A secure hope

In the Old Testament, we read about the prophet Jeremiah, who spoke to the Jews living under the controlling authority of foreign empires. One can imagine how difficult it would be to live under that kind of strident domination and control.

Jeremiah told the people they would be exiled to Babylon for at least 70 years, and they should settle down, build houses, marry, and even pray for the peace and prosperity of the city in which they now found themselves (Jeremiah 29:4-10).

His prophetic words were spoken to people in the midst of hardship and suffering, but God’s response then, and even now, is that he does not always provide immediate escape from difficult situations. Rather, God promises that He has a plan to prosper his people, sometimes in the midst of their current situations. We refer to Romans 8:28 that tells us, And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” This should reassure us to look beyond our circumstances and focus on God in the storms of life.

Christians facing difficult situations today can take comfort in the words of Jeremiah, knowing that God is still on the throne and hasn’t forgotten us. He has a plan for our lives as we walk in faith while trusting in Him. Regardless of our current state, especially in this current culture, we can be assured that He can work through it all to prosper us and give us hope, joy, and a blessed future.

His incomparible glory

There is no God like Jehovah and no other name so glorious. He is faithful and true to his word. He says what he means and means what he says. He is steadfast, immovable, and consistent.

Who of us is consistent? Is there anyone or anything? Life changes on a dime and today’s good thing is tomorrow’s bad. We say one thing today, and a week—even hours—later say the opposite. We forget. We’re human.

Inconsistency is so like the human nature of man. So, it’s tough to get our finite minds wrapped around the glory and infinite being we call God, who never changes.

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? ~ Numbers 23:19

The infinite nature of Jesus and his incarnation and becoming our Emmanuel is utterly unfathomable. He’s been around from before time began, and he is as steadfast today as he was then.

To think the creator of the universe does not change at whims or predilections like man does, should give us all the more reason to depend on him—the one who is faithful and true—and hold his Holy Word above all else.

A mother’s love

How blessed are those who have been raised and nurtured by a Godly woman—one who takes the responsibility of raising her children under the guidance of her heavenly Father. Next to Jesus, there is no other love quite like a mother’s.

To walk with the Lord and bear much fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit requires one to become less and allow God to become more. This is often what a Godly mother is about; her love often extends beyond her own needs or concerns. Sacrificially, she’ll hold back from herself the last scrap of food, lend her only dollar, drive to the ends of the earth, or stay awake throughout the night, if necessary, to make sure her children are safe. She gives and gives until it’s time to give again.

Mothers are God’s special gift to the world. Whether a surrogate mother, godmother, or grandmother—we celebrate you all today. While here on earth or at home with the Lord, we remember you today and every day with our utmost love and appreciation.

Our Guiding Light

Where does one find help and guidance in times of extreme pain or difficulty? Seeking help for problems can be sought in numerous ways, but nothing can really cure the situation totally if we use only our own strength and muster. In fact, it may compound things.

The psalmist in Psalm 43 speaks of his oppression in the face of distress and questions God on why he seems so distant. Why do you cast me off…you are the God of my strength. So, why am I in mourning?

Sometimes, God can be silent and tested people of faith sometimes ask this same question: Why isn’t God answering in the way I think he should? Our reasoning should be: God, I need to be led by your light and truth…please send it to me and increase my faith. Until you answer, please be my strength.

Our road to the land of spiritual healing comes through submitting to God’s light and truth. It’s the only way to be led through our faith journey… unless we want to do it ourselves and wonder why life goes dark on us. We need God to lead the way to live abundantly.

Rejoice!

When you rise in the morning and lie down at night, are you consumed by personal struggles? When trials seem bent on grabbing your soul to suck out your joy, what do you do? The book of James states…

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing ~ James 1: 2-4

When you are lacking nothing, you have everything that you need in the provision of Jesus. Your relationship with him lends to the trials and temptations a chisel by which you are able to become more like him. …to make you stronger and more perfect—in Him.  Let Jesus do a good work in you by faithfully keeping your mind fixed on him.

For the children of God, the ones Christ calls his brethren, our solace is met at the cross. The cross is not a crutch but a symbol of power through Christ.

The world is a battlefield for control of our mind. The combat skirmishes will always be there until we’re promoted to heaven, but there is assurance that in Him, our battles are already won. Our deliverance is met in Jesus. Rejoice, he’s on the throne!