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.”

 

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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.

 

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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?

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.

 

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“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.

 

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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

All Together

 

All Together

Philippians 2: Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another. ² I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind. 

 

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When a car was stuck in the snow, the remedy was to “rock it out.” I and others volunteered to help. Some got in the front, some in the back. When a person yelled “Push!”, we all began to push. The car went nowhere. Turns out we were supposed to push from the front, then the back to create a “rocking” motion. And, to top it off, the driver had his foot on the brake.

 

• I felt I was strong and wanted to help.
• I was doing my part as an individual but things were still not quite right.
• I was part of a group, but we were not united in what we were supposed to be doing.

 

Paul compliments those who have dedicated their lives to CHRIST. He noticed their reliance on the LORD, their kindness and compassion. He then urged the group to take it to another level. Be united in love, soul and mind.

 

My Observations

• It is easy for me to love CHRIST alone, but harder to fit into many different styles.
• It is easy for me to be comforted by the HOLY SPIRIT, but harder to share the same love GOD wants me to have with others.
• It is easy for me to have kindness and compassion for others, but harder for me to be one in CHRIST in “soul and mind.”

 

Unity is highly important to GOD. I mean, HE even said the greatest commandment is to “Love one another.” Unfortunately, like the car stuck in the snow example, we get together, meaning well, and start doing things as individuals. Our individual efforts sometimes work against the overall goal.

 

BUT GOD has a remedy. “Have the same thoughts, share the same love, and be one in soul and mind.” Easy? No! But fortunately there is a starting point, namely JESUS. The world has many answers that are temporary or done with hidden motives. GOD wants me to take the step to unify with groups that do not look or act like me. It is hard, but I am glad GOD appreciates it.

 

Challenge

• What compliments do you notice in this passage?
• Can you identify with some or all of these encouraging words?
• Will you seek to take the next step by figuring out how to unify in CHRIST without making other people follow your thinking today?

Influenced

Influenced

1 Corinthians 12: Now, concerning what you wrote about the gifts from the Holy Spirit.

I want you to know the truth about them, my friends. ² You know that while you were still heathen, you were led astray in many ways to the worship of lifeless idols. ³ I want you to know that no one who is led by God's Spirit can say “A curse on Jesus!” and no one can confess “Jesus is Lord,” without being guided by the Holy Spirit.

 

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Gutter after gutter, I bowled a 12 out of 300 on my first outing. You would think this was a disaster, but it was great to me! I was invited out by one of my fathers. Back in the day, the community had many influencers who wanted to see kids do something better with their lives. I just liked being there, no natter how bad I did.

 

• I would not say anything bad about this influencer even though I did not know his purpose.
• I would not say I had a terrible time bowling” because the influencer might not take me again.
• I would not say “Curse you” to the influencer, because this would show dissatisfaction.

 

Paul addressed a question about the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT. “No one who is led by GOD’s SPIRIT can say ‘A curse on JESUS!’” Also,” No one can confess “JESUS is LORD,” without being guided by the HOLY SPIRIT” were the words Paul used as an opener. He recognized that it took being influenced by the HOLY SPIRIT to turn away from following a lifeless idol.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to follow the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to avoid anything that curses HIS holy name.
• GOD wants me to be guided by the HOLY SPIRIT so I can be comforted, guided and trained by HIS love, perseverance and wisdom.

 

There is a part of GOD who get’s little recognition, namely the HOLY SPIRIT. I mean, when I believe that JESUS died to save me and was raised from the dead, HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me.

 

Ever since then, the HOLY SPIRIT looks at every word I say, thought I think and desires I hide in my heart. Instead of beating me up, HE asks the FATHER “Will you please forgive HIM?” The FATHER agrees and erases my sin. I am grateful that GOD saved me in the middle of my sins and gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me even when I mess up.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about being led by the HOLY SPIRIT?
• Have you ever felt like blaming GOD or have gotten so mad at HIM that you felt like not serving HIM or even cursing HIM?
• Will you consider being influenced by the HOLY SPIRIT who will lead you to true peace and a strong sense of love today?

VIP

VIP

Acts 19: While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”

“John’s baptism,” they replied.

4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

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Being a “handler” was an important role. I had to put a schedule together that included picking up the very important person (VIP) from the airport, feeding him his favorite meal, getting him checked into the hotel and walking him through his itinerary for the remainder of the day. It was going to be a long day.

• There were times when I dedicated a lot of time for a VIP.
• There were times when I spent hours preparing for a VIP.
• There were times when I went over every detail with a group to make sure I was prepared for the VIP.

Paul went to Ephesus and met some disciples. He asked them if they received the HOLY SPIRIT when they believed. “Who?” they implied. Paul explained that by believing in JESUS, they would receive the HOLY SPIRIT. Up until then, they were simply doing good for people as John the Baptist’ message was adhered to strictly.

• GOD wants me to confess that I need JESUS.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS so I can receive the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to make disciples of JESUS by telling people about HIS power.

Being nice as an example is wonderful, but not enough. According to JESUS, even evil people do nice things. GOD wants the name of JESUS to be spoken without shame. HE then send a VIP to live inside me, namely the HOLY SPIRIT.

This powerful being guides me when I am lost, comforts me when I down and begs for my forgiveness in groans I cannot understand when I am sinful.“ The HOLY SPIRIT deserves to be thanked and prepared for every day. I am grateful JESUS sent me the HOLY SPIRIT to be with me forever.

• Do you treat people special because of their title or status?
• Do you follow, admire and prepare for certain VIP’s?
• Will you take a moment to treat the HOLY SPIRIT with reverence today, knowing JESUS has all authority and sent HIM to live inside you as your guide and comforter?

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.

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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?

Going Away

Going Away

John 16: ⁵ “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ ⁶ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. ⁷ Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. ⁸ And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: ⁹ of sin, because they do not believe in Me; ¹⁰ of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; ¹¹ of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

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We were not supposed to smile during this particular event, yet he would bring levity to the tense situation. After a while, we were all laughing. When a serious person walked into the room, we tried to stop, but that made us laugh all the more.

• I remember great times with people who have “gone away.”
• I remember what people, who have “gone away”, have said.
• I remember the joy that people brought me who have “gone away.”

JESUS tells HIS disciples not to be sad that HE was about to “Go away.” They did not understand what HE meant because GOD, the Messiah, was not supposed to die. BUT GOD had something different in mind.

• JESUS had to die for my sins so HE could save me.
• JESUS had to be raised to life so HE could fulfill the promises HE made in scripture.
• JESUS had to send the HOLY SPIRIT to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.

Death is something we all will “possibly” face some day. The HOLY SPIRIT was sent to be my HELPER while I am alive. HE guides me to remind people that JESUS is the one and only Savior. HE convicts those who do not believe, fortifies belief in the FATHER and judges the enemy who opposes belief in GOD.

I will miss those who have “gone away.” My prayer is for those who remain, to believe in the SON for salvation.

• Do you believe in life after death?
• Do you think “All roads lead to GOD?”
• Will you take a moment to focus on the only road to eternal salvation, namely JESUS, today?

(In loving memory of Sterling Sullivan)

Taught, Peace, Rejoice

Taught, Peace, Rejoice

John 14: ²⁵ “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. ²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ²⁸ You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

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When a thug punched my frail stature, I nearly passed out. “What did I do to deserve that?” I thought to myself. When someone broke out my window and stole all of my music, I wondered, “Why did this happen to me?” When I was told “You no longer work here” after years of dedication, I felt lost and said “Why me?”

• What am I supposed to do when things seem to go wrong?
• What am I supposed to do when the situation seems bad?
• What am I supposed to do when I am in pain or I am suffering or I do not have direction?

JESUS knew HIS followers would face difficulty. HE also knew that leaving would make HIS followers feel abandoned. HE gives words of comfort that can only be heard by those who love HIM.

• JESUS says to me “I gave you the HOLY SPIRIT who will bring MY words to memory when you are in trouble.”
• JESUS says to me “Peace will be your weapon against the things that will try to distract you from the purpose I gave you.”
• JESUS says to me “Rejoice that I go to the FATHER because I AM alive and HE is greater than ME.”

“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” are not easy words to hear when my heart is troubled and I am afraid. BUT GOD took care of that. HE sent someone to be with me, namely the HOLY SPIRIT.

HE teaches me and makes me remember all the things I have been brought through. HE gives me a strange “peace” when I should be troubled because I dare to trust that HE will work everything out. As for JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT, teaches me the HE went to prepare a place just for me and HE will return, soon. I rejoice over what I am taught so I have peace.

• Do you have peace?
• Do you feel lost or abandoned?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you to a place of peace today?

You are not alone

You are not alone

John 14: ¹⁵ “If you love Me, keep My commandments. ¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. ¹⁸ I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

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As I walked around the huge crowd at the convention, I felt lonely. Everyone was smiling and laughing and I could not join in on the festivities, because I did not know anyone. Finally someone summoned me over. “Want to get drunk with us?” I went with them just to meet people. There was laughter and flirting. I felt lonelier.

• There have been many times when I felt lonely sitting in a crowd.
• There have been many times when I was around a crowd who were bashing “those” people and I felt lonely for not partaking.
• There have been many times when I sat in groups that were supposed to be talking about GOD, yet they ended up talking about humans, and I felt lonely.

JESUS knew those who follow HIM would be the minority. HE spoke the truth and was about to be killed for it. HE then says to HIS disciples, “The world does not know the SPIRIT of Truth.”  “The FATHER will give you a HELPER” was a promise JESUS made to those who love HIM.

• The HOLY SPIRIT lives in me because I believe I needed to be saved.
• The HOLY SPIRIT begs for forgiveness to the FATHER when I sin.
• The HOLY SPIRIT gives me the words of truth because HE is The TRUTH.

When I had no purpose, the world looked like a “fun” place. Sex, drunkenness, and wealth seemed like a truth I could buy into. BUT GOD wanted something different. HE wants me to speak the real truth about HIS SON.

Though the world my laugh at the words of salvation and ridicule even the very existence of the Most High GOD, I still persist in HIS purpose. At times I may get weary, BUT GOD gave me The HELPER who does not leave or forsake me. I am grateful for the HOLY SPIRIT who comforts me.

• Are you alone?
• Do you believe in GOD while those around you do not?
• Will you draw your power from the HOLY SPIRIT today and keep going on GOD’s plan?

Obedient to the Weird Plan

Matthew 1: ¹⁸ This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

²⁰ But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

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What a strange plan. As I pondered this plan to save all humans I said to myself, “I would never have done it this way.” I mean in this chapter I read that Joseph was a descendant of murderers, liars, adulterers and thieves. Then it turns out that this guys’ fiancé turns up pregnant without having sex.

• GOD says to me “MY ways are not your ways. MY thoughts are not your thoughts.”
• GOD says to me “I WILL be your GOD and you will be MY people.”
• GOD says to me “I AM.”

Joseph had to do something so divorce was a nice quiet option. BUT GOD said something different. GOD wanted all of humanity to know this was no ordinary plan. It had to be weird, extraordinary, and supernatural. GOD does the same in my life. HIS plans are weird and sometimes seem that they will not work.

• GOD’s plan for me is extraordinary.
• GOD’s plan for me is not the norm.
• GOD’s plan for me sometimes seems strange but when I am obedient it always works!

I did not have an example that compared to the birth of my SAVIOR, but I do recognize that GOD doesn’t always tell me everything up front. HE requires me to have faith without fault. The more I can have the better off I will be.

• Does your plan seem strange?
• Does it seem like you will never get to the finish line?
• Can you stop trying to make sense out of GOD’s plan and ask HIM for the faith to continue?

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?”

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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? 

Giving Up

Proverbs 24:

Saying 25

¹⁰ If you falter in a time of trouble,
    how small is your strength!
¹¹ Rescue those being led away to death;
    hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
¹² If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
    Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

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“This was the final straw” I said to myself. Tired of the nonsense that was happening around me, I decided that I had enough. I gave up on helping because I was making no headway at all. In fact it seemed quite the opposite.

• Sometimes it seems like difficulties can throw me off.
• There are times when trouble can feel overwhelming to me.
• Sometimes I just feel like giving up when I am making no headway.

Quarrels and blame were the mode of operation and I truly got tired of being the self-appointed mediator. I said “What good is my help and it certainly doesn’t seem like GOD cares.” How incredibly wrong I was.

• GOD said “I will be with you always” this means HE stays during times of trouble.
• GOD said “Trouble you will have but I send a COMFORTER to you” meaning HE knows I will got through things so HE gave me protection.
• GOD said “Have the faith of a mustard seed” meaning I must believe in HIM even if it is the tiniest belief.

Giving up is quite easy to do, BUT GOD says to me “stay in there and complete your work I have given to you.” HE wants me to continue what I’ve started and never give up.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you look back on how GOD has rescued you in the past?
• Will you allow HIM to take you “through” the trouble instead of around it?

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.”

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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?

When My Back is Against the Wall

Psalm 70: ³ May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
    turn back because of their shame.
⁴ But may all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
    “The Lord is great!”

⁵ But as for me, I am poor and needy;
    come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
    Lord, do not delay.

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When my professor said, “I think you should choose another major” I was devastated. Meanwhile my car was broke down and bill collectors were calling. This was the worst year ever… well at least that’s what I thought back then. It’s amazing how large these problems felt.

• There are times when it seems difficult for me to just hold on.
• There are times when it seems like everything is falling apart for me.
• There are times when it seems as if nothing is going right for me.

“Woe is me” could be said many days and that makes me want to schlep into a corner and ball up into the fetal position. One negative thought after the next tell lies about the current situation, bringing on discouragement. BUT GOD breaks through with HIS might!

• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid for I AM with you” meaning I do not have to believe in my lying thoughts.
• GOD says to me “Take heed, salvation is here” meaning I am not the one who will save me, rather it is GOD.
• GOD says to me “Trust and obey, keep seeking MY kingdom and I will deliver you” meaning I do not have to exhaust myself but ask GOD to fill me up.

Discouragement is one of the enemy’s weapons. He throws obstacle after obstacle at me until I feel my efforts are futile. BUT GOD wants me to remain encouraged so I can use the creative mind HE gave me. GOD wants me to seek HIS face so I can have peace. Once I have peace then HE can remove negative thoughts and replace them with HIS inspired activity.Peace is not a hard thing to get when I ask GOD for it and give HIM today’s worries.

• Are you in need?
• Do you feel overwhelmed?
• Can you give your problems to GOD in exchange for a moment of peace?
• Will you stop thinking one way and allow GOD’s infinite imagination to enter you?