Author: Jayne Lawson

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” – Romans 8:37

Today, I read an encouragement card that said, “Be unstoppable!” I thought about that for a bit, then came to the conclusion that it was urging me to be bold in doing whatever it was that I had planned for the day. At that time, my plans included homeschooling my granddaughters, preparing for my Sunday school lesson, and going for a quick swim.  I didn’t anticipate having any difficulty getting any of those three accomplished, however, as I pondered being “unstoppable,” I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit, and my mind moved to what it would mean to be unstoppable in my walk with Christ.

To answer that question, I had to identify what would actually stop me in serving Jesus. Here are a few things that could potentially be obstacles in my Christian walk.

• Sin
  • “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” – Isaiah 59:2
• Worldly pleasures
  • “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” – 1 John 2:15-16
• Peer pressure
  • “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10

To overcome these obstacles, I must go forward in faith following my Saviour’s lead, trusting Jesus to direct my paths in all areas of my life (Proverbs 3:5-6). Since He is unstoppable, I will also be unstoppable if I am following in His footsteps! “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

How do I follow Him? I read His Word, listen to the Holy Spirit, don the armor of God, and go forth in the power of His name! “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” – Colossians 3:17

Following Jesus, following Jesus,
Gently He leads me in the heavenly way;
Watching and praying, trusting, obeying,
He will restrain me from going astray.
 
Following Jesus, following Jesus,
Following Jesus by day and by night;
Watching and praying, trusting, obeying,
He is my helper in doing the right.

(from “Following Jesus” by Barney E. Warren)

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” – John 10:27

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It’s impossible to get lost if I follow the true “Light of the World!”

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

Now that I am officially a senior citizen, I sometimes wonder about the legacy I will leave behind should I pass on before the Lord returns.  When I reflect on my life, I wonder what aspects of it stand out, and if those aspects influenced my family and others for God.

I hope I will be remembered as…

• A mother and grandmother who was faithful to God and a good testimony to her family.
  • “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” – 2 Timothy 1:5
• A woman whose faith was demonstrated through service to God.
  • “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” – James 2:18
• A woman who used her gifts and talents for God.
  • “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” – 1 Peter 4:10
• A woman life reflected respect for God’s Word and His guidelines for living.
  • “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Titus 2:3-5
• A woman who loved the Lord with all her heart.
  • “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” – Deuteronomy 6:5

When my life on earth is over, I hope that I am not found lacking in my service for the Lord, and that what I did in my life honored God and pointed others to Christ. I hope that when my grandchildren and great-grandchildren think of me, they will know without a doubt that I lived for Jesus, and I loved Him with all my heart. Until then, I plan to continue serving God to the best of my ability, helping my grandchildren grow in their own faith and showing them that a life lived for Jesus is the best life ever!

Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please him in all that I do,
Yielding allegiance glad hearted and free
This is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to you,
For you in your atonement did give yourself for me.
I own no other master, my heart shall be your throne:
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for you alone.

(from “Living for Jesus” by Thomas O. Chisholm)

“Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” – 1 Samuel 12:24

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What legacy will you leave behind?

Choir

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” – Philippians 2:5

This morning, the choir at my church sang this song (click on link above the picture to hear the song), and it really touched my heart. All signs around us seem to indicate that the time of Jesus’ return to call God’s children home is imminent. While this event is wonderfully anticipated by every saved person, it will be an awful moment for those left behind. As I listened to the words, tears filled my eyes when I thought of all those who would not be part of the group to whom 1 Thessalonians 4;17 refers. “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

I pray I will see the world through the eyes of Christ and share His gospel with those who desperately need Jesus. He alone can provide the peace of God that comes with salvation through Him.

“Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” – Luke 10:2

(“Through the Eyes of Christ” written by Ron Hamilton and Cheryl Reid)

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13

There are many precautions we have been advised to take in regard to the coronavirus. Wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and vigorous handwashing are all recommended to safeguard us against a very dangerous illness. While following these guidelines is no guarantee that a person will not become infected with the virus, it certainly does lessen one’s chances of acquiring it, and thus maintaining optimal physical health.

Our spiritual health is no different than our physical health in several aspects. First, it can be destroyed by sin, which like a virus, can spread rapidly. To protect ourselves, we have spiritual clothing… the full armor of God. Ephesians 6 lists all the pieces of this armor, and it covers us as follows.

• Ephesians 6:17a – “And take the helmet of salvation…” This protects our minds from the influence of sin by keeping our thoughts focused on that which is righteous and godly.
• Ephesians 6:14b – “…and having on the breastplate of righteousness;” This protects our heart from sin’s deception and wickedness.
• Ephesians 6:14a – “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…” The truth of God and His Word supports us and enables to stand firm for the gospel of Christ.
• Ephesians 6:15 – “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” Again, we stand firm, unmovable, due to the surety we have in the gospel of our Saviour.
• Ephesians 6:16 – “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” As our faith grows through God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers, it is used effectively to defend us against the attacks of Satan and the sin he promotes.
• Ephesians 6:17b – “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” Lastly, we have our only offensive weapon, the Scriptures. Like a vaccine, the Word of God will protect against any ill effects of the “sin virus.”

There are many who believe that the coronavirus is not as much of a threat. Many are resistant to taking any precautions, willing to take the risks in order to do as they please. If they are fortunate, they will remain untouched by the virus. However, many have not been successful in doing so and have become very sick and even died.

The only way to avoid the fatal consequences of the coronavirus is to be wise and take the appropriate precautions. Wearing a mask and washing one’s hands is not too difficult for anyone to do, yet there will always be those who resist.

Although sin is similar to covid-19 in many ways, it differs in one major characteristic. The outcome of a life infested by sin is ultimately death… 100% of the time, and that means spiritual separation from God forever. Those who choose to ignore the gravity of sin’s consequences live as though there never will be a time when they will have to account for their behavior. The Scriptures tell us otherwise. 2 Corinthians 5:10 states “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad,” and Romans 6:23 clearly states, “For the wages of sin is death…”

The only way to avoid the eternal consequences of sin is to follow the guidelines God has given us to avoid the punishment for wickedness and unrighteousness. The cure for sin is Jesus. Once we have accepted Christ’s forgiveness of our sins, He empowers us to “stand fast” and live according to God’s precepts. Then, with His Word hid in our hearts, He will help us reject the sinful ways of the world and live for Him as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto the Lord which is our reasonable service. (Romans 12:1) Additionally, once we have been “saved” from the punishment of our sins, we are guaranteed everlasting life in heaven with God. The latter part of Romans 6:23 states, “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Don’t take chances with your health, physical or spiritual. Choose wisely what you will do with your body and your soul.

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

 Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

(from “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” by S. Sundar Singh)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

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Jesus is the only cure for this sin-sick world!

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” – Luke 19:10

sI don’t know anyone who wants to go to hell. Occasionally, someone make joke about it, but in reality, there isn’t anyone that I know of who truly desires to spend eternity there. It is a place of eternal torment and complete separation from God forever.

The Bible describes hell as follows:

• “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” -Revelation 21:8
• “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;” – 2 Thessalonians 1:9
• “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:” – Mark 9:43
• “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” – Daniel 12:2
• “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 13:41-42

There are many other verses in the Bible that reference hell, and none of them are pleasant by any stretch of the imagination. Initially, hell was a place prepared for the devil and his angelic followers. “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” (Matthew 25:41) It is also a place where those who reject God’s Son will spend eternity.

If a person truly understood the gravity of what it meant to be sent to hell by God, there would be no jokes about going there to “be with my friends.” Unfortunately, everyone is destined to go there. Why? Because we are all sinners in the eyes of God. According to Romans 3:10, “…There is none righteous, no, not one:”

But there is good news! The Bible tells us in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This means that God loved us so much, He sent His only Son, Jesus, to become our Saviour! While it is clear that the punishment for our sins is eternal damnation, Jesus chose to take upon Himself the punishment meant for us. When He shed His precious blood and died on the cross of Calvary, He became the gift of God in Romans 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The reason that Jesus came to earth was to provide a way for us to escape the punishment of hell through the forgiveness of our sins. His death and resurrection prove He is exactly who He said He was, and that He alone has the power to forgive the iniquities of all mankind.

The Bible says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) Simply put, if you want to avoid the punishment for your sins, eternity in hell, all that you need to do is ask Jesus to forgive you! When you put your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, He forgives your sins and promises you everlasting life with Him in heaven! John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Not only does salvation in Christ promise you an eternal future in heaven, but you will also become empowered by His Holy Spirit to live for Him today! A life for Christ is filled with promise and hope! If you’ve never asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Saviour, you can do that today! There is no sin too big for Him to forgive. No shame too heavy for Him to relieve. Go to Him just as you are. He will not reject you. He is waiting for you with open arms, ready to forgive, ready to heal, ready to love.

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

(from “Just As I Am” by Charlotte Elliott)

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” – John 3:17

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If you have any questions about salvation, please let me know. I’d love to share with you from the Word of God how you can be saved today!

“And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.” – Luke 18:42

Imagine what it must have been like for the blind man that Jesus healed. One moment, his entire world was enveloped in darkness, and the next, his eyes open to see colors so vivid they take his breath away! He sees the faces of loved ones before whom he could only hear and touch! He glances upward and sees the glorious blue sky with puffy white clouds changing shapes, and he gazes in wonder and awe! Unbridled jubilation that bubbles up inside him, then bursts forth in rapturous praise as he glorifies God for His healing touch, and all those around him celebrate by clapping and praising the name of the Lord for His miraculous work. For the first time, he is able to run through the streets, not worrying about hitting something or stumbling over a rock, so he does! Shouting and crying out that he can finally see! Jesus had touched him in a way he had never dreamed possible, and now he has been made whole! What joy floods his soul!!

What Jesus did for us when He saved our souls from judgment and the punishment for our sins was so much more than what He did for the blind, the lame, or the infirmed. Jesus healed our spiritual being… the eternal part of us. He did what no one else could do! When was the last time you jumped for joy because Jesus touched your life and saved your soul? When was the last time you shouted to the world that the Lord had made you whole? When was the last time the joy of the Lord overwhelmed you so much that you burst forth in songs of praise to God? When was the last time you genuinely thanked Him for working a miracle in your life?

Maybe because we cannot “see” the outward healing of our sin-sick souls, we lose sight of the magnitude of what Jesus did for us, but if we just stop for a moment, and reflect on what the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus really  means to us, there would be no power on earth that could stop us from acknowledging the amazing grace and love of God in our lives! Because of Calvary, we have become redeemed sinners! No longer enslaved by sin; no longer fearful of eternal separation from the Lord!! We have been saved by the grace of the Almighty God!! We will spend eternity in heaven because of what Jesus did for us!! If that doesn’t make you jump for joy and praise the Lord, nothing will!

Praise God, I am saved by the blood of Jesus! My soul has been set free from the shackles of sin, and I am bound for the Promised Land!!! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!!!

I’ve found a Friend, who is all to me,
His love is ever true;
I love to tell how He lifted me
And what His grace can do for you.

Saved by His pow’r divine,
Saved to new life sublime!
Life now is sweet and my joy is complete,
For I’m saved, saved, saved!

(from “Saved, Saved” by Jack P. Scholfield)

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” – 1 Peter 1:8

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Got Jesus? Got joy!

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24

Today is my dearest friend’s 65^th birthday. We met in 7^th grade and have remained close friends through the last 53 years. Over the years, we have shared so much together! After high school, we went to separate colleges, but our friendship remained strong. When I married, she was there as my maid of honor. When my children were growing up, she was there. When I went through my battle with breast cancer, she was there. When death invaded my life, she was there. Whenever I needed her, she was there.

The Bibles says, “A friend loveth at all times…” (Proverbs 17:17), and that is my friend, Lorrie. Without her, my life would not be as blessed as it has been, and I cannot imagine going through it without her by my side even though we live 2500 miles apart!

God has been good to me to give me such a wonderful friend, but I have another friend who is also very special to me. He means more to me than I can ever say in mere words. Like Lorrie, He has remained a true and steadfast friend throughout the years. I met Him on March 10, 1968. That was the day I asked Jesus to become my Saviour. At that moment, He became my very best friend, and I love Him dearly! Since that time, He has never left my side. He has helped me grow to love Him more and more through the years as I read about Him in His Word. He has been with me through good times and bad, times of sorrow and times of joy. I cannot imagine my life or where I would be today without Him.

Since I met Him, He has been with me through every single moment of my life… my school years, my wedding, the birth of my children, my struggle with cancer, the death of my parents and in-laws, raising my kids… you name it, Jesus was there, and I know He will be with me from now and throughout all eternity. He promised me that, and He always keeps His promises. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

The love that Jesus has for me never changes. It is an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) In fact, Jesus loved me so much that He sacrificed Himself, shedding His precious blood on an old rugged cross, so I could have everlasting life with Him in heaven forever. John 15:13 states, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” That’s my friend; that’s my Saviour!

I have been doubly blessed in my life when it comes to friends. First, I have had the love and support of Lorrie, my dearest and truest friend on earth, for more than half a century. I pray for many more years of friendship with her. Second, I have the eternal love and support of a Saviour who gave Himself for me that I might have an earthly life rich and full of God’s blessings and the blessed assurance of everlasting life with Him one day in heaven for all eternity! John 10:10 records the words of Jesus when He said, “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Because of Jesus, I have a life that is amazingly wonderful here and a future life that He has promised to be even more incredible! Psalm 37:4 states, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” How blessed of God I have been!

I’ve found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;
He tells me every care on Him to roll.
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

He’ll never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,
While I live by faith, and do His blessed will;
A wall of fire about me, I’ve nothing now to fear:
With His manna He my hungry soul shall fill,
When crowned at last in glory, I’ll see His blessed face,
Where rivers of delight shall ever roll.
He’s the “Lily of the Valley,” the Bright and Morning Star;
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul!

(from “I’ve Found a Friend in Jesus” by Charles W Fry)

“Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” – Proverbs 27:9

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Have you met my dear friend, Jesus? I’d love to introduce you to Him!

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” – Mark 9:23

Believing in someone is a lot like loving someone. Both involve making a decision that will influence your behavior toward a certain individual. The decision to believe in someone or love someone is actually a choice that you make, and it is influenced by a number of factors.

The factors that influence a decision to love can be physical attraction, common interests, positive personality qualities, etc., and when some of these factors demonstrate longevity, it may lead an individual to decide to love someone. This is important because there are times when individuals can be very “unlovable,” and if a decision has been made to love that person, then the love remains even in moments when love is not “felt.”  Clearly, love is a decision.

Believing in God is also a decision one makes, and like love, there are factors than influence that decision. Perhaps one begins to question things to which God is the only reasonable answer. Maybe something “miraculous” has occurred in someone’s life, and he/she chooses to believe in God. When many positive things happen in a person’s life, it is easy to believe in the Bible, but when serious problems dominate one’s life, the decision to believe in God may not even be considered. When the going gets tough, and it seems as if God is not answering our prayers in the way we think He should, it is our decision to believe that keeps our faith intact. There will be many times in our lives when our faith is shaken, but if you have made a decision to believe in God and the Scriptures, your belief in Him remains. You may not understand, and it may trouble you greatly, but your decision to believe is unshakeable. Why? Because like love, our belief in God is based on Scriptural facts, not on our feelings.

Sadly, in our world people make decisions that come and go. We see that in marriages. A couple makes a decision to stay together until “death do us part,” yet when temptation enters their lives, the marriage crumbles and the decision to stay together “through better or worse” fades away. To help prevent our belief in God from slipping away, He has given us several ways to help increase and solidify our faith in Him.

• Proverbs 3:4 – “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” We need to trust God completely. Relying on human intellect to explain or rationalize the natural world is impossible. The Bible tells us that God’s ways are much higher than our own. (Isaiah 55:9) When we understand this, we begin to understand that there is so much that is beyond humanity’s capabilities or reasoning. Through that, we find the decision to believe in God makes perfect sense.
• Romans 10:17 – “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” It is critical to study the Word of God. As He speaks to us through it, our belief in Him becomes more secure. Take time to know God just as you would take time to know someone whom you would eventually decide to love.
• Proverbs 8:17 – “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” God promises that those who diligently look for Him will find Him.
• James 1:22 – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Use the measure of faith that you have and build upon it by doing what God tells you to do in His Word. As you reap the blessings of following God’s Word, the reality of God in your life brings validity to your belief in Him.
• Malachi 3:10 – “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” When we put God’s Word into action in our lives, we trust Him to do as He has said. In a sense, we are proving God. Our faith is strengthened when we see God provide for us as He said He would.

Abstract ideas, such as love and belief, cannot be seen to verify their existences. Like true love, true belief is based upon facts, not feelings, and both grow as more evidence is presented to support them. To allow our belief in God to grow, we must seek out supportive evidence through the Bible, the testimonies of others, the ministries of the church, and the illuminations from the Holy Spirit. As our belief in God becomes stronger, we will come to the realization that truly “… with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

‘All things are possible,’ this is his word.
Receive it, ’tis written for you:
Believe in his promises, God cannot fail,
For what he has said, he will do.

Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God,
Nothing is impossible when you’re trusting in his word;
Hearken to the voice of God to thee,
“Is there anything too hard to me?”
Then put your trust in God alone and rest upon his word,
For ev’rything, O ev’rything!
Yes ev’rything is possible with God!

(from “Nothing is Impossible” by Eugene L. Clark)

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.” – Isaiah 43:10

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“God said it. I believe it. That settles it for me.” -unknown

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

I am not quite at the place that the apostle Paul was when he wrote this portion of Scripture. In fact, I am not even close! I have yet to actually “glory” in my infirmities. I tend to do more grumbling, but I am learning that in the weakness of my humanity, the strength of Christ is that upon which I must depend!

When I remember that God is with me no matter what is happening to me or around me, and that regardless of how it seems, He is in complete control, I can rest in His strength. When I forget that, I am frustrated, upset, and often fearful in my own futile attempts to control the circumstances surrounding me.

Once I remember who I am and who God is, my perspective changes, and I do what I need to do to have victory in my life. I go to my heavenly Father in prayer! God then gives me grace to endure whatever I am facing, and He empowers me to act according to His perfect will. Because of this, I am able to truly “rest” in His power. It is only at that point that I can “glory in my infirmities” with gladness in my heart that God’s strength will be manifested through my weakness.

When you’re a child of God, His grace is always available, sufficient for all things, and never-ending!

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

(from “Amazing Grace” by John Newton)

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” – 2 Corinthians 9:8

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There’s no other word for God’s grace, but amazing!

“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” – Romans 12:12

This past week, I taught my Sunday school class about the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is circumstantial, whereas joy is independent of what is happening around or to us. Therefore, when “rejoicing in hope,” we have the continual joy in us that is founded upon the hope of our salvation in Jesus Christ. No matter what is going on in our world, our homes, or our jobs, the joy of the Lord remains unfazed. Philippians 4:4 tells us, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Knowing Christ as one’s Saviour brings us eternal joy in our souls!

Because we have the joy of the Lord, we can endure through the difficulties of life. Through the power of God’s Holy Spirit, we can patiently go through the tribulations of every day living, whether it be something minor, major, or even catastrophic. That doesn’t mean it’s easy to be patient, but with the understanding that God is always with us and will deliver us from all situations, we can purpose in our hearts to be long-suffering to whatever comes our way, trusting God to take care of us. Psalm 40:1 records David’s words, “I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” God will hear, and He will deliver.

Lastly, due to the joy in our souls and the patience we have to get through life’s trials and tribulations, we should be in constant communion with God, and we do that through prayer. Does that mean we need to spend all of our days on our knees? No, but we should have a heart with an attitude of devotion that is steadfast in prayer. That is, we should have an almost sub-conscious attitude toward prayer, where in our daily activities it is as natural to talk with God as it is to speak with another individual. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Pray without ceasing,” and with His joy in our hearts, and His promise of always keeping us in His protective hand, we should always be in sweet communion with Him, 24/7, through prayer.

Because we have the joy of the Lord, assurance of deliverance from tribulations, and an open line of communication with the Almighty God, we can rejoice and be glad every day of our lives!

There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God;
A place where we our Savior meet, near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release, near to the heart of God;
A place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee, near to the heart of God.

(from “Near to the Heart of God” by Cleland B. McAfee)

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” – Romans 15:13

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It’s good to be a child of God!