Cheryl Zelenka's Blog: Facing Trials, page 35
September 16, 2014
Suffering Unites Us All
God has a plan and a purpose for everyone. Nobody is insignificant. We are after all, created in the very image of God. This includes the homeless person living in a cardboard box and the abused child in a home of neglect. We all have a part to play in God’s divine design, and sharing in the sufferings of Christ is part of His game plan.
Suffering is an effective tool God uses to refine our spiritual character. Adversity is permitted, or sent, as a loving gift from heaven above. Perspective is critical here. God gives good gifts therefore trials are beneficial.
“ If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! ” Matthew 7:11 (NKJV)
So how can our painful moments be of any use? How can something hurtful, shameful, or grievous actually be a blessing? Do not trials teach us valuable lessons? Do we not gain insight, knowledge and wisdom as we muddle through our adversity? Is this not something we can share with others? Healings and lessons of perseverance are not only a witness of God’s grace but also an encouragement to others.
The process of sanctification chips away self-reliance and causes even the most prideful of mankind to cry out for help, help that only God can provide. Learning to depend on the Father is a major lesson in our spiritual walk. When we trust Him with all things and remain peaceful in the midst of an uncertain fate, faith has carried us. Others will notice our manner and desire the same inner peace we exude. Life style witnessing is a powerful tool and useful in the work of the Great Commission.
Suffering unites us all. Each person has experienced pain. Therefore, we can compassionately connect with others through this common bond. No race, creed, social status or level of education can escape the reality of suffering. Because of this fact we have an open door, a first step in sharing the Good News. We can build relationships in many different ways and there IS a fellowship of suffering, with Christ Jesus AND with others.
Here then is the great blessing found in adversity. Because of the pain you endured, thanks to the grace of God, you are now equipped to encourage and bless others. Your victory over tribulation will give them hope. But wait; there could be an additional blessing. You might have an opportunity to lead someone to Christ. God could use your story to change someone’s heart. What a blessing it is to witness a spiritual rebirth! What a special honor and service God provides for those who are willing.
Our heavenly Father does not set out to crush His children. We are His beloveds! It is in love alone that He disciplines and uses painful circumstances to teach. Yes He does test us but remember, He is the Master Teacher. His gift to us is His wisdom, knowledge and instruction.
“ For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Ps.103:14 (NKJV)
The furnace of affliction is never pleasant but it is for our benefit and for the benefit of others. By refining us into the very image of His son Jesus, who was a bruised reed but never broken, God purifies and commands us to share His love with others. Not wanting anyone to perish, God moves us to carry His message of hope and salvation.
“ The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ” 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Are you seeking opportunities to proclaim His truth to your family, friends and neighbors? If not…. Why not? Our Savior and Redeemer, the comforter of all souls is looking for those who will say, “Here am I Lord, send me.”
“ It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees. ” Psalm 119:71 (NIV)
“ Many are the afflictions of the righteous, b ut the Lord delivers him out of them all. ” Psalm 34:19 (NKJV)
“
The instruction of the Lord is perfect,
renewing one’s life;
the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy,
making the inexperienced wise.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
making the heart glad;
the command of the Lord is radiant,
making the eyes light up.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are reliable
and altogether righteous.
”
Psalm 19:7-9 (NKJV)
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, a nd who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV)
“There are no lessons so useful as those learned in the school of affliction.” ~J.C. Ryle
*The devotion is in my upcoming book FACING ADVERSITY WITH WISDOM, PRAISE, AND PROMISES. Look for it on Amazon this December, just in time for Christmas gifts!
September 14, 2014
Trials Are Full of Hidden Blessings
When a trial comes your way, do you groan and think of it as an ordeal to muddle through? Is your first reaction fear and dread, or do you see each new struggle with more positive eyes? The love of Jesus can shed light on your difficulties and bring about a change in your perspective. Trials are actually opportunities chock full of hidden blessings.
“Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.” - Anonymous
Consider the story of Joseph. He was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. He was forced to live in a foreign land without family.
“Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.” Genesis 39:1-4 (NKJV)
One might think Joseph had suffered enough by this time and that God would continue to bless him in the home of Potiphar. Maybe Joseph was content with his position as his master’s overseer. But God had bigger plans for Joseph, a bigger house for him to oversee, so He continued to test and refine him.
Joseph caught the eye of Potiphar’s wife, who aggressively pursued him and asked for sexual favors. Unwilling to lie with her, he ran from temptation. Because of Joseph’s righteousness and unwillingness to sin, he found himself in the middle of a new trial. Although He had been kidnapped, made to live as a slave in a foreign land, was absent from all family support, he was sent to prison …. But the Lord’s favor followed him.
“So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, ‘Your servant did to me after this manner,’ that his anger was aroused. Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison.
But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority,because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.” Genesis 39:19-23 (NKJV)
So once again Joseph found himself in a position of leadership and authority with responsibilities he never asked for or expected. God was using difficult circumstances to sharpen the spiritual gifts within Joseph. Leadership requires the ability to gain the trust of others. Adversity will try to rob us of our hope but Joseph persevered. He gained wisdom from living through his struggles, and because of his perseverance and faith, he later became a man many would follow and respect.
After some time in prison, Pharaoh called Joseph to his throne room to interpret a troublesome dream. The Lord provided Joseph with insight and was given the Pharaoh’s favor. After years of slavery and prison life, Joseph was given the unexpected honor of overseeing the Pharaoh’s entire house. He was only 30 years old.
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:39-40 (NKJV)
The Pharaoh’s dream spoke of 7 years of feast and 7 years of famine. Joseph was placed in charge of collecting grain and storing it for the lean years ahead.
Joseph married and had children. He saw how God had blessed him but there were even more blessings to come. The drought was affecting his homeland and his brothers went to Egypt seeking resources. Joseph recognized them and was able to help. God restored his family relationships and also blessed him with position, wealth, and honor.
The Word calls a man blessed, if he can remain steadfast under a trial (Js.1:12). By withstanding the test in front of him he will receive the crown of life. This crown is promised to those who love God. It is rewarded to believers who endure suffering and remain faithful to God, even to the point of death. There are eternal rewards for remaining steadfast in faith.
We do not know all the twists and turns in our spiritual journey but God does, and He has a very good plan on how to use us. Joseph did not know the reasons for all his trouble but he remained faithful. As a child, the Lord gave Joseph a hint of his future position but never any details. Through tests and much suffering, God refined Joseph into a man of integrity and faith.
Why not take your present adversity and consider it as a stepping-stone to a hidden blessing from God? It took God some time to prepare Joseph for his position. Your refinement will take time too. Have faith in your Lord. There are blessings in each day and in your future. Above all, glorify God in good times and bad times, just like Joseph.
“I can do all things through Christ[ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you willhave tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NKJV)
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 (NKJV)
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 (NKJV)
“The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.” ~ Chuck Swindoll
September 12, 2014
New Devotional On Amazon!
Hello Dear Readers,
I have been busy collecting my favorite devotions and compiling them into my next two books. This is a devotional trilogy… FACING TRIALS, FACING STORMS, AND FACING ADVERSITY. Facing Storms: Devotions for Thought and Meditation will be available on Amazon the first week of October. Facing Adversity with Wisdom, Praise, and Promises, the last book in the devotional trilogy will be on Amazon by December 1st, if not sooner. They will make great Christmas gifts!!
Here is an excerpt from “Let God Drive” from FACING STORMS: DEVOTIONS FOR THOUGHT AND MEDITATION.
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
“When we set out on a journey or road trip we need a good map, or a reliable GPS, to get us to our destination. Before departing some drivers feel a certain measure of anxiety. They worry about the unknown detours and the dangerous intersections that lie ahead, wondering if there is any way for them to be avoided.
If we submit our wills to God and lay aside our issues of control we can relax on our SPIRITUAL journey, even when it gets bumpy and uncomfortable. Who better to drive the car and get us to our destination? Our Father knows all the roads under construction and the best routes to take. They may not be the quickest or easiest roads to travel, but He will certainly take us on the thoroughfares best suited for us.”
September 11, 2014
Jonah, Nineveh, and America
The United States of America always comes together when there is a tragedy. We know how to give a helping hand. We have big hearts. However, we also have a short memory. I pray the tragedy of 911 never occurs again in our land. Our government officials need to govern and protect us. Please pray for our President and other leaders. Pray for repentance and revival in our land.
I was reading the book of Jonah today. This reluctant prophet did not want to warm Nineveh about the wrath of God. They were his enemies. However, after some time in the belly of a BIG fish, he obeyed and did what God asked.
The people of Nineveh LISTENED to Jonah and put on sackcloth, mourned and fasted. Not only the people but their KING put on sackcloth. He also made a degree for the entire land to fast for he hoped God would relent in sending destruction. GOD RELENTED.
*And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying,
Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?
Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.” Jonah 3:7-10
September 10, 2014
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTNy674setQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvZp87bIxU8
“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” is a Christian hymn originating from India.
The lyrics are based on the last wordsof a man in Assam, north-east India, who along with his family was converted to Christianity in the middle of the 19th century through the efforts of a Welsh missionary.
Called to renounce his faith by the village chief, the convert declared, “I have decided to follow Jesus.” In response to threats to his family, he continued, “Though no one joins me, still I will follow.” His wife was killed, and he was executed while singing, “The cross before me, the world behind me.” This display of faith is reported to have led to the conversion of the chief and others in the village.
The formation of these words into a hymn is attributed to the Indian missionary Sadhu Sundar Singh. The melody is also Indian, and entitled “Assam” after the region where the text originated. The fierce opposition is possible as various tribes in that area were formerly renowned for head-hunting.
An American hymn editor, William Jensen Reynolds, composed an arrangement which was included in the 1959 Assembly Songbook.
SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Have_Decided_to_Follow_Jesus
September 7, 2014
Pure Joy Or Mere Happiness?
“ To pursue joy is to lose it. The only way to get it is to follow steadily the path of duty, without thinking of joy, and then, like sheep, it comes most surely unsought, and we “being in the way,” the angel of God, bright-haired joy, is sure to meet us.” ~Alexander MacLaren
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3 (NIV)
Look carefully into the Word of God and you will notice that scripture teachings on the topic of HAPPINESS point to our trust and relationship with God.
“He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he” Proverbs 16:20 (NKJV)
A dictionary definition of happiness is “a state of well-being, a pleasurable or satisfying experience.”
The definition of the word “rejoice,” from which our word “joy” comes, is “to feel great delight, to welcome or to be glad.”
Depending on the translation, the Bible uses the words “happy” and “happiness” about 30 times, while “joy” and “rejoice” appear over 300 times.
http://www.gotquestions.org/joy-happiness.html#ixzz3CgX0g78m
Happiness is short-lived because it depends on things outside of ourselves. Joy comes from within and is based on our relationship to Christ. The Bible does not command us to pursue happiness or even seek it out. Happiness is an emotional response to and the result of God’s goodness and blessings. However, JOY is very apparent in the Bible and this joy comes through God and God alone.
Yes, there are good times and bad times in life. During bad times we experience emotions of fear, sorrow, and depression. In good times we experience emotional happiness and pleasure, but this is not the supernatural joy God speaks of in James 1:2-3. The difference between happiness and joy rests in our focus. We can be joyful in the midst of great adversity because our focus is on God and in the blessing of sharing in the fellowship of His sufferings. Feelings of happiness are absent when we are experiencing pain, sorrow, and tribulations.
Happiness is a self-centered emotion. We experience happiness when we receive a gift or experience something apart from acknowledging God for the blessing. We can even be pleased for somebody else yet remain self-centered in our happiness: “I am happy because you are happy.”
When we receive a blessing that produces a happy feeling AND we turn our focus to God, acknowledging and thanking Him for the favor and benefit, joy is experienced. Pure joy comes by giving God His due. His desire to fellowship with us…. His creation, and build an intimate relationship full of intimacy should leave us awestruck.
Presently, there are some popular church leaders who teach that worship should be for our own happiness and benefit, that when we are happy God is happy. We may experience spiritual joy while praising His name but our motive behind worship should never be self-centered. We ought not think of how our time of praise will benefit us, it should be for God’s pleasure alone. Thinking about our time of worship as a means to profit is hedonistic.
http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/blog/?p=24785
“This is a hedonistic view-a doctrine that teaches that the chief end of life is one’s personal pleasure-to worship God or attend church for what man can obtain in return.”
“If we participate for a pragmatic benefit—to say, ‘Just worship because look how much better you’re going to feel’—that is minimizing the worth of a holy God and making self the benefactor of worship, when worship is simply the glorifying of God entirely,” he outlined.
Complete joy comes from God. In times of selfless worship we will receive joy because our focus is entirely on God, but never when our focus is on ourselves. And yes, there are benefits that come as a result of our worship, for the Word says He inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3) and that if we draw close to Him… He will draw near to us(James 4:8). Time spent with God will always bring forth a deeper and more intimate relationship with the Creator.
“Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth. Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns; The world also is firmly established, It shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously.’ Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.” Psalm 96:8-12 (NKJV)
When we enter into the awesome throne room of God and witness His power and might, we should be filled with reverent fear. This holy and righteous fear should purge us of all self-focus. Why? Because the Creator of the universe is omnipotent and fearsome in His might yet still, He appreciates the songs of praise offered by that which He created.
Our God seeks a pure heart. A pure heart is not a selfish or self-centered one, nor do the pure of heart look for gain and prosperity while worshipping their Savior. Because God has done great things we are filled with joy and that joy is indeed our strength.
Let us then decide to magnify God with the sole purpose of glorifying His precious name. Let us lay aside all self-interest whenever we enter into His courts of praise. May our heart and mind be completely focused on giving Him pleasure, without a thought to our own happiness. Shall we simply adore Him and the glory of His splendor? It is here where joy is found, and joy trumps worldly happiness every time.
“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord ! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.” Psalm 97:1-7 (NKJV)
“Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29:2 (NKJV)
“ But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3 (NKJV)
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. ” Psalm 28:7(NIV)
Solitary Moments Of Prayer
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16 (NIV) “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” Luke 6:12 (NIV)
We were created with an innate need for fellowship. God wants us to interact with others…. Building relationships with those who believe in Jesus and those who do not. We are not supposed to be islands.
But in addition to your fellowship with flesh and blood, be sure to set aside daily quiet time(s) to commune with God. This spiritual time of fellowship with your Creator will increase your intimacy with Christ. Your personal relationship with God will deepen as you ruminate and consider His character and meditate on His holy Word.
“May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord.: Psalm 104:34 (NKJV)
Seek out a place where there are no distractions, so you can give God your undivided attention. During prayer and meditation your focus should be entirely on God. Wait patiently on the Lord and still your emotions, calm your heart, and listen with your spirit.
Solitary moments of prayer (be they for but a minute or an entire day) are one of the most important disciplines a saint can pursue. It requires focus, time, and an attitude of expectant communion. When we find ourselves at the feet of Christ, with no one else to carry our burdens, leaning into God’s grace will be eye opening and poignant.
During such times of prayerful solitude, seeking God’s direction and help, don’t try to make something happen. Just bring your transparent self to the Lord and BE with Him. It may take some time before your mind is still enough to recognize His small still voice. Be patient. He may have only one word for you. He may not have any words for you, but remember that He is still present in that silence.
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV)
There are several scriptures that mention how Jesus went off to solitary places to pray. One of the most important and well-known examples is when He took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane. He asked His friends to pray for Him while He went to a solitary place, seeking His Father in prayer.
Jesus also went into the desert alone to fast and pray for forty days and forty nights. In this solitary place He was tempted by the enemy, but never lost His self-control or purpose/vision. His trial and time of testing prepared Him for the next leg of His journey.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be temptedby the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:1-4 (NIV)
Consider going on a “date” with Jesus. No double dates, just you and your Savior!! If you feel led, also consider a fast. The hunger you experience will remind you of the reason for your “date.” It will help in keeping your attention focused heavenwards and on the one above. It also makes a difference in the spiritual realm. Remember, you are not fighting or wrestling with mere flesh and blood during your prayer times.
The importance and benefits of group prayer are undeniable. Matthew 18:20 says, “ For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” However, there is also a place and purpose for the prayer closet. Intercessory prayer in only the sight of God is powerful, effective, and a mighty weapon against the schemes of the enemy.
Solitude is not always comfortable but it is never a bad thing, if it’s purpose is to seek out God. At no time will you be completely alone for you are never out of God’s sight or reach. God built you for relationship, and that includes a PERSONAL relationship with Him. Seek and He will be found. This is a biblical promise and God does not lie.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 (NKJV)
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” Mark 1:35 (NIV)
“Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him, and He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”
Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”
Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done.”
When He came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. So He left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
Then He returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes My betrayer!” Matthew 26:36-46 (NIV)
September 2, 2014
There Is Power In The Name Of Jesus
“The safest place in all the world is in the will of God, and the safest protection in all the world is in the name of God.” ~ Unknown
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11 (NKJV)
“For whomever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 (NKJV)
“By stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30 (NKJV)
The name of Jesus holds great power. In Philippians 2:10 we are told that God has given His son a name that is above any other name. The name of Jesus will cause every knee to bow in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
Romans 10:13 states that anyone who calls on the name of Jesus shall be saved. When you call out to the Son of God, and acknowledge Him as your personal Lord and Savior, you accept He died, rose again, and was resurrected into heaven. Only upon this confession of faith will you find His protection. The children of God are given His assurance of provision and He is their strong tower in times of need. They find shelter under His mighty wings.
God will deliver believers out of all kinds of tribulations and challenging circumstances, so long as they have not been designed for our welfare and spiritual grown. In that case, God will walk us through the adversity, providing the necessary discernment, wisdom, strength and courage we require.
Satan and the demons tremble at the mere mention of His holy name…JESUS. In fact, spirits of darkness think twice about harassing God’s children when the name of Jesus is mentioned in their prayers (Luke 10:17). Jesus won the battle over darkness long ago when He pinned the sins of the world to His cross. The victory is His, and therefore ours as well.
During times of supplication, what does it mean to ask in Jesus’ name? Quite simply, it means to ask by the authority of Christ Jesus. With our confession of faith, “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col 1:13-14)
Our Savior offers up petitions on our behalf, both day and night, before the throne of God. Jesus is our advocate. When we ask in His name, it is with the intent of aligning our will with His and accepting His absolute authority over us,including our present circumstances.
Imagine a knock on your door at 2am. Before opening and giving entrance you ask, “Who is it and by whose authority do you come?” If they say, “In the name of the police department or Homeland Security,” you will most likely open your door and permit entrance. Now consider how much MORE AUTHORITY we have by using the name of Jesus!
Are you are gong through a spiritual battle? Call on His name! Speak His name out loud. You will accomplish little to nothing through your own might. Chaos and confusion will only fasten themselves to your situation. We fight against principalities and powers of darkness and at such times of spiritual battle, the power of His name will bring down strongholds.
We have a glorious promise in James 4:7, “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”Calling out the name “Jesus” will certainly speed up the departure. We assert our position and inheritance in Christ when we call out the name of our Savior. For further protection, God has provided us with the spiritual armor of God. Be sure to keep it well oiled with prayer.
If you are facing trials of pain and suffering, God knows how weary you are and wants to help. He has unimaginable power and strength to share. This is why He COMMANDS us, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”Did you notice the words COME, TAKE, and LEARN?
I pray, dear reader, you learn to quicken your response to Christ when you find yourself in need. Don’t hesitate to call out, “Jesus!” A one-word prayer is all you need for God to send a legion of angels to your defense. Jesus is your champion and with this fact you, and I, will always be victorious.
“Sing out the honor of His name; make His praise glorious.Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; they shall sing praises to Your name.” Selah Psalm 66:2-4 (NKJV)
“Then the seventyreturned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” Luke 10:17 (NKJV)
“By stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30 (NKJV)
“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13 (NKJV)
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“Jesus is a name, which is especially sweet and precious to believers. It has often done them good. It has given them what money cannot buy-that is, inward peace. It has eased their wearied consciences and given rest to many, when it says, “Your name is oil poured forth” (Song of Solomon 1:3) happy is the person who trusts not merely in vague notions of God’s mercy and goodness, but in “Jesus.”
*Adapted from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW by J.C. Ryle (Chapter 1)
Choose Joy
“There is nothing dreary or doubtful about (the life). It is meant to be continually joyful…We are called to a settled happiness in the Lord whose joy is our strength.” ~ Amy Carmichael
“My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches,for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.” Psalm 63:5-7 (NAS)
There are many scriptures that mention joy. John 15:7-11 reminds us, “If we abide in Him and His Word abides in us, we should ask whatever we wish, and it will be done for us.” We are then told to abide in His love. It is important to note that if God’s Word abides in us, we will pray according to His will. Therefore, anything we request in our prayers must be aligned to the will and purposes of God, if we expect them to be answered. This is a joyful hope and worth some meditation!
Do you regularly meditate on the wonders of God, His blessings and kindnesses, His faithfulness and provisions? What a wonderful way to slip into slumber; remembering the faithful acts of love God has demonstrated throughout your day/life! What sweet sleep you will enjoy, and what peaceful dreams!
We serve a God of eternal hope who fills us with joy and peace. Why? So that we might overflow with hope…. And serve as His reflection. We are His representatives, ambassadors of Christ. With hope, and the grace of God, we can do all things. Hope enables us to journey down unknown and dangerous paths with a song of joy in our hearts. Hope has the ability to spur us on to good works and push us through the darkest of times. Joy, praise, and unspoken feelings of joy are one way we, His creation, can give Him the glory He deserves.
Unfortunately, It is easy to loose joy when we are suffering a pain or sorrow. Should depression or despair be your companions of late, it is most likely your focus has moved to something other than your Savior’s face. Jesus, because of the joy awaiting Him, endured the cross. He looked beyond His present circumstances of suffering to the eternal glory He would soon partake.
Can you look beyond your present circumstances and rejoice with a joyful heart, knowing that what you suffer now is not worth comparing to the glory soon to be revealed in you? Can you maintain joy in your valley and sing of it to your Savior? This would be a beautiful sacrifice of praise and a witness to many.
Let the joy of the Lord be your strength at all times. CHOOSE to be joyful. Make a decision to see the positive blessings that are to come, or that are all around you right now. We have been gifted with an inexpressible joy, thanks to the love and sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. I pray you open His gift with a decision to sing, speak, or even whisper His praise. You will find your joy grows and matures when you praise Him in your valley.
“Joy runs deeper than despair.” ~ Corrie ten Boom
TAKE TIME TO MEDITATE ON THESE THREE SCRIPTURES
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)
September 1, 2014
God Made Us To Be Unique
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
Rose mutation….
Beauty is found in the unique. God created each one of us to be unique, so don’t forget that you are beautiful!!
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)
Facing Trials
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