The Lord is my strength; my heart trust in him, and my shield, and I am helped. Psalm 28:7(NIV)
Christians today are sometimes like the modern car; they look great on the outside, but they cannot withstand a long haul of difficult times. Accidents total these types of cars. In the same way, when Christians face difficult times without fortification, they collapse just like the car body.
It is the framework that holds a car together. God is the framework of every Christian. He creates an impenetrable frame around us, holding all the parts of our life together as long as we stand steadfast in His love.
Obstacles are part of everyone’s life. Some are just there; others are stumbling blocks thrown in our way by Satan. When we stay within God's framework, He fortifies us. If we crash into life's barriers, the unnecessary and cumbersome parts fall away from lives, but we stand firm in His grace. He safely carries us to our destination.
It is never too late to examine our lives---to check out our frameworks' condition. If they are lightweight---failing the stress test---trade them in. Let the old frameworks pass away. God's new, solid frame will provide divine strength on life's road.
Thank you Lord for seeing me through the difficult times and the good times. Even when much of my life is crumbling around me I am surrounded by Your framework that helps me to move forward.
© 2010 Dawn M Sexton
Friday, September 24, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Thinking with God
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10 KJV)
Have you ever been accused of something unjustly—even just a little something? I have. It is so frustrating. But what if I were at fault? What if I were guilty?
Satan lays blame on us every day of our lives. He accuses us before God and before others; however, I believe he does his finest work when he accuses us to ourselves. He throws accusations like, “you did this...you’re a hypocrite,” or “God could never use you because of that.”
How many times I have believed His lies! Yes, I am guilty. Yes, I do have an old sin nature, and my heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. But do you know what? God knows my frame. He created me and knows every single thing in my heart—and His judgment is “no condemnation.” I am a new creature in Christ. The old things are passed away, and all things are new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Satan tries to make us think naturally about ourselves rather than thinking with God. He succeeds repeatedly because we are natural creatures. But we have been seated above, in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), and have supernatural resources from our loving Father to overcome the old way of thinking. Let’s remember what He thinks about us!
Oh, Father, how I long for the day when the accuser of the brethren is cast down; but until then, help me to derive my strength, my hope, and my thoughts from You alone.
© 2010 Katherine A. Fuller
Have you ever been accused of something unjustly—even just a little something? I have. It is so frustrating. But what if I were at fault? What if I were guilty?
Satan lays blame on us every day of our lives. He accuses us before God and before others; however, I believe he does his finest work when he accuses us to ourselves. He throws accusations like, “you did this...you’re a hypocrite,” or “God could never use you because of that.”
How many times I have believed His lies! Yes, I am guilty. Yes, I do have an old sin nature, and my heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. But do you know what? God knows my frame. He created me and knows every single thing in my heart—and His judgment is “no condemnation.” I am a new creature in Christ. The old things are passed away, and all things are new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Satan tries to make us think naturally about ourselves rather than thinking with God. He succeeds repeatedly because we are natural creatures. But we have been seated above, in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), and have supernatural resources from our loving Father to overcome the old way of thinking. Let’s remember what He thinks about us!
Oh, Father, how I long for the day when the accuser of the brethren is cast down; but until then, help me to derive my strength, my hope, and my thoughts from You alone.
© 2010 Katherine A. Fuller
Friday, September 10, 2010
Smooth as Butter
But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. Psalm 55:16-17 (NIV)
Most of us have faced betrayal and deception by people in our lives. My former husband betrayed me and our marriage covenant by being unfaithful and then divorcing me. Some people are deceived by a parent or a trusted friend. For others, the treachery comes from a respected employer or co-worker. Sometimes gossip in church hurts a member of the body. Cruel actions can cause so much pain in our lives that we feel bitter or resentful. But be assured and comforted. God has an answer.
In the Old Testament, David knew betrayal firsthand. In Psalm 55, he said that he could endure an enemy’s insults, but the treachery that affected him most was by a companion, a close friend, “with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship.” David’s friend even walked with him at the house of God, much like a friend at church. In verses 20-21, David details the violation of their friendship: “His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.”
How did David respond to deception and abuse from his close friend? He cried out to God in his anguish, and was reassured that God heard his voice. David reaffirmed God’s assurance when he said, “cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.” He believed this with his whole heart. Whatever pain and distress he endured, he always ended by calling out to God: “But as for me, I trust in You.”
Dear Father, even in the pain of betrayal, thank You for hearing our cries and sustaining us. Amen
© 2010 Diane E. Hussey
Most of us have faced betrayal and deception by people in our lives. My former husband betrayed me and our marriage covenant by being unfaithful and then divorcing me. Some people are deceived by a parent or a trusted friend. For others, the treachery comes from a respected employer or co-worker. Sometimes gossip in church hurts a member of the body. Cruel actions can cause so much pain in our lives that we feel bitter or resentful. But be assured and comforted. God has an answer.
In the Old Testament, David knew betrayal firsthand. In Psalm 55, he said that he could endure an enemy’s insults, but the treachery that affected him most was by a companion, a close friend, “with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship.” David’s friend even walked with him at the house of God, much like a friend at church. In verses 20-21, David details the violation of their friendship: “His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.”
How did David respond to deception and abuse from his close friend? He cried out to God in his anguish, and was reassured that God heard his voice. David reaffirmed God’s assurance when he said, “cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.” He believed this with his whole heart. Whatever pain and distress he endured, he always ended by calling out to God: “But as for me, I trust in You.”
Dear Father, even in the pain of betrayal, thank You for hearing our cries and sustaining us. Amen
© 2010 Diane E. Hussey
Friday, September 3, 2010
Airport Anxiety
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,
let your requests be known to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NKJV)
I raced through the airport, weaving around heavy foot traffic. Major road construction caused me to arrive later than planned. While rushing down the concourse, my mind raced: Did I turn off the iron? Did I remember to lock the back door? Did I cancel the mail? Did I leave my cell phone number with my neighbor?
I checked the Concourse and Gate numbers of my departure. Just great! It was on the other side of the airport. I hurried through security, faulting myself for not wearing flip-flops to hasten the check. While I was race-walking, I read the overhead signs to confirm my gate number had not changed and that I was still headed in the right direction.
As I re-read the signs, I saw TERMINAL BAGGAGE. I did a double take. I thought, that is what I am: Terminal Baggage. I remembered my favorite scripture verse: “Peace I leave with you. My Peace I give to you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 NKJV.
My pace slowed and I took a deep breath. Remembering His promise of peace put me in a new frame of mind. I gave God thanks that everything would be alright. He had not failed me or forsaken me yet. I smiled as I took my place in line.
Thank you Lord for Your Peace beyond understanding. Forgive me for falling short by not trusting in your plans for me. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen
©2010-LGosley
let your requests be known to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NKJV)
I raced through the airport, weaving around heavy foot traffic. Major road construction caused me to arrive later than planned. While rushing down the concourse, my mind raced: Did I turn off the iron? Did I remember to lock the back door? Did I cancel the mail? Did I leave my cell phone number with my neighbor?
I checked the Concourse and Gate numbers of my departure. Just great! It was on the other side of the airport. I hurried through security, faulting myself for not wearing flip-flops to hasten the check. While I was race-walking, I read the overhead signs to confirm my gate number had not changed and that I was still headed in the right direction.
As I re-read the signs, I saw TERMINAL BAGGAGE. I did a double take. I thought, that is what I am: Terminal Baggage. I remembered my favorite scripture verse: “Peace I leave with you. My Peace I give to you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 NKJV.
My pace slowed and I took a deep breath. Remembering His promise of peace put me in a new frame of mind. I gave God thanks that everything would be alright. He had not failed me or forsaken me yet. I smiled as I took my place in line.
Thank you Lord for Your Peace beyond understanding. Forgive me for falling short by not trusting in your plans for me. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen
©2010-LGosley
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