Dear friends,
During this season of a uncertainty, it seems as though something is always trying to steal our peace.
Our phones can definitely play a huge part in that. Our mornings can go something like this: When we wake up, we launch our phones and before we know it, something pops up on YouTube, social media, email, the internet, we get a prophecy from someone or watch the news channels etc... a flow of anxiety creeps in and we have lost 30 minutes of our morning.
I have found I feel much better when I turn inward from the world, and sit at the feet of Jesus, listening, talking to him not just in the morning, but, throughout the day. I cannot express the feeling of gratitude for that privilege. My day goes so much better when I put him first.
It is hard to imagine what other people are going through, those that don't have Jesus. Especially right now.
For those who have never met Jesus OR brand new, think of your walk as though you are being taught how to swim. With your instructor present, you wade into the pool at the steps, being held above the water when you are in over your head, then treading water or doggy paddling on your own, then it is half a lap, the instructor is letting you go a little more at a time. At the same time you are trusting your instructor not to let you drown. This is the same thing with God. I think life gets so fast and complicated we forget to maintain our perspectives. He did not bring anyone this far to drop us on our heads. (Which has become my lifelong motto.)
Years ago I was told I would have to fly for business. I had a really bad flight at 18 and never flew again. 25 years later, my new boss wanted me in Texas once a quarter. She saw my face turn 10 sheets of white. I almost quit my job over it. It was only by the grace of God that jet did not go down when I was 18..... I had avoided flying at all costs, missed out on so much because of my fear, but, then....God..... We sometimes have to step out in faith, knees knocking, our hearts pounding. He never did me wrong. I love to fly now....(sadly, not these days)
The most important thing to remember is that Jesus is here. He knows exactly what is going on with you and I, your grandkids, your own lost kids and family. He knows and he is with you every step of the way as long as you invite him. If there is silence, ask yourself: "Am I in sin"? If so, clear it up. If not, it is testing and refinement. Gladly accept the challenge. Ask God what he wants you to learn. If there is any strife in your marriage, please heal it. Your prayers are hindered as long as there is strife, you are one flesh. It is so important to be heard at the throne room during these times.
Every day is a test and every day is a Testament of how-you-do on that test. Did you fail. How about a repeat exam? How many times do you wish to go around that same mountain until you get it right? Think of the Israelites.....God took care of them for 40 years....it was suppose to be an 11 day trek.....Their attitudes made it 40 years!!! Just remember that as we are going through testing if we continue to fail those same tests God will bring them back to us again until we get it right. (everyone can think of someone who still lives in the past, 1-5-20-40 years ago.) That is exactly why some people get stuck. They cannot see past the obstacles to get to the promise land. This is a pass or fail. Get a pass, then you move on to the next thing. We must remember that we are training for the kingdom to come, not this world. Maybe some of you are content being a doorman and I'm sure God will find that perfect position for you and you'll love it. There are others that are generals and they love to lead and they love to strategize and I know that God is training those people for those positions. So just think beyond today. Think beyond your current situation and what is going on. Look into eternity, because that is where we are going. God is preparing us for our perfect position, position rank or whatever you would like to call it once we cross over into eternity. That is what our preparation is about. Here on Earth, right now. I also believe that God will leave a thorn in each of our sides to keep us humble, to keep us needing him because we all know what happens when we don't.
These are just some thoughts that have come across my mind more than once lately and I just want to encourage each of you to dig a little deeper. Think a little more about who you are in CHRIST, where you are going and who you are bringing. That is what matters.
If you are in a pinch, trust God to deliver for you. He will, those are your tests, it is trusting him with your everything. Your relationship with HIM, not fearing anymore, not believing the devil anymore.
Listen to his voice.
It would be very helpful to pray for each other and the lost during these times of uncertainty. In fact In my own travels, the stories I have heard, our prayers save the lost. One story was of a man. He was in sin. His mother, a Godly woman. She prayed everyday for him. He died and met Jesus. He was given a choice to choose Jesus AND stay or go home. Jesus told him because of his mother's faithful prayers if he accepted Jesus right then and there he could enter paradise. He said no, my mother will think I am in hell and I cannot let her think that. So, he came back and told everyone his testimony. (I cannot remember who it was, but, I found it very very interesting). This story goes completely against church teachings, but, I also know God is holy, righteous and bigger than the church and their teachings. Your prayers matter. It should not be your last resort as many are trained to think.
I have heard testimonials of people having gone to heaven and seen people sitting in classrooms learning about God etc. There is so much more than what we are told. Do not quit, do not give up.
I will leave you with this final thought. Why do we find it easier to listen to evil over listening to good? Why do we find it easier to believe lies than believe the truth? This was and still is Jesus's biggest hurdle with mankind. Getting them to believe. The truth is weaved throughout the whole Bible. His entire plight on earth was that people did not believe. I have thought about this quite a bit.
What if our ending was different? What if Jesus gave us one last shot and walked the earth like he did the first time? I am convinced if he appeared right now, no one would believe it was him. Even if he came back to the way the Bible says, he will and did another 3 year ministry during the great tribulation. (Bible does not say this, it is a what if) The majority of Christians would mock, scoff and persecute him. We have so much more material available to us than they did.
This is why many have stepped up to be messengers. This is why you all come to hear. Sadly its not hundreds of thousands. If we tackle this together, knowing the finish line is in sight and we have nothing to lose, we know we have served the KING at his pleasure.
Remember who you serve. Remember who has your back.
Remember the teachable moments will only sharpen you more. You are a Royal Priesthood. Your Father owns everything, the throne room is always accessible. You have angels there to serve you at your beckoning call. You have the power to subdue bad weather, fires and animals.
Gen 1:26-28. (This is warfare prayer).
Instead of feeling anxious:
Sharpen your walk to the point where hell knows your name, demons tremble and flee at your presence. When your feet hit the floor in the morning, the enemy knows they will be having a very bad day. He will always attack you one way or another. Being proactive and walking in faith goes a very long way. He cannot touch you unless FATHER sees fit to do so. Remember that!!! Just like Job.
We are no different than they were unless we purpose to be different.
Have a blessed day
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