Supposed to be Abounding
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. II Corinthians 9:6-8
PAUSE: You possess more than financial seed so allow your mind to go beyond money. Although I FIRMLY believe in and adhere to the principle of tithing, there are many more ways that you and I can and should be sowing. At the risk of sounding repetitive, WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND?
Cause and effect aka seedtime and harvest: as long as the earth remains, this law shall never cease (Genesis 8:22). Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap (Galatians 6:7). Verse 8 of Galatians chapter 6 goes on to say that if one sows to the flesh, the result is a harvest of corruption; however, those who sow to the Spirit reap everlasting life. Spiritual gifts, talents, time, resources – the list of seeds to be sown is ongoing…but are we sowing? I ask this in hopes that every “yes” is indicative of a cheerful heart whose foremost desires are please God, love people, and build His kingdom.
People of God, we are supposed to be abounding. I have heard it said that we minister out of the overflow. This is how the New Living Translation puts it: And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others (II Corinthians 9:8). We serve an exceedingly, abundantly God who is the exact opposite of selfishness. With that being said and the knowledge that we are made in His image, we come to the realization that His intent for providing us with overflow is not at all for hoarding. There is a “good work” assignment attached to your extra.
Stop focusing on what you want from God. Please hear me out. I am not encouraging you to dismiss expectation as it relates to His promises. Keep expecting…but make sure you’re sowing. Am I saying give – money, time, talents, etc. – so that you can expedite the process of receiving your promise? No, that’s not what I’m saying at all. This is the take home message: CHECK YOUR HEART. Are your motives for giving right? Are you seeking God’s face more than His hand? Do you love Him simply for who He is? Do you bless others because you have been blessed to do so OR because you’re hoping to get blessed more for doing so? [OUCH! Really concentrate on that last question.] Are your intentions toward God and others sincere….or do you have an agenda that equates to attempting to work/manipulate God’s system for selfish gain?
It’s time to check our hearts. Let’s be real with ourselves. We are supposed to be abounding…but are we? Holy Spirit, search our hearts. Reveal the root of every issue that is not pleasing to You. Sanctify us with the truth of Your Word. It is life and it is light. Shape us – mind, body, and spirit – according to Your will. Help us to sow in righteousness, reap plenty, and bless others with a pure heart all for the building of Your kingdom. You have called us to abundant living and You make Your grace to abound toward us; guide our steps and keep us from the pride of life, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, Lord, speak to the hearts of Your people, amen.
ADORATION
how GREAT is our GOD, sing with me/ how GREAT is our GOD, all will sing how GREAT, how GREEAAAATTT is our GOD
Lord,
You are worthy of my praise. There is not one reason that I shouldn’t live every day of my life in absolute devotion to You. My God, my King, You reign. Of all the things that amaze me about You, it’s Your consistency that grips my heart. There is no wavering in Your identity. Yesterday, today, and forevermore – You are You. The great I AM. My I AM. Always accessible. You inhabit the praise of Your people and also reach out to those who knowingly/unknowingly reject You. Your love knows no boundaries.
Your Spirit is my comfort and guide; Your grace is the answer to my flaws. I worship You with all that I am. I offer myself to You daily as a living sacrifice; strengthen me to decrease so that Your presence/influence/character increases in me. The ONLY life worth living is the life submitted to You. I give You my all. I surrender COMPLETELY to You. Search my heart, know my thoughts, and shape me according to Your will. Have Your way Lord.
What’s in Your Hand?
Recall the promise of John 14:26 – But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. And that He surely will! Last Sunday my pastor posed the question, “What’s in your hand,” and a message I heard months ago while visiting another church came to mind. It was entitled The Crumb Collector. Thank You, Holy Spirit!
17 And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” 18 He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. Matthew 14:17-19
Praise God for the pieces! Don’t look down on what you have; focus upward. -Rev. Christopher Rainer
Pieces. Fragments. The seemingly insignificant. When the Teacher speaks, LISTEN. ”What’s in your hand – what gifts, talents, resources do you possess? Let Me teach you to manage them.” This is what He said to me on Monday morning. Two fish and five loaves fed five thousand…and there were leftovers. What’s in your hand? What gifts have you misused, neglected, or abused? What resources are you on the brink of completely squandering? How have you wrongfully allocated your time? STOP. REFLECT. PRAY. SURRENDER.
It’s time to turn your focus upward. Divine destiny awaits you but you must first learn to see beyond that which is seen. What is the Lord speaking to your heart? His voice reveals true vision. Every life has purpose attached to it but without an intimate connection to the Holy Spirit, existence is futile. Point, blank, period. Status and accolades don’t matter. Don’t be deceived by vanity. Life outside of Christ is unfruitful.
What’s in your hand? He brings wholeness to fragments, light to darkness, and hope to despair. What’s in your hand? He will transform your brokenness into breakthrough. WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND? Don’t think for one second that God doesn’t want to use you. He wants to take you from the pit to the palace and use these tests to build your testimony. I ask, once again, what is in your hand? You have something to offer. That something is you. Even if you feel like there’s nothing in your hand, give Him your hand. Place your hand in His and commit to a lifetime of walking in closeness with Him. Seek Him.
God will give you the seed and teach you what to do with it. – Rev. Christopher Rainer
Maybe you can’t pinpoint your gifts. That’s okay. Perhaps you have yet to discover your calling. That’s fine too. Trust that He will teach you ALL THINGS. God will teach you to be who He has called you to be. He will direct your path. Open your hand. Don’t cling to your proverbial two fish and five loaves. Release that which is in your hand for God’s use. He can do a lot with a little. Feels like your life is falling apart? Trust Him with your fragments. God can take lack and turn it into overflow. Don’t believe that anything worth giving is in your hand? Just give Him your hand and let Him decide the rest.
Transparency
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
One of the hardest things in the world for me to do is admit when I’m hurting. At times I get so wrapped up in being so much to so many that I forget that I am incapable of being everyone’s everything. As much as a cape might suit me well, I am no superwoman. My feelings get hurt from time to time. I know all too well what it’s like to wrestle with rejection, loneliness, and disappointment. Even still, I put those emotions on the back burner and carry on with life. Being, doing, helping, giving, working – that’s how I operate…until everything comes barreling to the forefront of my mind.
You know what the Holy Spirit reminds me? It’s okay to feel. Trials present themselves in different ways and emotions are sure to be stirred. Feel. Cry. Tears don’t have to be a sign of weakness. You may cry with every step of faith but at least you are taking the necessary steps. While God is guiding your steps, the unfamiliar can be intimidating. Keep going…and cry if you need to. Sow in tears, reap in joy. Sow those saltwater seeds. The Spirit of God wasn’t encouraging me to get all “in my chest” or wallow in self-pity. He wanted me to know it isn’t necessary for me to ignore the fact that I’m hurting. Just like a financial need or physical healing, burdensome emotions can be brought to Him. I can tell my Daddy that my heart is hurting.
Don’t worry, I’m not depressed. I just need to be real with myself, others, and above all else, God. The landscape of my life is undergoing some MAJOR changes – good changes. As amazing as these changes are, different can be difficult. I’m adjusting. I’m trusting God. I am allowing His peace to rule in my heart and mind. He leads, I follow. For those things that I don’t understand, I turn it over to Him. For the hurt that I am experiencing because everything doesn’t always go as planned, I turn it over to Him. For the vision that exceeds my natural capabilities, I turn it over to Him. I make all things a matter of prayer because I trust Him more than I trust myself.
When I’m heavily burdened and in need of rest, the Lord my God - the source of my comfort, peace, and joy - is always available for a burden swap. I turn to Him because He knows me oh so well. In His presence I can admit to hurting, crying is okay, and inefficiencies are covered by grace. I can be me…the real me…the no cape having/in need of a kleenex/my heart is broken/it wasn’t supposed to be this way/excited yet overwhelmed/it’s my season self. I can enter into the secret place, be vulnerable, and abide under the shadow of the Almighty without hesitation or fear. Thank You, Lord, for that privilege.
Silly Professor
I once had a professor who was as much as an atheist as I am a follower of Christ. He whole-heartedly places his faith in the intelligence of man, so much so that he believes scientific breakthrough will allow humans to reach the point of immortality. In his mind, the human race is unstoppable; there is no problem that we won’t eventually solve. His faith rests solely in science and our ability to unlock its mysteries. Tragic!
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the Gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. II Timothy 1:8-10, NKJV
8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. II Timothy 1:8-10, NLT
Some things are worth knowing. Some things are worth standing for…fighting for…dying for. As much as the world wants to exist in darkness and nominal Christians seek to frolic in the land of compromise, there is such a thing as absolute truth…God’s truth. The Good news. With that news comes a standard….His standard. It is by grace that we receive all that God has for us – that pertains to now and in the life to come. There’s no secret code. The key is simply living life on purpose – loving God with all your heart, mind, and body and loving others as you love yourself.
You see, immortality doesn’t require a breakthrough in medical science. You already have access to it. Unless Jesus’ returns before then, we will all experience a natural death. However, this is only a transitional phase for the followers of Christ. It’s a shifting from life on earth to life in eternity. We access this privilege by grace, we press toward it by walking in truth and functioning in love.
The Gospel: our truth that is worth standing for…fighting for…dying for. Placing all my faith in humans who are flawed and bound by natural limits – that, my dear friends, is cause for shame. Placing my faith in the one true and living God who sent His only Son to redeem this sin-sick world – that is faith worth being displayed. Oh yes, our faith sometimes takes us through the fire but please believe we come out of situations more refined, better suited for His use. There is no shame in professing the name of Jesus. Never allow someone to prevent you from sharing the Good News. Every day you pass by those who swear that they’re “bout that life”. They don’t know what life is. Show them by being a living testimony.
Death has no power over you. The message of Christ illuminates the way to true life and His Spirit walks with you every step of the way. Immortality is yours. Now step up to the plate and lead someone else to Truth. You have been commissioned to spread the Good News.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20
Don’t Dodge Your Desert
4 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. 3 And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” Luke 4:1-4
Pause. Rewind. Zoom in. Jesus was led BY THE SPIRIT into the wilderness. What do you think about that? I have heard it said that God is far more concerned with the development of our character than our comfort. Desert places – those seasons and circumstances where we find ourselves feeling isolated and without visible hope – are the atmospheres in which our faith goes to work. However inhospitable these experiences may be, this is the context in which one’s faith is stretched. Desert: dry, barren, lacking; area in which it is difficult to find one’s way. He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.
The Spirit of God will lead you into unfamiliar territory. His will, while always fulfilling and life-giving, generally isn’t convenient. You can bank on your flesh not liking it. Sure the pressure will be on; the heat will blaze. Through it all, His Spirit sustains you. But it’s a desert, right? You see little room for hope or improvement. There is little movement, growth, or habitation. This season that you’re in looks like the opposite of what life is supposed to be, right? Wrong! Stop being blinded by your sight. See with His eyes. Hear with His ears. Listen to His voice. Yes, you are in the desert but this is the place He led you to. You were appointed for this. There is work to be done. It begins inside you. Yes, I know. You feel challenged, out of control, and destitute. Keep in mind: His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). Trust Him enough to listen and respond. Things aren’t always as they appear.
Just as the enemy tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he’s coming for you as well. Know who you are because he wants you to question your identity. Stand firm. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God (Romans 8:14). You may be in a desert but if God led you to it, He will surely bring you through it. There is purpose in the pressure you are experiencing. Let Satan know there is no “if”. You KNOW, without any wavering or doubting, that you ARE a child of God. Declare His Word. Speak His Word while treading through your desert. It’s your inspiration, your fuel, your Bread of Life. You may be hard-pressed on every side, yet you are not crushed; though perplexed, you aren’t in despair; yes, yes, you are facing persecution but the Holy One above has not forsaken you; you have been struck down, but baby hold your head high because you ARE NOT destroyed! (see II Corinthians 4:8-9) God has you covered!
You see, untested faith is unreliable faith. Trials afford us the opportunity to put our faith to work. Remember: the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:3-4). God’s desire is for you to be perfect and complete. He doesn’t want you to lack in any area of life. The desert is necessary for your development. Don’t dodge it! Places of comfort will prevent you from going to the next level. Fire purifies gold (wink). Pressure produces diamonds (double wink). When you sense the Holy Spirit leading you to a desert place, DON’T RUN FROM IT. Walk through it by faith! God won’t put more on you than what you are able to bear. When you come out on the other side, you’ll have increased faith, an updated testimony, and a closer walk with your Lord and Savior….not to mention the manifestation of blessings – both expected and unexpected – that you’ve been believing for. Deserts aren’t comfortable but Lord knows they’re crucial! We need them. Don’t dodge your desert.
seeingYOURreality
I want to see but sometimes it’s so hard because what I see clouds my vision. Confused? Don’t be. A wise man I know – who just so happens to be one of my pastors – urges believers to fix their gaze on their God-given vision. Make THAT your reality regardless of the circumstances that cloud your natural sight. I know the things I’m pressing toward and I strive to live in His presence, but sometimes my eyes prevent me from seeing.
My eyes fail, watching for [the fulfillment of] Your promise. I say, When will You comfort me? Psalm 119:92, Amplified
I treasure the advice of Proverbs 4:25, Let your eyes look right on, and let your eyelids look straight before you. I tuck this verse deep in my heart and pray that it develops strong roots. Life is full of distractions, but we decide what will gain our focus. Everyone has an opinion, but we – every single individual – determines how to align their priorities. Who will you please – God or people? Who will I choose to please – God or people? As difficult as it gets, I have, am, and will continue to choose pleasing God above all else. It’s impossible to do so without faith (Hebrews 11:6).
My eyes want to persuade my thinking. I pray: Dear Lord, help me to see with Your eyes, hear Your voice, walk in Your way, and love with Your heart. This world CAN’T be my reality. These limitations WON’T keep me bound! I will be a slave to nothing or no one….besides You. My God sits high but looks low. You see my needs. You know the plans You have for me. That which You have revealed to me is only a small portion of what is to come. Father/Lord/Comforter/Friend, I trust You. Lead me according to Your truth. Shield me under the shadows of Your wings. Continue to give me hope, strength, and courage for the journey. Bless me with eyes to see beyond what is seen. And help me to not overlook the blessings of right now. You hold my life in Your hands; not a day goes untouched. Help me to remember this.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6
Thank You for peace that far surpasses ALL understanding. Thank You for the guarding of my heart and mind…thank You for guarding my vision. You help me to clearly see the promises You have spoken when distractions dare to divert my focus. You help me to look straight ahead, focusing on the future You have hand-crafted just for me. My Lord, my King, my God – in You I put my trust. Thank You for helping me to see Your reality.
Christian Care Bear Stare
Eighties babies stand up! Don’t act like you don’t remember the care bears. You ain’t THAT grown! Surely you haven’t forgotten how determined these fuzzy friends were to spread compassion abroad, ensuring that no one went unloved. When words failed to express the extent of their concern, a unified care bear stare always worked to penetrate hearts and prevent evil from triumphing. As grown as you may be, there is much to be learned from the residents of Care-a-lot.
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4:8
I’m human; I don’t have always have the words to say. But life doesn’t stop happening just because natural limits keep me bound. Love still has work to do. I continue to stand on this truth: unconditional love inspires change. Intercession needs still exist and there are still those that need to be reminded that the love of Christ covers sin. At times when my vocabulary falls short and emotions dare to sweep me away, the power of a care bear stare sure would come in handy. Wait, I DO have that power….well, sort of. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26). A light may not shine from my belly but the light of Christ is within me. I am the temple of the one true and living God. I don’t always know how to express love in the most effective way, but He is willing to lead me. When I don’t know what to pray, He prays through me. His are the prayers that cannot fail. No, I don’t have care bear stare capabilities. I have something better – praying in the Spirit.
20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. 22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others,but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude verses 20-23, New Living Translation
Christians are called to love beyond that which is convenient. Christ gave His life. How far outside of your comfort zone are you willing to step to ensure that another is snatched from the flames of judgment? Perhaps you are doing all you know to do to build yourself up in your most holy faith, but who else are you building? And who has a hand in building you?
The care bears made countless trips to earth because they knew the power of love. Christ left His throne for the ultimate expression of love: He became a one-time sacrifice to extend to us the gift of salvation. Then He sent His Spirit to indwell the hearts His followers, ensuring that they would be empowered to live righteously. If you are born again and have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, you don’t need a care bear stare. You have something greater. You have a prayer language that shakes off natural limitations.
He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned. And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well. Mark 16:16-18, Amplified
Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Do what He says do; speak as He instructs. And always, in every situation, in every occasion pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17). Pray in your natural tongue. Use your prayer language as well. Take time to communicate with God. Don’t just speak. Also listen. We are to be known by our love (John 13:35). Don’t shy away from opportunities to extend yourself. Care bears were known by their compassion. If you aren’t a Christian whose life is marked by love, are you really a Christian?
Getcha Joy
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Silly humans. We embark on endless quests to find meaning in life, fulfillment, happiness, and everything else that we believe will fill our voids but NOTHING or NO ONE compares to the presence of God. His is the presence that never disappoints. Everything we need is found in Him. Ev-er-ree-thang!
His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Who but the Lord can follow through on the promise to guide individuals continually, bringing satisfaction to their souls and strength to their bones? [see Isaiah 58:11] No one but the Lord Jesus Christ! Turning to external means in the pursuit of happiness is a futile journey. Chasing after happiness is pointless. PERIOD! It’s fleeting; it comes and goes based on circumstances just like every other emotion tied to our flesh. Holding on to happiness is like holding on to the wind. Good luck! Let me know how that works out for you. Oh but in His presence! There we find fullness of joy. It’s abiding. Yes, abiding – remains steadfast and faithful; it continues; it persists regardless of what may be happening around us.
You will show me the path of life. God wants to be involved in your life. He wants to lead the way. No, it’s not because He has a humongous ego and needs to be in control. Nope! That’s not it at all. He loves you. He is the only One who knows what’s best for you. Yes, the only One. You may THINK you have it figured out but you don’t. Let me reiterate if for no one else but me: God is the only One who knows PRECISELY what’s best for you. Trust the path He has ordained for your life.
Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:25-27
Look straight ahead. No more distractions. Turn loose of unhealthy relationships. Let go of ungodly desires. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do you really believe that He knows best and only has good things in store for you? Yeah? Okay…live like it.
Live like you know His Word is true. Live like you believe in the depths of your soul that He is trustworthy and faithful. When you do, you will abide in His presence. Joy will invade your life. And with joy comes what? STRENGTH! Oh yes hunny, the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). In seeking Him, you discover His will for your life. As you embrace His presence, the reward is joy. With joy comes strength. What reason could you possibly have for not living for Jesus? He’s most certainly your All in All. If you have Jesus, you have access to joy. And where there is joy, there is strength for the journey.
No matter what doubts the enemy is bombarding you with, know that with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Don’t allow your mind to entertain any thought contrary to that truth. Have stubborn, pit bull faith. Lock down and refuse to let go. Even when life shakes you up, don’t loosen your grip. Trust the Holy Spirit to show you the path of life; it’s the road marked with fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. Getcha joy!
Forever Saving Savior
I’ve never been one for fairy tales. Yes, they’re cute and guaranteed to have a happy ending but I’ve never mentally placed myself in those stories. There is no need to drift away into the Cinderella syndrome when your reality has been redeemed. Fantasy just isn’t my thing. I don’t need a prince in shinning armor; I have the Prince of Peace who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His saving grace breaks every chain that attempts to keep me bound. There is not one area of my life that isn’t met with His concern. Yes, I am saved…but not just from going to hell. My Savior, Jesus Christ, isn’t a one-time Savior. He intervenes on a regular to ensure that I live victoriously.
So [as the result of the Messiah’s intervention] they shall [reverently] fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight [for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives]. Isaiah 59:19
That’s my Lord! Here we are only 7 days into a new year and I’ve heard report on top of reports of trials, hardships, spiritual attacks, etc. The enemy is busy…BUT GOD! He is STILL mighty to save. He is STILL reigning on high. He is STILL concerned with the well-being of His children. He is still God. The enemy is super active because his time is running short. The Word of God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore: when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord will lift up a standard against him. When you press forward with faith in God’s Word, the enemy has to fall back. He has to retreat.
Your Savior hasn’t stopped saving… so what chain is binding you? Identify the yoke that needs to be destroyed. What is preventing you from being who Christ has called you to be? He is still the great I AM, meaning He’ll be exactly what you need Him to be when you need Him. You’ve received salvation but what situation do you currently need to be saved from? He’s available. He’s ready to come to your rescue. Stop trying to fight a battle that isn’t yours to fight. Trust God to be God. Your Savior is still in the business of saving. Call out to Him.
