Category: Devotionals

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

Yesterday, I was in a very unfamiliar city. I managed to reach my destination without too much trouble, thanks to my daughter’s directions, but when it came to heading back home, it was a much different story. I made a wrong turn from the store parking lot, but I figured I was heading in the right direction to the freeway, so I kept going. After about half an hour, I ended up back at the same store! I had driven in circles! Realizing I turned left when I should have turned right, I decided to head in the opposite direction. Another 30-40 minutes later, I was driving down a long road that dead-ended in a lake community! Finally, in desperation, I turned on my car’s GPS as I backtracked down the road. Following the GPS instructions, I was on the correct road within minutes and on my way to my final destination.

Life is very much the same. I often head out on my own facing obstacles and situations that threaten to stop me from my goals. I forget about my own inner GPS. Without using this GPS, it is so easy to get lost!

My first spiritual GPS was “God’s Plan of Salvation.” It was very easy to understand and follow. Here were the directions I was given.

The Romans Road

1. Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” The Bible tells us that there is no one who has lived a perfect life. When we are measured against God’s standard of perfection, we all come up short. We are all sinners regardless of whether we have lived a “good” life or been a “moral” person. Romans 3:10 states, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”
2. Romans 5:12 – “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Sin first entered the world in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God’s command to refrain from eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Since that moment, the sin nature has been passed down to all humanity, making us all sinners in the sight of God.
3. Romans 5:8 – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God desires us, His creation, to be with Him for all eternity, but because of sin, we cannot stand before Him due to His holiness. In order for us to one day be with Him in heaven, our sin has to be removed. 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.” God sacrificed His only Son, Jesus, so that we could have the forgiveness of sin available to us by accepting Christ as our Saviour.
4. Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The penalty of sin is death, or separation from God for all eternity. Jesus took the punishment for our sin upon Himself when He died upon the cross, providing the only way for us to have our sins forgiven and obtain God’s precious gift of eternal life in heaven.
5. Romans 10:9-10 – “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” To receive Christ’s forgiveness of sin, all a person needs to do is admit he/she is a sinner, believe that Jesus is God’s Son, who died on the cross for all, and ask Him for forgiveness of their sins. In doing so, Jesus becomes their Saviour and their Lord.
6. Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” When Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, He proved He was truly God and the only One who could forgive the sins of a person. If you call upon His name, the Bible says that you will be saved from the penalty of your sins, forever forgiven.

Once I accepted Christ as my Saviour, I was ready for my spiritual GPS upgrade! The upgraded GPS that I now have is the spiritual directional system within me, powered by the Holy Spirit of God. It is “God’s Positioning System,” and it keeps me on the right path when I use it. It works in tandem with God’s Word. When I am headed off into life, the Holy Spirit reminds me of what I have read in the Bible that is applicable to the circumstance in which I find myself. I then have all I need to make the right choices and move down the path that is aligned with God’s will. It makes for a stress-free journey every time!!

He leadeth me: O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be,
still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
He leadeth me, he leadeth me,
by his own hand he leadeth me;
his faithful follower I would be,
for by his hand he leadeth me.

(from “He Leadeth Me” by Joseph Gilmore)

“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10

*********

Are you on the right path? Hook up to your spiritual GPS today!

“A friend loveth at all times…” Proverbs 17:17a

My life is blessed with so many wonderful friends. Many of them I have known since I have lived in California, while others are new friends whom I have known only since I have moved to Georgia. Some I know only from social media, but regardless of how we have met, we are friends, and I am there for any one of them if they should need me.

I also have an awesome family, and I love each member with all my heart. We have shared so much, and no matter how far apart we are, the bonds of love remain strong. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for any one of them.

With that in mind, I have a question for you: If you knew one of your cherished friends or family members was going to die today in a way you could prevent, what would you do to save them? How far would you go to help them? Wouldn’t you do whatever you could? These are the ones you love; the ones for whom you care deeply.

Life is unpredictable. No one knows if their tomorrow will ever come, so today, because I love you, I am asking my family and friends this: If you were to die before tomorrow, what would happen to you? Have you thought about it? Most people don’t like to think about death, especially their own, but we all think about it from time to time. Do you know where you would be if you should die today? Do you have an answer, or would you have to say, “I don’t know”?

If you’d like to know, I’m here for you.

“For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.” Psalm 71:5

**********

I read this on social media from one of my friends. With her permission, I have included part of her post with my own thoughts interwoven. I pray it is an encouragement to you to share Jesus today with someone you love.

 

 

 

 

 

“But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.” Psalm 66:19

If you’ve read some of my previous blogs, you know that prayer is an area in which I have struggled, and that God has shown me that the root of my “prayer troubles” has been my reluctance to totally trust Him. Since that eye-opening revelation, I have been learning to trust Him more, and my prayer life has been much more real and honest. I know that God will answer my prayers, and if He choses to answer in a way that differs from my expectations, I realize that is because He is doing what is best for me and for those for whom I pray. Trusting Him for the outcome has become so liberating for me. I can truly say I am learning to “cast all my cares upon Him” (1 Peter 5:7) and not pick them up again in my own attempts to control the issues at hand.

Case in point: My husband has had some serious health issues lately, and we have been waiting for certain blood test results. I have been praying for a positive outcome and trusting God for good results. Have I had perfect peace about this? Not completely. I still had worries, but in my “trust journey,” I have been able to pray with a different kind of peace in my heart. I know that whatever the results, God is handling it. He is doing what is best. No longer do I pray holding back my heart’s desire in fear that God will not answer. This time I was able to pray without reservation or fear. I prayed boldly for a drop in my husband’s numbers.

Yesterday, we got the blood test back, and I think you can guess the results. The numbers had decreased! Praise the Lord!

Trusting God is something I’m still learning, but I know that He is faithful. He will always listen to my prayers, and He will always answer them according to His will, which will always be what is best.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!

(from “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Joseph Scriven)

“Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.” Psalm 66:20

**********

Prayer touches the heart of God.

 

 

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

People have strong feelings about their beliefs. Most believe their particular religion or faith is the true “way” to God. I know I believe that my faith in Jesus is the only way to have a relationship with God. I believe with my whole heart in John 3:16, which 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.” I believe without reservation that when Jesus said, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” in John 14:6, that He meant it. He is the only way to heaven and being in the presence of God. I believe that the Bible is the actual Word of God, and it is in its pages where I can find all the truths about God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I believe that the Bible is my manual for living and that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:17).

Many people would agree with me, but there are many who would not. In fact, those who disagree with me believe in their religion as strongly as I believe in mine. Many of them also have religious books into which they put their trust as fervently as I have done. So how can I know for sure that my way is the right way? Read more

“And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.” 1 Chronicles 28:20

Before he retired, my husband worked as a general contractor. He was a great builder, and often he would work on some remodeling projects at our house. Sometimes, he would ask me to help him. The first time, as a new bride, I was excited to help until I realized I knew absolutely nothing of what he was doing. I remember once I had the very simple task of holding some kind of metal piece, and since I didn’t ask for any guidance from my husband, I promptly sliced my thumb open! On other occasions, he might ask for a certain tool, and I would be clueless! I became apprehensive about helping him, and when I did, I was a reluctant worker.

Nevertheless, he wanted me by his side on most occasions. Maybe it was more for my company than assistance, but whenever he needed me to do a task, he was always careful to explain it, and then help me if I needed it. In the beginning of our life together, I was not a very good carpenter’s aide, but as the years progressed, I realized he was there to help me, so I asked more questions, followed his instructions, and became a better worker. It’s been years since my first “job” with him, and I can say that since then I have learned to listen and follow his instructions, “No more sliced thumbs!”

As I reminisced, I realized I have had the same feelings about my work for God. Sometimes God has called me to do something that I feared I was inadequate to do. Here are a few areas from which I shunned away: visitation (What do I say when they open the door?), leading a ladies’ group (What if I present the lesson incorrectly?), start a blog (What if I have nothing of interest to write?)… This list could go on and on. Do you see the commonality in these areas? It’s “I.” All my issues focused on me! I was afraid of failure, inadequacy, embarrassment… again, the list goes on and on! I forgot something very important. The Bible tells me that I should do all things as unto the Lord not unto me!

When I helped my husband, I didn’t work for me. I worked for him, and he never put me in situations where I would be in harm’s way. No sawing wood with the Skillsaw; no walking on thin boards on a rooftop. He put me in teachable situations from which I could learn, and that he knew I could handle. He always made sure I was prepared for whatever task he had for me, and he was always nearby, watching me and helping me whenever I required it.

God is exactly the same! He never puts me in situations that would be detrimental to my well-being, and in every circumstance, He prepares me for the task at hand. Whatever skills or talents I need to accomplish His goals, He gives me, and His Holy Spirit leads me to exactly what I should do or say! Instead of focusing on how my feelings of inadequacy might affect me, I need to focus on how my lack of service would affect the cause of Christ!! I must remember that He will never leave me in any situation, and He is always ready to come to my aid if I should need it.

My verse reminds me that God will never forsake me, fail me, nor leave me. He is with me every step of the way, fully equipping me and helping me until my work for Him is completed. When will that be? I don’t know. I just know that I need to be busy for God today because one day soon, the trumpet will sound, He will call me home, and my work for Him will be finished. That day may be today! Not much time left to do my work, so I better get going!

Work, for the day is coming! Children of light are we;
From Jesus’ bright appearing, pow’rs of darkness flee.
Soon will our strife be ending, soon all our toils below,
Not to the dark we’re tending, but to day we go.

 (from “Work, For The Night is Coming” by Annie Coghill)

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

**********

Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4)

May that be our hearts cry as well.

“But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.” Psalm 31:14

Trusting is a lot like loving. It’s a choice that one makes; it is granted. Your trust in someone may be based on particular actions; they may even develop over a period of time, but in the end, you choose whether or not you will trust someone.

According to the dictionary, trust is defined as a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. Synonyms for trust are confidence, belief, faith, freedom from suspicion/doubt, sureness, certainty, certitude, assurance, conviction, credence, and reliance. What it doesn’t say is that trusting is a lot like loving. It’s a decision that has to be consciously made. You either decide to trust someone or you don’t. It’s that simple. Like love, trust is not here today and gone tomorrow. It is not based on a feeling; it is based on facts. Feelings fade away; facts remain. We can be disappointed in love, and we can be disappointed in trust, but the fact is that trusting someone is definitely a decision that one makes.

I have chosen to trust God. It is a recent decision of mine. I actually thought I trusted God, but His Spirit opened my eyes to the truth that I was really trusting in myself when I should have been trusting God. (Ouch! That was a painful realization for me, but one that was critical for my spiritual growth.) Once I made the conscious decision to trust God, my life changed dramatically! Not outwardly, but inwardly. Do you desire that “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7)? It comes from trusting God. How about inner “contentment” (Philippians 4:11)? That comes from trusting Him as well.

It was easy for me to trust God in matters I couldn’t control, but if I had any ability to exercise my fleshly reins upon a situation, I grabbed hold and tried to maneuver and manipulate the circumstances to achieve my personal goals. What did I get? Sometimes I got that for which I hoped, but more often than not I got worry, frustration, anger, and even more turmoil! When I decided to trust God… really trust Him, I finally found the peace of God that the Bible speaks of so often.

I chose to trust God because He has proved Himself over and over in His Word, and He has proved Himself over and over to me personally! Ashamedly, I just haven’t been giving the credit to Him. Not only did I need to work on my trust issues, I had to seek forgiveness for my pride as well.

I still have difficulties, situations that I want to control, and circumstances that are challenging to life in general, but with the decision to trust God, I can rest in Him. I know that sounds almost like a cliché, but I can only speak of what I personally know, and I know this. When I feel frustrations mounting, I realize I am trying to do things in myself. At that moment, I am reminding by the Holy Spirit to trust God, and the feelings of discontent that rise in the pit of stomach disappear. Every time!

Proverbs 3:5, one of the most famous Bible verses about trust, says “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” That’s my decision, and it’s the best one I’ve made in a long time. The first time I chose to trust God was in 1968, when I accepted God’s gift of salvation. I trusted Him then for that, and I wish I had trusted Him then for everything else. However, I remember I am a work in progress (Philippians 1:6), and I know God had His hand on me regardless of how I felt toward Him in regards to trust since the day I accepted His Son as my Saviour. He’s been with me ever since, and when I really think about it, when has God failed me? Never.

Why wouldn’t I trust Him?

          In life’s dark and bitter hour, love will still prevail,

          Trust His everlasting pow’r, Jesus never fails.

          Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails

         Heav’n and earth may pass away, but Jesus never fails.   (from “Jesus Never Fails” by Arthur Luther)

 

“I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalm 91:2

*********

Got health problems? Trust God.

Need a job? Trust God.

Short on funds? Trust God.

Family problems? Trust God.

Worried about America? Trust God.

 

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalm 56:3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.” 1 Kings 22:5

“Look before you leap!” is a proverb credited to John Heywood (1546). It means that a person should carefully consider something before proceeding headlong into it. With a slight tweaking of the words, it would mesh perfectly with today’s verse:

“Pray before you act!”

Regrettably, I am in the habit of acting before praying. It is something I am working on correcting, but I find myself often understanding another proverb all too well: “Hindsight is always 20/20” meaning when I look back, I see everything clearly, including my mistakes!

Prayer should never be one’s last resort. When it is, we often suffer consequences that could have been avoided had we first gone to the Lord in prayer. My impulsiveness stems from a desire to be in control, and that is never the best option. It is critical for all of us to seek counsel from God first before we make decisions that are sometimes irreversible. Why? There are several reasons why this is important.

1. God’s wisdom is immeasurable. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” Romans 11:33
2. God is never wrong. “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.” Psalm 18:30
3. God knows what is best for me. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
4. God can do anything. “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37
5. God wants to answer our prayers “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4

God should always be the first One we go to for everything in our lives. No matter is too small for Him to care about. After all, He knows when one sparrow falls from the sky, and His Word says that we are much more valuable to Him than that little bird (Matthew 10:29-31).

When God’s people pray, He moves. When God’s people trust, He acts. Make prayer your first recourse in all things, and God will provide wisdom, direction, and peace.

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer

Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer

(from “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Joseph Scriven)

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

**********

God’s waiting to hear from you. Why not take a moment and pray to Him right now?

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3

Have you ever thought about what a blessing it is to be able to read the Word of God? Think about it for just a moment. We are reading the actual words of the Creator of all things! The One who we identify as GOD! The words in the Bible are more of a blessing than I sometimes realize, and when I do actually stop to think that the words of the Almighty God are in my hand, it is overwhelming! When I read verses like John 3:16 “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” and Jeremiah 31:3 “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee,” I understand that God wants a relationship with me, and that is an amazing blessing!!

Revelation 1:3 speaks to the last book of the New Testament and the prophecies within it. We are told that the time is “at hand.” This means that the things in this prophetic book of the Bible will happen soon. John penned these words as he was inspired by God’s Holy Spirit more than 2,000 years ago. He said the “time was at hand” then. Just think how much closer we are to that time today!

Bible scholars say that there is nothing written in the Scriptures that need to be completed before the Rapture of the Church. Current conditions in the world also indicate that post-Rapture events are on the horizon, which speaks to how close we are to the moment when those who have trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour will be caught up to meet Him in the air and taken to heaven. Soon our faith will become sight!

We are told to keep the Word of God in our hearts and act upon its instruction. It’s clear that our days to share Christ are coming to an end. We must “redeem the time” (Ephesians 5:16), that is take every opportunity to share the gospel because we are Jesus’ chosen ambassadors appointed to do His work in this sin-cursed world (2 Corinthians 5:20). Before we know it, “…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). Oh, what a glorious moment that will be!

The Biblical clock is ticking, and very soon our work on earth will be finished. The only thing that is holding God back is His tremendous love for us. He wants everyone to have the opportunity to accept His Son, Jesus, as their Saviour. 2 Peter 3:9 states “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” But soon, that last soul will be won to Christ, and at that moment, the time will be “at hand.”

It doesn’t seem like it will be too long before I take my heavenly flight. I hope you’ll be with me!

Some bright morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away
To that home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away

I’ll fly away, oh glory, I’ll fly away in the morning
When I die, Hallelujah by and by, I’ll fly away

(from “I’ll Fly Away” by Albert Brumley)

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52

**********

If you haven’t trusted Christ as your Saviour and you would like to know about how to do so, please let me know. I’d be happy to share with you from God’s Word how you can be saved and on your way to heaven!

2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Most people will agree that our country is in serious trouble. The disunity in our government is frightening, and it threatens to destroy all that our nation has stood for in the last two and a half centuries. The very things that the Bible tells us are sacred and precious to God have been mocked and rejected by so many.

Is it possible to turn the tide? Can America ever become the godly nation that it once was?

I believe it can be, but it won’t happen on its own. God’s people need to intervene. It is critical that we exercise our responsibility to vote and support godly representatives and laws, but if we don’t engage our spiritual responsibility to pray, our voices may never be heard in the halls of state assemblies and the Congress of the United States.

Have you ever really thought about how powerful prayer is? I have to admit that I’ve essentially taken prayer for granted. I have always prayed, but it was more of an expectation than the realization that I was actually tapping into the power of God. I know that God is the Creator of all things. He is the Sustainer of all things. He’s God, no doubt about that, but lately, the Holy Spirit has brought to my attention the unfathomable power that God has made available to His children through the simple act of calling upon His name!

In the Bible, there are many accounts where God’s people prayed, and He worked in amazing and miraculous ways. One account is in the book of 1 Kings. In chapter 17, Elijah prayed to the Lord in regards to the death of the widow’s son, and God brought the boy back to life. Another example is in the first chapter of 1 Samuel where Hannah prayed to the Lord for a son, and God gave her a child. The last example is in Acts 12 where Peter is freed from prison after the church prayed for him. There are so many more examples of the power of prayer in the Bible.

When I really focus upon the immense power of God and the accessibility I have to that power through prayer, I am amazed that I don’t pray continually! I understand that God is not a magical genie who grants wishes indiscriminately, but He is the only One who has the capability of responding to any prayer in any time in any place for those who cry out to Him.

Keeping that in mind, I believe that the prayers of God’s people can bring about revival in our land. Dr. A.T. Pierson, a Baptist minister (1837-1911) said, “There has never been a spiritual awakening in any country or locality that did not begin in united prayer.”

America has seen two “Great Awakenings” in regards to religious revival. After the American Revolution, America had fallen into spiritual decay, and John Marshall, the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, stated that the Church “was too far gone ever to be redeemed.” Through urgent pleas to pray for revival, men like Jonathan Edwards prayed for revival in 1747. This led to the first “Great Awakening” in America. In 1794, another Baptist pastor, Isaac Backus, urged pastors of every denomination to pray for revival in America, and the second “Great Awakening” was born leading to modern-day missionaries and Sunday schools. What’s to stop the prayers of 21^st century believers from ushering in a third “Great Awakening” for America?

As the only offensive weapon we have in our spiritual arsenal, our prayers are powerful and effective. James 5:16 tells us that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” If we really want to make America great again, we must pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) that the people of the United States will humble themselves, seek God’s face, and turn from their wicked ways. Then, and only then, will God Himself heal our land,

If we do not pray for our country, one thing is for certain. There will be no spiritual revival, and this nation will continue down its current path.

Lord You see Your tired servants, and the broken wounded soldiers
Oh how much we need Your precious healing hand
We need the power of the cross as the only source for us
When we stand up facing final battle cry, restore your church again.

Touch Your people once again with Your precious holy hand, we pray
Let Your kingdom shine upon this earth through a living glorious church
Not for temporary deeds, but to restore authority and power
Let a mighty rushing wind blow in, touch your people once again.

(from “Touch Your People Once Again” by Steve Green)

“Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.” Deuteronomy 28:3

**********

Spend some time today praying for God to bless America once again.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Last week, I watched news footage of Hurricane Dorian as it moved through the Bahamas and up the eastern coast of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. The damage in the Bahamas was devastating, and the first pictures I saw showed that most of the area had been leveled by the storm. Although some structures survived, in many places, the only things left standing were palm trees.

How do palm trees withstand hurricane force winds? Palm trees are well grounded. They grow roots that are very thin and spread out horizontally from the tree base, extending long distances for maximum stabilization. These roots not only anchor the tree, but they absorb nutrients from the soil for growth.

Our faith needs to be well grounded like the palm tree, or we may be tossed aside when adverse conditions arise in our lives. The foundation of our faith is a relationship with Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Once we’ve accepted Him as our Saviour and made Him Lord of our life, there is nothing in this world that can topple us (1 John 4:4). We then can root ourselves in the Word of God and receive all the nutrients we need to keep our faith alive.

How do we stand strong in our faith? Chapter 6 in Ephesians gives us step-by-step instructions on how to stand strong in our faith by wearing some very special “articles of clothing.”

First, we must have our loins girt about with the truth (v 14). Jesus said “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). We must remember to study the Word of God and hide its words in our hearts. Take time today to memorize a Bible verse!

Second, we must wear the breastplate of righteousness (v 14). Isaiah 61:10 states “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” It is the righteousness of God in which we must clothe ourselves, and we acquire that righteousness through a relationship with His Son, Jesus. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus today!

Third, we must have our feet shod with the gospel of peace (v 15). Our feet take us everywhere. As we travel, we must take with us the gospel and share it with others. In Mark 16:15, Jesus gave us a job to do. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” We are “on the job” 24/7 until He calls us home. Share Jesus with someone today!

Fourth, we must hold high our shield of faith for with it we will be able to repel the attacks of Satan (v 16). It is our faith that sustains through the storms of life. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7. Although the battles we are in belong to the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:15), we should never let our own guard down. We are Christian warriors, fighting a battle for the souls of men!

Next, we must have the helmet of salvation (v 17), which assures us of our standing with God once we have been forgiven of our sins. When we have accepted Christ as our Saviour, we are adopted into God’s family, and as children of the Lord, we know that our future is secure in Him. “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). The helmet of salvation protects our minds from the lies of the world that would have us believe otherwise. “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation” (Psalm 13:5). “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7. If you haven’t trusted Christ as your Saviour, make today the day of your salvation!

We must also be equipped with the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (v 17). It is the Scriptures themselves that empowers us to fight the battle that rages around us, which, we are reminded in Ephesians 6:12, is not a battle against flesh and blood. In order to be prepared, we must “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Set aside a time to spend in personal Bible devotion time!

Lastly, we must pray (v 18). God commands us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and we have the assurance from Jesus that He will answer when He said, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” John 14:13. It is through prayer that we touch the heart of God. Take time to pray today!

After all this, you will be like the palm tree, deeply rooted and secure, ready to face whatever lies ahead. “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:3

Stand up, stand up for Jesus! Stand in His strength alone,
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own;
Put on the gospel armor, and watching unto prayer,
Where calls the voice of duty, be never wanting there.

(from “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” by George Duffield, Jr.)

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13

**********

When was the last time you took a stand for Christ?