“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith.” 1 John 5:4 NKJV
The first element of a successful life is faith; faith in God, faith in His Son, and faith in His promises. If we place our lives in God’s hands, our faith is rewarded in what we can scarcely comprehend. If we seek to rely solely upon our own resources, or if we seek earthly success outside the boundaries of God’s commandments, we reap a bitter harvest for ourselves and our loved ones. When you have entrusted your future to the Giver of all things good, rest assured that your future is secure for all eternity. This is the Day that The Lord has made Let us Rejoice and be Glad in it! “Be sober. Be on the alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 HCSB
Neutrality in the face of evil is a sin. Too often we fail to fight evil, not because we are neutral, but because we are shortsighted; we don’t fight the devil because we don’t recognize his handiwork. If we are to recognize evil and fight it, we must pay careful attention to God’s word and we must pay attention to the realities of everyday life. When we observe life objectively, and when we do so with eyes and hearts attuned to God’s Word, we can no longer be neutral believers. And when we aren’t neutral, God rejoices while the devil despairs. May the Joy of the Lord Bless You Today, God isn’t a talent scout looking for someone who is “good enough” or “strong enough.” He is looking for someone with a heart set on Him, and He will do the rest.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
No matter how we add it up, there is no way our resources will stretch any more. We’ve done all we can, and we are exhausted. The only thing left is to throw ourselves onto the mercy of God. Now, He can work. As long as we can accomplish something in our own strength, we’ll always doubt whether our deliverance was from God or if we achieved it ourselves. Our resources have failed, but God’s have not! We will trust God to help us, lead us and guide us! Live in Our God-given Blessings Today! “He granted their request because they trusted in Him.” 1 Chronicles 5:20 HCSB
Sometimes we forget to slow ourselves down long enough to talk with God. Instead of turning our thoughts and prayers to Him, we rely on our own resources. Instead of praying for strength and courage, we try to manufacture it within ourselves. Instead of asking God for guidance, we depend only on our own limited wisdom. The results of such behaviors are usually unfortunate and on occasion, tragic. If you are in need, ask God to sustain you. If you are troubled, take your worries to Him in prayer. If you are weary, seek His strength. In all things great and small, seek His wisdom and grace. He hears your prayers, and He will answer; all you have to do is ask. “Which of you by worrying can add one whit to his stature?” Matthew 5:27
Worry is a complete waste of energy. It solves nothing. That’s why Jesus said, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” In essence, He was saying, “You go to bed tonight and fret and fuss because you’re not five feet eleven inches , you’re only five feet nine inches. But when you wake up in the morning, you’re still going to be five feet nine inches.” Worry will never make you stretch. And it won’t resolve that anxiety on your mind either. Time to think: it is the source of power.
Time to play: it is the secret of perpetual youth. Time to read: it is the fountain of wisdom. Time to pray: it is the greatest power on earth. Time to laugh: it is the music of the soul. Time to give: it is too short a day to be selfish. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden.” Psalm 68:19
Loads get heavier the longer you carry them. This is true of both physical weight and emotional responsibilities. The more time you contend with them, the more fatigued you become. You may believe you’ve gotten accustomed to your burdens, that you can handle them, but they’re still draining you. You know because it is difficult for you to deal with new challenges. When you stop having joy, you’re not managing your problems successfully. You don’t have to be self-sufficient. God is happy to carry your burdens! He’ll be your unfailing strength and will use the weight to help you grow. Trust Him with your concerns! He is a burden bearer, and a heavy-load sharer! Casting all your care upon him, because he careth for you. I Peter 5:7 Live in Your God-given Blessings Today! A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.” Psalm 68:5-6
There were none more helpless in ancient society than the widows and orphans. The laws often left those who lost loved ones without much recourse or hope. So God took care of them, He became their Provider and Defender. God knows that when you’re alone, you don’t have to feel lonely, isolated, or helpless. God loves you and invites you to be part of His family. He gives you people to love, who’ll love you in return. As you give of yourself, continue to know God and embrace others who belong to His family. Your loneliness will melt away and your joy will grow. Live in Your God-given Blessings Today! “But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14 HCSB
As we consider Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we should be greatly humbled. Today, as we come to Him in prayer, we should do so in a spirit of humble devotion. Christ humbled Himself on a cross for us. He shed His blood, for us. He has offered to walk with us through this life and throughout all eternity. As we approach Him today in prayer, think about His sacrifice and His grace, and be humble. |
Pastor Derrick RichardsonPastor of Community Abundant Life Church Archives
November 2024
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