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But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24 ESV May your zeal and your zest for life be found in finishing the course and the ministry the Lord Jesus has laid out for you. May Jesus be in the midst of it all as you allow him to charter your course by the grace of God.
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The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God." (Luke 1:30)
Have you found favor with God like Mary did? Mary responded in 3 ways to the angel:
Her 3rd response is what we should all do. No matter what we think of God's Plan for our lives, we should submit to God's leading. He will never lead you astray. Trust in Him and in His will. He will take care of you. So, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face and yet my life has been delivered." - Genesis 32:30
If you were to see the Lord Jesus Christ face to face one morning, how will you react? - Would you say hello? - Would you be speechless? - Would you thank him for his sacrifice? - Would you thank him for his unspeakable and unfathomable love? - What would you do? Let us see him through eyes of faith. If your eyes of faith had good focus: - You would trust God more - You would believe Him more - You could serve Him more - You would be more obedient to Him - You would make better choices in life based on His will for you - You would recognize His will and not your own - You would be more faithful to Him in your vocation! This stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. - Genesis 28:22
Jacob's vow to God in which he thanks God for everything he's going to do for him and pledges to give God a full tenth (his tithe) of whatever God blesses him with. Are you giving God thanks for everything he's done and is going to do for you? Are you giving him a portion, a full tenth (your tithe) of what he's blessed you with? Remember today to thank God, even if your world feels like it's crumbling around you. When you are at your worst. God is at his best.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6 HCSB
Open your Bible to its center, and you'll find the Book of Psalms. In it are some of the most beautiful words ever translated into the English language, with none more beautiful than the 23rd Psalm. In it, David describes God as being like a shepherd who cares for His flock. No wonder these verses have provided comfort and hope for generations of believers. On occasion, you will confront circumstances that trouble you to the very core of your soul. When you are afraid, trust in God. When you are worried, turn your concerns over to Him. When you are anxious, be still and listen for the quiet assurance of God's promises. And then, place your life in His hands. He is your Shepherd today and throughout eternity. Trust the Shepherd. Sometimes the very essence of faith is trusting God in the midst of things He knows good and well we cannot comprehend. Trust God. And the Lord said to Moses, "How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have done among them?" - Numbers 14:11
Are you despising God today because He hasn't fulfilled your request on your time? Remember to wait on the Lord, He may not grant you your request on your time but IF he grants you your request, it will be on His time and it will be right on time. So, don't let your doubts and your fears creep in and keep you in unbelief. Your God is with you all the way and all the time. You just need to open your eyes to see all that He has done and is doing for you. Give God a shout of praise today, whether you are having a good day or a bad day and you will see how your day changes. God bless. Be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to me on the top of the mountain." - Exodus 34:2
Be ready to present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. You have made the Lord your refuge. Psalm 91:9
Jesus prays, “I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one.” John 17:15 Gracious God, under your wings we find comfort and protection. Though storms may come we know that we are in your loving care. Evil is real, but is no match for your resurrection power. We pray to put our trust in you always. Amen. It's not about the table, whether it's square or round. It's not about the chairs - plastic or wooden. It's not about the food, although it helps if it has been cooked with love. A good meal is enjoyed when we turn off the TV and our cell phones and just concentrate on those we're with.
It's great to gather around the table, enjoying a good chat with friends and family and talking about a multitude of topics. However, technology has made it difficult. Sometimes we are more concerned about what others - sometimes miles away - have to say than what the person just across the table is saying. We have been invited to another meal at the table when we come together in one place to celebrate the Lord's Supper. It's not about the church, if it's big or small. It's not about the type of bread. It's about turning off our thoughts from our worries and concerns and focusing on Jesus. When was the last time we enjoyed being at the Lord's Table? Do we enjoy His presence? Or are we more concerned with what's going on somewhere else? "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death 'til He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). Remember Christ's death gives us courage for today and hope for tomorrow. |
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