Writing On Eagles Wings

Scripture: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” – (19:1)

Observation: In this psalm, David writes about the glory of God and His Word. He also asks God to guard his thoughts and the words he speaks.

Application: Everything that God created praises His name! Psalm 148 details the parts of God’s creation that praise Him. When Jesus was told to quiet the crowds that were praising Him, His response was “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:40).

In spite of all the praise coming from these things that God made, He still wanted something even more special. He wanted a personal relationship with His creation, so He made man. Imagine that! God doesn’t just sit on a big throne listening to all creation sing praises to His name, He wants to interact with each one of us!

In the first part of Genesis 3:8, we read that God came to the garden to commune with Adam and Eve. “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day:” Unfortunately, their sin severed the relationship that God had with them and that separation was passed on to all of humanity. But God was not thwarted; He had a plan. You see, more than the heavens, more than the stars, more than any other part of His creation, God loves US with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). Because of that love, He sacrificed His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay for sin… past, present, and future! Through our acceptance of the work Jesus finished on the cross for us, our relationship with the Lord can be restored!

Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” That means when we ask Jesus to forgive us and become our Lord and Saviour, our personal relationship with God begins!! And it will last forever because in John 10:29, referring to His followers, Jesus said, “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” That, my friend, is truly blessed assurance!

Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, thank You for saving my soul! Thank You for the sweet communion we have through Your Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. What a blessing to be a new creation in Jesus! In His precious name and with great thanksgiving, I pray. Amen.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.

(from “Blessed Assurance” by Fanny Crosby)

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“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

Scripture: “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” – (18:2)

Observation: David was known as a warrior king. He fought and won battle after battle because the Lord was on his side. David trusted God and acknowledged Him as the One who delivers.

Application: In Australia, Ayers Rock is a massive sandstone monolith and is the largest single rock in the world. In the United States, El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park, is the largest monolith. This granite rock stands more than 3,000 ft. high. California also is home to Giant Rock, which covers almost 6000 square feet of ground and stands approximately seven stories high! These are three impressive rocks, and it cannot be argued that it would be impossible for anyone to move them! No wonder David often refers to God as his ROCK.

David mentions three times in this psalm alone that God is his rock. Like those huge rocks, God is immovable. He never changes; His Word never changes. He is steadfast, dependable, eternally the same. What God says He will do, He does. What God says will happen, does come to pass. Truly, our God is a rock!

However, there is one thing that will definitely move God, and that is our prayers. When we pray, our words touch the heart of God and He responds. Here are four biblical examples of those whose prayers moved the Lord to act.

• Hannah prayed for a child after being barren for years.
  • “Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.”- 1 Samuel 1:20
• King Hezekiah prayed for healing after being told he would die.
  • “Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.”  – Isaiah 38:5
• Jabez prayed for God to be with him and keep him from evil.
  • “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” – 1 Chronicles 4:10
• The early church prayed for Peter when he was imprisoned.
  • “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.” – Acts 12:7

Never doubt that God does not hear the prayers of His children. He desires our prayers greatly, and even tells us in I Thessalonians 5:17 that we should “Pray without ceasing.” Our God is a ROCK, but praise His name that He can be moved with simply a heartfelt prayer!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You truly are the ROCK of my salvation, and I praise Your holy name! You alone are worthy of glory, honor, and worship! Thank You for wanting a personal relationship with me, and providing that through Your precious Son, Jesus. It is such a comfort to know I can come boldly to Your throne and share anything and everything that is on my heart, and You listen. What a blessing to be Your child! I love You! In Jesus’ precious and most holy name, I pray. Amen.

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer!

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge-- take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

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

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“The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.” – Psalm 18:46

Scripture: “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.”- (17:5)

Observation: In this chapter, David is praying for God to uphold and protect him. He shares that his enemy is near and seeks to destroy him. Before he sleeps, he offers this prayer to the Lor, knowing that upon awakening, he will see the faithfulness of God.

Application: So many times in my life, I have prayed as a last resort. I have a very bad habit of facing any challenges in life on my own, trying to manipulate and control the outcomes. Sadly, I remember to pray when my efforts fail, and I find myself surrounded by “the enemy”, and feeling completely out of control! This is so easily avoidable when I seek the Lord first in all things!

Prayer needs to become the “first order of business” in any situation, good or bad. Believing that I need to be the one in control makes no sense whatsoever! First of all, to think I have the intelligence or wisdom to influence every challenge in life the way I want is crazy! Secondly, to not reach out to the One who does have the intelligence, wisdom, and ability to do that is folly on my part. Thirdly, to repeatedly do the same thing over and over knowing that the odds of me controlling a situation’s outcome is unlikely is an exercise in futility.

Now, having said all that, let me flip the switch and put a positive spin on today’s verse. There are a few things I do know about God, and I need to imprint them on  my brain!

• God is faithful: “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
• God is good: “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” – Nahum 1:7
• God is wisdom:  “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
• God is all-knowing. “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” – 1 John 3:20
• God is all-powerful: “But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26
• God loves me: “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.” – Jeremiah 31:3
• God is my Father: “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:18

Why wouldn’t I go to Him first? He can do anything; He knows everything, and He loves me deeply. He is my Father in heaven. I can depend on Him for anything.

Prayer should be everyone’s number one priority every day and for everything…including me!

Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much! Your patience with me is incredible! Forgive my pride in thinking I can handle anything that comes my way. I am so weak, and You are so strong! Help me to remember that You are the One who created all things, sustains all things, and knows no bounds in what You can do. Help me remember to seek Your face every day and for every need, knowing that You will protect me, guide me, chastise me when needed, forgive me, and love me forever! In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine, for its skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry o'er the future, for I know what Jesus said,
And today I'll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.

I don't know about tomorrow, it may bring me poverty;
But the one who feeds the sparrow is the one who stands by me.
And the path that be my portion, may be through the flame or flood,
But His presence goes before me, and I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.

(from “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by Ira F. Stanphill)

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“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7

Scripture: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”- (16:11)

Observation: This chapter is full of praises to the Lord. David writes about having a “goodly heritage”, and how God has provided counsel and guidance throughout his life. He then ends with our key verse, having the faith that God will continue to lead him and give him joy forever.

Application: There is no doubt that life is unpredictable. There are always unexpected obstacles that can make navigating through each day very challenging. We have to use real caution when determining from whom we seek advice for the many trials and tribulations that come our way, or we may be given counse that will take us down paths that are not beneficial nor healthy when it comes to achieving the goals we have set for ourselves. So to whom do we go?

David knew the answer. He clearly put his trust in the Lord. Here is what he says in this psalm about God.

• God preserves His own (v1)
• God protects the inheritance found in Him (v5).
• God provides dependable counsel (v7).
• God leads us (v8).
• God will not abandon us (v10).
• God will show us the path we should follow through life (v11).
• God provides eternal pleasures (v11).
• God provides full joy (v11).

Having God on our side as we go through life will not prevent unwanted circumstances from occurring, but with God, we will never be alone, and He will always provide the way through whatever happens. His Word is our life manual, providing guidance in handling all of life’s problems. The Scriptures give us encouragement, guidance, problem-solving skills, and hope. It offer forgiveness when we mess up and promises that give comfort and peace. It is filled with examples of people who chose to follow God despite adversity. People like Noah, Daniel, Elijah, Paul, Esther, Ruth, etc. People like you and me; people who made mistakes, but sought God’s help and redemption to find that joy and peace He offers. Lastly, but most importantly, the Bible also gives us the greatest example of how to live our lives through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is not easy choosing to live a life modeled after the Saviour, but it is only through Him and His saving grace that we truly have the promised fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. If you’ve never trusted Christ as Your Saviour, why not do so today? You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for the Bible. I know that whatever I need You have provided in Your Word. I know I can trust each promise You have made for You are trustworthy and faithful. Thank You for Your truth. You have given me comfort, love, joy and hope! I am so blessed! In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Joyful, joyful, we adore You, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You, op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

Always giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,

Well-spring of the joy of living, ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Father, Christ our Brother, let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

(from “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” by Henry Van Dyke)

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“…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10b

Scripture: “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” – (15:2)

Observation: In the previous chapter, David described the unrighteous individual. In this one, he lists characteristics that are applicable to the opposite – one who is righteous. He states in the first verse of this chapter that it is the one who “walketh uprightly” that shall abide in the tabernacle of the Lord.

Application: Most people have heard of the 10 Commandments. These were ten laws that God gave to Moses to teach the people what they needed to do to “abide” with the Lord. Today, it is highly unlikely that the majority of individuals could list those commandments, much less follow them. Truth be told, the world actually declares that doing the exact opposite is better.

God’s Word – Exodus 20	World Philosophy
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (3)	1. Worship celebrities, athletes, false gods, even yourself.
2. Thou shalt not make… any graven image. (4)	2. Worship money, fame, power (modern day idols)
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain. (7)	3. Using the Lord’s name is commonplace: media, books, conversations, etc.
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (8)	4. Church attendance is not valued.
5. Honor thy father and mother. (12)	5. Children have their own rights outside of parental control. Obedience is not warranted.
6. Thou shalt not kill. (13)	6. Violence is accepted and even applauded.
7. Thou shalt not comment adultery. (14)	7. Marriage is not sacred; monogamy is not honored; affairs are sensationalized in the media.
8. Thou shalt not steal. (15)	8. If you want it, take it.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. (16)	9. Truth is relative; there is no absolute truth.
10. Thou shalt not covet…(17)	10. It’s important to “keep up with the Joneses” at all costs.

Regardless of what we say or do, we can never be righteous in the eyes of God. It is only through the salvation that Jesus Christ offers that we become clothed in His righteousness and thereby acceptable to God. Philippians 3:9 states, “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”

We cannot do the impossible, which would be to redeem ourselves, but God made a way through His Son because He loves us with an everlasting love!

Prayer: Dearest heavenly Father, how amazing that You would love such sinful people as we all are. We have ignored Your Word and exchanged Your truth for a lie. Help us, O God, to see the error of our ways, turn to Jesus for salvation and become new creations in Him. Thank You for Your longsuffering and your unwillingness that any should perish. Your forgiveness knows no bounds, and Your love is never-ending. How great Thou art! In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all!

Let every tongue and every tribe responsive to his call,
To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all.
To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all!

Oh, that with all the sacred throng we at his feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all.
We'll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all.

(from “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” by Edward Perronet)

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“There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.” – 1 Samuel 2:2

Scripture: “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” – (14:3)

Observation: David is no stranger to sin. He was, after all, human like us, and born in sin, again, like us. Here he writes that there is no one who is righteous; no one whom God can find that is good. Yet in the last verse, he shares hope. The hope that God is the One who will ultimately save His people.

Application: This world places so much worth in things that are temporal… things that don’t last. Fame, riches, beauty, educational degrees, athletic prowess, etc. all are the keys to the label of success in today’s culture. In our key verse, David writes that there is no person who can claim they are “good”, especially in the sight of God.

This sounds pretty hopeless until we realize that God has provided a way for us to become “righteous” in His standing. 1 John 4:14 records God’s remedy for our lost state. “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.” God sent His beloved Son to redeem us, offer forgiveness of our sins and acceptance into His family. When Jesus died on the cross, He became sin for us… in our place! We all deserve to be punished, eternally separated from God, because of our iniquities, but in His great love, God said “No!” He didn’t want that to be our fate. John 3:16-17 explains His plan. “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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

His plan, set in motion in Genesis 3:15, provided salvation and eternal life for us if we so choose. God chose to offer us a gift that He purchased with His own blood! We must choose to accept this gift. If you want that wonderfully amazing gift of forgiveness, peace, and everlasting life in heaven, the Bible says you only need to understand that you are a sinner, believe in the work that Jesus finished for us through His death on the cross and glorious resurrection, and ask Him to forgive you and be your Lord and Saviour! So simple, but He promises in His Word that He will hear, forgive, restore, and accept you no matter what sins you’ve committed when you ask Him! True success in life comes from the joy of personally knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and following in His footsteps every day!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for what You did for me! I am a sinner; I am not a perfect person by any stretch of the imagination, yet You love me, and You died for me. Thank You so much! Thank You for Your forgiveness of my sins, Your preparing a place for me in heaven, and Your promise to one day come for me to be with You forever! My heart sings with gratitude for Your goodness to me! What a wonderful Saviour You are! In Your precious and blessed name, I pray, with eternal thanksgiving! Amen!

Once I was straying in sin's dark valley
No hope within could I see,
But they searched through Heaven
And found a Savior to save a poor lost soul like me

O what a Savior, O Hallelujah
His heart was broken on Calvary
His hands were nail scared, His side was riven
He gave His life's blood for even me

(from “O What a Savior” by Marvin Dalton)

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“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” – John 6:37

Scripture: “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?” – (13:1)

Observation: In this psalm, David is experiencing great sorrow waiting for God to respond to his prayer. However, even though he is in despair, he chooses to trust God and rejoice because God has been good to him in the past. His expectation is that God will do the same at this time.

Application: Like David, there are many times when I’ve wondered, “How long until You answer me, Lord?” This is often the heart’s cry when one is hurting. Regardless of whether you’ve been saved recently or for a long time, learning to trust the Lord is an ongoing process. As we experience struggles in our lives, God uses them to grow our faith and trust in Him. Sometimes, the answers we seek come immediately, but more often than not, we find ourselves waiting.

It is so important to remember that God sees the big picture. He knows how to answer prayers in the best interest of all involved. Additionally, He has a perfect plan for each one of us and knows the paths we must take to bring those plans to fruition. Notice that this psalm doesn’t say that God answered David right away. However, it does reveal David’s heart for the Lord. Despite the pain in waiting, David ends this psalm with these two verses:

• “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” (13:4)
• “I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” (13:5)

God had shown Himself faithful to deliver David in the past, and now the Psalmist praises God by acknowledging that truth and choosing to rejoice and sing to God. Despite the wait, David is confident that the Lord will deliver him once again and reflects that in his words of praise!

Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, great is Your faithfulness! Your mercies are truly new every morning! I am so grateful that I can come to You in prayer whenever I want, and You listen. Thank You for always doing what is best for me. Help me to trust You more each day. In Your sweet, precious name, I pray. Amen.

Be still, my soul! the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! your best, your heav’nly friend
Thru' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

(from “Be Still, My Soul” by Kathrina von Schlegel)

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“But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.” – Psalm 141:8

Scripture: “The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.” – (12:8)

Observation: David again writes about the culture around him. He is surrounded by the wickedness of the world, yet he also demonstrates his faith in God, trusting Him to preserve those who believe.

Application: Does our key verse sound familiar? Wickedness surrounds us today as it did David in his time. In fact, our world exalts those who embrace evil and ungodly behaviors. In these days, sin is praised and even encouraged, while those who speak out against this type of godless life are mocked, attacked, and in the most severe instances, killed for their faith and devotion to following God’s Word.

We are living in a time when Jesus Christ will soon call Christians home. The Bible even describes the world’s condition in the time preceding the rapture of all true believers to heaven to prepare us.

Although written centuries ago by the apostle Paul, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 clearly describes our world today and includes a directive for all Christians at the end of the last verse. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Remember, Satan is very clever. He makes sin seem harmless, acceptable, even loved, tempting even the strongest believer to fall into the bondage of sinful behaviors. The only defense we have is the Lord. As the Lord’s children, He equips us for the spiritual battle that surrounds us. Ephesians 6:11-18 details our armor, which includes our one offensive weapon, the Sword of the Spirit… the Word of God!

If you plan to head into a battle, you never go unarmed! Be ready! Gear up! Study the Bible! Be prepared to fight! And praise God because we know who wins!

Prayer: Almighty Father, You are to be praised for Your omnipotence! How great You are! Thank You for giving us Your Word to prepare us for the spiritual battles we face daily. Thank You for Your Spirit that indwells all who call Christ their Saviour. Empower me today to do Your will, to stand strong and contend for the faith! Fight the battles I cannot see, the ones I cannot stand against on my own, and give me the victory in Christ! Thank You, in Jesus’ strong and mighty name, I pray! Amen!

In heavenly armor, we'll enter the land,
The battle belongs to the Lord!
No weapon that's fashioned against us will stand,
The battle belongs to the Lord!
We sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord!
We sing glory, honor, power and strength to the Lord!

(from “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” by Phil Wickham)

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“Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.” – Deuteronomy 3:22

Scripture: “In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?” – (11:1)

Observation: David asks a question in this psalm after declaring that he will trust God. He then goes on to explain his reasoning for trusting in God.

Application: Throughout my life, I have heard people make statements about God’s lack of interest in the affairs of humanity, especially when things don’t turn out the way an individual had hoped. Here are some of the questions or comments often presented when answers don’t come as desired or not at all.

• Where is God in all this?
• Why doesn’t God answer my prayer?
• God doesn’t care about me or this wouldn’t have happened.
• Why does God let bad things happen to good people?
• Why bother praying? God does what He wants no matter what.

This is the kind of thinking that often surrounded David by his associates. In today’s verse, he is advised to flee from the enemy, but his response is that he will trust in God and not run away. He relies on God for protection; he doesn’t take matters into his own hands. Then David goes on to explains what God will do to the wicked.

We need to remember that God is actively involved in our lives even when we don’t see it clearly. He has promised to always be with us, to protect us, and to guide us. We don’t need to run from the struggles or challenges in life. Instead, we need to run to God as He is the One who can and will protect us. Psalm 46:1 states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  

Additionally, when it seems as though God is not answering our prayers, we need to remember a few key facts from the Bible regarding prayer.

• God answers prayers that are asked according to His will.
  • “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” – 1 John 5:14-15
• God may delay answers to allow a person to repent of sin.
  • “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” – Psalm 66:18
• God answers prayers according to His timing.
  • “Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee…” – Isaiah 49:8
• God sometimes says “no” because it is not God’s plan or those involved.
  • “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:9

When God says “wait” or “no”, that doesn’t mean He doesn’t care about us. It means He will answer according to His will and according to what is in our best interest. Like David, we must learn to trust God in all circumstances for Jesus never fails!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that You will never leave me. When circumstances seem overwhelming, help me to remember that You are in total control, and You will always answer my prayers to accomplish Your perfect will in my life. Thank You for the sweet blessed assurance of Your love in all situations. Help me to trust You always. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

Earthly friends may prove untrue, doubts and fears assail;
One still loves and cares for you, One who will not fail.

Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails;
Heav'n and earth may pass away, but Jesus never fails.

In life's dark and bitter hour, love will still prevail;
Trust His everlasting pow'r, Jesus will not fail.

Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails;
Heav'n and earth may pass away, but Jesus never fails.

(from “Jesus Never Fails” by Arthur A. Luther)

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“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”- 1 Corinthians 1:9

Scripture: “The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.” – (10:16)

Observation: The majority of this chapter describes the characteristics of the wicked. In today’s verse, the Psalmist finds comfort in knowing that God reigns supreme for all eternity, and in due time, the wicked will no longer be in the land.

Application: Psalm 24:1 states, “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” One future day, Jesus Christ will come back to earth to rule as its rightful King. At the end of this time, known as the Millennial Kingdom, those who have rejected God and His offer of salvation through the sacrifice of His Son on the cross will stand before Him for final judgment. Revelation 20:12 details the event. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” At this time, God’s wrath will be poured out upon them, and they will be banished from the presence of the Lord for all eternity…that is “the heathen are perished out of his land.”

The names of those who have received Christ as Saviour are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. These individuals will be welcomed into eternity to dwell with God forever, never to face His fierce anger or judgement. “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27).

One thing is very true. If it is written in the Bible, we can be assured it will happen. God’s Word has been preserved by Him since it was first penned. It is absolute truth, and one day, God’s judgment will fall upon this earth, but His children… those who have accepted His Son, Jesus, as their Lord and Saviour… will never experience that. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 affirms, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” Salvation is only found through Jesus. Why not call upon Him today to forgive your sins and save your soul from the judgment to come? He died for you because He loves you, and He longs to hear from you!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word. In a world where truth is relative, it is good to know that Your Word is absolute! I can depend on every word being true. Thank You for providing salvation through Your Son, Jesus, and for writing my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I am so grateful that I will never see Your wrath upon me. Thank You for the promise of eternity in heaven with You. I am so blessed! In Jesus’ name and with great thanksgiving, I pray. Amen.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh, fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness, scorned by the ones He came to save
'Til on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid, here in the death of Christ I live.

No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand

(from “In Christ Alone” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend)

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“And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.” – Revelation 22:6