“I will make them walk by streams of waters, on a straight path in which they will not stumble.” Jeremiah 31:9
Whatever form mistreatment takes, it hurts. You feel the rejection. You’ve done what is right, but you’ve been treated wrongly. In the midst of all this, remember God has not abandoned you. He has not forgotten you. He never left. He understands the heartache brought on by the evil He mysteriously permits so He might bring you to a tender, sensitive walk with Him. God is good. Jesus Christ is real, your present circumstances notwithstanding. Look up to Him, who is able to keep you. “I have surely seen the affliction of My people…and have given heed to their cry.” Exodus 3:7
You may be finding yourself in a situation that seems terribly unfair. Your immediate circumstances are harsh and hard to handle. Your heart aches as events beyond your control roll across your landscape like heavy boulders. If this is your situation, take note: God knows, right down to the final nub exactly where you are in life. He sees. He cares. He is aware. And best of all, He is touched by it. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10
We are to be a people who do good deeds. That's a very significant part of who we are as Jesus' followers. Let's look for the many opportunities which God places in our paths to bless others. Let's use all of these blessings to bring God glory! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “O Lord, you have searched me and have known me.” Psalm 139:1
We can keep up a front with other people; it’s a way to protect ourselves when we feel insecure. Unfortunately, our defenses also stop us from receiving their love. God knows us completely and He’s aware those defenses stop us from having the life He has created for us. He slowly chips away at them until we can fully experience His love. God knows us more profoundly than we know ourselves, and He’s declared we are worth loving! Therefore, let Him tear always those defenses so others can know and love us as well. Joy is a choice. It's a matter of attitude that stems from one's confidence in God- that He is at work, that He is in full control, that He is in the midst of whatever has happened, is happening and will happen. Either we fix our minds on that and determine to laugh again, or we wail and whine our way through life. We determine which way we will go.
“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3
Eternal life begins, now! That is one of Jesus' messages in the Gospel of John. For sure, we don't get to enjoy all of the blessings which await us when we go home to the Father. But, Jesus wants us to know and to experience His love and the Father's presence in our lives, now! He even prayed it for us! So let's seek the Father — not to just know about Him, but to know Him! God the Father longs to draw near to us and will do so as we draw near to Him! He is at work in us, so the real issue isn't His nearness, but our awareness of His presence and work. Let's open our eyes and our hearts to our Father, and ask Him to reveal His presence to us! It’s not about US, It’s ALL about GOD!! On today, help someone along the way!! |
Pastor Derrick RichardsonPastor of Community Abundant Life Church Archives
January 2025
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