“I will not forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:15-16 NIV
When you face an impossibility, leave it in the hands of the Lord. Refuse to doubt; refuse to work it out by yourself; refuse to worry. Instead, say, “Lord, I’m carrying around something I can’t handle. Because You are not only able but also willing, take this off my hands. It’s impossible to me but is as nothing with You.” Persevering through the pressures of impossibilities call for that kind of confidence. “God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” Romans 5:5
The knowledge of knowing Christ lives in us can inspire our thinking, deepen our insight, give us renewed confidence, create enthusiasm and bring purpose and meaning to our lives! As we love Christ, the Holy Spirit will begin to make us aware of others need and we’ll be compelled to do something! Our words, our attitude and our willingness to serve others in the power of the Spirit is the result of God’s love in our heart! God Himself is the source of love, which Christ demonstrated to each of us, and the Holy Spirit cultivates in our hearts! 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 makes me like a deer that does not stumble; he helps me stand on the steep mountains.” Psalm 18:33
There are certain things that you can learn only by doing them. No amount of explanation of geological formations can prepare a young deer or goat for getting up to the apex of a mountain. The deer or goat must strengthen its muscles by actually climbing. Likewise, your faith can only grow in the midst of the doubts and unknowns of your circumstances. You exercise your trust in God, and He strengthens your spiritual muscles so that you can reach higher and achieve more with Him. Continue to climb the mountains! “Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, ‘See how He loved him.’” John 11:35-36
Many people see Jesus as someone who is distant, and far removed from everyday life, it’s simply not true! God has a loving interest in the world He created, and in the people for whom His Son died and was resurrected. We must never lose sight of the fact Jesus isn’t only our Master, He is also our friend! Because He lived! Because He suffered! And because He died as a human being! He understands human problems and emotions. He endured suffering, as well as disappointment, He endured sorrow and joy. The Son of God laughed and cried just as we do and He cares for us! 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 will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11
There’s a difference between those who make promises and those who actually keep them. There are many who guarantee that their product or belief system will bring you happiness in this life; unfortunately, their solutions are only temporary. But God not only gives you joy in this life, he’s actively preparing you for eternity. You can trust Him to show you the truly wonderful path of your future. God keeps His promises forever and knows what will bring real peace and joy to your soul. “It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.” Proverbs 16:19
Compassion usually calls for a willingness to humbly spend oneself in obscurity on behalf of the unknowns. Truly compassionate people are often hard to understand. They take risks most people would never take. They give away what most people would cling to. They reach out and touch when most would hold back with folded arms. Their caring brings them up close where they feel the other person’s pain and do whatever is necessary to demonstrate true concern. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is up, that to be low is to be high…that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown…that the valley is the place of vision.
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Galatians 5:6
In order to be effective, faith must be nurtured. We must have an intimate relationship with Christ. We must love Him with sincerity. We must always set aside time to be with Him. And His presence must become a living reality in our life! When we possess a living faith which manifests itself in love, we will have the qualities of a practical religion which is acceptable to God. It is then a source of blessing for us and for our fellow man. In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “Nothing is too difficult for You.” Jeremiah 32:17
Think about what seems most impossible. Nothing is impossible with God. Is it your business, your school, your marriage, keeping up with things at home, having a ministry with others, or healing strained relationships with people? Ask the Lord to handle that specific impossibility and then leave it with Him in a faith that simply will not doubt. “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” Psalm 12:6
It’s often been said that words can’t injure like a rock or a stick could, but the truth is that sometimes they wound you in a manner that’s far more dangerous. While physical abrasions heal, abrasions made by words can pierce the heart and fester. Years after you’ve forgotten they were said, abrasive words can cripple you in way you don’t even realize. Yet God knows they’re there, and He looks upon you with compassion. He sends His Word to heal you, to root out the wounding words and restore you. Other people may hurt you with their words, but God never will. |
Pastor Derrick RichardsonPastor of Community Abundant Life Church Archives
May 2023
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