Time has come

Time has come

Revelation 11: ¹⁵ Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The power to rule over the world belongs now to our Lord and his Messiah, and he will rule forever and ever!” ¹⁶ Then the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones in front of God threw themselves face downward and worshiped God, ¹⁷ saying:

“Lord God Almighty, the one who is and who was!
We thank you that you have taken your great power
    and have begun to rule!
¹⁸ The heathen were filled with rage,
    because the time for your anger has come,
    the time for the dead to be judged.
The time has come to reward your servants, the prophets,
    and all your people, all who have reverence for you,
    great and small alike.
The time has come to destroy those who destroy the earth!”

¹⁹ God's temple in heaven was opened, and the Covenant Box was seen there. Then there were flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.

 

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Knowing I had the job was comforting, but the changes in the organization had not been announced. I was one of many who were starting a new division in the company. I could act like an entrepreneur in the company, while being paid as an employee.

 

• I could not wait for the time for us to get started.
• I could not wait for the time for us to be empowered to do what we wanted to do.
• I could not wait for the time to be rewarded for my hard work.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the seventh and final angel blow his trumpet. JESUS, the Messiah, was announced as the one who is in “power.” He then wrote down what the twenty-four elders were saying about the power JESUS has.

 

My Observations:

• GOD had a formal ceremony to announce JESUS being placed in power.
• JESUS has the authority to judge you and me.
• People may react to JESUS being placed in power, in a negative way, BUT GOD is sovereign and has declared HIM to be revered.

 

People want power. I mean, look at how people act during election time or when a king or queen dies. People act horrible. The worst comes out and power struggles increase over race, gender, age and may other divisions that keep disunity at the forefront. BUT GOD has a solution. JESUS!

 

At the right time, JESUS will be announced as the Savior everyone should have placed his or her belief in. At this time, it will be too late to change sides over to the winning side. JESUS will look at every word spoken, every thought acted out. HE will judge some and reward others who follow HIM to their best ability. JESUS rules!

 

Challenge

• What time, described by the writer, sticks out to you?
• Have you ever seen a human ceremony, like a coronation or inauguration?
• Will you seek JESUS as your Savior today, knowing HE has been placed in authority and will show HIS power when HE returns soon?

Great Words, Difficult Crowd

 

Great Words, Difficult Crowd

Revelation 10: ⁸ Then the voice that I had heard speaking from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go and take the open scroll which is in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on the land.”
⁹ I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it; it will turn sour in your stomach, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”
¹⁰ I took the little scroll from his hand and ate it, and it tasted sweet as honey in my mouth. But after I swallowed it, it turned sour in my stomach. ¹¹ Then I was told, “Once again you must proclaim God's message about many nations, races, languages, and kings.”

 

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Being invited to speak at a high school was an honor to me. I was excited, so I prepared my words carefully. When I got to the room I was supposed to speak in, I was met with a classroom full of students similar to a comedy movie where no one wanted to pay attention. The class was forty minutes and it took the teacher 20 minutes just to get things quiet.

 

• At first I felt discouraged that I was not going to be able to motivate anyone like the invitation warranted.
• I had to keep my composure and keep the main message top of mind.
• I used the motivational words in hopes that at least one person would hear and go on to do some wonderful things!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was told by the voice, perhaps JESUS, to eat the little scroll from the angel who stood on the land and the sea. The scroll tasted sweet, but turned his stomach. The voice then told him to proclaim GOD’s message about “nations, races, languages, and kings.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s message of love is sweet, but difficult to deliver because of disbelief.
• Racial and country tension can prevent people from hearing a sweet message from GOD, because of someone who does not look like him or her.
• GOD wants you and me to proclaim HIS message to all nations, not just one.

 

Saying “GOD loves people from every nation” is unpopular. I mean, it is easy to make excuses to not love someone who GOD loves. The way “they” act or look or eat or live can cause a sense of pause when it comes to treating people with the love GOD expects from us. Fortunately GOD has a remedy.

 

GOD tells us to not be ashamed of the gospel and for us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything HE has commanded us. GOD will reward you and me for preaching HIS message, even to a world that may scoff at the words.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the scroll was sweet as honey but turned the writer’s stomach?
• Do you think GOD knows HIS message is difficult to hear?
• Will you preach GOD’s message to people, even if they are unwilling to listen, so you will be rewarded by GOD for doing so?

Underserved Suffering

Underserved Suffering

1 Peter 2: ¹⁸ You servants must submit yourselves to your masters and show them complete respect, not only to those who are kind and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. ¹⁹ God will bless you for this, if you endure the pain of undeserved suffering because you are conscious of his will. ²⁰ For what credit is there if you endure the beatings you deserve for having done wrong? But if you endure suffering even when you have done right, God will bless you for it.

 

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After working hard for years, I ran into that boss. He said and did all the wrong things and was slippery enough to make his employees scapegoats. I was warned about working for him, but I thought I could win him over by being “nice.” I was wrong.

 

• I ended up suffering while working under him.
• I questioned GOD for having me go through suffering.
• I wondered if there would be any relief from suffering.

 

Peter turns to some more difficult words to hear. He suggests that believers understand that they would suffer, just like CHRIST, who had to endure  shame, blame and being murdered. Peter suggests that believers endure so GOD will see the endurance and bless the believer.

 

My Observations:

• Abuse is not acceptable, BUT GOD sees your suffering and will bless you and I for it.
• Harsh environments are never welcome, BUT GOD sees the environment you and I have endured and will reward our endurance.
• Difficult situation are never wanted, BUT GOD allows you and I to go through them to understand a tiny glimpse of what JESUS went through.

 

I don’t know why we have to suffer. I mean, can’t GOD just snap HIS fingers and make everything easy? Yes, but HIS decrees allowed Satan to try to oppose HIM. The enemy wants to cause pain and suffering to steal people away from GOD. He uses temptation to make people want power, riches and fame. They will stop at nothing to gain it. They will even make people suffer.

 

GOD wants me to value HIS way and turn away from the world’s way. When I do, I will be labeled as weird. I may be mocked, lied upon and suffer undeserved hardships. GOD sees the pain and keeps track of how much I showed respect to those who are harsh. I am glad GOD sees the heart and has  a better plan for my suffering.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention suffering?
• Have you ever come out of suffering and become stronger?
• Will you rethink the suffering you are going through at work and know GOD sees your suffering and has great rewards for your endurance?

Purposeful Perseverance

 

Purposeful Perseverance

2 Timothy 1: ¹¹ God has appointed me as an apostle and teacher to proclaim the Good News, ¹² and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me. ¹³ Hold firmly to the true words that I taught you, as the example for you to follow, and remain in the faith and love that are ours in union with Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, keep the good things that have been entrusted to you.

 

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Quitting the track team was easy. I simply told the coach, I would not be back the next year. Years later, I found myself doing other things that were stressful or unfulfilling. I quit those things too. And when I did not get my way, I quit GOD.

 

• I wanted life to be a certain way and it wasn’t.
• I made excuses for not following GOD because it seemed like HE wasn’t listening to me.
• I prayed about things and they did not go “my” way so I felt “Why serve GOD?”

 

Paul impressed on Timothy the importance of perseverance. He used himself as an example of how things could get in life, but to persevere  because of purpose. HE mentioned his appointed position as an apostle and teacher of the Good News. Because of this, he suffered, yet persevered.

 

My Observations

• There is a part of following JESUS that I don’t like, but know I have to accept, namely suffering.
• When I feel like giving up on GOD I am reminded that HE never, ever, ever gives up on me.
• Having purpose within CHRIST makes me endure.

 

Perseverance is a necessary component of following JESUS. I mean, true belief in HIM leads to a fight directed by Satan. He wants to be GOD and wants you and me to want the same, so he turns up the heat of feeling stressed out, haggard and worn. After a while, I get so tired, that I murmur the words “I feel like giving up.” BUT GOD says otherwise.

 

HE sent HIS SPIRIT to live inside me to pick me up when I am down. HE protects me and keep me :safe” until the Day of our LORD. Humans redefine the word “safe” to fit his or her likes and wants versus understanding their relationship with GOD will never be severed. I am “full of confidence” that my life, in union with CHRIST is worth persevering.

 

Challenge

• How many ways does the writer imply “keep going?”
• Have you ever stopped trusting in GOD because you haven’t seen a situation get any better?
• Be honest, is there a part of you the trusts human ingenuity more than prayer?
• Will you place your hope and trust back in the LORD who works all life situations out in ways that are far beyond our understanding, yet keeps a solid relationship with you eternally?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please keep this reader through difficult times. Let him or her know your love and provide perseverance through difficult circumstances. Pour out YOUR blessings in ways unimaginable. amen

Adversity

 

Adversity

Acts 27: ⁴ From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. ⁵ When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. ⁶ There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. ⁷ We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. ⁸ We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.

 

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After waking up, I noticed it was brighter than usual. I looked outside and to my dread, it was snowing very hard. I quickly cleaned up, collected my things and plodded through the snow in hopes of catching the early bus. The snow was so deep that it hindered my effort.

 

I missed the bus so I walked a mile to the next bus only to have that one pull off without me. After many delays, I finally arrived at school after two hours, only to be told all schools were closed due to the blizzard. It took longer to get back home.

 

• There have been many times when it seemed like everything was against me.
• There have been many times when the journey seemed treacherous and difficult.
• There have been many times when I arrived at the destination only to find yet another barrier.

 

Doctor Luke is the assumed writer of the book of Acts. He continues his observations as he writes to Theophilus  again. Luke wrote about the adversity they faced as he, Paul and others tried to get to Rome. The winds were against them every step of the way. They continued anyway.

 

• GOD wants me to know there will be problems in life.
• GOD wants me to know I will face difficult times.
• GOD wants me to know HE is with me even when I feel HE is not.

 

When difficult times arise, I sometimes ask “Why?” I mean as a believer in JESUS, shouldn’t every day be easy and problem free? It seems like the more I believe in JESUS, the more difficult life becomes. GOD assures me I am on the right path.

 

JESUS faced adversity and said I would too. HE said “You will be hated by all for MY name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” JESUS faced hatred, lies and being misunderstood. HE continued anyway. I am grateful JESUS faced adversity for me.

 

• Is life difficult for you?
• Are you facing adversity and it does not seem to end?
• Will you believe GOD is with you even when you cannot see what HE is doing today?

Doing the Best Anyway

Luke 19: ¹¹ While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. ¹² He said: ‘A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. ¹³ So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. “Put this money to work,” he said, “until I come back.”

¹⁴ ‘But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, “We don’t want this man to be our king.”

¹⁵ ‘He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.

¹⁶ ‘The first one came and said, “Sir, your mina has earned ten more.”

¹⁷ ‘“Well done, my good servant!” his master replied. “Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.”

¹⁸ ‘The second came and said, “Sir, your mina has earned five more.”

¹⁹ ‘His master answered, “You take charge of five cities.”

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After seeing belligerent outbursts, many people moved away from this particular person. I felt stuck as those who recognized the behavior early, moved on quickly and I felt I had nowhere to go. Each day I had to pray “LORD give me the strength to work for this person.” After a long while, the person called me in their office. “You’ve been promoted, now get outta here” they said gruffly.

• There have been times when I wondered if the person in control was worth serving.
• There have been times when I questioned the person in control versus focusing in on what I was supposed to be doing.
• There have been times when I endured the person in control and it paid off.

JESUS states the behavior of people through a parable regarding the prophecy of the kingdom of GOD. Since they had a misconception of what would take place, JESUS spoke first about how they hated the ruler and how he was made king. Then JESUS spoke about faithful servants who could care less about who their boss or circumstance was, they would do their job well anyway.

• GOD wants me to be faithful as I can to HIM.
• GOD wants me to be strong enough to keep HIS commands even when it is not comfortable for me.
• GOD wants me to be HIS servant even when things are not going my way.

Rewarding the faithful is what GOD does best. But sometimes it seems like the rewards take a long time to arrive at my doorstep. GOD wants me to continue on with the journey in spite of the circumstances. HE guides me in my faith.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you feel like blaming GOD?
• Will you serve GOD anyway through your difficult circumstance?

Not Your Fault

Luke 13: There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. ² And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? ³ I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.⁴ Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? ⁵ I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

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“Why me?” was my question many times when it came to a painful situation. I mean, why do “bad” things happen to “good” people? I questioned. As I faced, what I thought< was yet another difficult situation, I was in a panic with nowhere to turn. “I wonder if I should turn to sin for a little relief of the pressure” I said to myself.

• Life can be difficult at times.
• Life can dish out some very tough situations.
• Life can be very scary and make me want to do anything for a little relief from the problems.

Some people came to JESUS in a panic over those in charge of the government. They told HIM about the murders that were happening by the decree of the reigning leaders. They sounded like they had nowhere to turn. BUT JESUS replied with some strange words that would make them whole.

• JESUS wants me to face difficult situations with HIS power, not mine.
• JESUS wants me to rely on HIS timing especially when I am panicked.
• JESUS wants me to know HIS way is still better than the world’s way.

Turning to sin only makes my situation worse. When I lose my faith in GOD and I panic, the world sees my defeat and rejoices. BUT GOD picks me up and protects me anyway. HE wants me to succeed and says “I have you in MY hand. No one can pluck you out.”

GOD wants me to look forward instead of trying to figure out which sin caused the consequence I feel I go through at times. HE wants me to stop trying to be the captain of my destiny and allow HIM to guide me through places only HE can take me through. Life can still be difficult but I place my faith in HIM.

• Where are you turning?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you allow your current situation to defeat you or will you allow GOD to defeat your situation so you can praise HIM?

Pressure Relief

Mark 13: ⁹ “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. ¹⁰ And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. ¹¹ Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

¹² “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. ¹³ Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

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Work was piling up and it seemed like the trifecta hit at once. Expense reports were due, annual evaluations were also due and a few higher ups were scoundrels so they piled on work liberally. I was under tremendous pressure.

• There have been times when I was under extreme pressure.
• There have been times when I was in the spotlight, trying to meet unrealistic demands.
• There have been times when I was scrutinized, challenged and placed in no win situations.

More difficult news came from JESUS as HE was trying to fortify HIS disciples before HIS death. How in the world would they be able to handle the pressures of life? GOD had an answer.

• GOD says to me “Be on guard because you will have opposition that is a spiritual battle.”
• GOD says to me “Do not worry about what you will say because I will give you the words.”
• GOD says to me “Stand firm to the end and be saved.”

JESUS wants me to expect trials and tribulation. When I see tremendous pressure building, HE wants me to know HE is the source of relief. GOD leads me to peace and guides me back to HIS tremendous love. HE does not deserve blame, rather HE deserves my praise. Thank GOD, for I can give HIM all of life’s pressures.

• Are you under pressure?
• Do you think “that” person hates you?
• Can you stop focusing on the trial and focus on GOD for relief today?

Strange Timing

Mark 10: ³² Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: ³³ “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; ³⁴ and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”

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News of a reorganization spread rampantly throughout the company. Fear set in and not many people were working. I had not been through this before so I was ambivalent. One mentor approached me and said to me “I have been let go, I need you to take over the daily inspirational message.” “What!? You have been let go?” was the only thing I heard.

• Some messages have been given to me when I was shocked.
• Some messages have been delivered to me when I was not prepared.
• Some messages have been said to me when I was not mature enough to handle it.

Blah, blah, blah, Death, blah, blah was probably what the disciples heard. I mean they were stunned at the latest news that JESUS was not trying to become a worldly kind of king. They were afraid and all kinds of thoughts were running through their minds. They were probably thinking “What have I got myself into?” BUT JESUS had a purpose.

• JESUS wants me to know HIS death was because of my sin.
• JESUS wants me to know HIS resurrection took care of all my sins, even the ones I will commit five minutes from now.
• JESUS wants me to know HE now has all authority placed under HIM so I can mention HIS name with boldness.

When news about sickness, hurt, and sorrow come at the time when I at my lowest, I sometimes ask GOD, “What!” BUT GOD has a message of comfort HE is trying to get through to me. The disciple probably missed “And the third day HE will rise again” which is the good news!  HE wants me to hear the good when the news is difficult.

• Did you just get some difficult news?
• Did the tough news come when you already feeling low?
• Can you hear GOD’s message of deliverance even though it looks bleak right now?

Help in Troubled Times

Habakkuk 1: ⁷ The Lord is good,
    a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him

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 Sitting on the edge of my bed, I worried about my “future.” What would it be like? How will I make it with the debt I was carrying? I ignored those who spoke about all that “GOD” stuff and went on my way.  I mean they don’t seem any better off. In fact, I have seen some people who spoke about “GOD” who were even more in debt than I was!

• There were times that I worried about “my future.”
• There were times when I did the math and my future looked bleak!
• There were times when life did not seem to provide enough money so I thought everything was bad.

“Trust in the dollar with all your thoughts and all your future plans and all your ways” was my way of thinking. I would talk about where I was with others and they would put on a pity face with me. There seemed to be no way out! BUT GOD said something different!

• GOD said to me “Put your total trust in ME and all will be well with you.”
• GOD said to me “Seek ME in times of trouble and you will find refuge.”
• GOD said to me “Give me your worries, fears and doubts and I will make your paths straight.”

I had reached the end of my rope, or so I thought. I went to a small church and the preacher asked “Is there anyone here who wants to give their life back to GOD?” Something inside me said, “Get up!” so I did. As I walked down the aisle, I could hear clapping and cheering. Tear flowed down my face as I reached a group who prayed for me and with me. I finally felt at peace!

• Are you troubled?
• Do you think there is no way out?
• Can you place your trust in GOD today?
• Will you give HIM your fears, worries and doubts?
• Can you place your total trust in GOD and stop looking at the past and the future?

Getting out of the Trap

Psalm 129: ¹ “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,”
    let Israel say;
² “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
    but they have not gained the victory over me.
³ Plowmen have plowed my back
    and made their furrows long.
⁴ But the Lord is righteous;
    he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”

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“Will I ever get out of here?” I sat and thought. Bullies on the left and poverty on the right, was a thought I had in eighth grade. “Will I ever get out of here?” I sat and thought. This time, difficult teachers and no help or direction prompted my thinking in high school. “Will I ever get out of here?” I sat and thought. This time I had a very boring job in a town I despised and I had no contacts.

• There are some places in life that seemed like I would remain forever.
• There are some places in life that seemed like I would never leave.
• There are some places in life that seemed as if I was stuck with no way out.

Looking forward during those difficult times, the road seemed endless. I mean who can do four whole years of high school, my young mind could not conceive. Looking back at that trial is only laughable compared to the trials of an adult. GOD had a plan for me.

• GOD is always there for me when I question the road HE has me on.
• GOD is always there for me when the road seems bleak and I have nothing inside of “me” to resolve the current situation.
• GOD is always there for me when things seem impossible to me.

When I look at my power and assess my skills I quickly get nervous. I compare what I know with what’s ahead of me and immediately feel like giving up, BUT GOD has shown to be ever faithful. HE says “When you are weakest, MY strength is made perfect.” GOD is my salvation, whom shall I fear?

• Are you nervous?
• Are you feeling frightened by your surroundings?
• Can you be still for a moment today and listen to GOD?
• Will you accept the peace HE has for you this day?

Narrow Escapes are the Norm

Psalm 124: ¹ If the Lord had not been on our side—
    let Israel say—
² if the Lord had not been on our side
    when people attacked us,
³ they would have swallowed us alive
    when their anger flared against us;
⁴ the flood would have engulfed us,
    the torrent would have swept over us,
⁵ the raging waters
    would have swept us away.

⁶ Praise be to the Lord,
    who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
⁷ We have escaped like a bird
    from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
    and we have escaped.
⁸ Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

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Like Hollywood I “woke up” just in the nick of time as I drove my car off the expressway and onto an exit ramp! Another time my friend and I made it onto the bus just in the nick of time, as a fight broke out amongst the thugs the driver closed the door behind us. A speeding car almost crashed into mine once.  I was told not to travel the week prior to every plane being grounded due to terrorist attacks. The list goes on and on.

• People have said to me “You are lucky.”
• People have said to me “You have skill.”
• People have said to me “You must be living right.”

Life-threatening narrow escapes have happened to me many times throughout the years. Looking back, I don’t know that I have always been thankful.

• GOD wants me to acknowledge that HE was the one who brought me through all of my troubles.
• GOD wants me to recognize that only HE can protect me even in the direst situation.
• GOD wants me to open my mouth and praise HIM for the way HE is handling things during my trials, not after.

I love what the writer says “Our hope is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Only HE can pull off safety and security. Nothing on this earth provides protection like GOD. HE breaks chains made by humans and enables freedom from traps.

• Are you waiting on your escape?
• Has it been prolonged?
• Will you praise GOD for taking HIS time?
• Can you recognize that GOD has given you your daily bread?
• Will you look back on your life to remember the narrow escapes HE provided you?

How to Act

Psalm 112: ¹ Praise the Lord.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
    who find great delight in his commands.

² Their children will be mighty in the land;
    the generation of the upright will be blessed.
³ Wealth and riches are in their houses,
    and their righteousness endures forever.
⁴ Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
    for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
⁵ Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
    who conduct their affairs with justice.

⁶ Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
    they will be remembered forever.
⁷ They will have no fear of bad news;
    their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
⁸ Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
    in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

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Exhausted was how I felt as I walked in the door of the church. I felt I was in round four of a twelve round boxing match against life and my corner refused to throw in the towel. The announcements came at me like daggers as I heard give more time, talent and treasures. Then others asked for help and I had none to give.

• Sometimes I think GOD is too demanding.
• Sometimes I think following GOD is too difficult.
• Sometimes I think GOD set up ridiculous rules so I can fail and then HE can pounce on my every mistake.

When I examine the source of these thoughts I realize they are a mix of the enemy and my own sin nature. I am glad GOD has given us a method to fight against tempting thoughts and crazy feelings.

• GOD wants me to praise HIM in order to overcome my situation for praise of GOD weakens any attack.
• GOD wants me to fear the LORD because only HE holds the future rather than any person or thing I worry about.
• GOD wants me to find delight in HIS commands even when I cannot keep them because it makes HIS SON’s death and resurrection more valuable to me.

It’s amazing that GOD only wants small items and sometimes I think HE wants me to build skyscrapers in some country and irrigate the desert. GOD wants me to stop trying to get my way and simply praise HIM, fear HIM and delight in HIM all of which are free and easy to do. 

One promise that stood out today was “they will have no fear of bad news” which means I could have bad news but my trust needs to be in GOD. Aligning to GOD is always the best way to act!

• Are you on the brink of giving up?
• Do you think GOD has forgotten you?
• Can you stop thinking negative thoughts and go see a different set of positive people?

Precious Time

Psalm 90: ¹¹ If only we knew the power of your anger!
    Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
¹² Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

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“Take care of my buddy” were the words spoken of the spouse of a dying friend. Soon after I heard these words from one of GOD’s servants, “Live your life as if you only had two weeks to live” were the words I remember. I wondered how I should act if I only had two weeks left.

• If I knew I were going to stand before GOD two weeks from now I would tell everyone I met about the grace GOD has given me through JESUS.
• If I knew I were going to stand before GOD two weeks from now I would reconcile with people as best as “I” could and not worry that I met their reconciliation standards.
• If I knew I were going to stand before GOD two weeks from now I would remember what HE has done for me and prepare myself for eternal praise.

It’s amazing how much time I spend on “me.” I mean I pray about me, worry about me and scream at GOD about me. It seems so fruitless. BUT GOD has given me yet another chance.

• GOD says to me “I care about your day to day activities.”
• GOD says to me “I made you for a special purpose that only you can fulfill so spend your days wisely.”
• GOD says to me “I stand at the door and knock, if anyone will open the door, I will come in and sup with them.”

GOD wants me. The problem is sometimes, okay most times, I don’t want HIM. I take HIS love for “granted” and I think about me and the next situation. Fortunately GOD knew this and HE loves when I take a moment to turn around and thank HIM. HE even told a parable about ten blind people being healed and only one came back to thank HIM.

My days are numbered, contrary to what fitness and health advocates think. GOD knows exactly the day and hour of the end of my life. HE wants me to act as if it were tomorrow or two weeks from now. Money, time and arguments are not cares when I live life to its fullest and include GOD first.

• Are you so focused on you that you are not living for GOD?
• What is your last story of victory with GOD’s help?
• Can you get up off the ground and stop spitting out poison and speak of GOD’s wonderful blessings?
• Will you change your words of death into words of life?

A Passionate Prayer

Psalm 69: ¹³ But I pray to you, Lord,
    in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
    answer me with your sure salvation.
¹⁴ Rescue me from the mire,
    do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
    from the deep waters.
¹⁵ Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
    or the depths swallow me up
    or the pit close its mouth over me.

¹⁶ Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love;
    in your great mercy turn to me.
¹⁷ Do not hide your face from your servant;
    answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.
¹⁸ Come near and rescue me;
    deliver me because of my foes.

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“LORD Help!” were the only words I could think of as my car began to skid. One moment I was driving steady the next my car began to wag and almost spun out of control. The car skidded through a red light of a usually busy street. No one hit us.

• Sometimes I am in immediate danger.
• Sometimes I need help right now!
• Sometimes I am in trouble and the situation is dire.

David was sick and tired of being sick and tired. At one time he was praised and at this moment he was being hunted for execution. I feel the same way at times. I chalk up life’s lessons as something to store up in my memory but there are times when trouble really seems to get heavier and hotter. What can I do?

• GOD says to me “In times of trouble call to ME and I will save you.”
• GOD says to me “No matter where you think you are I have MY arms open wide for you.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GOD.”

Some trials make me go into action and I put my hands into things GOD should be handling, but there are other times when I have no time to plan, grab on or fix my trouble. Only GOD can handle the situation and all I can do is say “GOD Help!.” Just like the Psalmist said, “GOD knows my folly and my guilt is not hidden from HIM.”  GOD’s grace is the focus in times of trouble.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you feel you are running out of time?
• Can you focus on GOD’s deliverance?
• Will you rely on GOD rather than your power?