The Confidence of the Cross

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

I hope this great truth never escapes our attention or is put on the back burner of familiarity, dimming the bold message coming from it: for us to gain life, Jesus had to lose His.

But life is now the promise of today and all days, and that day that is to come because of the precious gift our Lord secured for us.

His love for you and me would not settle with allowing brokenness, sin, and destruction to continue to litter the pathway for our existence here on this earth.  No, when He laid down life it was to regain life – when He gave up everything, it was that we may gain even more.

Imagine a love that is so on fire for you that He will go to extreme measures so that you will get to heaven, so that you will get to be with the Father.  He already knew what this was like, and nothing would stop His pursuit to make a way for you and me to experience it too.

Life is the confidence of the cross.  The enemy’s purpose is to destroy life, but Jesus’ purpose is to give everything heaven has to offer, everything the enemy is working so hard to prohibit: LIFE.

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” John 11:25

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4

“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

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” 1 John 5:12

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The God-Placements | Carriers of the Ministry

What does effective ministry look like to you?

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“This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things:” Numbers 4:4

Every believer has a place in the calling or ministry of God. There is no such thing as someone who has been saved by grace that is not equipped in one or more ways to operate in a particular gift (s) by His grace (Rom. 12:6). And while the area you are called to work in may not look like the ministry of another (1 Cor. 12:4), it is no less critical in its impact for God’s kingdom.

Like a well-functioning body, every member is needed to step up to the plate with their gifts (comp. 1 Cor. 12:12, 14). While the spotlight tends to fall naturally on those in the front, there are many behind-the-scene positions, if they were not managed by capable persons working in their gifts, then whatever is going on upfront would not be going on at all.

After watching a good movie, especially one with multiple twists and turns, I love to scroll through the credits to see those who participated in the making of the movie. My goal is to see who the writer is. Many eyes may be drawn to the main characters, but the real star of the show is the one who wrote the story. The one who allowed him or herself to spend much time in relative obscurity, working their gift to pull the story off according to their specific design.

There are no wasted behind-the-scene moments when working to help the service of God go forward, when helping to get His story out there. There is no work that we do for our heavenly Father that is to be considered unimportant if we are working where He has called us to work. There is great value in every calling (1 Cor. 1:26, 27).

And it was God who called the Kohathites for a special job. In the days of their wilderness wanderings, when the people were ready to journey, and the tabernacle had to be disassembled into its specific pieces by the priests, it was the sons of Kohath who were commissioned by God to be there to help in the process by being carriers of the holy vessels that were inside (Num. 4:15).

Because they were not priests; because they were not the upfront guys, the items would first be covered (for their protection) so they could not see or touch them (4:17-20), but they were still called upon to help carry the things of God, to help carry the ministry.

Where they were needed to work for the kingdom of God may not seem glamourous (after all, they didn’t get the special garments, with the special office of preparing the special offerings), but the work was helpful in successfully moving the articles of the tabernacle from one location to another.

Friends, your position of performance may not include being front and center. There may be certain parts your calling cannot participate in. But wherever God has placed you, it is important, and your service to Him is valuable.

1 Corinthians 12:18 states, “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” This is what I call the God-placements. According to His divine purpose and design, God has a special place for each of us, and every place we serve is essential and profitable for the Kingdom’s work.

While we may put much emphasis on those who are holding the microphone, speaking at large gatherings, singing to multitudes, and writing bestsellers – we forget the joy of being called where God knows we fit. Where God knows we can make the most difference.

We forget the importance of just doing. Doing what we do best for Him, for God. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem to others, it makes a difference for His kingdom.

One psalmist said, “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Ps. 84:10). Whichever way you want to interpret that verse, I would rather participate in the humblest of positions in the will of God than out, for in it I will find the richest of all experiences.

Everyone has a place. Everyone in their place can do something amazing that would help this work continue to grow and spread. If it is to hold a microphone, so be it. But if I only get to be a carrier for Him, let me carry the ministry God has instilled in me with all my might and strength, knowing there is no work, big or small, that is done in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).

Your reward may not come now with the applause of men (which is a heavy responsibility that produces low returns), but when performed for God, for His glory (1 Cor. 10:31), it will come with a “well done” (Mt. 25:23) from Him, the highest reward and applause we should seek.

Lord, though our flesh may desire to see more, do more, and touch more, let our spirit rest in the truth that if we are called to only be carriers of the ministry, we are called according to Your beautiful pleasure and placement for our lives. Help us to serve in that calling, with all grace, working to please our God and heavenly Father. AMEN!

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Defense Against the Tongue-Waggers

“And every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn,” Isaiah 54:17

Where to begin!  The Bible covers so much about the tongue, its power, and its effect that you would think we wouldn’t have to keep teaching about it and relearning these lessons over and over again.

Yet, here we are.  Why?  Because the tongue can be so hard to control (Ja. 3:8).  Which of us is not guilty of having loose lips at one point or another?  Which of us has not felt the sting of a sharp tongue?

God guards His word, but He also hears our words and how they are used.  More than that, He sees how words are used against His people.

The hurt that tongues let loose on others can be described as lashing or scourging (Jb. 5:21) in the pain they cause.  The psalmist recognized that the “strife of tongues” is something we need to be protected against (Ps. 31:20) because of the damage wrong words, especially words of accusations, can cause.

While it is easy to remember that God is mindful of us (Ps. 8:3-4), we must also remember that there is not a foul word spoken against us that gets passed Him.  God is the protector of not only your life but your integrity.

When David experienced the wicked schemes of others against himself, one thing he prayed about was the hurtful way they used their tongue like a serpent’s bite, full of poison (Ps. 140:3).  Demonstrating faith in God, he prayed, “I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor,” (Ps. 140:12). 

Yes, dear friend, the same God who knows even the very hairs of your head is the same God who is aware of every word spoken against you, and God will defend.

In the meantime, let us be mindful to choose wisely our own words with wisdom from above (Ja. 3:8-17).   

“For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.  But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God.” Psalm 31:13-14

“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” Proverbs 11:13

A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.” Proverbs 12:23

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29

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“When You Feel There Aren’t Enough Hours in a Day!” — Word For Life Says…

Every day we are given is precious.  Every moment is a treasure from heaven. When you feel there aren’t enough hours in the day – treasure what you have and be determined to make the most out of what God did give you.  When we do, we can make a better impact for His kingdom and in the lives of those entrusted to our care.  Because no matter how smart our watches become it will always be up to us to make smart use of the time that registers there.

“When You Feel There Aren’t Enough Hours in a Day!” — Word For Life Says…

The Gates of Glory

Your beauty, O God, cannot be compared. I pray for many souls to be able to experience Your gates of glory. To walk through the doorways of heaven and to have their eyes feast on the sight of wonders beyond compare.

I pray for hearts to feel the embrace of love as everything in heaven welcomes them home. I pray for many to know what it is like to leave all the worries of this world outside those doors and to celebrate total freedom from all that tried to hold them down.

On this side of those gates, we can only imagine what that day will look like. But over there, the rich fulfillment of every Scripture-breathed promise will be seen, known, and felt, beautifully overwhelming us with the glory of our God.

Oh, that day is coming, dear friend. All will be revealed, and we will wonder no more. No, because there, we move from wonder to experience and this experience is its own reward.

Father God, thank You that You have prepared such a glorious place for us to dwell with You for all eternity. Beyond those gates, You welcome us into Your heavenly throne room. You welcome us into Your presence forever, no more to be separated by sin, death, and every failing thing this world offered. “In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11). Beyond the gates of glory, our souls will take in every beautiful thing that You are without hindrance or obstacle. Beyond those gates is where I want to be, and I thank You for this salvation You have secured for me. It is my heart’s desire for many souls to be blessed to enjoy Your presence. In the mighty and matchless name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray, AMEN!

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com.  Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.  Blessings to you.

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Is the Familiar Holding You Back?

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Is the familiar holding you back?  Has the comfort of where you are now satisfied you into a state of complacency and false ease?  Has fear paralyzed your progress forward?

Unknown.  Unfamiliar.  These words are areas that we don’t know like the place where we are now.  But the plans of our life and the order of our steps were never really ours to begin with (Proverbs 19:21; Psalm 119:133).

I will admit, there are some things where I wish the curtain were opened a little wider so that I can see more of the picture hidden behind.  But that is not what faith demands (2 Corinthians 5:7).  Faith asks for trust (Proverbs 3:5-6).  And faith asks for our obedience to move forward even if we don’t quite know all the steps or how it will turn out in the end.

The familiar is all around you every day.  It can snuggle you like that comfy blanket you drape over you when you want to settle down for the evening and have a nice read or watch a favorite show.  But settling is not a place to set up shop when you feel God calling you for more.

 

Do you feel Him calling?  If so, seek His face for guidance, ask Him for help, and when He prompts you to, walk forward in faith.

Blessings to you on your journey to break the chains of familiarity.

More Inspirational Articles to Encourage Your Journey:

“Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone”

“You Don’t Need to Know Everything!”

“Be Progressive”

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com.  Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.  Blessings to you.

Please Note: Ads below or referenced on this site are prefabricated and mass-produced (of which I currently have no control over) and DO NOT necessarily represent the views and/or beliefs of this site and its admin.

Is Reasoning Getting in the Way of Faith? — Word For Life Says…

Overthinking much? “The more you go with the flow of life and surrender the outcome to God, and the less you seek constant clarity, the more you will find that fabulous things start to show up in your life”(Mandy Hale). If we want to see the fabulous we have to stop reasoning ourselves out of faith. Unleash your faith and watch the amazing happen in your life!

Is Reasoning Getting in the Way of Faith? — Word For Life Says…

The Beauty of Life

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Father God, I thank You for the beauty of life.  Everywhere we look around us in our world we see evidence of the goodness You planned for us from the beginning. 

As the winds blow and the trees sway in their breeze, we see the natural changes of weather You put on display. 

When the birds chirp and cover their babies in the nest, we see the natural order of caring to provide for the life of the young ones.

The squirrels gather to sustain them through winter and their antics put a smile on our faces.

The rain pours to water the greatest cities and the most hidden gardens, gracing us from on high.

The mountains stand at attention showing the extraordinary work of the Almighty.  And the valley below invites us to meander in its meadows and enjoy the life God has blessed us with.

The heavenly lights glisten in the sky, reminding us of the grandeur of this marvelous design.

In this life, You have given us so many wonders to behold.  In this life, Your Spirit is loving on us from above.

While evil and confusion may try to paint an ugly picture, the beauty of this life cannot be marred because its beauty comes from You, and there is no blemish in Your great goodness, in the original creation You meant for all this to be. 

Today, we look past the wrong and see everything God designed to be right.  If you look, you will see the beauty.  You will feel the beautiful life God wanted you to have from the beginning.

Every breath that we breathe is a joy, and it speaks with His love that life is here, and today, I declare, it is beautiful!

Come closer. Enjoy the experience, and “taste and see that the LORD is good . . .” (Psalm 34:8).

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.” Psalm 23:6

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I Say to You, Arise!

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“I say unto thee, arise.” Mark 5:41

It’s too late.  The time for a turnaround has passed.  The episode of this life is gone and there’s nothing we can do about it.

“There is nothing we can do about it.”  Sound familiar?  How many times in our lives have these words been spoken by others, or even by us?  These words surface when we are at a loss for how to handle what’s before us.  It could be that we have tried, perhaps multiple times, to work on a solution in the midst of a mess, but our trying has fallen flat, and it just didn’t come together as we had hoped.

At this point, the white flag of surrender is raised, and we give up.  Looking at what seems to be irreversible and impossible, a solution unrecognizable to us, it is easy to believe that the time of hope is no more. “Why troublest thou the Master any further?” (v. 35).  For them, they knew what death looked like and the time for help has gone by according to what they believed to be true, so they spoke, “Thy daughter is dead.”

But when you invite Jesus to your house.  When you ask for Him to get involved with the problem, there is nothing too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:17, 27).

“As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe” (v. 36).  Jesus stepped in and took immediate action against anyone who would try to stand in the way of this miracle from going forth.  As soon as He heard the negative report, He countered it with His own promise: “Be not afraid, only believe.”  Their news was dismal, and they were ready to close the case on the possibility of something good coming from this hurt, but Jesus had better in mind.

There is no situation that is beyond His power to help when it is relinquished into the hands of our God.  Instead of holding on to what you see and feel, hold on to your faith.  During these crucial moments, give Jesus space to work a miracle.  Others may not understand, and the full revelation may escape you, nevertheless, “let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6) and believe.

“I say to you, arise” (NKJV).  The command for life to return to this daughter speaks hope: “It is not too late!”  Where we may see the end, Jesus sees a new beginning.  In what area are you hoping to see a turnaround? Believe, trust, and arise!

Father God, we are praying for Your touch in the midst of whatever we are facing.  Healing, deliverance, or just circumstance – Father God, we need You.  We believe that You can work the impossible.  We believe that Your favor and blessings and miracles are still in effect today.  And whatever it looks like, it is not too far gone for You.  Father God, we believe that You can restore, you can bring it back to wholeness and healing, and cause us to arise.  “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1, 2) is my heart’s prayer, and it is in Your hands, O God, we place it all.  In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, we pray, AMEN!

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com.  Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.  Blessings to you.

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“By Chance?” — Word For Life Says…

You matter to God! You are here on purpose today! Your days are not by chance! God has a perfect plan and you are included in it! You are not just a speck that appeared one day. You are not just another face in the crowd. You are someone special designed to fill a special role in this life. You are uniquely you. You are His workmanship designed to do so much more. May God’s blessings be upon you this day!

“By Chance?” — Word For Life Says…