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“We are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:5
Under heaven’s lock and key we are protected by the most efficient security system available, the power of God. There is no way we will be lost in the process of suffering, no disorder, no disease, not even death itself can weaken God’s ultimate protection over our lives. No matter what the calamity, no matter what the disappointment or depth of pain, no matter what kind of destruction occurs in our bodies at the time of death, our souls are divinely protected. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.’ James 1:12
This beatitude comes from Jesus' brother. He had experienced it and taught it! James knew it was worth "hanging in" and "hanging on" when his faith was under attack. He affirmed God loves us and He has made incredible promises about what lies ahead for us. He knew that eventually our period of testing would be transformed into a time of great blessing. James wants us to know God longs to bless us with life! After all, that's why He sent Jesus. (John 10:10) In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. Titus 1:15
Rust stains, grass stains, blood stains, chocolate stains — ARGH! Those stains are real nightmares in the laundry room. They leave a stain on the surface, and they leave a residue that infiltrates. Evil is that way. Let’s not kid ourselves; evil corrupts and leaves a residue which corrupts everything it touches, including the hearts of otherwise decent people. We are urged to stay far away from evil and avoid its very appearance. That's why Jesus died: to not only overcome the evil one, but to also clean away the stain and its residue. In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! He who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, …this one will be blessed in what he does. James 1: 23
How many times have you heard someone say, “Don’t ask my opinion unless you want to hear it”? Good friends or family members will not try to figure out what you want hear, they will tell you what they really think. As the proverb says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:6). This is one of the reasons Jesus is the greatest of friends. When He encountered the woman at the well, He refused to be pulled into a tug of war over secondary issues but instead drove to the deepest issues and needs of her heart. As we walk with our Lord, may we allow Him to speak candidly to the true condition of our hearts through the Scriptures, that we might turn to Him and find His grace to help us in our times of need. “Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.” Psalm 73:25
Hope is a wonderful gift from God, a source of strength and courage in the face of life’s harshest trials. When we are trapped in misery, hope points to the light at the end of the tunnel. When we are overworked and exhausted, hope give us fresh energy. When we are discouraged, hope lifts our spirits. When we are tempted to quit, hope keeps us going. “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on.” Philippians 3:13-14
The enemy of our souls loves to taunt us with past failures, wrongs, disappointments, disasters, and calamities. And if we let him continue doing this, our life becomes a long and dark tunnel, with very little light at the end. Fortunately, God has given us a magnificent solution that can make a difference. The fourteen words in the above scripture can be your secret of celebrating life “The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.” James 5:16
Prayer is a powerful tool for communicating with our Heavenly Father; it is an opportunity to commune with the Giver of all things good. Prayer helps us find strength for today and hope for the future. Prayer isn’t a thing to be taken lightly or to be used infrequently. The quality of your spiritual life will be in direct proportion to the quality of your prayer life. Prayer changes things, and it changes you. Instead of turning things over in your mind, turn them over to God in prayer. Instead of worrying about your next decision, ask God to lead the way. Pray constantly about things great and small for God is listening, and wants to hear from you now. Speak and be heard, God is listening. Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13
When Jesus came the first time, He came to reveal God (John 1:18). As wonderful, powerful, and gracious as He was in His earthly ministry, He did not fully reveal all who He is. Our hope is tied to His return. When He comes this time to reveal himself — the conquering Lord, the Rider on the white horse. Every knee will bow. We will get to see Him as He really and fully is — Immanuel in power and grace, triumphant in every way. When we set our hope on Jesus' grace when He returns, we can be confidently ready for active service to our king today. We can live under His leadership with obedience and praise today! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.” Psalm 3:3
King David always had plenty of enemies. However, this time his adversary represented the greatest betrayal, knew David’s most profound weaknesses, and pierced the deepest part of his heart. This time, the enemy was David’s own son Absalom. Sometimes we face a problem which is a lose-lose situation no matter how we look at it. We aren’t sure whom to trust, and are heartbroken about the way we’ve been betrayed. It’s difficult to know what to do. We can always do as David did, count on God as our impenetrable defense, who not only protects our body but guards our heart. Trust God to shield us in our situations! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! Jesus said,] "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
At the end of the year, it’s nice to be invited to rest in Jesus. Before we begin a new year, let's pause and place our hopes, our future, our dreams, and especially our burdens down at His feet and let God give us rest. In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! |
Pastor Derrick RichardsonPastor of Community Abundant Life Church Archives
September 2023
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Community Abundant Life Church
1701 NW 7th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106 (405) 557-7822 Pastor Derrick Richardson |
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“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7
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