Tag: Bible devotional

The Locust’s Song

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After a very popular book, the idea of a love language has become a common way people recognize the best way to reach another person’s heart. What makes them tick? What makes them feel appreciated? What makes them feel loved?

God knows better than anyone how to reach and touch the hearts of people and let them know they are loved.

As I am sitting here, I hear the locusts sing their song. This has been a longtime favorite sound of mine. When summer rolls around, and I hear that song in the trees, I feel a certain restfulness and peace and contentment. I can’t help but stop, take a moment, and smile at a song most will ignore. A certain measure of nostalgia comes with it also, as I remember the sound that accompanied my childhood memories.

It’s the little things like this, when it feels like God puts His stamp of love on my day, that just let me know that everything is going to be alright.

In many ways, throughout many days, He brings us peace and assurance we cannot find in another. He shows us His compassionate love, even if we feel that we are at the end of our rope.

In what ways is the Father speaking your love language today? Do not look for it in big things alone. There was a reason the prophet didn’t find confirmation in anything but the still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).

Regardless of how He puts His stamp of love on your life today or shows you His love throughout the day, the most important thing for you to know is that you are loved. So much so that He shows us in the biggest and best way possible that He is in it through the long haul with us.

Through Jesus Christ, we have the best confirmation of God’s love toward us (see John 3:16; Romans 5:8).

God may show us in various ways, big and small, the love He has for us, but the biggest measure of love was found in nothing short of the Savior on Calvary.

The locust’s song
in the tree
reminds me of
God’s love for me.

A sound of peace
and restfulness
that speaks to my heart,
making me feel blessed.

Knowing God is there
in big things and small,
assures my heart,
He’s here for the long haul.

When days aren’t right,
crazy, or hurried,
God’s song of love
raises above life’s worries.

But the song of love
most profound to me
is the song of love
sung from Calvary’s tree.
©Wordforlifesays

“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.” John 3:16

Blessings <3

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc., to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

 

The View That Will Change Your Life Forever

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Some views will change your life forever.  The scenic wonder as you look out over the mountaintops. The sun that sets below the horizon daily.  The waves that crash on the ocean shores where land and sea collide.  Seeing and feeling the peace of a forest walk as nature saturates your senses.  When our eyes meet places like these, there seems to be an extraordinary pull within us that longs for us to want to relive that experience day after day.  What your eyes see and what you experience have a way of moving you on the inside.

But what about what your heart sees?  How do you respond to the vision of Jesus before you today?  When you look at Him, who do you see?

One day, Jesus had a private moment with His disciples. In that moment, He wanted to know what they saw, not with their eyes, but with their hearts.  After asking about the opinions of others (Mt. 16:13), He wanted to know what those around Him thought for themselves: “But whom say ye that I am?” He asked (Mt. 16:15). 

With that questioning digging into their personal understanding of Him, only one spoke in revealed truth that centered itself in his very being and wouldn’t let go.  Only one man, by the name of Peter, saw Jesus for so much more.  “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt. 16:16), he said without hesitation or flinching, being fully confident in his answer.

In Jesus, I believe he saw not just the miracles, wonders, and powerful teaching.  He saw Him for who He was: “The Son of the living God.”

When you see Jesus for who He really is, your life will be filled with wonder in a way you have never experienced before, and you will be changed forever.  When the veil of truth is pulled back, and revelation dawns upon your knowing heart, and heaven shows you the Son, things will never be the same. 

As your eyes of faith look upon Him and your soul is drawn to Him, you find in Christ what you have been searching for all your life.  Forward, you walk.  Closer to thee, O Lord, I must be, becomes the craving of your inner man, and it cannot be satisfied with another.

I know how the world views Him.  They call Jesus many things and have many opinions.  But as I rise this day and every day, I see your glory.  I see Your hand in the very details of my life.  I feel You in my heart, and as with Peter, I see the Son before me.  That is the view that has changed my life forever. 

Blessings ~

Father God, we are praying today for many souls to see You for who You are.  We are praying for eyes and hearts to be opened to the eternal truth: salvation can be found in no other, but only in Jesus Christ can lives be truly changed forever (Jn. 14:6). May many grasp this truth today and believe and receive Him for themselves.  In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray, AMEN!

Text-free image by David Mark from Pixabay

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.

It’s Time to Step Up!

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I am in a season of watching some of our founding fathers, seasoned saints, and those who have walked the path of wisdom and holiness approach their evening time (Zechariah 14:7). I pray that the Lord will keep these benefactors and promoters of faith here with us for as long as possible according to His perfect plan.

But at the same time, I know that times of transition will come (2 Peter 1:14). Unless the Lord returns prior (1 Corinthians 15:51), they, and many more, will be called home to glory.

What then?

What of those foundations that were laid?

What of the wisdom for the verse of Scripture and holiness toward God?

No apostle or prophet of old tread upon this earth forever (Psalm 89:48). Yes, two were taken, but search for them here and you’ll not find them.

Then, that means that those who are here need to step up. As Elijah’s mantle was thrown on Elisha to continue the anointed work (1 Kings 19:19) and later picked up by him (2 Kings 2:13), so too must we pick up the mantle of those who have gone on before us. Even more so, pick up the mantle of Christ, bear the work of the gospel on our shoulders, and carry on this mission.

The mission didn’t stop when Christ ascended, nor is it to stop now. Successors must pick up the purpose of the cross and press on. We are the descendants of grace. The inheritors of mercy. The remaining lineage of the body of Christ who are not only to continue the mission, but also to prepare others who will succeed us.

The work cannot stop. For if it does, generations could be lost.

Start now. Start today. Look for ways you can be a righteous successor who refuses to let the work fall and is willing to step up.

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Revelation 14:13

God’s Word is Bond | Trusting in the Integrity of God

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“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live…” Ezekiel 33:11

When trying to reach people with the truth of the gospel, one of the rebuttals you will often hear is something like, “If that is true, and if God really loves us and doesn’t want anyone in hell, then why doesn’t He just spare everyone? If a person is generally good, why doesn’t God just let them go into heaven?”

Back in the day, there was a saying: “A man’s word is his bond.” A simple handshake and a spoken promise were good enough. In those symbols of agreement, that man’s integrity spoke for him.

One thing we always want to know when it comes to the Word of God is that we can trust every part of it, the good and the bad. If someone’s entrance into heaven was fudged, or the fact that even if they were a good person but refused Jesus Christ as Lord was overlooked, then the integrity of God, of His character, and Word would be questioned.

But God’s Word is His bond, my friend. Everything He spoke, for good or bad, for blessing or judgment, will come to pass. We can trust in every part of it because of the fact that it is never fudged, overlooked, taken lightly, or acted as if it really doesn’t matter.

Every part of God’s Word matters!

The Bible has not been put together as the inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16) to be a good read (although it is). It is life’s instruction book. In it, we see the blessings of obedience and the perils of disobedience (Deuteronomy 28; Leviticus 26).

Whether or not one chooses to believe it and follow it does not negate its integrity.

When we turn to the Word of God for wisdom, instruction, life, promises, and salvation, we want to know that every bit of it, every jot and tittle, is an unmovable truth that we can hold on to (Matthew 5:18).

If bits and pieces were overlooked or disregarded by the Author of the Word, then how could we trust in the rest?

God’s Word has been written and recorded through vessels He has specifically chosen (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21). In those blessed pages are His story of history, His love for people, His expectations, and His desire for all men to be saved (2 Peter 3:9).

That is God’s ultimate desire: to see people flood the gates of glory, come and be where He is, to live in sweet, holy communion with Him forever and ever.

For that to happen, there must be an answer for the sin that broke the fellowship in the first place.

Why? Because everything goes back to His integrity. In His integrity, we must understand that God is above all else holy. In His holiness, He CANNOT dwell with sin. That can never change.

In His Word, God shows us His plan of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ: “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 shows us the pathway to come out of sin and to walk in the new life He desires for all people.

But it is people who must choose whether to believe, accept, and turn to this truth. God does not force anyone, and He does not bypass their free will.

The choice is always ours. In that, the integrity of God’s Word will always stand sure.

God’s Word is there for our benefit, so that we can know, believe, accept, and stand on everything He has spoken, knowing that He will never change or fudge one bit of it (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; Numbers 23:19). It is your solid foundation that stands surer than any handshake ever could.

So, when God’s word promises abundant life (John 10:10), we can believe it. When it promises freedom, peace, joy, comfort of spirit, or any host of things, my friend, we can believe it. When it promises eternal life to those who turn to Him, we can be assured that it shall be ours.

Why?

Because everything He spoke in His Word is sure and all will come to pass (Isaiah 55:11; Joshua 21:45).

If you enjoyed this article, I invite you to check out these articles below for more encouragement:

“Make God’s Word Louder!”

“God’s Word Gives Light!”

Blessings~

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc., to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

Who Has the Real Power?

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“…I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries. And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaoh’s arms… I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; and they shall know that I am the Lord…”
Ezekiel 30:23-25; read Vv. 21-26

Do we really understand the sovereignty of God? Do we not understand that all powers are subject to God’s control? Do we not know that at any given moment, God can cause one nation to rise, and another to fall?

Ezekiel has been assigned many tasks by God. And one of those tasks was to make certain judgments against varying nations (Ezekiel 25-32), including, but not limited to, Egypt.

God has spoken to him about a great power switch. The one who thought they were strong, impenetrable, and would stand as a “superpower” forever, will be broken and fall.

This is a story that has recurred throughout history. Think of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 2). In it, we see powerful nation after powerful nation eventually succumb to the prophecy spoken over it: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure” (Daniel 2:44-45).

Did you catch that last line? “The dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” Everything that God has pronounced for or against a nation or people has come to pass already through the course of history, or is waiting for a future, final fulfillment.

Nations may boast of power, but God is the Supreme Ruler. Psalm 75:6-7 assures us, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

Friends, sometimes life and circumstances can make us feel powerless. But when we truly understand the sovereignty and power of our God, we can understand better why Paul was able to say, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

God is our strong defense. He is like a mighty wall that stands between all opposition and us.

Yes, there are things that will come against us, but as Job’s story reminds us (Job 1), it must go through Him first. And even in that, we are assured that God remains in control and completely sovereign over all.

That is why the psalmist declared, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?” (Psalm 118:6). Mankind can have plans, but God has the final say.

It is His power that created the world we see and live in. He is the one who lifts nations and makes another fall. There is nothing in your life that is too hard or impossible for God.

He is the real power. God is sovereign King over all. Keep the faith!

“The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.” Psalm 99:1

“For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2

“All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.” Isaiah 40:17

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc., to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

Where to Find Truth?

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Scams, deception, and counterfeits are part of our modern-day vernacular, and finding truth has become harder than ever.

Although false practices have existed since the beginning of time, the rise of AI and other means of making things look authentic when they are not has made it very difficult to distinguish what is fake and what is real.

The prophet Jeremiah had the tough job of warning God’s people against the convincing deceptions of his day and leading them to the truth. The deceptions he fought against took place in the form of idols.  The worship of these false deities gave the illusion that something else was better for the people than the God they were currently following.

But illusions are just that, illusions.

So, God used Jeremiah to question the people about their unfaithfulness and the direction they were inwardly traveling.

One question He asked was, “What injustice have your fathers found in Me, that they have gone far from Me, followed idols, and have become idolaters?” (Jer. 2:5, NKJV). In other words, what has God done wrong that caused them to turn away to these false ways? And the answer is, nothing at all.

At another point, God charged them of “Saying to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’ But in the time of trouble they will say, ‘Arise and save us.’” (Jer. 2:27), giving accolades to “resources” and images that had no bearing on any part of their lives.

And that’s not far from what we see in our world today. The items of idolization and undue attention some look to may not be stones and trees, but there are still illusions and falsehoods receiving undeserved homage.

But the good news is that when truth is found, it destroys the illusion!

Jesus spoke this promise, saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Jesus’ life is the only life that was perfectly lived without sin (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 1:19), and the only one who fulfilled hundreds of prophecies, not missing a beat, hundreds of years after they were originally spoken (Luke 24:44; John 1:45; Acts 26:22, 23). (Without getting too complicated, for reference sake, at the very least compare Psalm 22 with the events surrounding the crucifixion of Christ.)

He was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18, 22, 23) to save mankind from sin (Mark 10:45; John 3:16). Sin is that ugly three-lettered word that separates us from God. Holiness is God’s standard. Sin steps in and taints the relationship God wants with His people, causing a division He never desired.

Jesus willingly succumbed to death to be the atonement (the means of removing the sin from wayward people and restoring our relationship with God). He became the way for us to escape the judgment that should have been ours to bear (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 5:8), saying, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

And He rose from the dead, not only gaining victory over death, but showing us the promise of new life we have through Him: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

Fulfilling all, He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), and now we are awaiting His return.

The Gospel presents a clear claim: that Jesus is the way to salvation and to have everlasting life (John 3:16; 6:47; 10:28). According to Scripture, there is no other source of lasting salvation and peace.

While many voices and influences can project illusion, seeking to draw our attention away from God, God is still calling us all, in love, toward His Truth.

As He did with Jeremiah, the call is still going out for people to repent and turn to the God who desires this unbroken relationship with them.

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19

Note: True repentance means more than saying or feeling sorry. It is more than being remorseful. It is turning away from sin and its ways in mind, body, and soul, and turning to God, giving Him your life from the inside out.

Blessings~

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.

 

Inspirational and encouraging picture about trusting God even when we can't see it based on Joseph's story of being sold into Egyptian slavery

“Your Behind-the-Scenes Success!”

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Genesis 37-41

Details. You either love them or hate them. When it comes to daily tasks, details can be a bit overwhelming when you are trying to figure out the minutest specifics of all that needs to be done.

Yet, when it comes to our future, especially regarding its outcome, details can be beneficial in planning and preparing. Our hopes are to receive a favorable ending to our story. And while details help us along toward specific goals in the natural world, when it comes to our spiritual walk, specific details of every move we make or every journey we walk through aren’t often given to us.

Take the story of Joseph, for instance. He was next to the next-to-youngest of twelve exceptional boys born to Jacob. Exceptional because they would become known later as the twelve tribes of Israel.

Being the firstborn of Rachel (the woman whom Jacob loved and willingly worked for to marry), Joseph received favors and preferential treatment from his father. If the evidence of his being treated favorably wasn’t there before, surely the multi-colored coat given to him signaled it loud and clear.

Joseph was not only unique in being Rachel’s firstborn and Daddy’s favorite. He was also blessed with a special gift revolving around dreams. Unfortunately for him, this gifting led to acquiring ire from his older brothers, who were more than likely already miffed at his exalted treatment.

This, in turn, provoked a plan of deception that would rid them of their problem with this bothersome brother. Deviating from killing him because their hatred so stirred them, they sold him into slavery.

There, his story pans out over several years of slavery, work, favor, and imprisonment. It seemed that when Joseph tried to do right, he was rewarded with lies, accusations, and being forgotten by those he helped. But while he was doing right and being a help to others, God was working behind the scenes to bring his story to a successful conclusion.

God was marching Joseph forward, unknown to himself, to the place of his maximum usefulness for that era. Whether it is readily apparent or not, God was with him even in a place where he may have felt alone, forgotten, and abandoned.

The details we see before us are obvious. They are obvious because they are visible. But like Joseph, our stories have more layers to them than just what the eye can see or human reasoning can understand.

In Genesis 39:2, we read, “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.”

In Genesis 39:21, it tells us, “But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

And in the New Testament we are told, “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him” (Acts 7:9).

Joseph lived his life in an honorable manner. He did not have the benefit of Scripture that would let him know that everything was going to work out in his favor; that the LORD was with him in the unseen details.

But He was. And God is with us also. Numerous times Scripture reminds us of this beautiful fact:

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee…” Isaiah 43:2

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God…” Isaiah 41:10

“… I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20

“… the upright shall dwell in thy presence.” Psalm 140:13

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16, and so many more.

In the extraordinary moves of life, we may readily point out, “God is with me!” But what His word assures us of is that in those moments where we cannot easily feel Him or understand the hardness of the situation we are dealing with, He is there.

Joseph’s story shares this truth with us, as well as Job’s, and many others who endured hardship, suffered trials, fought battles, and more.

But even when you can’t see how God is working things out behind the scenes, know that He is. What may not be apparent in details to others or even to you is clear before God, who knows the beginning from the end.

He has a plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11). Just keep living honorably and in faith. Grab hold of the truth of Scripture laden with the promise of His presence, and believe, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

In the end, Joseph, who was sold, accused, and forgotten, was elevated to the second-highest position in the land. I can’t promise your story will end with such exaltation. But what I can tell you is that no matter how your story unfolds, keep your faith in God, not in the details you can see, and know that in the end, God can make it work for good (Romans 8:28).

Your behind-the-scenes success is in God. Trust Him even when the details aren’t apparent.

More Inspiration:

“God is Working It Out!”

“Forget, and Be Fruitful!”

“You Don’t Need to Know Everything!”

“… Because of God”

“Dream Big!”

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

Scripture graphic with 1 Peter 4:8 about love covering a multitude of sins, Christian encouragement, and healing grace.

The Healing Power of Love

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“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Love, in earnest, can be a balm to a heart broken by the bruises this life sometimes leaves. Earnest love simply gives; it does not demand perfection or dwell on faults but looks to the heart within each person. It is concerned with the person on the inside, without basing rash actions and feelings on outward stumbles from grace.

Do you know one who can use this covering love in their life? Has a life been touched by error and negativity? Could they use the heart of another speaking to them, “I’m still here for you.”

God’s steadfast love rescues, restores, and covers us. As such, we, who were once recipients, are now dispensers and have the power, through love, to lift another from their struggles.

Real love works through patience and is very kind toward others (1 Corinthians 13:4). It does not keep records of every wrong committed (1 Corinthians 13:5). Instead, it releases offences over and over again (Matthew 18:22) and just continues to love.

Have you ever been denied this kind of love from the Father? The answer is no. Time and again, we have sought His perfect love to forgive our many wrongs, and by His grace and mercy, He did (Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 10:17).

Now, we are to be glad vessels ready to pour out to others the same love we have received, for “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends” (Proverbs 17:9).

Is there a heart waiting to be on the receiving end of this type of love today? Let go of everything else and love like Jesus loves. You may help heal the brokenness of another.

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, X, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

God is our very present help!

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Dear Friends, are you in a present time crisis?  Has trouble found you when you least expected it and at the very wrong time possible?  The wonderful thing about being connected to the wonderful, heavenly Father is that no time is an inconvenient time for Him to come and help – even right now, presently.

God is never bound by the limits we experience or others we may run to for a source of hope and strength.  God is also the only One who not only knows us completely through and through, but He knows more about the details of our struggles, hurts, and pains than any other.  In His omniscience, there is no part of us – no part of anything we endure or go through that He is not aware of.  As such, there is no other place, person, or thing where we can truly find the satisfaction of help where we need it the most.

Please, do not misunderstand me.  God is not to be beckoned and treated as if He is an imaginary genie to grant our every wish on a whim.  No, but He is a promise keeper and so much more, who invites us to come to Him and seek His face – seek what He has to offer and trust His will and His timing – trust Him alone and above all during the times of conflict and uncertainty.

He, in His perfect love, is concerned about you and the things that are presently before you.  And, He knows that you are concerned about them too, and thus, He has allowed these assurances of His love and willingness to be available for help to be declared over and over in His holy Word, such as what the psalmist wrote when he said, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” (Psalm 46:1).

There are times when I need Him in all those areas.  I need to find that in my weakest moments, in Him I can obtain strength.  When the storms are angry and blowing tempestuously in my life, He is my refuge and safety.  And yes, when troubles in any shape and form rear its ugly head, that God is our very present help – our right now source through it all.

Oh, if only every day were sunshine and rainbows, but alas, we know that there will be times when things and situations stir that makes us uncomfortable, shake us a bit, or cause some unsure feelings to arise.  But, the truth of what the psalmist wrote still stands just as sure today as it did when it was originally written, and the summation of that verse states that God cares deeply and lovingly for you.  Why else would He concern Himself with your present circumstances?  It is His love for you that compels Him.  It is His concern for you that causes His eye and heart to see what you are dealing with and moves Him to come to your aid.

Come, and take comfort in these blessed words that speak of His help and care for His people, and for you:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” (Psalm 46:1-7)

Reposted from September 23, 2020

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. 

“Before there was Egypt, there was a promise!”

Many times when we discuss the land of Egypt within the confines of the Bible, our minds automatically track back to the time when the children of Israel were in bondage there.  We see them under the weight of the taskmasters, dealing with oppressive circumstances that are beyond their control.  They stand by and watch as some are beaten, others are killed; lack and degrading situations run rampant throughout their time there.  Fear, hatred, and jealousy by others drove them to the place where they are residing; a place where tough days seem like they will never come to an end.

Oftentimes, when people find themselves in a hard spot of life, or when they find themselves coming up short and just not happy with the way things are turning out at this particular time, they refer to that circumstance as their place of “Egypt.”  This is where heartbreak and troubling times lie.  This is the place where it seems everything is fighting against them, and no matter what one does, it just doesn’t appear that they will ever come out on top.  People may not have taskmasters’ whips to deal with, but other things just lash and lash out at them, making it hard to get back up again.

As hard as this may be to believe, I assure you your Egypt will not last forever.  I’m sure the children of Israel had doubts about this.  After all, their time there lasted about four hundred years.  Yet, even before this family of seventy ventured into the land and grew to the astronomical numbers we see in Exodus, God knew all about their time there before they were even there.

In Genesis 15:13 God told Abram, “Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years.”  Outside of that prophecy God also said, “And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance,” (Genesis 15:14).  In this we see, there was a promise before they even set one foot in Egypt; before they even encountered a problem, God already had a blessing lined up for when they came out.

Today, we fight against so many unknowns.  We deal with all the this’s and that’s of life that simply weigh one down.  One might not find themselves in a literal state of captivity, but something just sits on them heavy, becoming an almost unbearable burden, and they just don’t know what to do.  With a feeling of exasperation, some just give up, content to go through the motions of life, without grabbing hold of the feeling of hope because of the fear of being let down again, just to drift back into that state of uncertainty once more.

But, I am here to tell you today, continue hoping and never give up.  Your “Egypt” is not lost on God.  God knows what you are facing.  He knows every disappointment you are dealing with.  He knows every struggle you are battling.  He knows everything that you are fighting through, and that’s fighting against you.

It may be hard to see the proverbial silver lining in a dark cloud at times or the light at the end of the tunnel, but we have something better.  We have a promise!  God told Abram that when his people came out, they would be coming out better than when they went in.  God was going to judge those who did them wrong, and God was going to bless them greatly.

Another promise Abram received was in a few verses before those noted above.  God told him, “Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be,” (Genesis 15:5).  Not only were they going to be blessed, but they were going to come out increased in the people they were.  To go from one individual to the millions they would come out to be, they were going to grow not only in number but in experience through their troubling times.  They would have to learn to endure some stuff to be the people who would eventually be fit to take on the Promised Land.

While it may at times seem like the hard times are breaking you, they may actually be making you.  So remember, before there was Egypt, there was a promise.  And, I don’t know about you, but I will take a promise of God over a so-called silver lining any day.  The promises of God are sure.  Through our relationship with Jesus Christ, we are told, “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us,” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

In other words, no matter what you are facing today, Jesus has you covered.  No matter the obstacles or hard places that make you feel like you are in Egypt and you just want to give up, God has an unfailing promise of His love, grace, mercy, peace, and deliverance through even the most difficult circumstances.

Reposted from April 19, 2020

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic).  See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.