose. We sing and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah!

Romans 5:10-11 The Message

We have direct access to the creator of the universe. Jesus has given us that access.

So, friends, we can now - without hesitation - walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body. Hebrews 10:21 The Message

And what's more, the creator of the universe wants to talk to us and hear from us. He wants to hear how much we love Him; to hear that we need Him; to hear that we love the people He has created; to hear that we are willing to be His hands and feet here on this earth. 

So let's do it - full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Hebrews 10:22-23 The Message

This intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father is available to us because of Jesus and His blood. Today let's take some time to think about Jesus and His blood, and what He has done for us. And sing and shout our praise.

And from Jesus Christ the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead [first to be brought back to life] and the Prince (Ruler) of the kings of the earth. to Him Who ever loves us and has once [for all] loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood. And formed us into a kingdom (a royal race), priests to His God and Father - to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion throughout the ages and forever and ever. Amen (so be it). Revelation 1:5-6 AMP

God's Yes

Stand in awe of God's Yes.
Oh, how he blesses the one who fears GOD!
Psalm 128:4 The Message

Last week, when the heat was on, every ounce of our being - mind,body and spirit, was focused on standing firm. Standing firm on the Rock.

The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower. Psalm 18:2 AMP

It was a week where we had to completely align our thoughts with God's promises. 

Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him, this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God's Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident. God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge - a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete. 2 Corinthians 1:20 The Message

It was a week where we needed others to pray on our behalf - and thank to everyone who did pray for us.

But this week, this week we are still standing - but standing in awe of God's Yes. Standing in awe of what He alone can do. Standing in awe of what one meant for evil, God turned to good. 

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labour] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 AMP

We don't know all the details of the 'plan', but every time we experience a week like last week, we know more of God's Yes. We are put in a position where we have to make a choice to trust Him more, and not be stale or stagnant in our relationship with God.

Write to Laodicea, to the Angel of the church. God's Yes, the Faithful and Accurate Witness, the First of God's creation, says:

"I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot - far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless. 

"Here's what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that's been through the refiner's fire. Then you'll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You've gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see.

Revelation 3:14-18 The Message

Question for today, are there some areas in your life that are stale or stagnant when it comes to God and his sovereignty? Today, let's humble ourselves and invite Him into those areas of our lives and wait in anticipation of what He will do. Get ready to stand firm on The Rock, and stand in awe at God's Yes.

Standing fast

And when the congregation of the synagogue dispersed, many of the Jews and the devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked to them and urged them to continue [to trust themselves to and to stand fast] in the grace (unmerited favour and blessing) of God. Acts 13:43 AMP

There has been a lot of standing fast in our family this week. Circumstances have been no where near what Job experienced, but certainly this has been our declaration,

My uprightness and my right standing with God I hold fast and will not let them go;  Job 27:6 AMP

It has been a case of taking every thought captive, or as The Message Bible puts it,

'fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of a life shaped by Christ' 2 Corinthians 10:5 The Message

It has been a case of continually asking God to put a guard over mouths.

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3 NIV

And then to remain in unity, 

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133 NIV

And why can / do we do our best to stand fast? Because we know there is One who always stands fast. It is not a challenge for Him, because it is Who He is - faithful.

Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [stands firm as the heavens]. Your faithfulness is from generation to generation; You have established the earth, and it stands fast. Psalm 119:89-90 AMP

He is the Rock on which we stand. He will deliver us.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever.... But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:26, 28 AMP

Question for today, are you facing a situation where you need to stand, stand and keep standing? If so, let's remind ourselves that He is faithful and continually declare God's truth into the situation today. Let's grow our trust in Him.

Unto You do I lift up my eyes

Unto You do I lift up my eyes O You Who are enthroned in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of the servant look to the hand of their master, and as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress so our eyes look to the Lord our God until He has mercy and loving-kindness to us. Psalm 123:1-2 AMP

There are some days when all we can do is lift up our eyes and trust in God alone. These are the days that the Jesus Calling devotion tells us to pray, 'Thank You, Jesus, for this opportunity to trust You more.'

These are the days when it is imperative that we can stand and declare God's word over our lives and our circumstances. These are the days when we stand on scriptures like these...

I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah] – from whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip or to be moved; He Who keeps you will not slumber. Psalm 121:1-3

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down. He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit, he’ll always be there to help you through it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:36-39

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

As you know, we considered blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally bought about. The Lord is full of mercy and compassion. James 5:11

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 

The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace. Psalm 29:11

Blessed be the Lord, who bears our burdens and carries us day by day, even the God of our salvation! Selah [pause and calmly think of that]! Psalm 68:19 

For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible fulfilment. Luke 1:37 

These are just some of the scriptures that remind us who God is and what He has promised. Scriptures that help us to re-focus our thoughts on God rather than our circumstances.

So today, regardless of what is going on, let's make a choice to lift up our eyes and look to Him. Let's make a choice to meditate on what these scriptures tell us about God, His love, His mercy, His compassion, His strength, His peace - Our salvation. Thank You Jesus, all praise and glory to You alone.

Please listen

So watch your step, friends. Make sure there's no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. For as long as it's still God's Today, keep each other on your toes so sin doesn't slow down your reflexes. If we can only keep our grip on the sure thing we started out with, we're in this with Christ for the long haul. 

These words keep ringing in our ears:

Today, please listen: don't turn a deaf ear as in the bitter uprising.

For who were the people who turned a deaf ear? Weren't they the very ones Moses led out of Egypt? And who was God provoked with for forty years? Wasn't it those who turned a deaf ear and ended up corpses in the wilderness? And when he swore that they'd never get where they were going, wasn't he talking to the ones who turned a  deaf ear? They never got there because they never listened, never believed. 

Hebrews 3:12-19 The Message

What do you do when you see and hear things that don't align with God's word? As Christians lets make sure we don't turn a deaf ear, but rather that we take more time to listen to our Heavenly Father, listen to what He is saying, listen to His heart for His creation, listen for what He wants us to do. And then do what He asks us to do - obey.

God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it - no matter what.
Hebrews 4:12-13 The Message

Let's look this verse in the Amplified version...

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.
Hebrews 4:12-13 AMP

Sometimes we want to scream, 'God, can't you see what is going on here? What is happening?' We can feel helpless at a personal level, community level, national level and global level. 

But here in Hebrews we read, that ..

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:13 NLT

God does see what is going on in this world. He is not surprised by it. He sees the bigger picture. He knows the end game.

Our responsibility is to not lose sight of Him in this crazy world.  We, each one of us are accountable to God. We are accountable for not turning a deaf ear. We are accountable for listening to Him and following His direction. He loves us, every one of His creations. He sacrificed His Son so we could have life.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV

When we don't know what to do or say, we can declare His Word, pray and wait for direction. 

Now that we know what we have - Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God - let's not let it slip through our fingers. Hebrews 4:14 The Message

Question for today, is there something that is troubling you, at any level, that causes you to wonder what God is doing or not doing? Today, as His people let's choose to keep our eyes fixed on Him, knowing that His banner over us is love.

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love [for love waved as a protecting and comforting banner over my head when I was near him]. Song of Solomon 2:4 AMP