Tag: inspirational Christian article

Underrated, but Significant | August 2, 2024

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For miracles to take place, you don’t need much.  With God, the smallest nothing can be of the greatest significance.

Great news indeed, for those who are dwarfed by the circumstances of life or who come in undersized, underrated, or undervalued.

But with God, the undervalued and overlooked nothing has the potential to become so much more.

A mother in 2 Kings 4 found this out for herself.  After her husband died, the family was left in a state of financial ruin that would be detrimental unless a solution was found for their money woes.

Creditors were threatening to rob this woman of all she had left, her two sons, to help satisfy the debt she could not pay.

With widowhood already her new normal, and now she was looking at the possibility of losing her children, she ran to the prophet Elisha with her desperate plea for help.

I don’t know what she expected or exactly what type of help she was hoping to get, but when she poured her heartful request before him, I’m sure the answer she received was one she was not expecting.

After questioning her about what was available in her house, he found out the woman had only a lowly pot of oil.

Not much indeed, according to how the natural eye sees it, but when we invite our Heavenly Father’s hand to help our most desperate cases, miracles can happen even with the smallest of starts.

That’s why Jesus taught His disciples about “mustard seed” faith (Matthew 17:20).  When they went out to do the work that He sent them to do, even if He was not physically with them, their job was still to keep their composure of belief, which He stated, only needed the smallest, true measure of faith to work.

The biggest acts, with the biggest voices, and the biggest things can’t help but grab our attention.  But it’s the underrated lowly pot of oil, it is the unimpressive and least flashy thing that God can use to bring about the greatest change (after all, He did use a little Baby born in a small manger in obscurity to change the trajectory of eternity for those who would believe – but that’s for another time). 

The widow who came before Elisha left her house that morning not knowing that what she viewed as nothing and unimportant would be the greatest thing she had on her shelf for a breakthrough.

Elisha’s instructions were for her to borrow as many empty vessels as possible, take them home, shut the door, and watch God work.

The Bible tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).  When she received the instructions on how to handle her seemingly insignificant source, what her eyes could not see, she moved forward in faith to fulfill.  Which by the way, was the truly greatest thing she had on her spiritual shelf to work with.

As a result, every vessel she borrowed brought her one step closer to her breakthrough.  Every time she poured her pot of oil, another filled, giving her more than enough in the end to satisfy all the debts against her and live comfortably off the rest.

Friends, I have written quite a few articles emphasizing the little things (I will link those below).  And it is because I want you to believe in what God has placed in you and around you.

It may not impress people, but when we move forward in faith and believe God can do the impossible, He can.

While it seems the loud, boastful, and most flamboyant gets all the attention, faith that is true, even in its smallest measure, gets God’s attention the most (Hebrews 11:6).

For your reading pleasure:

“Your Little Stuff Matters”

“When Little Means a Lot”

“A Little at a Time”

“Disregarded? Not By God!”

“You Have the Power to God”

“Qualified!”

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Marching in the Mulberry Trees

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“And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the Lord will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” 2 Samuel 5:24, NKJV

Have you ever seen one of those action movies where the characters involved in a grand scheme or plan must synchronize their watches to ensure everyone is moving at the right time?

When a big feat is to take place, it is good to make sure everyone is on the same page and moving at the proper time.

That’s what proper planning does.  It views the many angles of the story, not just the present or temporary moments, but all the moments included, and it determines when the best time is to do A, B, or C.

On the opposite end of this spectrum is impulsiveness.  It doesn’t always take every matter into account and consider all the possibilities.  It tends to move forward hastily, and sometimes prematurely.

Sometimes it is hard to determine the difference between impulsiveness, instincts, and zeal, but there is a difference.

When David finally became king, not just recognized as king in Hebron, but over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-3), there were still yet contentions he faced, including their long-time enemy, the Philistines.

If you will remember, David had great success as a youth in slaying their most prominent warrior, Goliath (1 Samuel 17).  But during the time between that battle and the one facing the Philistines here in 2 Samuel 5, David experienced many other inner and outer battles along the way.

In that, he grew not only in stature but in ability.  Through his fearlessness, faith, and fervor, he became a much-feared warrior and king.

But David didn’t allow his previous accomplishments to cause him to rest on his laurels.

There were still battles to fight and enemies to conquer, so David pursued and engaged – but not without God’s guidance.

He could have chalked up his previous victories as the all-encompassing plan to win all his battles, but he didn’t.

And that’s a good thing because, with each battle he faced God gave him different directions on how to gain a successful ending.

Here in chapter 5, in one battle David was instructed to “go up” (v. 19), and in the other, he was told to “circle around behind them, and come upon them in front of the mulberry trees. And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the Lord will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines” (Vv. 23, 24, NKJV; emphasis added).

This was going to be the battle of battles with the Philistines.  After this event, they would no longer be a threat to Israel.  But to get there, David had to wait for the right time.

Back to our opening illustration of synchronization, time is everything.  But the caveat to that is, that the way we view time and the way God views time is vastly different (2 Peter 3:8).

Twice in verse 24, you see the word “then,” with God giving specific instructions on when David is to make his move.  Any time outside the premise of that “then,” was not his moment to advance.

If David wanted to ensure success, he had to synchronize his move with God’s “then,” with God’s timing.

While zeal, fervor, and experience are great, if it’s out of alignment with God’s moment to progress, it won’t work.

Our God works specifically and in order.  And more often than not, His design will not be on our timetable.

As infinite as He is, so are His plans and abilities, and through it all, taking the omniscient view of our lives, He knows when, where, and how something should be done.

But it is when we fight with impatience and frustration, when we can’t see it moving or how it will turn out, we find ourselves in precarious situations or wanting to give up altogether.

We don’t want “then,” we want now!

Instant victory.  Instant gratification.  And instant applause and promotion.

But when we pause at the “then” moments, we are simultaneously taking that occasion to learn how God is leading and giving Him room to work.

Listen for the sound of God’s moving.

This was David’s experience.  Not until he heard the marching in the tops of the mulberry trees was it safe for him to proceed regardless of his personal abilities or how he previously won battles.

My friend, God has a specific plan for you.  One drawn up and orchestrated out of His divine love.  Do not rush ahead of God.  He has an appointed time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Habakkuk 2:3).

Learning to wait for your “then” moments requires trust which is why Proverbs famously reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5,6).

We will never have the full understanding God does for our lives (Isaiah 55:8,9), but what we can have is our trust and belief that He is perfect, His ways are perfect, and God knows what He is doing.

I don’t know what marching in the tops of mulberry trees audibly sounds like, but I do know what it sounds like in our lives of faith: waiting.

Waiting, patience, and being still when everything says go is hard.  But if that going is not marked by God’s stamp of approval, it will all be for nothing.

And if you are longing for me to give you specifics or signs or systems to find out how to know when your “then” moment is, I can’t.

Our Heavenly Father has a perfect timeline for everyone’s life, and He only can tell you when it’s your time to advance.

In the meantime, you may have to do one of the hardest things – continue to wait, continue to have patience, and continue to be still.

In these moments of not going, let them be filled with the activity of seeking God, seeking His face and His perfect will for your life.  Let them be filled with drawing ever nearer to His presence and learning to recognize and become more familiar with His moving in your own life.

Then, when you figuratively hear the marching in the tops of the mulberry trees (or by whatever means that you beyond a shadow of a doubt know it’s God’s prompting and leading you), you will know that your time has come, and you can advance forward successfully.

That second “then” assured David that by following God’s way, He was the one going before him.  And whatever we are doing, above all else, this is how we should want to win our victories: following God’s ways and Him going with us.

“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 40:31

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

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She Builds Her House

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I believe we are a DIY nation.  To some extent, that’s not a bad thing.  People have learned ways and methods to get things done, while in the process, saving money and finding joy in the pleasure of taking on such projects, learning their way through it to fully execute it. 

But some of the things we need to be most mindful of building cannot be found in a box or a creative idea.  They must, with careful consideration, be approached with special awareness, carefulness, and love to ensure a proper build.

The Bible says “Every wise woman buildeth her house…” Proverbs 14:1. Rest assured, it is not a physical building we are called to hammer and nail (but if that is your skill set, good on you).  But the actual construction of a house caused me to pause and ponder a few things.

One thing I realized is that for any house or building to be strong, there must be a good, strong foundation.  Anything built on something less will not stand the test of time (see Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49).

There, one must ask themselves what kind of foundation they are laying for their house.  Is it laid in truth?  Is it poured with love?  Is it smoothed out properly and settled in the care you have to hold and support those around you?

In just dealing with the basics of building next, we understand that there are walls needed in the building of a house.  Strong walls show that you care and want to protect those in your dwelling.  Unbuilt or broken walls give the enemy access to what’s yours.  So, as Nehemiah said, “Let us rise up and build” Nehemiah 2:18.

Spiritually, we must stand in the gap as walls protecting what is ours.  This will mean laboring in prayer, and sometimes fasting, and staying fortified for ourselves in His Holy Word that you may surround, step in, and cover others in their times of need.

Lastly in a physical building but first spiritually, we have the roof.  Every house, no matter the design, needs a roof built on top of it.  While this top can act like a covering of protection in much the same way as walls do, when I think of topping this house, I am thinking along the lines of spiritual authority.  And of course, that authority comes by way of God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Is He the head or the top of your life?  Because if He’s not, it would be very hard to build, help, and encourage others toward Him when we have not fully submitted to Him for ourselves.

James tells us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” James 4:7.

James also tells us, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…” (4:8), and again, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (4:10).

All these work toward building that roof – acknowledging God’s authority over our lives. 

Some areas may be harder than others to relinquish total authority, but in all areas, God must be Lord.

Her relationship with the Lord is key above all else, and in maintaining a healthy spiritual relationship with Him, she can support and oversee the maintenance of her own house.

A wise woman seeks to build a house that will stand because she cares, and in doing so, she takes careful measures to ensure that she builds her house properly.

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Praise and the Peace of God’s Presence

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“O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3

Psalm 22 is known by all as the Messianic psalm prophesied of and quoted by Jesus Christ as He died and gave up His life for all mankind on that old rugged cross.

In the tragedy that would occur on Calvary, David tucks in this verse describing God dwelling in the place where His people praise Him.

If you are living a life of praising God, then no matter what circumstance you face, you are drawn near in heart and soul to Him, and the peace of His presence is never far from you.

One psalmist once declared, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” Psalm 34:19, knowing that at the end of his course, victory was on the other side.

But on this side of life, we may still face many challenges and difficulties we are not keen on.  For the very word tells of the distress it brings in one’s life.  But it is in the midst of these struggles the individual must train themselves where the thoughts of their heart will lie: in the bosom of God’s faithfulness, or in the logic of human thinking.

The first would always be the winning choice regardless of one’s current condition, for in the bosom of God’s faithfulness, these moments of hardships, with the tears and turmoil they may possess, give way and make room to be refreshed in the fire by the God who will step in with you – to have one’s heart lifted with peace above the circumstance because praise has elevated you.

Oh, my friends, praise is powerful!  Praise can lift you from the deepest pit and the direst of occasions.  Though physically one may not experience the immediate relief they long for, but when our thoughts and intents of heart are transferred from viewing the troubles before us to the faithful God who has always been with us, we are raised by the power of His presence in the midst of the storm.

Naturally, we may be down, but inside we rise to the place where His glory dwells.  Inside, we seem to soar into the heavenlies, leaving the cares of this world behind.

“O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel,” will He not also come near to you and me when we sequester ourselves with Him, lean upon His bosom of faithfulness, and just praise.

Tears may mingle there, but let praise be not absent.

Cares may be cast there but let not the Hallelujah’s be silenced.

“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

“O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people” Psalm 117:1.  You do not have to be Israel’s biological child to praise the LORD.  The heart of the saint, His redeemed one, crying out, “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6) knows that “praise is comely for the upright” (Psalm 33:1) no matter who they are or where they hail from.

“Give unto the LORD the glory due his name…” Psalm 29:2

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:” Psalm 92:1

We may not be before the ark decorated with cherubim, but we can come before the “Throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in times of need” (Hebrews 4:16) which is decorated with His undeniable glory.

And while there before that place of His presence, let us not just ask from Him, but let us offer to God our genuine, heartfelt praise.

Difficulties, struggles, and hurts – with great compassion for the trials some face, I will never downplay their experience.  But according to Job, regardless of our present experience, we can still find a place of praise, for he said, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” Job 1:21. 

“Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.

Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.

The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.

Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high,

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 113

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Stay Covered in Christ

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Baptized in Christ,
our sins submerged,
the garments changed,
the new man emerged.

The old life I leave
in the dust of the past,
having put on Christ,
I am free at last.

Dear Heart, remain
in the grip of His grace.
Stay covered in Christ,
bethinking eternity’s gates.
©Word for Life Says

” For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Coming to Jesus with all our wrongs and trusting Him to heal and forgive is a walk of faith: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8).  Now, that one has received that gift of God; that gift of salvation, they are now “the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3:26. 

When Jesus transforms lives with His saving blood, we are renewed, changed, and adopted into the family of God.  The old garments of self and sin have been shed and put off, and having “put on Christ,” a new life arises.  A great exchange takes place when in Jesus we place our faith, and it is in Him, we want to stay covered. Now, let us press forward and not lessen the steps of righteousness in our lives. Let’s continue onwards and upwards, through struggles and toil, for at the end of life and the things we see, eternity’s gates are waiting for you and me.

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The Redeemer Shall Come!

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“And the Redeemer shall come to Zion…”
Isaiah 59:20

Ready or not, was what we shouted when we were ready to open our eyes to find those who hid from us in the game of Hide-and-Seek. But today, we are past the times of games. There is no more time for playing.

The Redeemer shall come and those who are repentant, who turn from their transgressions and sins will meet Jesus face to face!

Oh, what a day that will be! The chains and the shackles of this world will be permanently loosed and true freedom will come once and for all. God’s people will rise to reign in victory because the Redeemer has come!

At Jesus’ first coming He was a babe in a manger who grew to become our Savior; our sacrifice on the cross. At His second coming, He’s coming with all the power of heaven to judge: “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works,” (Matthew 16:27).

For those who remain unrepentant, it will be a fearful time: “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory,” (Matthew 24:30, emphasis added).

Luke 21:25-28 explains further that it is going to be a time for the “distress of nations, with perplexity” and also of “men’s hearts failing them for fear.” That the “powers of heaven shall be shaken,” then, they will see the “Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (v.27).

The end of verse 28 encourages us to, “Lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh!” The Redeemer is coming, ready or not!

The Redeemer is coming for His people. God had long ago established a direct covenant with His people from the time of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 15; 17:1-7).

But Jeremiah 31:31-33 foresees a new covenant that God will write on the hearts of mankind. The “new” that God was doing would not resemble the same as He established with their forefathers. “New” did not mean recycled or upcycled to God. New meant new. A new way of doing things. A new story to tell. A new deliverance to grant to a lost and dying world. New!

The idea behind the new covenant is for restored lives, regardless of ethnicity or background. This restoration will take place when people are made new spiritually. People are made new when they enter into a new relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus. When they do, God forgives their sins. It’s the message behind the Bible, it’s the message centered in the Gospels, and it is the message carried through to Jesus Christ on the cross, the testator of the New Testament, the new covenant (see Hebrews 9:14-22).

At the Lord’s Supper, Jesus declares, “For this is the blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins,” (Matthew 26:28). Jesus was and is the Source of the new covenant, the Redeemer that would take away the sins of the world to those who accept Him:

  • “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name,” (John 1:12, emphasis added).
  • “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus,” (Galatians 3:26, emphasis added).
  • “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God, (Ephesians 2:19, emphasis added).
  • “Ye are Christ’s!” He has secured membership for you and me. He has redeemed us and set us in place to be called His own. We are now “joint-heirs” with Him, we are connected with Him, (Romans 8:17, emphasis added).

The Bible tells us, “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!” (Psalm 31:19, NKJV, emphasis added). God promised a Redeemer and our Redeemer is coming back! We who belong to Him have something to get excited about!

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth,” Job 19:25

Job knew where his trust lies, and we know today, that in Christ is our redemption: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins,” (Colossians 1:14).

Victory is ours. New life is ours. Our Redeemer is real and He saves, and He is coming back again! Get ready!

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The Beauty of Redemption

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“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” Ephesians 1:6, 7

Sin is ugly and has been a battle mankind has fought since the Fall.  Sin is an intrusion into this world and our lives.  It was never supposed to be a part of the program nor was it supposed to act like it has dominion, because it doesn’t.

God has the final answer for sin.  The psalmist declared, “Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away,” (Psalm 65:3).  The word “purge” means to clean out, to get rid of, and eradicate it from the vessel that was holding it. 

Although there is no possible way for a man, woman, or child to get right before God on their own, when that person brings themselves before the only true God who can do the holy restorative work needed in that life – they can become clean.  He will purge it from that trusting life.  There is forgiveness and redemption found in God.

In Isaiah, He says, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool,” (Isaiah 1:18).  God has the means to do away with all iniquities and transgressions, and His name is Jesus: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” Ephesians 1:7

David, the author of Psalm 65, quoted above and below, knew personally what it was like to be on the receiving end of God’s forgiveness.  He knows what it’s like to be taken in a fault and feel overwhelmed in this battle against sin.  He knows that God is to be praised because He is the one who has made atonement for the sins of mankind (read entire Psalm 65).

Recognizing the wonder and beauty of it all, he writes: “Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple,” (Psalm 65:4).

“Blessed;” happy and full of joy is the one who is allowed “to approach unto thee.”  This individual has received God’s answer to the sin problem of this life.  The barrier that those iniquities and transgressions caused between man and God has been pulled down, and now, that one has open access to the Almighty.  Therefore, they are “blessed.”

“That he may dwell in thy courts” gives the impression of permanence.  The bond between the redeemed and the Redeemer has been sealed and solidified with everlasting love through the ever-saving blood of Jesus Christ.  The usage of the word “courts” brings the repentant heart to where He is.  Those blessed individuals are so because they have been welcomed to enter into the realm of His holy Majesty.  The “blessed” have become holy courtiers in His kingdom.  With the lifting of the plague of sin that blocks the unbelieving from entering, this one who has received forgiveness can enter those holy grounds on the premise of His grace: “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14; see also Ephesians 2:8).

David continues to write, “We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.” God satisfies with “goodness” those who come to Him (see also Psalm 36:8).  With the inclusion of the word “we,” King David also applies this to himself as being on the receiving end of the blessings that flow from God.  With the dissatisfaction of dealing with everything wrong in this life, he looked forward to a day when he would know the sweet, uninterrupted joy of His “goodness” continually and freely flowing upon him.

This goodness is found where He is; in His “house, even of thy holy temple.”  As much as sin and iniquities have tried to prevail or overwhelm – more so will His goodness overshadow and satisfy us when we repent.  Corrie Ten Boom reminds us, “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.” 

To the soul that turns to Christ, the ugliness of sin is done away with and He will satisfy with the beauty of redemption.

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:12-14

Isn’t this beautiful!

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“Jesus, My Healing Sanctuary!”

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Most often, when one thinks of healing, the mind automatically seems to focus on physical healing from an ailment or disease.  While that is true, there are other areas of life and of the person that need healing as well. Any area where we feel there is a deficit or lack, any area that experiences brokenness and needs restoration is a place that needs the healing touch of the Lord in it.

I am moved by the many times I see Jesus’ real concern and compassion for what people are going through and dealing with when He reaches into their lives with His healing touch.  From the time when sin and brokenness entered into this world, God has been in the restoration business.

In Ezekiel 47, we see a future prophecy of a river flowing from the sanctuary that healed the places where it flowed (vs. 6-12).  While that ultimate healing will come as a result of us stepping into eternal life to live with God forever, when I see those mental images of Jesus healing people throughout the stories represented in Scripture while still here on earth, that leads me to believe that what’s flowing from the sanctuary in our future is available to us now in our present circumstances or crisis.

Christ is the source of everything we need for our future and present healing, for both physical and all the not-so-physical ailments we deal with (emotional, spiritual, etc.).  “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  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” (Isaiah 53:4-5).  

In Matthew 11, Jesus invites us to “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (vs. 28-30).  

For every burden, Jesus has become our sanctuary from where all our healing flows.  He told the woman at the well, “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:10, 14).

No matter what area of our lives needs healing and restoration, Jesus Christ is our sanctuary from which all the answers for our brokenness flow.

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The Power of Acting

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How any dreams have been put off, never to be revisited again? Today, we ACT against that.

Procrastination and complacency are a deadly plague in our society. Theirs are the ruin of many dreams. The dasher of many hopes. But what a feeling to step forward and act! Putting steps behind ones thoughts and movement behind ones ideas is a beautiful process filled with power because those steps and movements, in even the tiniest form, will help you to arrive at a place you may never have dreamed of before.

The Bible encourages our actions by telling us, “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute” (Proverbs 12:24). When one is diligent, they are going toward something. Yes, it may exert more energy then you are used to. And yes, all the answers may not be before you, but forward you must go. The dream inside demands nothing less. The hope that burns within says regardless of what you currently see, this is possible.

But, my friend, diligence is the key word. With the absensce of it, nothing will ever happen. Proper actions in wisdom will lie dormant, and dreams and purposes will remain unfulfilled.

More lies in your future, but fear, uncertainty, and inaction can stand as a wall before you. But diligence and action will look at that wall and know there is more on the other side. Persistent effort says I am not afraid of the hard work it may take to get there. 

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“Engage the Promises”

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Most items in our daily routine such as appliances, cars, and the like require some sort of engagement to get it to work.  A button needs to be pushed.  A clock set.  A key is placed in the ignition, or if driving a smarter car, a fob is activated, or a code is punched in the pad to ensure a start.  There is usually something on our part that must be done to get that item to work.

Yet, when it comes to the promises in the Word of God many take a passive approach.  There is no participation on our part to purposely grab them for ourselves.

We quote the verses, and we know all the right lines to rehearse, but are we actively seizing the promises of God and holding on to them for dear life when challenges arise?  Are we engaging God’s Word when difficulties come up during the day?   

God’s Word is not an aquarium.  In an aquarium, we view fish from the outside.  We do not go in and interact with them.  We watch them swimming along and think to ourselves how beautiful and peaceful they are.  God’s Word is beautiful and peaceful, but it is also powerful, and it is meant to be lived out; it is meant to be interacted with, and it is meant to be active and activated in the life of every believer.  Just as Jesus did when He activated the Word in full effect against the enemy’s attack (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10), so too, do we have access to the same Word power.

As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (4:12).  There is nothing passive about engaging the Word in one’s life.    

The activation and active grabbing of the Word does not just apply to commands, ordinances, statutes, and/or for taking a stand against the foe.  But it also is to be used for God’s promises for in them are true treasures to hold fast to in times of trouble.  Those holy words of affirmation mean that we can expect a measure of God’s assurance and of His acting on our behalf in whatever way He sees fit for the moment.

Even if it does not come when you want it to, and even if it doesn’t manifest itself as you thought it should hold on, dear friend, to the promises, “(for he is faithful that promised;)” Hebrews 10:23.  God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19).  What He said He would do, that He will do.  Our job is to trust, believe, and actively grab and engage the promises of God for ourselves.

In my younger days, we were told to tie a ribbon around our fingers to ensure we remember something.  It is even better for us if we tie His promises upon our hearts.

Joshua tells us, “There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass” (21:45).  Friend, our promises may look different than theirs, but the promises we have are just as sure as the God who gave them. 

They won’t fail because God won’t fail to keep them. 

When Jehoshaphat was called to battle by the LORD, he was told, “Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you,” 2 Chronicles 20:17.  He was told in verse 16, “The battle is not yours, but God’s,” and again in verse 17 above, “Ye shall not need to fight in this battle.”  But after both promises, he was given instructions for participation.

We cannot refuse the work of engaging God’s Word for ourselves.  We cannot expect to reap without sowing.  God is still the God of our battles, but He has also called us to be active participants. 

Today, engage the promises, stand on the Word, and leave the results up to God.  He knows what He’s doing.

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.