9/13/15
“Oh Lord Why”
When we don’t understand why something has happened remember these basic truths.
First of all, we need to understand that the Lord’s perspective is complete he knows the past, present, and future. Ours on the other hand is very limited which sometimes leads us to a wrong attitude towards God and the situation. But the Lord who has full knowledge of all things knows why it happened and what he desires to accomplish through it.
Second, we must remember that the Lord is full of Love, righteousness, mercy, goodness, and kindness. Whatever he allowed in our lives is motivated by these qualities.
Third, we need to recognized that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). God is INFINITE we are FINITE; in our understanding.
Fourth, we should rely on (Lamentations 3:22-23) the boundless mercy of God.
Finally, understanding why is not as important as seeing our difficulties from God’s viewpoint and trusting in his word. The Word admonishes us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, cast all our cares upon him, resist the devil, stand firm in faith, and recognize that our sufferings are Only “for a little while” in comparison to eternity (1 Peter 5:6-10). Whenever you experience pain, distress, or disappointment, how do you respond? Do you see it as God’s way of getting your attention? Sometimes God will adverse Situations to get Our attention.
Is God using this to remind you to be totally dependent upon Him? The Lord’s will is that we always rely on Him for every aspect of Our lives, where the will of God leads you the Grace of God will keep you.
Rev. Jack L. Reed
9/27/15
“Encouraging Ourselves”
I Samuel 30:1-6, Matthew 7:7, Psalm 46:1-3
All believers at some point and time in their Christian journey will need encouragement in difficult seasons of our lives. Many times that strength may come from another person, but other times, nobody is available. And sometimes a situation may be so deep it can only be healed alone in God’s presence. That’s why it’s important that you and I know how to Encourage Ourselves Spiritually.
David certainly knew how to encourage himself in the Lord. (I Samuel 30:1-2) After this encounter, David was truly alone. No one was available for consolation and advice. With all that had gone on before, his family taken, he could have given up, however he had a relationship with God and knew he could always go to him.
How can we Encourage Ourselves? Be quiet before the Lord oftentimes, when we get into difficult situations, we want a quick fix to our problem. When we take time to wait on God, the anger or resentment we sometimes feel has time to dissipate.
Ask God for Guidance. Seek the Lord about your situation. The bible says there is nothing to hard for God (Jeremiah 32:17). He already knows your problem and he knows the solution.
Go to the Word. Sometimes we may not sense any direction from the Lord until we read his word. Once God has revealed His will to us, we must be faithful to obey, even if we don’t agree with His.
Recall God’s Help in the Past. One of the most powerful ways to encourage yourself is to remember how the Lord has been faithful to you in the past. The Lord does not change (Malachi 3:6). He was faithful to bring you through past trails, he will bring you through future ones as well.
Obey God. When we Trust and Never doubt He will truly bring you Out. Obedience always brings blessings. (Romans 8:28)