Month: November 2013

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

 

As tomorrow is Thanksgiving we should all reflect on the things we are thankful for. Giving thanks should be a daily occurrence not an annual ritual. God moves in my life in so many many ways, it’s not just the big things that count, it’s in the smallest as well. God is so good! 

 

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah 1:5

 

God sees our entire existence, from before conception to the end of our days here on earth. He knows your triumphs and failures before you’ve accomplished them. But still he loves you and pursues you as one of his greatly loved children, not wanting you to choose the path of destruction. Be comforted that God chases after you and thankful that Christ died for you.

 

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ (Deut. 6:5) This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Lev. 19:18)

Matthew 22:37-39

 

To get his point across, Jesus pulled out some old testament language the people could understand. The newer message he was conveying, which he repeated a few other times throughout the New Testament, was to act with love toward others. If you think about all of the people you come in contact with each day and approaching them with a loving attitude, you’d see how the people around you would react differently. If you could imagine a great many people doing the same, the world could be changed. Try approaching people this way today and see the reactions you will get.

 

The same happens to all who forget God.
The hopes of the godless evaporate.

Job 8.13

 

When prosperity evaporates and mountain top experiences fade into the darkness of the valley, some misinterpret the silence and distance themselves from God. It’s important to praise God for our good fortune and to rely on Him in times of struggle. God is the source of all things, never take your focus off of Him. Hope will evaporate like water on hot asphalt if your gaze becomes focused on your troubles instead of the One who can restore you. 

 

“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16

 

Are you where you want to be? Are you doing the job you want to be doing? Are you making the kind of money you want to be making? God has you where you are for a reason. He has things for you to learn, he is molding you every day into the man or woman He wants you to be. He has a purpose for you and He wants you to be OK with where He has you right now. If you are measuring success by the worlds standards you are missing out on God’s great grace. 

 

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.

Psalm 39:7

 

There are lyrics from a song we sing during worship, “Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord.” Those words have such a deep meaning. When we’re going through struggles, it’s God we should be relying on for our strength. We can be prideful as humans, thinking we can make it on our own. But the truth is, we can’t and we don’t have to. Sometimes God has a waiting period set aside for us, a time where he wants us to rely solely on him and learn to trust him. Be humble, draw strength from God, wait patiently and all things will come together for good.

 

I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the LORD, am the one who does these things.

Isaiah 45:7

 

God creates both times where we prosper and times where we are tried. When our lives are prosperous we should praise God with thanksgiving and by being generous to others. When we face hard times we should not be crushed, but we should ask God what he wants us to learn. In all situations God should be praised and be at the center of our lives.

 

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

 

Believing is the first thing required when becoming a follower of Jesus. That same faith must also be present as you seek direction and help from him. You may not get immediate answers, but you have to have faith that you will, no matter how long it takes. Someone who has faith will pray with boldness and determination, fully confident that God will come through for them.

 

When these celebrations ended—sometimes after several days—Job would purify his children. He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt offering for each of them. For Job said to himself, “Perhaps my children have sinned and have cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.

Job 1:5

 

For those of us who have children or have friends who do, they mean everything to us. There’s nothing you wouldn’t do for them. I pray for my kids every day, for guidance, blessings and protection. Job sacrificed for his kids on a regular basis, constantly attempting to keep them right with God. The best thing we can do for our kids is pray for them and be a good example.

 

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 31:8

 

When I pray for something that seems out of my reach, I pray that God will go before me and prepare the way. If it’s in God’s will, having the obstacles cleared out of the way or strategically placed is the most I can ask for. God wants us to be bold with our prayers, to trust in him. It may be immediate, it may be a month, or it could take years, but pray without ceasing. God is capable and with him we are capable as well.