Time to Get Up

Image by Aaron Cabrera from Pixabay

How many of you have seen movies where the hero is being beat down by his adversary? It looks like they are down, dead, and the like. Somehow, in the end, the hero gets up and ends up defeating the opponent. Though life is not like a movie, one thing about this scenario holds true for the Christian. The fight is fixed, but we have to stay in it. If we operate in faith, regardless of what we are feeling right now, we can get up from our feelings of defeat and depression. Hence, my word for today is that it is time to get up.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. Mark 2:5-11 (KJV)

God will give strength and might to those who are in need. Even if the enemy has you down now, you can still get up. You can get up and overcome what has had you bound. Remember the story of the man whose friends let him down through the roof. Jesus said to the man two things. First, He told him that his sins were forgiven. Second, He told him to take up his bed and walk. On today, know that Jesus has forgiven you so that you do not have to remain where you are. Also, it is time for you to get up and handle what has been carrying you (like the man and his bed). It is time to get up!

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, help me to respond to your word. I know it is time for me to get up from where I am and walk. I thank you that you will do this. Amen.”

Don’t Worry, Be Happy: It’s Easier than You Think to Do

Many remember these words made popular by the song. Though its sentiment is simple, it is something that is available to the Christian. It is interesting to note that the Christian is in connection with God, the creator and sustainer of all things.

However, we sometimes act as if there is no God in heaven and walk around in worry and defeat. We must remember that God is able to give us peace in the midst of unfavorable circumstances. We can still have joy even when surrounded by pain.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

If we remember to cast our cares upon Him, we will not worry, but walk in peace and contentment. Today, ask God for His grace and strength to overcome worry and fear.  If we know Him, we don’t have to worry and fret because He loves us and cares for us. Don’t Worry Be Happy!

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, I thank you for your blessings. On this day, I make special mention of your goodness and kindness. I am grateful for all things. Amen”

The Mark of Cain: God Showed Cain Mercy

Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

The story of Cain and Abel is familiar to many. We know that Cain slew his brother because his sacrifice was favored above his own. We read of how God comes to Cain and pronounces judgment upon him. God told him that he would be a fugitive and a vagabond. Also, the ground would be cursed for him. After hearing these things, Cain cried out to God for he was afraid for him own life. God responds to him by placing a mark upon his head.

And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. Gen 4:15 (KJV)

Some have tried to compare Cain’s mark to the mark of the beast and other symbols, which are incorrect. The mark of Cain was a mark of God’s mercy. Though Cain was guilty, God was merciful to him that he would not reap the full return of what he had done. What is the point?

Many today are afraid of what is to come because of past sins, failures, and decisions. However, if they have returned to God, they do not have to fear the future. God set a mark upon Cain for mercy and Cain expressed no remorse for his acts. How much the more will God show mercy to those who come to Him in confession and repentance and humility? Do not be afraid, God will have mercy even in judgment if He is approached sincerely and honestly. Remember, the mark of Cain showed God’s mercy and not His anger.

Prayer of the Week:

“God, I thank you for your abundant mercy in my life. I will not take it for granted but give you my faith and devotion. Amen.”