The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 14:3-4 (MSG)
3 Frivolous talk provokes a derisive smile; wise speech evokes nothing but respect.
4 No cattle, no crops; a good harvest requires a strong ox for the plow.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 94:11 (HCSB)
11 The LORD knows man's thoughts; they are meaningless.
Psalm 139:2 (HCSB)
2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up; You understand my thoughts from far away.
The Word of God for encouragement:
Luke 22:35-38 (HCSB)
35 He also said to them, "When I sent you out without money-bag, traveling bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?" "Not a thing," they said.
36 Then He said to them, "But now, whoever has a money-bag should take it, and also a traveling bag. And whoever doesn't have a sword should sell his robe and buy one.
37 For I tell you, what is written must be fulfilled in Me: And He was counted among the outlaws. Yes, what is written about Me is coming to its fulfillment."
38 "Lord," they said, "look, here are two swords." "Enough of that!" He told them.
My observation:
The words that Jesus spoke to his disciples before his departure from this earth are as timely for us today as it was for them on the occasion when he spoke them. The message of Jesus to his disciples was to be prepared for trouble.
Our circumstances are constantly changing. Therefore, to be prepared we need to be ready to change our methods to meet the new challenges. Keep the message the same, but adapt your methods to the new reality on the battlefield.
The good news about our circumstances is that troubles don't last forever. The scriptures predicted the suffering of Jesus. The things concerning Jesus had an end.
Luke 22:37 (HCSB)
37 For I tell you, what is written must be fulfilled in Me: And He was counted among the outlaws. Yes, what is written about Me is coming to its fulfillment."
Jesus predicted that his followers would have troubles in this world. However, we have the blessed promise that Jesus has overcome the world. Our troubles will have an end.
John 16:33 (HCSB)
33 I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, O how blessed we are to have the peace in knowing that the troubles that we encounter in the world are not predictive of our destiny.
Although storm clouds may rise and strong winds may blow, we have an anchor that is sure and secure, and Jesus will lead his children safely to the shore.
Father God, I thank you for giving us peace in the midst of our troubled and storm tossed lives. Lord, thank you for being a God in whom I can trust with my whole heart. Amen.
--
1 Timothy 4:4-5 (HCSB)
4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment