Assurance from GOD

Assurance from GOD

Exodus 14: ¹⁵ And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. ¹⁶ But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. ¹⁷ And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. ¹⁸ Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

 

============

 

Seeing the Egyptian army pursuing them, the children of Israel cried out to the LORD in fear. GOD spoke to Moses and said what HE would do.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew the people were scared and did not scold them for it.
• GOD asks Moses a leadership building question to grow him beyond fear.
• GOD told Moses what HE was about to do through him.

 

“Lift up your rod” is symbolic for what GOD was going to do. GOD was raising Moses up to continue to be their leader. GOD would part the sea, but HE wanted the people to witness a human holding up a rod so they would believe that HE listens to Moses.

 

GOD also wanted the Egyptians to believe there is no other GOD. HE promised that after this encounter with HIM, the Egyptians would no longer be a threat. No military force can withstand GOD. The Egyptian hearts would solidify in thinking they could defeat GOD’s people. GOD reassured HIS people by telling them what HE would do.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS conversation with him concerning HIS promise?
• Has GOD made you a promise that needs reassurance?
• Will you ask GOD for reassurance, knowing HE does not mind if you are afraid right now?

Prophecy Fulfilled. Comfort Provided.

 

Prophecy Fulfilled. Comfort Provided.

Genesis 24: ⁶² Now Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South. ⁶³ And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming. ⁶⁴ Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from her camel; ⁶⁵ for she had said to the servant, “Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?”

 

The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took a veil and covered herself.

⁶⁶ And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. ⁶⁷ Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

 

============

 

Up to this point Isaac had not been mentioned much by himself. He was mentioned as the promised child in the context of Abraham. But this time Isaac is mentioned as an adult. He moved away from Abraham, but not far away. Abraham’s servant brought Rebekah to him while he was having his quiet time with the LORD. Rebekah asked “Who is this man?”

 

My Observations:

• Rebekah was probably filled with excitement that she was chosen by GOD to be the mother of many nations.
• Abraham’s servant was probably excited to tell the supernatural story to Isaac.
• Isaac was comforted by Rebekah’s presence and was probably renewed from being saddened over his mother’s death.

 

Sarah may have told Isaac that he was the one who would fulfill GOD’s prophecy. Rebekah was told that she would fulfill GOD’s prophecy. Both had been told these things, but it wasn’t until they met that they may have said to themselves “This is really going to happen!”

 

Two people had their lives changed over a matter of a couple of weeks. Rebekah was not expecting to be married any time soon. Isaac knew he would be married, but was probably feeling a little down because he was not allowed to marry any of the women around him and did not know how he would fulfill the prophecy. GOD brought both of them love and comfort.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD turn to speaking about Isaac when describing things to Moses?
• Have you ever been shocked when GOD comes through with a promise, HE made to you?
• Do you believe that GOD is willing to guide you by the COMFORTER today?

Supposed To Be

Supposed To Be

Genesis 5: ²⁸ Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years, and had a son. ²⁹ And he called his name Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.” ³⁰ After he begot Noah, Lamech lived five hundred and ninety-five years, and had sons and daughters. ³¹ So all the days of Lamech were seven hundred and seventy-seven years; and he died.

 

============

Seeing the Garden of Eden guarded by the cherubim was a constant reminder that humans had messed up royally! For eight generations, people cried out to the LORD because of stories they heard that were passed down from Adam. He may have said “When we were in the garden, the plants would plant themselves and didn’t have to be watered. There was plenty and the animals did not attack us.”

 

Lamech heard these stories of how it was supposed to be and may have had a conversation with the LORD, who gave him the prophecy of deliverance through his son Noah.

My Observations:

• Lamech must have been respectful as he possibly questioned the LORD about the way things were supposed to be.
• Lamech acknowledged GOD’s curse and wanted something better for all people.
• GOD may have answered Lamech by telling him the world would be forever changed through his son Noah.

 

For five hundred and ninety-five years, Noah’s siblings heard Lamech speak prophetic words. This was probably very challenging for them. “Noah is going to comfort us” were supposed to be words of encouragement, but instead the siblings may have seen this as a problem. They would not join Noah in the prophecy spoken about him.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about what was said?
• Has GOD said something special to you and it has not happened yet?
• Will you remain encouraged, knowing GOD keeps all of HIS promises and will deliver you HIS way and in HIS time?

Comfort Zone

Comfort Zone

Hebrews 11: ²⁴ It was faith that made Moses, when he had grown up, refuse to be called the son of the king's daughter. ²⁵ He preferred to suffer with God's people rather than to enjoy sin for a little while. ²⁶ He reckoned that to suffer scorn for the Messiah was worth far more than all the treasures of Egypt, for he kept his eyes on the future reward.

 

============

 

“You can go to another department, but I talked to people about you” were the discouraging words given to me in an ultimatum sort of way. The position I held was being “eliminated” and I could have stayed, but under duress.

 

• I chose to leave, but wanted to stay.
• I was confused by leaving, because it was under intense stress.
• I felt I would be better off without a job than to stay and be put under that kind of abuse.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives another example of faith. He previously mentioned Moses’s parents, now he is focused on him. Moses could have lived his entire life in comfort because he was adopted into the Pharoah’s family. But he chose to leave when he found out he was a Hebrew, who were slaves at the time.

 

My Observations:

• Money and comfort are not worth losing my soul.
• Comfortable living may sometimes make me stay away from GOD’s path.
• My focus should be on GOD and take or leave comfort.

 

Living for GOD does not have to be hard, but can be sometimes. I mean, GOD does not seem to mind when humans have comforts, but when HE allows those comforts to be removed, HE checks our reaction to see if the comfort was placed over our relationship with HIM.

 

GOD wants me to choose HIM over any comfort the world offers because Satan can offer comforts as a way to take my eyes off of JESUS. HE wants me to look beyond current comfort and to seek HIS face daily. I am glad GOD provides rewards I cannot yet see.

 

Challenge

• What suffering does the writer speak about?
• Have you ever chose a harder route over a comfortable route because of the principle of the matter?
• If you face a choice between the world’s comfort versus GOD’s uncomfortable plan, will you ask HIM for fortitude to choose HIS way over the comfortable way?

Comforted and Established

Comforted and Established

2 Thessalonians 1: ¹⁶ Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

 

============

 

Directionless, penniless and hopeless was where I had gotten. Bills kept coming and creditors kept calling, yet I had no way to give them any money and I had no job. Parties seemed to be more of a nuisance than consolation, but that’s all I knew at the time.

 

• I wanted some relief.
• I wanted to not have any worries, but had plenty.
• I wanted to be out of the trial, but had no way out, or so I thought.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave a small prayer to those who believe in JESUS as the Savior. They explained that JESUS and GOD the FATHER have shown mankind a great amount of love, consolation and hope. Now they ask for “comfort” and to “establish you in every good word and work.”

 

My Observations

• GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT agreed on what it would take to love me and console me and to give me hope.
• Even when I experience trouble, the HOLY SPIRIT provides me with comfort.
• GOD establishes me in HIS plan to provide a good word and a good work.

 

All good things come from GOD. I mean, love, everlasting consolation, hope and grace seem to be wonderful things to accept as a gift from a loving GOD. Unfortunately, my worries or desires get in the way. I blame GOD, doubt GOD or walk away from GOD when things are not going as I wanted them to. BUT GOD is merciful.

 

HE sees me with HIM in eternity because I believe I need a Savior, which is JESUS CHRIST. HE consoles my every regret. HE comforts my heart and give me a word to give to others. HE then gives me purpose which is my work. I am grateful for GOD doing everything to keep me with HIM.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the love GOD is trying to give you through the writers?
• Have you ever had a time when you doubted GOD, got mad at HIM or threatened to leave HIM?
• Will you accept HIS wonderful gift of love, everlasting consolation, good hope, grace, comfort, good word and good work today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD please bless this reader with YOUR comfort today. Address all worries he or she may have. Provide the comfort that only comes from YOU. Open our eyes to your plan so we may do the work YOU desire. amen

Urging

Urging

1 Thessalonians 2: ¹⁰ You are our witnesses, and so is God, that our conduct toward you who believe was pure, right, and without fault. ¹¹ You know that we treated each one of you just as parents treat their own children. ¹² We encouraged you, we comforted you, and we kept urging you to live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory.

 

============

 

“You should do it!” was the message of the dare. As more people joined in, the dare became more appealing. “I bet you won’t” were the words of the final straw! There was no turning back!

 

• I had to do what people were urging me to do.
• I did not want to be embarrassed so I did it.
• Now that I did it, people urged me to do some other dare that made no sense.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy spent a tremendous amount of time with the people of Thessalonica. They made sure their conduct and motives were pure, right and without fault. They were very careful with the people, just like parents are with their children.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to treat HIS children carefully.
• Encouragement is a gift GOD wants me to give in generous doses.
• Comfort is needed when GOD delivers someone to me who is going through things.

 

Sharing in GOD’s Kingdom is the goal. HE has better stuff, a better place and no worries. HE wants everyone to have a better life. Unfortunately there are times when I think that life can be obtained here on earth. I try to scrape as much money together to pretend I am living a great life. BUT GOD has a better way.

 

HE wants me to live my life with HIS purpose. This means I should govern myself in a way that is pleasing to HIM. Encouragement and comfort should not be held back from anyone, friend or foe. I am glad GOD calls me and you to share in HIS kingdom.

 

Challenge

• How did the writers treat the people?
• How would you like to be treated?
• Will you seek to share GOD’s kingdom with everyone and live a life that is pleasing to HIM today?

Heartfelt Love Help

 

Heartfelt Love Help

1 Corinthians 14: It is love, then, that you should strive for. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts, especially the gift of proclaiming God's message. ² Those who speak in strange tongues do not speak to others but to God, because no one understands them. They are speaking secret truths by the power of the Spirit. ³ But those who proclaim God's message speak to people and give them help, encouragement, and comfort. ⁴ Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim God's message help the whole church.

 

============

 

Feeling rotten, I must have had a disgusted look on my face because people kept asking me “Is everything alright?” Usually I was the one asking that question but this particular day was the exception. Finally, someone approached me and said “It will be alright. GOD is with you.” I guess I just needed to hear that at the time.

 

• Many people have given me encouragement when I was down.
• Many people have provided comfort for me when I was feeling low.
• Many people have used their gifts to help me in time of need.

 

Paul mentions a special act of love we are all supposed to share in. He attempts to convince everyone to use their GOD given spiritual gifts as often as possible. One gift to acquire is proclaiming GOD’s message.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to recognize that my gifts and talents come from HIM.
• GOD wants me to set my heart on helping others.
• GOD wants me to encourage, comfort and help others in their time of need.

 

We all need help, comfort and encouragement at some point. No one is above pain. BUT GOD put people around me to ease the pain and encourage me to keep going. HE knows life would be a challenge so HE not only provided the HOLY SPIRIT to me for comfort, HE provided HIM to those who believe in JESUS.

 

HE has given many people comfort and they in turn provide that comfort to others. I am grateful people have used their gifts to share GOD’s encouragement and comfort to me and others.

 

Challenge

• Have you looked at your gifts and talents lately?
• What do you feel when you hear the words “help” and “encouragement” and “comfort?”
• Will you use your GOD given gifts to provide help, encouragement and comfort to someone today?

Peace, Good Fear and Comfort

Peace, Good Fear and Comfort

Acts 9 ³¹ Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

============

Stressed out, I worked all night. Not once did I have time for prayer because the project was due the next day. I feared losing the account even though I was not the account manager. I worked in yesterday’s clothes and ate candy bars from the vending machine top get the work done.

• There were times when I was thoroughly stressed out.
• There were times when I was filled with unhealthy fear.
• There were times when I had no comfort because I was stressed and fearful.

When Saul stopped complaining about the true church people and turned away from his persecution, the people of the LORD had peace. They were probably amazed at the transformation of this huge opposition and feared GOD.

• GOD wants to give me peace but on HIS terms.
• GOD wants me to fear not doing what HE says more than fearing what humans think of me.
• GOD wants to give me comfort but only through belief in JESUS, who sends me the COMFORTER, namely the HOLY SPIRIT.

Peace and comfort cannot be obtained for long without fear of the LORD. I mean I may try to have a moment of peace through some addiction which only brings temporary pleasure. BUT GOD fortifies my heart, removing the sludge and filling it with HIS SPIRIT.

GOD loves. GOD cares. GOD knows. HE sees everything I get myself into and wants me to surrender my life to HIM rather than keep trying to fix it using human methods that bring only marginal to zero results. I am thankful for GOD’s peace, love and comfort. In HIM I fear.

• Do you want peace but are not finding it in the addictions you are pursuing?
• Are you ignoring GOD in fear of yourself?
• Will you surrender your life to GOD so HE can give you peace that withstands life’s pressures and comforts you in the middle of storms?

Getting Comforted

Jeremiah 8: ¹⁸ You who are my Comforter in sorrow,
    my heart is faint within me.
¹⁹ Listen to the cry of my people
    from a land far away:
“Is the Lord not in Zion?
    Is her King no longer there?”

“Why have they aroused my anger with their images,
    with their worthless foreign idols?”

============

After a while, “talking things out” did not work. I mean most of the time the words coming from my mouth ended up being complaints about this or that. The more I spoke about the problems, the larger the problems seemed to get.

• It seems like when I have problems, I want to talk about the problem.
• It seems like when I am in a trial, I want to tell other people about my trial.
• It seems like when I have difficulties, I want others to agree on how difficult it truly is.

Seeking comfort is a lifelong quest. I mean, when I am cold, I seek more clothing to warm me. When I am wet I seek dry shelter. When I feel low I seek comfort in my sorrow. The problem is, I may seek comfort in “my” way and if I do not get that comfort then I may pout. BUT GOD understands.

• GOD says to me “I know your sins and I (JESUS) died for all of them.”
• GOD says to me “I knew you before the creation of the world and I loved you before you were made.”
• GOD says to me “I (JESUS) AM alive and I AM building a place for you so I have sent the COMFORTER to be with you until I return.”

Seeking “comfort” my way may lead to sin. I mean the world offers so many shiny holes to fall into that I may be blinded by its allure. BUT GOD wants me to pay attention to the HOLY SPIRIT which leads me back to HIM. HE pry’s my hands open to the unrighteous acts I hold onto and comforts me in my loss. The HOLT SPIRIT pleads on my behalf each night when I sleep and guides me during the day. I know where to turn when I need comfort, namely the HOLY SPIRIT.

• Do you need comfort?
• Are you full of sorrow?
• Can you stop twisting reality to “your” story and seek GOD’s way of comforting you?
• Will you stop talking about the problem and start seeking GOD as the solution? 

A Strong Place

Psalm 87: ⁵ Indeed, of Zion it will be said,
    “This one and that one were born in her,
    and the Most High himself will establish her.”
⁶ The Lord will write in the register of the peoples:
    “This one was born in Zion.”

============

Blankets were my outer walls and pillows acted as the inner to my “strong” fortress.  It was exciting to build my fort on the bunk bed I lived in. I felt secure as I grabbed my homemade stuffed animal. As one could tell, the only thing my fort would keep out was my imagination.

• Sometimes I build things on earth to feel secure.
• Sometimes I build things on earth to feel like I am in control.
• Sometimes I build things on earth to feel safe, comfortable, and peaceful.

Retreating to places became my thing. I mean after a long day at school, I wanted to retreat to my home. After a long day at work I wanted to retreat to my apartment then, later in life, my home. These places felt safe but every once in a while a tornado, flood or some other form of nature would blow against my retreat and threaten my security. GOD wanted more.

• GOD wants me to look at HIM as my retreat.
• GOD wants me to see HIM as the answer, not the problem.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM for comfort, safety and peace.

With GOD as my refuge, there is total peace. HE gives security far greater than the fortress David captured in Zion. GOD’s throne alone is lifted high up and HE says to me “take your eyes off of earthly fortresses and look towards MY strong place. “I will never leave you or forsake you” are HIS words of comfort to me. HE wrote my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life and I am eternally grateful!

• Where do you find solace?
• Do you seek vacations as your way to retreat?
• Can you retreat with GOD on a daily basis no matter what you are going through?
• Will you let the HOLY SPIRIT comfort you?

Comfort Versus Calamity

Job 13: ¹⁵ Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;
    I will surely defend my ways to his face.
¹⁶ Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance,
    for no godless person would dare come before him!

============

Shivering got on my nerves. The apartment we lived in was drafty and ice formed on the windows inside. I couldn’t stand to be cold for a moment so I went to the hardware store and purchased some plastic to tape around the sill. Now my apartment was toasty.

Later that week I went to church and realized I could make the church building comfortable too. I mean we needed to have a place of warmth and we were doing this for GOD right? Hmm.

• Sometimes my church efforts are for my comfort rather than HIS purpose.
• Sometimes my church effort is focused on belonging rather than serving.
• Sometimes my church efforts are for aesthetics rather than from the heart.

I’m not saying the church building had to be a shack but did I have to build a club? Soon my entire focus was on making the “members” comfortable. My prayers were on raising money for the building and my outreach efforts soon turned into contractor bids. Then it happened.

The church fell apart because of misappropriation of funds and we faced calamity anyway. This calamity caught me off guard. I mean weren’t we serving GOD? Looking back I can see some things I could have done differently.

• When it comes to GOD I must give in to HIS decisions whether they have calamity or comfort in them.
• When it comes to GOD I must seek HIS kingdom first before I seek my comfort.
• When it comes to GOD I must ask HIM for permission and be willing to accept “No” or “Wait” for an answer.

Of course I need to pray expectantly, that’s where faith comes in. But I must also pray knowing I don’t have the full picture and GOD has the right to make changes as HE sees fit. This could mean a mix of calamity with comfort. GOD is supreme and I praise HIM for it.

• Are you fighting for your comfort?
• Do you think you deserve only comfort?
• Could you accept the calling of calamity if GOD allowed it in your life?
• Will you praise GOD through any problem you are facing right now?

Your Work Will Be Rewarded

2 Chronicles 7: ⁷ But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.

============

Shocked is state in which I found my aunt as the news of my uncle’s passing took everyone by surprise. Everyone’s mind began to race into “do stuff” mode and the plans began. I went to a conference and had planned to stay there until the end of the week until I heard that my mother and brother were going to arrive two days early.

I went to the conference to make business contacts and was tempted to stay. I woke up from the temptation, quickly changed my flight plans and handed over my assignments. I need to be with family.

As I looked at my watch I noticed the shuttle was a bit late but my anxiety level did not rise. I asked the driver “how many stops?” “Five” he said. My anxiety level didn’t climb that high but it was awake.

When I arrived at the airport that I used to travel through regularly, I got a bit turned around and could not find check in nor could I find the correct line for security. My anxiety level rose pretty high! The clock was ticking down as I raced to my gate. The agent handed me my seat assignment and I got on the plane and went to sleep.

I woke up and the woman headed to Belgium struck up a conversation. She pointed out a book she was reading about GOD. We got into a wonderful conversation. GOD gave me some great words to tell her about going there with a purpose. She was timid and nervous about sharing GOD, but something in her made her strike up a conversation.

She then told me that GOD is amazing and supplies all needs. I was in shock. We discussed how GOD puts the right person in the right place at the right time. We even prayed together about peace for all the grieving and for her family. She then told me that she was not supposed to be on that plane but her flight was canceled and she had to be on that flight or she would miss her Belgium connection.

• This reminded me that GOD is involved in every detail.
• This reminded me that GOD can speak even when I am not looking to hear HIM.
• This reminded me that GOD is all powerful, all knowing and all COMFORTING.

I don’t have to try so hard to follow GOD. HE is right there if I just open my eyes and ears to HIM. This was a wonderful unexpected reward here on earth.

Time for deliverance!

2 Kings 19: ²⁹ “This will be the sign for you, Hezekiah:

“This year you will eat what grows by itself,
    and the second year what springs from that.
But in the third year sow and reap,
    plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
³⁰ Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah
    will take root below and bear fruit above.
³¹ For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant,
    and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors.

============

After what seemed to be an extremely long rough patch, I got news that my school loan had been paid off. Then at the same time I got another letter. I had taken out a loan for a car and that was not paid off. For the first time in years, I deposited a whole paycheck into the bank. What was I going to do with the extra cash?

• Outside of the storm GOD does bring peace.
• Outside of the trial GOD does show me still waters.
• Outside of the pain GOD does provide comfort.

At that time I was focused on money and living day to day. I had no concept of generously giving or living my life with a purpose. I would make bills and pay bills off. I mean that’s what life is about right? GOD says something different.

• GOD says “Sow sparingly, reap sparingly.”
• GOD says “Go make disciples, teach, baptize.”
• GOD says “Bear fruit.”

So many times I forget that I am part of GOD’s kingdom and HE is the owner of everything. HE delivers me in HIS time and in HIS way. What looks like a mess to me, IS GOD’s deliverance. HE wants me to recognize HIS grace and be ready to sow in plentiful fashion through generosity, actions and words.

• Are you in trouble?
• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Can you see “this year” is GOD’s deliverance?
• Won’t you open your eyes to see GOD’s power?

Be carried on HIS wings

Deuteronomy 32: ¹⁰ In a desert land he found him,

    in a barren and howling waste.
He shielded him and cared for him;
    he guarded him as the apple of his eye,
¹¹ like an eagle that stirs up its nest
    and hovers over its young,
that spreads its wings to catch them
    and carries them aloft.
¹² The Lord alone led him;
    no foreign god was with him.

============

Sitting on the edge of my couch I wondered how I was going to succeed. I mean the letter from the university said I was no longer in the university and I had no backup plan. I went in and plead my case. Years later I graduated.

Sitting on another couch I wondered if I would ever leave the small town I worked in. I didn’t even know how to search for a job. Years later I moved to a large city with a wonderful job.

Sitting on yet another couch… (Apparently I do a lot of thinking on the couch) I pondered my future as I was out of work for the first time since I was 15. My entire identity was wrapped up in the corporate culture. Years later GOD directs my steps!

• Being in the desert doesn’t feel comfortable to me.
• Being in the desert doesn’t feel enjoyable to me.
• Being in the desert doesn’t feel wonderful to me.

Each time I have been in the “desert” I couldn’t see what GOD was doing. I felt abandoned and alone. BUT GOD always had something different in mind.

• GOD shields me from dangers I don’t even know about.
• GOD watches out for me in the middle of the desert as the apple of HIS eye.
• GOD catches me when I stumble and fall and carries me to new heights I would have never dreamt of.

GOD provides amazing rides. What seems like a desert is merely a training ground for bigger and better responsibility. My response to HIS training can grow me if I accept it.

• Are you in the middle of the desert?
• Do you feel a bit lost?
• Can you recognize that GOD is protecting you?
• Won’t you get rid of any anger and bitterness toward GOD and recognize HE is with you?

What am I doing with my life?

Luke 6: ⁴³ “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. ⁴⁴ Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. ⁴⁵ A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

============

“Nice or grumpy” are the words that describe the elderly and it takes practice to achieve either title. I guess I want to gain the “nice” title but it requires some work on my part.

• I can fight my enemies and be just like them or I can serve those GOD tells me to serve, it’s my choice.
• I can fulfill all my lusts and desires or I can discipline myself to follow GOD’s ways, it’s my choice.
• I can complain that things aren’t going right or I can practice praising GOD in the middle of the storm, it’s my choice.

Bearing “fruit” is quite important to GOD.  Fruit to GOD is serving HIS humans to the point that they stop rejecting HIS great gift of eternal salvation. I cannot do it without HIM because most times I don’t want to store “good things” in my heart.

I choose to serve GOD even though I sin. HE saved a person like me and I know HE can do the same for anyone else who is willing to make a change. HE gave me a heart filled with compassion even for my enemies and this enables me to bear fruit.

• What are you doing with your life?
• Are you too busy to bear fruit?
• When you get old will you look back on your life wishing you had worked harder?
• When will you take time to be part of “that” person’s life to help them?
• Don’t you know one person who needs to hear GOD’s words of comfort?

Keep it positive!

1 Thessalonians 2: ¹¹ For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, ¹² encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

============

“Ouch!” I shouted as I pricked my finger with the needle again. The pain was there but it was worth it. My merit badges had to be just right because we were meeting with people from all over the world that night.

It was a Boy Scout conference where a kind gentlemen from a country in Africa came up to me and said “What a wonderful sash you must have done a lot of work” referring to my achievement badges with my pitiful sewing. Wow! You mean someone actually noticed?

• Encouragement is a great weapon of GOD!
• Encouragement fights the battle of depression, fear and worry.

• Comfort is another great weapon of GOD!
• Comfort fights the battle of sadness, anguish, heartache and pain.

• Urging to live a life worthy of GOD is yet another great weapon of GOD!
• Urging to live a life worthy of GOD fights spiritual battles that cause failure on so many levels.

My parents have said “I’m proud of you” and my friends parents have said “you will be somebody” all while others were saying the opposite. These positive words have driven me to perform better and achieve greater accomplishments.

GOD desires that I encourage people during these turbulent times. So many people have fallen by the wayside and they feel they can no longer support or encourage people because they require support. BUT GOD wants me to encourage people like a father.

Here are some things you can know or do…

• “You can do it” even when others don’t believe in you!
• “Have no fear” even when you don’t know the outcome.
• “Encourage somebody” for your own words will encourage you.
• “Believe in yourself” because GOD made you and HE doesn’t make mistakes!

Make yourself comfortable.

2 Corinthians 3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

===============================

Pondering comfort was my task this morning. What is comfort? At one time I used to think comfort was “things.” If I had enough money in the bank, a nice house, luxury car, nice clothes and the latest gadget then I would be comfortable.

 

With these “comforts” of life came uncomfortable sacrifice. With a nice house I got nice taxes. With a luxury car my maintenance was sky high. In the nice schools there were snobbish social issues. Fitting in with the “Joneses” didn’t work for me and my high paying job never enabled me to be comforted.

• Comfort is relative and I had to readjust what comfort meant to me.
• Comfort now means my wife and kids are healthy,
• Comfort now means we are joyful, smiling and laughing.
• Comfort now means I have served my neighbors without needing to be thanked.
• Comfort now means I know GOD is 100% with me and will never leave me.

Many situations in life are uncomfortable right now. When I have based my life on things and titles I was at wits end. Who was I before I got my stuff and my title? I was the person GOD loved before HE created the foundations of the world.

•  JESUS died for me and sent the HOLY SPIRIT who comforts me daily.
• The Bible provides me with a daily dose of GOD’s comforting words.
• Once I am comforted, I can share my comfort with others.

GOD has truly blessed me and now I am so excited to spread HIS “true comfort.”

• Have you gone a week or even a day without eating?
• Do you have access to radio, TV, cars and phones?
• Can you tell people how much you have been blessed in spite of your problems?
• Can you give GOD credit for being there 100% of the time even when you don’t feel HIM?