Come Up

Though exceptions exist, most people do not want to fail in their endeavors. Most students in the classroom want to excel and advance. Even if they are not the smartest, they do not want to be left behind by failing a grade. Progression and growth are a part of life. The same hold true for the Christian experience. Everyone that has received Christ should expect and endeavor to grow as they walk with Him.

After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. Rev 4:1 (KJV)

John was in the Spirit and a voice from heaven told him to come up here.  Within its context, we understand that John was going to be taken up into the heavens to receive visions of God. Yet, the implication is clear, if we want to progress and go further in Christ, we must also come up.

We must come up in our reading, fasting, prayer, and fellowship so (like John) we can see and know more things, which pertain to the Christian faith and life. A challenge is given today that all Christians will “come up” to show the work of Christ’s salvation in their lives.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, help me to desire progress in my Christian walk. I know that you desire for us to mature and grow. I thank you for grace to move forward in you. Amen.”

The Great “I Am”

 

The children of Israel were in trouble. The Egyptians had put them under subjection. What began as a blessing, now had become bondage. Their entrance into Egypt saved Jacob and his family, but now they were under hard taskmasters who did not want the nation to grow and prosper. But God, who is faithful, heard the cries of His people and revealed Himself to Moses.

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Ex 3:14 (KJV)

God called Himself the “I AM.” This denoted that whatever the children of Israel could need, He would be that to them. On today, every Christian should be confident that the same God who revealed Himself to Moses, revealed Himself in Christ.

If we have received Christ, we have an audience and connection to the “I Am” who is great. Be confident knowing that you are not alone because the Great “I AM” is there.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, grant me understanding of your greatness. I do recognize you as the true and living God. Amen.”

Why Me? The Self-Defeating Question

 

Well, here we are again: another day, another problem, another issue confronting  me! Sometimes, things can go wrong for so long that your outlook on life can become bleak. Many end up asking the timeless, self-defeating question…“Why Me?”

Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly? Job 3:11 (KJV)

 As Job went through his testing… his outlook on life turned from joy into utter despair.  It got so bad until he wished he were never born. Though some will not admit it, even Christians who know the Lord experience these types of feelings.

Though they might surface, the Christian still has to know that he is not alone, and that God will deliver. We know from further reading of Job’s story that the Lord did deliver him and rescue him from his troubles and pains.

Ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:11 (KJV)

God showed great compassion to Job because of his sufferings. He will do the same for Christians today. Know that though your tests and trials are numerous and painful that God has not left you and will show you graciousness. Be encouraged knowing that in the end, God will show you peace, favor, and give you rest.

Prayer of the Week:

 Lord, give me grace, peace, and strength to accept the unfavorable events of this life. I will trust in your character. Amen.”

Hope in God

Let’s face it! Just when it seems that one bad situation ends, another pops up. Even though God is with us, sometimes the numerous trials of life can get next to us. They can upset us and move us from a place of rest. Sometimes the exhortations of scriptures only seem like hollow sentiments in light of our difficult circumstances.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalms 42:11 (KJV)

Throughout the Psalms, we read of the many afflictions that David experienced. Oftentimes, he was allowed to be in perilous situations that threatened his very life. We read of his complaints of misery and woe. However, David remained hopeful that God would deliver Him.

We see in the 42nd Psalm that David had to speak to himself to get up from his misery and return to a strong hope in God. On today, many are in the same situation as David; many things just happen and happen. But, do not lose your faith and hope in God. You are not alone. The Psalms show us David’s complaint, but also of God’s deliverance. You can be assured that God will deliver you in time and on time. Hope in God.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I thank you for your willingness to abide with me. I trust you that you will give me what I ask for, especially for more of your presence. Amen.”