Tell it like it is

 

” Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” -  John 21: 25

JESUS was a doer. Nothing was too much trouble; the things He did went above and way, way beyond. His is a story of salvation that has changed the world. Yet many of His followers omit to tell their own stories of His power, and just sit back in church once a week. How many of us can muster even one written acknowledgement, or a confidential talk ,about how we gained our faith and put it to work? No matter how humble our testimony, we should share it, verbally or in writing. It’s your story of faith achieved. No one can deny it; use it; it’s true. The Bible urges us to think of ways to motivate one another “with acts of love and good works”; so, share the story about how God has changed your life - use your testimony. 1 John 5:11 tells us: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” The apostle Peter told it like it is, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” (John 6: 68)

The way to go

 “You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.” – Colossians 3: 7 

MUCH of the confusion we feel in these times is because good people feel obliged to please society’s leaders and celebrities in order to be accepted, to “fit in”, to be politically correct, fashionable and probably to prosper. Yet it doesn’t feel right. And it’s when we’re ill-at-ease about public goings-on in our communities and our nation, that we must remember that we are also – and primarily – godly citizens. We cannot serve two masters when it comes to choosing priorities. If you’re ever in any doubt, refer to Proverbs 11: 11 which tells us that godly citizens are “good for a city and make it prosper.”  As in all things confusing, turn to God: He says: “But this people’s leaders were misleading, and those being led were confused.” (Isaiah 9: 16). And the solution, it says, is, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.” (Philippians 1: 27).  Yes, He is the answer to our confusion. 

Thanks for reading this.

Passionate prayer

 

 “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like us, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.”  – James 15: 16 – 18

TODAY I want to put the accent, the focus, on the word that best describes Elijah’s prayer – fervent. The word fervent, which in the context of prayer, achieves so much in Godly response, means a display of intensive passion. Our souls reflect our emotions, and this is apparent to the God we turn to. When last did your shed tears while praying, praying about a heartfelt emotion, be it for our own comfort, the loss of others, or your own emotional stress caused by mourning, or regret? We must entrust our passions to Him. “Fervent”, heartfelt, prayer, as much as it hurts, heals – and brings new seasons of fruit and abundance.

My solution

 

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” – James 1: 12

THE problem with us, is people like me. Like the rest of us, I’m a sinner saved by grace. I have a daily struggle with testing trials. That’s why God, who loves us in spite of us, chose to put His love in our hearts and minds so we would feel it, think it and be victorious in our daily battle against the I-know-best factor, and so that we can recognise sin instead of turning a blind eye! He’s equipped us through Christ to love Him. His love is in our DNA, like a parent loves his/her child absolutely. Each of us is still tempted daily, but loving God can conquer all. When I’m the problem, He’s my solution.

Abe’s way

“All the families from all the nations will worship you
 because the kingdom belongs to the Lord
and he rules the nations.
 All prosperous people on earth will eat and worship.
All those who go down to the dust will kneel in front of him,
even those who are barely alive.”  –  Psalm 22: 27 – 29

I KNOW I have used the following example previously, but it has never been more apt than right now. In the 1800’s, US President “Honest Abe” Lincoln, once said, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I have nowhere else to go.” What the world now needs – and the need keeps growing – is that its heads of state, and political power players across the world, must also go on their knees. In the chaos they encompass, they must follow Lincoln’s lead and know that God is always been there to turn to when wisdom, help, love, and breakthroughs are needed. And we, the populace, must be led to turn en masse to be saved from godless, self-serving on-line cultures. God alone remains our strong foundation. “All the families from all the nations will worship you, because the kingdom belongs to the Lord, and He rules the nations.” Declare it on your knees!

This will pass

                                                                                                                     

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” – Psalm 30: 5

WE all experience anger and sorrow about things that have happened, whether to us or by us. But God doesn’t want us to live in a trap of sorrow and regret. For a time, regrets are good and proper. But the moment must pass; God renews and forgives. If we love God, His presence is already in us and we can activate His joy to move forward in faith - the voice of God calls us to tomorrow, to a new sunrise. Commit your troubles to God and move forward in faith that joy will come in the morning and that His favour will last you a lifetime – just as the Psalmist declares.

Always there

“Be brave and strong! Don’t be afraid…The Lord our God will always be at your side, and He will never abandon you.” – Deuteronomy 31: 6

PRAYER THOUGHT:  Thank you Father that though we live in a fallen world, You will never abandon us. You are still always with us through Christ, ready to protect us, strengthen us, bless us, teach us and forgive us. As the darkness gathers, let us see more of You shining bright in our lives. Stay with us Lord, let us learn through Your love and save us when we are weak and err. Your Word says, “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.” (Proverbs 24: 16) So, when we fall or face giant hurdles, do not leave us lying by the wayside. You are God my Fàther and I trust that You are always with me and will lift me and help me prepare for what lies ahead. AMEN.