Tag Archives: Matthew 6:33-34

Another Day??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #92

18 Thursday May 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, Living TODAY!, This IS The Day, This is the Way

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Another Day??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #92

“This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24

God is the creator of each and every day–HE started them, and He keeps them going–and His blessing is there for us if we will but look up and rely upon HIS care, love and direction.  The problem comes when we go off on our own, believing the lies and schemes of the enemy, Satan!  We have an ever-present God, who cares, loves, and provides when we will but look up, press on and wait upon HIS direction!  What will you do with this day?  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test.

“He giveth power

to the faint;

and to them that have no might

he increaseth strength.

30 Even the youths

shall faint and be weary,

and the young men

shall utterly fall:

31 But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew

their strength;

they shall mount up

with wings as eagles;

they shall run,

and not be weary;

and they shall walk,

and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:29-31

Jesus calls us to follow HIM today, without fretting, fear, or frustration over tomorrow before it gets here.  We are to live in the “today”–the “today” that God gives us each morning, rejoicing in HIM and the task that HE sets before “me” “today”!  I don’t have to worry about your work, or anyone else’s (other than as I am called upon to help others) but I can rejoice in the privilege of serving my KING TODAY!  How about you?  Whose kingdom are you seeking?  Men’s or God’s?

“But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:33-34

So, it’s “today”, what will you do with it?  As I said, it’s your choice, but choose wisely there is a test; and I choose to “rejoice” that:

“This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”

 Amen and Amen!!!

What’s On YOUR Mind??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #80

29 Wednesday Mar 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A Form of godliness?, A heart of faith, Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, False Lives, Father of lies, Idolatry, IN HIS TIME!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!

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What’s On YOUR Mind???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #80

I’m kind of changing course in the middle of the stream; I really wanted to continue in Jeremiah but feel impressed of The Lord to share some difficult things that I hope God can use to touch our hearts and lead us to examine ourselves and the things that we surround ourselves with, as well as the things to which we give our time, effort, trust, and devotion.  The truth is God’s Word IS TRUTH, no matter how we feel about it.  May we each pray for God to open our eyes, hearts, and minds to have HIS view on life, liberty, and our pursuits?

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139: 23-24

We all make choices every day, and Jesus warns us of the danger of wrong choices–may we heed His words and choose wisely by HIS Spirit and not our own earthly “vision”!

“But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:33-34

Jesus goes on in chapter 7 to warn us (still part of His Sermon on The Mount):

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly

they are ravening wolves.”  Matthew 7:13-15

Paul comes along and warns us of the dangers that will come, and my friends, we are there; his list is like reading the daily news, but it seems that we have become so accustomed to the lies of the enemy of our souls, that we don’t even recognize the danger–we seem to be “getting used to the dark”!

“This know also,

that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

 unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures

more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

When we read Jeremiah and Lamentations we see a sad reality–that even as Jesus said when He talked to Nicodemus, “men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil…”; and we are no different!  We have allowed the ease and comfort of a prosperous (and yes even we who aren’t what we think wealthy, are part of the 2% of the wealthiest peoples in the world-if we own a refrigerator!) environment, and a church that has been more willing to accommodate sin, than to call us to biblical righteousness!  Go through this list above and think of your own life, the life of those inside our churches, the things that we accept every day because it’s ok to ‘go along to get along’!

I’d like to just name a few things that you might want to take note of and see what you think about them, and then ask, “why” you think it’s ok or not?  Is it a biblical decision or a cultural one–things that we have seen and heard so much, have been incorporated into our culture, our lives and even the very Church of Jesus Christ our Lord!  God forbid!  Think of these popular buzz words and activities, and how far we have come from the truth of God’s Word, all by ourselves; or so we think.  Remember Paul’s words that called us to prepare by putting on that armor of God, “that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil….that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day…” (from Ephesians 6:10-18)!  I can’t help but think that we have laid down on the job rather that “standing” with, for, and through the “power of HIS might”!

Won’t you think with me through a few things that I think worth considering/questioning.

Modesty? —

what is left unseen (male and female) …

Integrity? —

telling the truth in all things, keeping our word…

Biblical view of sexuality? —

“God created them male and female…” (Read Genesis 1-3)

Honesty? —

not taking what’s not ours, rendering unto Caesar, giving good measure (working 8 hours for 8 hours pay?), paying our debts (financial and moral)

Zen? —

a real buzz word today, but do you know it’s part of Buddhism?  Would God call this idolatry?

Yoga? —

I’ll lose some of you here, but check out the origin and determine what you are opening your “mind” to (remember, “let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” see Philippians 2:5-11) Pantheism maybe?

 Drugs? —

What substances are we putting into our bodies– For medicine,       relief, ecstasy, laziness (we don’twant to face life God’s way, to live by faith rather than sight?), indulgence, addiction??

 Love yourself first? —

Let me simply say, ‘find that in The Word’.  If we’ll “love The Lord your God with ALL…” (See Matthew 22:37+), love God first, confident that HE loves me enough to give “His only begotten Son” to die for my salvation…  then I can rest in HIS love and follow HIS lead…

These seem like such small, relatively, unimportant things, but it only takes a pinhole (unstopped) to sink a ship.  And the danger is revealed by Jesus Himself, in His letter to the church at Laodicea–and whether we are there or just close is up for debate, the danger is real.  Please know that I write from a heart of love and concern, and not a ‘pocket full of rocks’!

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write;

These things saith the Amen,

the faithful and true witness,

the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works,

that thou art neither cold nor hot:

I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm,

and neither cold nor hot,

I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest,

I am rich,

and increased with goods,

and have need of nothing;

and knowest not

that thou art wretched,

and miserable,

and poor,

and blind,

and naked…”  Revelation 3:14-17

Here is a church that thought they had “need of nothing” –not even Jesus!  How do I know?  If you go on down and read verse 20, you’ll see that Jesus is knocking at the door to get into HIS own church! Will we open the door to the Master or continue to lock HIM out?  I pray that God will use His Word to open our hearts, minds, and lives to HIS Word that we may have ears that hear and yield to HIM!!!

“Behold,

I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

May we hear God’s voice today.

Amen and Amen!!!

Faith Isn’t Arm-wrestling??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 20

14 Monday Nov 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Press ON!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 20 Faith Isn’t Arm-wrestling???

We live in a culture that tries to reinvent ‘faith’.  And while “Faith Isn’t Arm-wrestling” with God, there are those who equate faith with speaking our will into existence–with or without any regard for God, His Word, or His will.  Then there are those who say all we have to do is think positive and it will happen–kind of ‘cartoon’ mentality!  Then there is the mindset of “chase ‘your’ dreams”, and you will attain them; and the “pray harder” theology.  Well, I’d like us to take a look at what I believe to be a biblical view of faith (and praying in faith).

“Now faith is

the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen…

… 3 Through faith

we understand that the worlds were framed

by the word of God,

so that things which are seen were not made

of things which do appear…

….5 By faith

Enoch was translated

that he should not see death;

and was not found,

because God had translated him:

for before his translation

he had this testimony,

that he pleased God.

6 But without faith

it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them that diligently seek him.”                            Portions of Hebrews 11:1-6

Let’s consider this powerful passage, part of the often called, “Chapter/Hall of Faith”, and see what scripture clearly tells us about faith. The word “substance” in verse one, among other things, means a firm assurance or confidence; kind of like the confidence and assurance one places in a lifesaver that is thrown out to save them from drowning in the ocean.  Jesus is our literal ‘lifesaver’, THE “life-saver” who paid for our sin that we might be saved from sin, hell, and eternal death at Calvary! And the word “evidence” means just that, but much more, to quote the Greek Word Study Dictionary, by Spiros Zodhiates, “implies not merely the charge on the which one is convicted, but also the manifestation of the truth of that charge…”! Hence telling us that faith is real because God has proven Himself faithful at every turn.  He has kept HIS Word and He has fulfilled HIS promises to date (and the ones still pending will come to fulfillment just as surely!)!  The author of Hebrews assures us that our faith helps us to understand God’s truth as creator, as well as redeemer; and that without faith, no matter how “outwardly good” we may appear to others, we cannot please God without faith!  Not just meaningless words, but a true and confident belief that “he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”!

Did you notice that it’s not just simply speaking words but a belief in who God is, and HE knows who is “diligently” seeking HIM!  Are we seeking God, or just wanting to convince HIM to do our will, to meet our demands, and make us “happy”!  Let me assure you, God is more concerned with our “holiness” than our “happiness”, considering that “happiness” regards our circumstances not our character.  Paul tells us in Romans what God is working toward!

“And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.”  Romans 8:29-30

 God’s purpose is that we will “be conformed to the image of his Son”!  He isn’t as concerned about our comfort, as He is about our conformity to the “image of his Son”!  If I may, God wants us to reflect the glory of JESUS, not the popularity of the world!  Our payday (reward) isn’t usually here, it is yet to come!

Jesus makes it very simple and clear what our focus is to be–in our life, in our prayers, and in our choices.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:9-10

Are you and I ready to seek God’s will and God’s kingdom to come within us and be reflected outwardly to a lost and dying world who needs Jesus?  Am I willing to forgo my own desires to pursue HIS?

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”  Proverbs 3:5-8

 God also has promised us who have received the new birth in Jesus, that His Holy Spirit will interceded for us when we don’t know what to pray for, and those times when we just can’t find words or wisdom.

“My brethren, count it all joy

when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this,

that the trying of your faith

worketh patience.

4 But let patience

have her perfect work,

that ye may be perfect and entire,

wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith,

nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind

and tossed.”  James 1:2-6

Our great comforter is ever working in, through and for us; and when James speaks of “want” he isn’t speaking of our fleshly desires but God’s work and provision to bring us to maturity and glory in HIS presence as HE works in and through us.  James wants us to understand that real faith stands fast in WHO God IS, not just what He does!  Yet, there’s more!

“Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not

what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.”  Romans 8:26-27

What amazing promises, not so that we can twist God’s arm to get what we want, but that we can be in perfect harmony with our Lord Jesus as we pray, seeking HIS “kingdom” and HIS “will” to come in our hearts, our lives, our ministries, our families, and our testimony before this lost and dying world.  They don’t need our boasts of our own power, but the confidence in a God who is “good all the time” for “all the time GOD IS GOOD”!

We all have times when we are confused, but often our confusion comes when we have failed to seek God first!  I know I ‘wrestle’ with this continually.  So often the demands, pressures, physical issues, emotional hurts, and just LIFE gets between us and God.  That is when we must, I repeat–we MUST–turn to God and HIS Word to find our lodestar again!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care

upon him;

for he careth

for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist

stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:6-9

Praise God for HIS gracious care toward us, and may we pursue HIS will, rather than dictate to HIM!

“Ask,

and it shall be given you;

seek,

and ye shall find;

knock,

and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh

receiveth;

and he that seeketh

findeth;

and to him that knocketh

it shall be opened.”  Matthew 7:7-8

 Notice that Jesus said to ask, seek and knock to receive, find, and have doors opened (in HIS time); He did NOT say “demand”, “decide for yourself”, or “push the door down”!  And if we back up to chapter 6, we’ll see the context of truth that we can’t overlook.

“But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:33-34

 We are to pursue God and “his righteousness” and rest in His faithful provision for us; knowing that He has called us to be faithful fathers and mothers, faithful employees, faithful students, pastors, wives, husbands, caregivers, cooks…we could go on, but I think you get the picture, for our call is to take in the ‘whole counsel of God’ (The Bible–all of it) which calls us to be a reflection of HIS faithfulness in all we do, not just our ‘religious’ activity!  It’s one of the reasons that I believe we have become so powerless in our churches; we have chosen busy-ness rather than faithful holiness; we have compromised in almost every area of Holy living, to be popular and ‘fit in’!  Well, my friends I choose Jesus!  How about you?

I close with one of the most powerful, but often written off to children’s verses or funeral passages, scriptures that help us know that we can rely upon our God.  We aren’t to arm-wrestle with our God but love and devote our lives to trust in HIS care!

“The LORD is

my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down

in green pastures:

he leadeth me

beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth

my soul:

he leadeth me

in the paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod

and thy staff

they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table

before me

in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head

with oil;

my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

all the days of my life:

and I will dwell

in the house of the LORD

for ever.”  Psalm 23:1-6

Is HE your shepherd?  I pray that God’s Word will direct, comfort, and encourage your heart today!  Blessings on your day–

Amen and Amen!!!

Why Are You Waiting??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 04

12 Monday Oct 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 04  Why Are You Waiting???

 

I love Southern Gospel Music and there are a plethora of songs about no tears in heaven, no blindness, no deaf ears, no sorrow, and I love those songs but it seems to me that many today are living so much for what heaven holds that they are missing living for Jesus right here and now!

We are to live seeking God and His ways each day or we are missing opportunities that HE is placing before us each and every day.  God is ever working to grow us into the image of The Son, Jesus, through every circumstance in our lives.

“And we know

that all things work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.”   Romans 8:28-29

As God is ever working to conform us into Jesus’ image, our part is to pursue God, His Word and His ways. Jesus tells us to seek God’s purposes not the greedy ways of the world; we are to seek God first in all things, for He has promised to provide our every need.

“But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:33-34

Jesus reminds us that we live in an evil world, but our focus is to be on our Lord and His will for us; we are to follow Him, pursuing Him and His will, and we can only do that consistently as we delve into the scriptures and follow the leadership of His precious Holy Spirit.  We are called to choose the good over the profane—and that is most difficult in this profane world we live in.  But God has promised to provide for those who will exercise this principle.  Jeremiah gives testimony of the need to go or halt at God’s bidding, and if we are faithful to God and stand fast for His truth, HE promises to be with us.

“Therefore thus saith the LORD,

If thou return,

then will I bring thee again,

and thou shalt stand

before me:

and if thou take forth the precious

from the vile,

thou shalt be as my mouth:

let them return unto thee;

but return not thou unto them.

20 And I will make thee unto this people

a fenced brasen wall:

and they shall fight against thee,

but they shall not prevail

against thee:

for I am with thee

to save thee

and to deliver thee,

saith the LORD.

21 And I will deliver thee

out of the hand of the wicked,

and I will redeem thee

out of the hand of the terrible.”  Jeremiah 15:19-21

What terrible things are you facing today?  God promised not only Jeremiah deliverance, but He has promised to walk with us through our difficulties each and every day, if we will but seek HIS face.

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

Here and now—not just later in heaven!  And a few more passages to encourage you today.

“Ye are of God, little children,

and have overcome them:

because greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”   1 John 4:4

It’s all because of Jesus!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:”  Philippians 1:6

And a few words of challenge and hope for us all.

“Study to shew thyself approved

unto God,

a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing

the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase

unto more ungodliness.”   2 Timothy 2:15-16

“All scripture

is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”   2 Timothy 3:16-17

If you would– to know truth—to heed conviction of sin/error—to yield to God’s discipline—and to receive and obey His words of righteousness—all to grow us unto spiritual maturity!

And in Jesus’ own words, we are reminded that our work on earth is to be done in HIS power, as we “abide” in our “vine”!

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me ye can do nothing.”   John 15:5

May we draw near to our Lord that HE may be seen in us—as we bring forth HIS fruit!  NOW!!!

“But it is good for me

to draw near to God:

I have put my trust

in the Lord GOD,

that I may declare

all thy works.”  Psalm 73:28

May you/I be “about my Father’s business” here and now, not just looking forward to heaven (which we are to do, but not to the exclusion of the present work of God)!

Amen and Amen!!!

Our Savior And Our Example!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #589

20 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abundant Life In Jesus, Comfort, Encouragement, Every Knee Shall Bow

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #589 Our Savior And Our Example!!!

 

While Jesus IS our Redeemer and Lord, He is the One to whom we look, the One on whom we depend—and The One who IS the way to God—not one of many but the One and Only Way!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh

unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

Jesus lay aside the glory of heaven to come to us, take on flesh and blood, live a sinless life, and die in our stead—all because He and The Father love us!

“For God so loved

the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name of the only begotten

Son of God.”  John 3:16-18

Jesus is the only way to life!  No matter how many lies the enemy spreads—God’s Word stands true and is the standard of all judgment in the end; and there is a day of reckoning coming, but in Jesus we are saved from the judgment and wrath of God. The choice is yours and mine, but the consequences of our choice will follow us into eternity!  Choose wisely, there is a test!

“Wherefore God also

hath highly exalted him,

 and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ

is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”   Philippians 2:9-11

The question isn’t ‘will you bow’; for God has declared that “every knee should bow”! As the old hymn says “nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling” (From ‘Rock of Ages’, by Augustus M. Toplady), Jesus came that we might have life and know that we are loved by a faithful Father God, who is working all things for our good and His glory—and they never conflict! (Even when we think they do!)!  But as we learn to know Him and come to trust to His care, we can follow the example of our Lord in the midst of every trial and difficulty.  Jesus didn’t come to simply ‘be’ an example, He came to purchase our salvation with His own blood, but in doing that He left us the greatest example of selfless love ever expressed!

I have learned and continue to learn that HE IS faithful at every turn, and when I keep my eyes fixed on Him, I can be victorious in this walk of faith with my Lord Jesus Christ!  Whatever you may be facing today, I can assure you that HE is faithful and worthy of our love, trust and devotion.  May you find strength and comfort in His Word.  I am praying for YOU!  We can join with Paul and say:

“I can do

all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

And as Peter reminds us, no matter the suffering that we may encounter, we can trust in and rely upon the Lord who suffered the ultimate rejection, and a gruesome death, all for you and me!

“For what glory is it,

if, when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto

were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes

ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep

going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop

of your souls.”  1 Peter 2:20-25

We can choose today, to trust to our God, or try to run our own lives; I’ve done it both ways and, believe me when I say, we can overcome and have victory when we “do all things through Christ” rather than trying to go our own way!  May we all “fix our eyes on Jesus” and “press on” today, and today, and the next today!  For dear ones, today is all we have, and HE is ever faithful!  May Jesus’ words bring comfort and encourage you today!

“But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:33-34

Amen and Amen!