Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And [yet] not one of them is forgotten or uncared for in the presence of God. But [even] the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Do not be struck with fear or seized with alarm; you are of greater worth than many [flocks] of sparrows. Luke 12:6-7 AMP
This morning I felt that God wants to remind us that we are of greater worth to Him. The Message Bible puts it this way
"What's the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail - even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries. Luke 12:6-7 The Message
He loves us so much, that He wants to spend eternity with us - yes, you and me.
For God so greatly love and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. John 3:16 AMP
He loves us so much, that He gave us Jesus - life.
But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life. John 4:14 AMP
Questions for today, do you believe you are of greater worth to God? Do you believe that God wants to spend every moment of eternity with you? Do you believe that Jesus has given you life?
If you are not sure how to answer these questions, why not take some quiet time today to talk to God about these things, and ask Him to help you believe that you are of greater worth to 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. Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God's people; once you were unpitied, but now you are pitied and have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 AMP
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Our plan vs His plan
They went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route. So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn't let them go their either. Acts 16:6-7 The Message
We all have plans. Sometimes our plans aren't the same as God's plan for our lives. Today I have a simple example of a plan I had that wasn't God's plan. And when I say simple, it is very simple, not a life changing event in itself - other than what God taught me from the outcome.
Over the past couple of days I have been working with my parents to complete a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle (as I said, not a life changing event in itself). We had found all the edge pieces and put them in place. I had separated out all the pieces for the rafters at the top of the puzzle and the floor tiles at the bottom of the puzzle. My plan was that we would do those sections first, and then complete the middle section.
However, as we resumed our puzzle work the next day, we didn't use any of those pieces, rather I worked on the left hand side of the puzzle and my parents on the middle section. There was no discussion about this new plan, it just happened and flowed that way. Thankfully I wasn't stubbornly attached to my plan which could have made the whole experience a little stressful and controlling for my mum and dad! And in fact the rafters and floor tiles ended up being the last part of the puzzle to be completed.
God had reminded me that His plans are so often different to our plans, and they are always best.
Following on in Paul's story above ...
That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans. Acts 16:9-10 The Message
All the pieces had come together - only God knows the big picture. He knows how it all fits together. Sometimes we don't even know what piece we are to connect to on the right, left, top or bottom - but He knows. All we have to do is listen and obey. Although that is easier said than done, because it involves us relinquishing control and trusting God.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message
Questions for today, is there something in your life that you have made a plan for? Have you surrendered that plan to God, allowing Him to have His way? Are you prepared to accept His changes to your plan, in a submissive and trusting way? If this is a struggle for you, as it is for most of us human beings with our own free will, let's repent and ask God right now to help us to submit to Him in all we do.
My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. Psalm 62:5 AMP
We all have plans. Sometimes our plans aren't the same as God's plan for our lives. Today I have a simple example of a plan I had that wasn't God's plan. And when I say simple, it is very simple, not a life changing event in itself - other than what God taught me from the outcome.
Over the past couple of days I have been working with my parents to complete a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle (as I said, not a life changing event in itself). We had found all the edge pieces and put them in place. I had separated out all the pieces for the rafters at the top of the puzzle and the floor tiles at the bottom of the puzzle. My plan was that we would do those sections first, and then complete the middle section.
However, as we resumed our puzzle work the next day, we didn't use any of those pieces, rather I worked on the left hand side of the puzzle and my parents on the middle section. There was no discussion about this new plan, it just happened and flowed that way. Thankfully I wasn't stubbornly attached to my plan which could have made the whole experience a little stressful and controlling for my mum and dad! And in fact the rafters and floor tiles ended up being the last part of the puzzle to be completed.
God had reminded me that His plans are so often different to our plans, and they are always best.
Following on in Paul's story above ...
That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans. Acts 16:9-10 The Message
All the pieces had come together - only God knows the big picture. He knows how it all fits together. Sometimes we don't even know what piece we are to connect to on the right, left, top or bottom - but He knows. All we have to do is listen and obey. Although that is easier said than done, because it involves us relinquishing control and trusting God.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message
Questions for today, is there something in your life that you have made a plan for? Have you surrendered that plan to God, allowing Him to have His way? Are you prepared to accept His changes to your plan, in a submissive and trusting way? If this is a struggle for you, as it is for most of us human beings with our own free will, let's repent and ask God right now to help us to submit to Him in all we do.
My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. Psalm 62:5 AMP
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Challenge to let God change us
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. Romans 12:2 AMP
Sometimes we are conforming to this world and we don't even know it. The influences of our culture are so subtle that we just take them as 'this is how we do life' without questioning as to whether that is God's way to do life. We see wants as needs. We accept certain behaviours because seemingly 'everyone is doing it.'
It is a challenge to step back and question what we are thinking, saying and doing. Asking the question, how does this align with God's plan and purpose for our lives? How does this align with God's truth?
But it is a challenge God wants us to take on and embrace.
Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
And I believe it starts by seeking God, humbling ourselves and asking Him to change us .... but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think ....
Yesterday a friend shared this prayer with me. It seems to me like a great prayer to do exactly that - humble ourselves before God and ask Him to help us break-free and re-align with Him and His plan, when our thinking has gone skew-whiff, we have become complacent, proud, and comfortable with the status quo.
Disturb us, Lord when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
with abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldy,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sign of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
Attributed - Sir Frances Drake - 1577
And yes, some of the lines in that prayer seem a little scary, particularly the 'where storms will show your mastery', but as I have learnt, God's mastery is always more wonderful than we can imagine.
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams] - to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). Ephesians 3:20 AMP
So let's take up the challenge today, and pray that prayer wholeheartedly, with courage and expectancy for what God will do and the good He will bring in and through us.
Sometimes we are conforming to this world and we don't even know it. The influences of our culture are so subtle that we just take them as 'this is how we do life' without questioning as to whether that is God's way to do life. We see wants as needs. We accept certain behaviours because seemingly 'everyone is doing it.'
It is a challenge to step back and question what we are thinking, saying and doing. Asking the question, how does this align with God's plan and purpose for our lives? How does this align with God's truth?
But it is a challenge God wants us to take on and embrace.
Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
And I believe it starts by seeking God, humbling ourselves and asking Him to change us .... but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think ....
Yesterday a friend shared this prayer with me. It seems to me like a great prayer to do exactly that - humble ourselves before God and ask Him to help us break-free and re-align with Him and His plan, when our thinking has gone skew-whiff, we have become complacent, proud, and comfortable with the status quo.
Disturb us, Lord when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
with abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldy,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sign of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
Attributed - Sir Frances Drake - 1577
And yes, some of the lines in that prayer seem a little scary, particularly the 'where storms will show your mastery', but as I have learnt, God's mastery is always more wonderful than we can imagine.
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams] - to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). Ephesians 3:20 AMP
So let's take up the challenge today, and pray that prayer wholeheartedly, with courage and expectancy for what God will do and the good He will bring in and through us.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Being vulnerable with God's truth
Today, a couple of scriptures that I am sure you have read many times before. Scriptures that encourage us to:
1. Know that when we are weak, that is the perfect place to be, because we then lean further on Jesus, and find that In Him we can be strong.
2. Remember we have the Holy Spirit who helps us and intercedes for us.
3. Know that God always has a plan, and He works all things together for good.
As you read these scriptures, try not to say to yourself, 'Oh yes, I know these scriptures', but rather ask the God to reveal something new to you as you read them, and be expectant. For me, I have read them and clung onto them many times, but as I read them this morning I found myself in tears. So let's get vulnerable with our loving Heavenly Father .....
But He said to me, My grace (My favour and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength]. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 AMP
And then he told me, My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focussing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size - abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 The Message
So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears 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. 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 8:26-28 AMP
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit in right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail of our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26-28 The Message
And a beautiful worship song to finish - The Wondrous Cross by Chrisy Nockels.
1. Know that when we are weak, that is the perfect place to be, because we then lean further on Jesus, and find that In Him we can be strong.
2. Remember we have the Holy Spirit who helps us and intercedes for us.
3. Know that God always has a plan, and He works all things together for good.
As you read these scriptures, try not to say to yourself, 'Oh yes, I know these scriptures', but rather ask the God to reveal something new to you as you read them, and be expectant. For me, I have read them and clung onto them many times, but as I read them this morning I found myself in tears. So let's get vulnerable with our loving Heavenly Father .....
But He said to me, My grace (My favour and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength]. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 AMP
And then he told me, My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focussing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size - abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 The Message
So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears 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. 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 8:26-28 AMP
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit in right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail of our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26-28 The Message
And a beautiful worship song to finish - The Wondrous Cross by Chrisy Nockels.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Companionship
God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9 AMP
This week I shared this verse with a friend who is facing a difficult circumstance, praying that her companionship with Jesus would help to bring peace and hope. Since then I have been reflecting on my own companionship journey with Jesus.
God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. 1 Corinthians 1:9 The Message
From that moment I yielded, asking Jesus Christ to be Lord of my life - almost 20 years ago, I have felt that Jesus was my friend, the one confidante that would always be with me.
The One I could always seek wisdom from, whatever the question or issue. Three months after becoming a Christian, the question I needed an answer on was, should I say yes to Ken's marriage proposal? I waited six months for His answer on that question - a resounding yes (much to Ken's relief).
If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:22
The One I could always ask for help and know that help would be provided, when I couldn't see a way. Soon after we were married, I remember walking past our apartment, looking at the windows, saying, "God those curtains are so embarrassing, it would be great to have some wooden blinds." A couple of days later someone knocked on our door asking to use our apartment for a dog food TV commercial because we had a certain type window. And they wanted to put wooden blinds in all the windows. What's more, they were going to leave the wooden blinds in the window.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah] - from whence shall my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 AMP
The One who always provides comfort and hope in the times of disappointment. After Marshall was born I had two miscarriages. I started to think we wouldn't have any more children. It was a time of many early morning walks along the beach, talking to God, crying out God, seeking His love and reassurance, asking Him to restore hope.
Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes of shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 AMP
The One who is always listening, never too busy (unlike me, the mum). The One who provides protection in so many different ways. The One who is the source of all we need. The One who is the perfect companion, always, no matter what is going on.
The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner meaning]. Psalm 25:14 AMP
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are the perfect companion for each of us. Thank you that you know how we will respond to things in our lives, and thank you that You always have the perfect response to us - Your love and grace. Please help us to be vessels of Your love and grace today. Amen.
This week I shared this verse with a friend who is facing a difficult circumstance, praying that her companionship with Jesus would help to bring peace and hope. Since then I have been reflecting on my own companionship journey with Jesus.
God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. 1 Corinthians 1:9 The Message
From that moment I yielded, asking Jesus Christ to be Lord of my life - almost 20 years ago, I have felt that Jesus was my friend, the one confidante that would always be with me.
The One I could always seek wisdom from, whatever the question or issue. Three months after becoming a Christian, the question I needed an answer on was, should I say yes to Ken's marriage proposal? I waited six months for His answer on that question - a resounding yes (much to Ken's relief).
If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:22
The One I could always ask for help and know that help would be provided, when I couldn't see a way. Soon after we were married, I remember walking past our apartment, looking at the windows, saying, "God those curtains are so embarrassing, it would be great to have some wooden blinds." A couple of days later someone knocked on our door asking to use our apartment for a dog food TV commercial because we had a certain type window. And they wanted to put wooden blinds in all the windows. What's more, they were going to leave the wooden blinds in the window.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah] - from whence shall my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 AMP
The One who always provides comfort and hope in the times of disappointment. After Marshall was born I had two miscarriages. I started to think we wouldn't have any more children. It was a time of many early morning walks along the beach, talking to God, crying out God, seeking His love and reassurance, asking Him to restore hope.
Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes of shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 AMP
The One who is always listening, never too busy (unlike me, the mum). The One who provides protection in so many different ways. The One who is the source of all we need. The One who is the perfect companion, always, no matter what is going on.
The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner meaning]. Psalm 25:14 AMP
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are the perfect companion for each of us. Thank you that you know how we will respond to things in our lives, and thank you that You always have the perfect response to us - Your love and grace. Please help us to be vessels of Your love and grace today. Amen.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
More than conquerors
I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121 AMP
This week we, as a family, have been reminded of so many things, including
When in our world there seems to be no other options, He always has options. We are so grateful to have received His mercy and grace this week. There is one song that I have been playing over and over - Amazing Grace.
I pray that what God has done for Victoria this week brings encouragement and hope into your life, and a knowing that He makes a way, always.
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 there to help you through it. 1 Corinthians 10:31 The Message
This is true. He doesn't let us down - He just does things differently to what we expect. He doesn't let us be pushed past our limit - He knows our weaknesses, and wants to fill us with His strength. He's always there to help us through it - He doesn't walk away and leave us to go through it alone, He is beside us, and often carrying us.
Question for today, what are you looking to the LORD to do? We are still looking to the LORD to bring complete healing for Victoria. We are thanking Him every day for what He has done and what He will do.
So today, let's give thanks for what God has done, and more importantly for Who He is.
Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. John 14:6 AMP
And in Him, who are we? We are more than conquerors...
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 8:37-39 AMP
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121 AMP
This week we, as a family, have been reminded of so many things, including
- to keep lifting our eyes up - to Him
- to always look to the LORD for help
- that He watches over us
When in our world there seems to be no other options, He always has options. We are so grateful to have received His mercy and grace this week. There is one song that I have been playing over and over - Amazing Grace.
I pray that what God has done for Victoria this week brings encouragement and hope into your life, and a knowing that He makes a way, always.
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 there to help you through it. 1 Corinthians 10:31 The Message
This is true. He doesn't let us down - He just does things differently to what we expect. He doesn't let us be pushed past our limit - He knows our weaknesses, and wants to fill us with His strength. He's always there to help us through it - He doesn't walk away and leave us to go through it alone, He is beside us, and often carrying us.
Question for today, what are you looking to the LORD to do? We are still looking to the LORD to bring complete healing for Victoria. We are thanking Him every day for what He has done and what He will do.
So today, let's give thanks for what God has done, and more importantly for Who He is.
Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. John 14:6 AMP
And in Him, who are we? We are more than conquerors...
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 8:37-39 AMP
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Faith in God's Word
Surely or only goodness, mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place. Psalm 23:6 AMP
Here is one of God's promises about our future. A promise about what we will experience all the days of our lives - goodness, mercy and unfailing love. It is so easy to have faith in this promise when we see goodness, mercy and unfailing love in and around us.
But what about on the days when it isn't so easy to see His goodness, mercy and unfailing love? What about those days when it takes every ounce of self-control to take thoughts captive and not indulge in self-pity, but rather turn our mind to God's promises and choose to believe them?
God's promises don't change.
Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [stands firm as the heavens]. Psalm 119:89 AMP
No, His promises do not change. It is our response to them that changes, and what a lot of emotional energy we can waste in that process. How exhausting it can be! So why do we do it? Why do we oscillate between believing and questioning?
I think it is because we don't really know and understand God. We don't really know who He is and how much He loves us. We don't really understand how He works, His plan to work all things together for good. We get glimpses, but not the big big picture. And a lack of knowledge and understanding makes it difficult for us to simply trust Him.
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Proverbs 3:5 AMP
Because trusting Him completely means we have to 'let go' of all our ideas and understanding and trust that He knows and He has it all under control. And trusting is hard, because for so many of us, we have trusted in the past, and seemingly been disappointed. And we have to pick up and acknowledge wholeheartedly .....
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 AMP
Question for today, is there a promise from God that you some times struggle to believe is going to come to pass? Today, let's ask God to show us what is holding us back from continually trusting in Him? And show us what we need to do to change. He loves us and wants the best for us.
We love Him, because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19 AMP
Here is one of God's promises about our future. A promise about what we will experience all the days of our lives - goodness, mercy and unfailing love. It is so easy to have faith in this promise when we see goodness, mercy and unfailing love in and around us.
But what about on the days when it isn't so easy to see His goodness, mercy and unfailing love? What about those days when it takes every ounce of self-control to take thoughts captive and not indulge in self-pity, but rather turn our mind to God's promises and choose to believe them?
God's promises don't change.
Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [stands firm as the heavens]. Psalm 119:89 AMP
No, His promises do not change. It is our response to them that changes, and what a lot of emotional energy we can waste in that process. How exhausting it can be! So why do we do it? Why do we oscillate between believing and questioning?
I think it is because we don't really know and understand God. We don't really know who He is and how much He loves us. We don't really understand how He works, His plan to work all things together for good. We get glimpses, but not the big big picture. And a lack of knowledge and understanding makes it difficult for us to simply trust Him.
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Proverbs 3:5 AMP
Because trusting Him completely means we have to 'let go' of all our ideas and understanding and trust that He knows and He has it all under control. And trusting is hard, because for so many of us, we have trusted in the past, and seemingly been disappointed. And we have to pick up and acknowledge wholeheartedly .....
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 AMP
Question for today, is there a promise from God that you some times struggle to believe is going to come to pass? Today, let's ask God to show us what is holding us back from continually trusting in Him? And show us what we need to do to change. He loves us and wants the best for us.
We love Him, because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19 AMP
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