“Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time”
Knowledge IS power!
If we can look into the sky and determine if rain is coming, or if heat is coming, we should also know the time. The times in which we live.
If you understand the the times, then your attitude and position should be one of prayer and praise. The world needs those who “know” to take there place. Your prayers, your peace, your strength is sorely needed.
We are in perilous times. But God is still on the throne and he is in control. His intention is that his people take their place and be the light the world needs. Romans 8:19, tells us that the world waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.
We cannot afford to lose control. If we do, what will the world do? Who can they turn to? As children of God, we have a responsibility to be the light is a dark world.
Do you know the time? If you do, that knowledge is power. Exercise that power and reach out a hand to help your brother.
“…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
When we look for a reason why we have or have not done a thing, it is just our feeble attempt to spread the blame or justify ourselves.
But we serve a God to which nothing is hidden. He knows our thoughts afar off (Psalms 139:2). he thought enough of us and still called us to do his will.
So, if he called us when we were yet in our sins, what excuse can we give him for not doing it?
Not to self…
Take the leap of faith – even if it is the smallest of steps. I guarantee God will meet you there.
In the times in which we live, people are looking for something to help alleviate their fear and anxiety. Only God can do that. Use what God has given you to show the people a more excellent way.
Don’t overthink things, just do what God has given you.
Before you lash out in fear, look up and see God in faith.
Don’t let outside influences determine the way you see things on the inside. Especially the way you see yourself.
Be like a thermostat. If the temperature is not to your liking, set it to something that is. You don’t have to live in misery. Look up, see God, gain the strength you need to walk (by faith) in the temperature you need. Don’t let the coldness of the world touch the God given warmth of your heart.
Show love and be great to those around you. If you do, you just may inspire others to follow suit.
God IS your help and he has your back. Do not the world make you feel like you are alone in your battle. God promised never to leave you or forsake you.
“There hath no temptation taken hold of you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful; He will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that which ye are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Job 1:8 (see verisimilitude 6-12).
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”
It is amazing when you understand the level of trust God placed on us. He allows us to go through situations that are designed to bring glory and honor to him.
Just as Satan had to come to God before he could afflict Job. He needed God’s permission and the parameters in which he can do his dirt. Contrary to some opinions Satan just can not do anything he wants to with us or to us. God has to tell him how far he can go.
What you are going through is simply because God knows you can take it. You were built to withstand and grow, and to ultimately bring him glory.
Even with the temptations we face – yes, it is our own lusts. Those things that tickle our own private fancy. Even with these God does not allow more than we can handle and he always provides a way out. We just have to search for an “out” and take it!
There are times when we feel like a defeated loser. Like we lost the battle and bare the scars to prove it. Some of us even allow the scars of battle to taint the view we have of ourselves or of the world. But don’t give in to this attitude. For the child of God, even though it may “look” like defeat, it is not. Understand the battle is not yet fully over, it is just a temporary cease fire.
The song lyrics say…
“You’re beautifully broken And you can be whole again Even a million scars Doesn’t change whose you are You’re worthy Beautifully broken,”
Remember Job and the tremendous loss he suffer? Yes, his body bared the scars of the what he went through. But the scars were not the end. Job held on. He fought through faith, he fought the opinions of friends and family, but he held on. He was built to last! In the end, Job was greater than what he suffered.
We are built to last. Don’t let your scars make you forget whose you are. Get back up and fight again. Finish the battle for your victory is assured.
As you go through the trials and tribulations of life, remember that Jesus paid it all.
What you are going through or facing is just a trial of your faith. Yes, he paid it all, but can you trust him through it all?
Be reconciled in your faith that He who promised is able also to perform it. Stand in belief. Yes, there are times when we have the testimony like that father of the child in Mark 9:22-25, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”
Sometimes we are a walking contradiction. But be honest with God and yourself. Overall you believe God, but there are times when the mountains of life seem so great that there is a small piece of you which doubts God. But do not give into that thought. Fight it, bind it in Jesus name, and reveal it to God – “Lord, I am a believer, but I am struggling with this. Help me to stand in faith.” God cannot help you until you acknowledge it and ask him for help.
Just as the father in Mark 9:23-25, received what he needed, so will you.
Remember, Jesus has already paid it all. You must stand in faith and receive.
Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
John 19:30 – “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
What Jesus starts, he finishes, see Hebrews 12:2, and Philippians 1:6.
We serve a God of purpose. There is nothing arbitrary about him. When God takes the time to say something, he will complete it. Look at the cross – every prophesy that the prophets of old utter about him, Jesus made sure to fulfill.
More specifically, when God takes the time time to speak to his people (in prayer , visions, dreams, etc.), he does so with the express purpose of bringing it to pass. Most of the time, when God speaks to us, it is at the beginning of a journey- a faith journey. We receive the words, but those words will be tested. Can you hold on to the words, when the evidence of your life seems to contradict them? That is the test – your test of faith.
In Isaiah 53:5, whenever we need some sort of deliverance, this scripture is fuel for our faith. Isaiah prophesied about Jesus, and all that his suffering would bring/reveal for us. In John, while Jesus was on the cross, he utter “it is finished” and gave up the ghost. He made sure to fulfill the scriptures before this occurred. Because he finished it all on the cross, we are now able to stand on his holy scriptures and say the same – it is finished. Whatever I need – it is finished. Whatever I need to be delivered from or to be healed of – it is finished. But it is still a faith thing.
These words mark the beginning of your faith journey to receive. But every journey has a beginning and an ending. God placed you on the road – for he guides our steps, as he orchestrates our life. Because he placed you there, he will also give you and expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). Because he always finishes what he starts. Our faith is tested because everything we face seems at war with the words that God has spoken. Test results may be positive, credit score may be too low, your job may have gone away, etc. But despite this, we must stand on the things God has promised.
Romans 3:4 says “let God be true and every man a liar.”
We must be fully persuaded that God is faithful and will bring it to pass. No more doubt and disbelief that causes your faith to decrease. But build your self up on your most holy faith. Surround yourself by people who will stand in faith with you. Silence every voice that will speak negatively to you or speak against what you are trying to receive from God.
It is finished, because God said so. Just stand on it in faith and keep believing. You will receive it. It will come to pass.
“15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
This is one of those days where I just need to come to God and boldly express myself. Telling him the, the bad, and the ugly that is happening in my life.
I am profoundly grateful that my God understands what it is like to be wrapped in this flesh and to have the feelings, and emotions I experience. Because of that he is able to extend the mercy I so greatly need as well as give me the help I need to endure and overcome!
“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
Honesty is the best policy.
There is something we use to say “you don’t have to lie to kick it.” Which basically means you don’t have to lie to me just to be friends.
But some times being honest seems to be the hardest thing to do. But lying is a terrible habit. We lie to ourself, to co-workers, to family and friends. Sadly enough all of these lies are unnecessary. But the most harmful lies are the ones we tell are to ourselves.
We fool ourselves into believing the telling of lies is a necessary evil we must deal with. However this is not true.
We serve a God who deals with the thoughts and intents of our heart (see Hebrews 4:12). In the scripture text above, the issue was not the amount of money that was given. whatever was sold always belonged to Ananias and his wife. After it was sold the full dollar amount remained theirs to do with whatever they chose. No judgment and no explanation was necessary. However, it was the evilness of their heart that prompted the lie.
God wanted to show the people that you cannot lie to him (or his people), for he knows all. It is better to be honest with him – the worst thing you can do is lie to God!
I tell people all the time, God is the best friend you will ever have, You can go to him in prayer and tell him your deepest, darkest secrets, and he will not tell anyone. More importantly, he will heal and deliver you from them.
Be honest. As you practice honesty (to yourself and to everyone around you), you will notice a difference. You will be lighter emotionally, and closer to God spiritually, After a while, people will notice the change in you and begin to trust you more.
Just be honest – it is a better way to live, and it glorifies God.
“And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”
The name of Jesus is all powerful. Faith in the name of Jesus will bring forth victory and deliverance. Faith alone is dead. But when your faith is in action, and that action is sealed by doing it in Jesus, you shall have whatsoever you believe.
The Bible says that the just shall live by his faith.
No matter the situation, times, or circumstance this fact remains the same. Times are tough, we are all facing things that require a great amount of faith and trust in God. Our job is to remain strong in faith, in the name of Jesus. Sometimes this seems to be the hardest thing to do. However, God has given us tools to use that will help us to remain steadfast.
Praise and worship are gifts in hard times. Why? Because it takes our focus off of us, and places it on God. During praise and worship your burden is lifted, peace resides, and you receive strength and encouragement. More importantly, we are miraculously given what we need to keep fighting the good fight of faith.
Yes, these are very tough times, but we serve a great God who loves us unconditionally. He gave us his name to use. Use it in faith and believe. There is victory for you, just hold on.
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