Ps 34:19 “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.”
What a word for us this morning. God sees everything you’re going through, every lie spoken about you, every seemingly impossible situation.
He hears the lies the enemy is whispering in your ear, ‘You’ll never get a job! You’re gonna lose your house! Your God will never come through for you! Is there really a God? You’ll never get married!’
But know this, God says we WILL face troubles, probably more then our share, but the Lord comes to our rescue each and every time.
Wait for it, wait for it, He’s coming to the rescue, just in time. Just remember t get your eyes off your own problems and see what you can do for those around you. Do some ‘makes-no-sense’ kind of goodness to others then watch it come back to you, pressed down, shaken together and running over.
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:8-14
No. I don’t have my holidays mixed up! Yes. I know this is typically spoken during the time we celebrate Christ’s birth, not death and resurrection. But when I was thinking of this weekend being Easter, I thought, if He’d never been born, He would have never died.
It’s a simple truth, really. God had a plan, a very big plan, to buy us access to Him without the rituals of daily blood and sacrifice. A one time, ultimate sacrifice of His Son. To pull it off though, it involved a young girl named Mary, her betrothed, Joseph, her cousin Elizabeth and her husband, Zacharias….well, you can read it all for yourself beginning in chapter 1.
My point is, plans involve people, lots and lots of people. Finding the right combination of people to accomplish that plan takes a Master who sees all and knows all. A God with the highest perspective and access to hearts. Who knows just when to stir up the gifts He’s placed in them, to move to where He needs them to be and to passionately serve His purpose.
No wonder the angels were so geeked! They were excited to see the plan of God appear in the earth, to welcome back all the sons and daughters back to the throne room of God.
Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill to men.
So when you’re facing thoughts of hopelessness and discouragement, look up toward the God who has a bigger plan than you could ever imagine. You’re a small part of that. Find your place, walk in your peace and the goodwill the Father has in store for those who love Him.
I have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes I get so busy that I forget, but this morning I’m reminded to be thankful, so thats what I’ll do.
Psalm 100 says to make a joyful noise to the Lord. Serve Him with gladness. Come before Him with singing and praise. So this morning, I’m going to do just that!
I’m thankful for a job, roof over my head, food in my cupboards. I’m thankful for a husband who loves me, daughters who’ve become friends, a ‘son’ who’s honorable and grandchildren who are just plain fun.
I’m thankful for great pastors who are here to serve God, not please man. I’m thankful for the affect their ministry has had on my life. They have encouraged me to go after God.
Most of all, I’m thankful for the blood of Jesus that was shed for me so I could stand forgiven before a holy God, right smack dab in the middle of His righteousness. I’m thankful that with that shed blood, it brought everything I have or will ever need in life.
I’m thankful that He walks with me and talks with me. I’m thankful for the opportunity to type these words and to bring before Him a sacrifice of praise each and everyday.
I’m thankful that when I say the name of Jesus, demons tremble and flee. There’s power in that name. Turmoil is chased away by the peace that rushes in.
I’m thankful for you who took the time to read this. I hope you will make a log of your own thankfulness and give God some Glory today! And may the peace of God that passes all understanding guard your heart and your mind. May you know that he lives inside of you and brings everything that you need today and everyday. In Jesus name, Amen
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matthew 24:36
If the Son doesn’t know and He’s one with the Father, why are you wasting time trying to figure out when whatever you’re going through will end? His instructions were to occupy till He comes, not try to figure out what, where, when and how.
The Syrians made life hell for God’s people. They were starving, persecuted and it went on far too long. So long that Gideon hid in the wine press to thresh wheat so his family could eat. (Judges 6) And the angel of the Lord came to Gideon and called him a “mighty man of valor”. Why? Because as long as Gideon was focused on the bad going on around him, He’d never hear the instructions for deliverance of His people.
It’s so important that we don’t lose hope or give up on life because of what we see happening around us. Can things get worse before Jesus returns? Absolutely! Stop focusing on that and live your life in the now. Be the light you were created to be. God will take care of you, you take care to listen and obey.
And stop negotiating with God! He’s not a car salesman where you can talk down the price. You can’t get a better deal then the promise that He’ll never leave you or forsake you. Keep listening. Keep following. In due season, you’ll reap if you don’t faint.
It takes a grinding wheel to sharpen a blade, and so one person sharpens the character of another. Proverbs 27:17 TPT
I was thinking, what exactly is meant by this? Suddenly I saw a knife with a nick in the blade and as it was placed on the grinding stone, it slowing disappeared. When finished, it looked as though it had never been there, sharp and shiny as new.
All of the people God has placed in my life at different seasons have done this for me. Some have rubbed me the wrong way, but it turned out to be the right way, I just expecting something other than what God had planned for me.
How often have I complained about this person or that person? It was only in reflection have I saw the way God used them to hone my listening skills, my speech patterns, my writing and yes, even my patience. And just when I think I’m sharp enough, in swoops another one to shave off a nick I didn’t see was there.
I’m thankful for the friends God has placed in my life. I maybe wasn’t at the time, but I am now. If you’re a current friend of mine, don’t take this as an invitation to start grinding on me. I might bite your head off or possibly shove you into a dark room, but don’t give up on me.
Have you ever been in the middle of a situation that looked so impossible and had been going on for so long it consumed you? The pressure of people depending on you to feed them, provide for them. Add to that years of promises that hadn’t come to pass. Such was the state we find the King of Israel in after the Syrians had held the city captive for 7 years.
You’ll find the story in 2 Kings 7 how the people were so consumed how things were with themselves that they hadn’t even realized their enemies had fled. God used 4 unlikely lepers to pronounce freedom to the city and in one day everything that could change, overwhelmingly changed. One day you’re eating donkey heads, the next day filet minion.
Who does that? God! He, the master planner has a plan. Its such a big plan that your mind can’t wrap around it. It’s a plan that people will be talking about forever. Now if that doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what will.
He’s the same God who delivered the 3 Hebrew children from the blazing furnace, the same God who sent His son, Jesus to buy us back so we could fellowship with Him. If He’d do it for them, He’ll do it for you.
For one tiny moment, get your eyes off your problem and worship the God who has your turnaround moment on His mind.
“Afflicted city, storm-battered, unpitied: I’m about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise, lay your foundations with sapphires, construct your towers with rubies, your gates with jewels, and all your walls with precious stones. All your children will have God for their teacher—what a mentor for your children! You’ll be built solid, grounded in righteousness, far from any trouble—nothing to fear! far from terror—it won’t even come close! If anyone attacks you, don’t for a moment suppose that I sent them, and if any should attack, nothing will come of it. I create the blacksmith who fires up his forge and makes a weapon designed to kill. I also create the destroyer-but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar. This is what God’s servants can expect. I’ll see to it that everything works out for the best.” God’s Decree. Isaiah 54:11-17 Msg
Too often we forget that we are God’s servants and we can expect this for ourselves. We think it was written for the Jews centuries ago. We forget that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. We’ve been adopted, grafted in to the vine, His own special people, sons and daughters of the Most High God.
Now go back and read those verses again and put your name in it. Make it personal, because it is. It’s God’s decree to you, his child. (Add the names of your children and grandchildren here) will have God for their teacher-what a mentor for them. How can they fail in life when He leads them into all truth. Walt and I are built solid, grounded in righteousness, far from any trouble-nothing to fear! far from terror, it won’t even come close to us. Any attack on us, our children, grandchildren, our bodies or our finances is NOT of God. You are a good God and want the best for us. Our hope is in You and we trust and rely on You.’
We are remnant, His remnant people. He will always take care of His own.
I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right. Isaiah 45:19 NLT
What a way to start the day! This is just another way to be like my Father this week. Declaring bold promises! Coming into agreement with His Word of truth.
Did you know that there is nothing that has more power than the Words God has decreed? That’s right. And when you come into agreement with those words, it strikes a match that is seen as faith. It doesn’t mean that the enemy won’t try to blow that match out, he’s on it! But shelter that flame and don’t let it go out for in due season (that means when it’s Gods perfect time for optimal glory), you’ll see what you’re standing in faith for.
Father, measure the words of my mouth. Anything that tries to come out that is contrary to Your Words, Your will and Your ways, stop them at the gate. I will not speak against Your Word. I will not speak my feelings, the facts of my circumstances, the things I see in the natural. Your Word changes all of that! My words will not sound like the worlds words. My thoughts will not be like the worlds thoughts. Everything must bow to Your living Word of truth.
Thank you that as I seek You this morning, I will find You. You’re not hiding from me. I call Your name and You respond. Oh that fills me, thrills me, chills me. All hail King Jesus! We welcome You into our words, our ways. Change us into Your image and likeness that all men may be drawn to You.
After all, who can really see into a person’s heart and know his hidden impulses except for that person’s spirit? So it is with God. His thoughts and secrets are only fully understood by his Spirit, the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2:11 TPT
What are you expecting God to do and how are you expecting that to manifest? What if God chooses to do it in a different way than you’re expecting it to happen?
I recently heard a story of a man who had traveled with his family to Turkey to do mission work. I’m sure you understand that that nation has been closed to Christianity and that if you’re discovered, you could be imprisoned or killed. I know this because I had a friend whose daughter traveled to do the same and we covered her in prayer as she followed the leading of the Spirit.
You’re going to hate me, but I don’t remember the persons name or details, all I remember of the story was this; After years and years of just being there, being friendly with the people, doing good deeds and when prompted, telling about Jesus, the man heard the Lord ask him, “Are you ready for the next step?” To which he quickly responded, “Yes!”
He was soon diagnosed with cancer and very quickly, died. I know, I said the same thing, “Are you kidding me?” Well, that’s not the end of the story. Soon after, a very influential government official who this missionary had befriended, made some instrumental changes which caused many people to come to Jesus.
Could God have done it a different way? Perhaps. But why should the Creator of the universe answer to us for the way he chooses to do things! You know what popped into my head? First a seed must fall into the ground and die before it yields fruit. Everything that’s needed for harvest lies in the seed.
That man was a seed in the hands of God. A yielded seed. Does it always work that way? Probably not. Every story in the old testament is different, showing that God’s ways are unique and varied, creative in the way He chooses to do things.
Who are we to question God? Who are we to know His mind or ways? Who are we to think that we’re exempt from persecution or unpleasantness? There’s a time for war, but there’s a time for peace as well, an unless you’re prompted to war, accept the peace of His presence and stay there, regardless of the way it ends.
Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!”
And he said, “Here I am.”
Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Genesis 22:1-2
I realize some things are just hard to do. Getting up early to have time with the Lord may be a sacrifice, more so for some than others. I look forward to this time, but I’ve always been a morning person. However I remember watching my husband who is absolutely not a morning person, set his alarm on a vacation day so that he could walk in obedience to what the Lord was telling him to do, that my friend is true sacrifice.
Its easy to create bad habits, we do them daily, but good habits…..well then!
When I read Genesis 22 I saw a story of how one mans obedience effected future generations. Only one thing moves God; obedience. He may be asking you to do something small and insignificant, something no one will ever see or hear about, but it’s your willingness to obey that catches His attention.
How many times will you plug your ears to the voice that longs to bless you? The children of Israel did it for 40 years in the wilderness and it kept an entire generation from seeing the promise. What will it finally take to get you to obey?
Until your drive for more of His presence outweighs your selfishness, His blessings will elude your grasp. Obedience brings blessing. Time to search our hearts in His presence and make things right.
remnantposts by sandy gregory 