Hope Kept

Hope Kept

John 5: After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ² Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. ³ In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. ⁴ For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. ⁵ Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

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When the news of a friend getting a job reached me, I reacted unexpectedly. I was supposed to be excited and celebratory but instead I was upset and angry. “What about me?” I questioned GOD. With bills piling up and no income for years I wondered if my prayers were even being heard.

• When problems go for a long time, I feel like giving up.
• When issues stay around longer than expected, I feel like I am being blamed for something.
• When obstacles seem to get higher and higher, I feel like I cannot even lift a finger.

Unintended consequences occurred when an angel stirred up the Bethesda pool. First one in wins great health. I can only imagine how selfish I would have been if I were sick. I mean I would have given up living life to wait on the pool to magically stir and then I would be ready to jump in at any given time. BUT JESUS did not want that kind of dependence.

• GOD wants me to understand HE knows what I am going through.
• GOD wants me to know HE can heal my situation at any time.
• GOD wants me to place my hope in HIM and live life instead of waiting on “this” situation to be fixed.

“Do you want to be made well?” seems like an obvious question, especially from GOD, who knows everything anyway. This question made me think. “What is HE asking?” GOD seems to be questioning the desire versus the method.

People will do anything and spend any amount of money to be made “well” and I am no exception. GOD wants me well, but HIS method is to heal me spiritually first. When my spiritual eyes are opened, I can see HE has already healed me of any circumstance but this may not be seen through worldly eyes. GOD is where I place my hope, not on what I can see.

• Do you want to be made well?
• Where are you placing your hope?
• Can you trust the process that GOD has you in and know HIS reason for keeping you in this place is to reward you and not hurt you?

Prayers Are Heard

Luke 18: Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. ² He said: ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought.³ And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, “Grant me justice against my adversary.”

⁴ ‘For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, “Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!”’

⁶ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?’

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After months of trying, I finally gave up the search. I was destined to be stuck in the town I despised. “I guess I’d better start liking this town” I said to myself. I stopped applying for jobs, but my prayer life, while new, was still going. My prayer changed from “Get me out of this town” to “If it is YOUR will, then guide me.” Months later I moved.

• There have been many times when I felt like giving up.
• There have been many times when I had no resolution to my situation.
• There have been many times when I thought my world was collapsing while everyone else was doing well.

JESUS told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. HE explained how a persistent widow kept going to a godless person and got what she wanted. How much then would GOD, who cares for you, give you what you want?

• GOD says to me “Keep praying, for I hear you.”
• GOD says to me “Keep asking, and I will come into your heart.”
• GOD says to me “Keep trying, for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and give you hope.”

“Are we there yet” was my childish question on, what I thought was, a long drive. But as I matured and had to drive myself, the drive seemed shorter than I thought. The same goes with spiritual maturity. “Is my prayer answered yet?” is my immature question. BUT GOD knows the areas of my life that I need to grow.

HE wants me to have the faith that sustains all extended problems of life. HE wants me to have persistence in my prayer. When JESUS returns, I would like HIM to find me with faith rather than with blame. I will continue to pray and believe.

• Do you feel like giving up?
• Has life gotten very difficult?
• Will you stop, take a deep breath and continue to pray and believe in GOD to deliver you in HIS time and in HIS way?

Inconveniently Ready

Luke 11: ⁵ And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; ⁶ for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; ⁷ and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? ⁸ I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.

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“Can you take me to the emergency?” I asked. It was the middle of the night and I had no one to turn to but a coworker. I explained the problem and he got out of bed and took me.

• There were times when I inconvenienced people.
• There were times when I was in need at an inconvenient time.
• There were times when I was at the mercy of others and I did not want to ask for help, but needed it.

JESUS was actually speaking of persistence in HIS example, but HE did it in a way that also showed the need for persistence and humility. The “friend” in HIS illustration, was not ashamed to ask for help, even at an inconvenient time.

• GOD wants me to respond to helping others even if it is inconvenient.
• GOD wants me to swallow my pride and express my needs even when it is “inconvenient.”
• GOD wants me to seek HIM with persistence.

GOD has the right to say “No” to many things I ask for, but I ask anyway. In fact, GOD does not mind if I ask over and over and over again. HE can handle my request and, in the meantime, I grow spiritually because I have faith that HE will deliver in HIS time.

• Are you in need and are afraid to ask for help because it is inconvenient?
• Do you have someone you need to help but it is not at a convenient time?
• Will you grow your faith by continuing to ask GOD for HIS favor, even if it means asking for the same thing over and over again?

Response to the Plea

Hosea 2: ²¹ “In that day I will respond,”
    declares the Lord—
“I will respond to the skies,
    and they will respond to the earth;
²² and the earth will respond to the grain,
    the new wine and the olive oil,
    and they will respond to Jezreel.
²³ I will plant her for myself in the land;
    I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’
I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’;
    and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”

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Some days I wondered if GOD was even listening to me. I mean some trials lasted longer than others. “Where are YOU?” I would cry out, only to hear silence and remain in my present state.

• There have been times when I have wondered if GOD is listening.
• There have been times when I thought GOD seems to not care.
• There have been times when I have thought GOD must be punishing me because things are not going the way I want them to in the time I want them to.

Looking back on my doubtful thinking I was venting at the one who put me in the situation in the first place. I did not know what HE was doing or why, I only knew I wanted out of the trial and into something ”better.” BUT GOD said something to calm me down.

• GOD says “I see you.”
• GOD says “There will come a day when I WILL respond.”
• GOD says “I WILL say you are MY people and you will say YOU are my GOD.”

Throughout my waiting period I can see GOD was there sustaining me, yet HE was growing me to become patient and more understanding of those who are going through circumstances. HE wants me to slow down rather than speeding up so I will not miss those around me.

GOD also wants me to have the faith to keep pressing forward and to plea with HIM daily. I will keep my measure of faith HE has given me and place my total trust in HIM. HE is my GOD and I am HIS.

• Are you still in a trial that has been going on for a while?
• Do you want out of the trial but it seems to still linger?
• Can you praise GOD for what HE is doing to sustain you?
• Will you stop feeling ashamed and speak about GOD boldly?

Success in the Makings

1 Chronicles 18: ⁵ When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of them. ⁶ He put garrisons in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to him and brought him tribute. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.

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¹² Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.¹³ He put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.

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Boss number twenty two came through the revolving door and was super zealous and quite curt in her discussions. She was very demanding and it seemed like I needed to saddle up for the very long journey of oppression. After staying up most of the night, I was able to get the presentation just right but traffic prevented me from delivering it on time.

“I’m going to be fired” I thought to myself. I hurried into the meeting, late. I turned on my laptop in hopes that I could slip the new presentation in, but the look from my boss made it known I was in the toilet.

• When trouble comes I feel distressed.
• When the pressure is on and I miss on my delivery I feel pain.
• When I am surrounded on all sides and there seems to be no way out I feel like giving up.

One of the high ranking officials in the room asked about some detail from the area I was responsible. I quickly responded and it actually was better that my presentation was not shown as it kept down the number of follow on questions. “Good job” grunted my boss afterwards.

• Sometimes trouble is placed in front of me by GOD to help me grow.
• Sometimes obstacles are placed in front of me by GOD because HIS plan is better than mine.
• Sometimes barriers are placed in front of me by GOD to prevent me from messing up.

There is a way that seems right to man but GOD’s ways are far above any thought humans can have. GOD knows just when to place a barrier in front of me to slow me down when things aren’t aligned with HIS plan. I must recognize and appreciate the barrier because that may be GOD saying “It’s not ready yet.”

• Are you anxious?
• Are you tired of waiting for “it” to be ready?
• Can you recognize when GOD is slowing you down to prevent you from crashing and burning?
• Won’t you try again, but this time ask GOD for HIS victory to shine through whatever you are doing?

Will it get any harder?

Exodus 5: ²² Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? ²³ Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.”

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“I think I’ll start going to church” was my decision that I finally made. It had been a long time and a lot of sins that a church had seen me. The pastor spoke, I felt good, and life was good. Weeks later someone broke in my car and stole all my music.

Around the same time I was trying to sell an old car and the transmission went out on it. Then to top it off, I had unbearable pains in my chest. Isn’t life supposed to be better now that I am serving GOD? It seems to be worse! GOD where are you?

• When I start serving GOD I can expect opposition.
• When I give my life to GOD I can expect things to go wrong.
• When I pledge my allegiance to GOD I can expect retaliation from the enemy.

It seems like the moment I decide to serve GOD, things go downhill. Pressures of life, temptation to follow corruption and a desire to jump on the easy road all become obstacles to following GOD. It doesn’t get easier because few will say “It’s great that you are following GOD” rather they will exclaim “Why not do what we are doing?”

• GOD says to me “stay the course.”
• GOD says to me “don’t give up or give in.”
• GOD says to me “people may doubt but I AM with you always.”

GOD’s love for me is unfailing in spite of my sins. When I turn my face to HIS, my back is turned to those who do not follow HIM. Opposition will arise but GOD’s love and power is unmatched!

• Have you decided to follow GOD and more trouble has popped up?
• When you said “I give my life to YOU LORD” did things start getting worse?
• Can you still see that GOD loves you tremendously?
• Won’t you take a moment to release the situation and praise HIM?

Why I persist

Revelation 7: ¹⁶ ‘Never again will they hunger;

never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
nor any scorching heat.
¹⁷ For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

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I have to admit, I absolutely love the promises of GOD.  Since I have built in self-preservation, I wonder about where my meals will come from and will I remain sheltered.  Even when I stock pile cash for retirement, it’s all for eating and living comfortably.

• GOD promises I will never have to worry about being hungry.
• GOD promises I will never have to worry about being thirsty.
• GOD promises I will never have to worry about shelter from the elements.
• GOD promises I will never have to worry and HE will wipe every tear from my eyes.

I love these promises and I live for these promises. CHRIST does not build HIS kingdom here on Earth; rather HIS kingdom is in Heaven and will be inhabited by those who remain faithful to the belief in the SON.

Eating, drinking and living in shelter only bring temporary satisfaction and I will worry about them tomorrow, but GOD’s kingdom is eternal and I will never have to worry again.  This is where I place my faith and why I persist.

• Are you focused only on today?
• Do you believe GOD is concerned about you here on Earth as well as eternally?
• Can you split your focus on today as well as helping to build GOD’s kingdom by telling others about the gift the SON gave us?

Persevere – Keep Going – Don’t Stop!

Revelation 2: ² I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. ³ You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

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Challenges seemed to be easy for me years ago.  I once stayed at work for 36 hours straight to meet a deadline. Now it seems like challenges want to get the best of me.  I entered a marathon and it seemed like every practice run, no matter how short, was a chance to give up.

I also run a small business and there are days when the challenges mount and I want to give up. Is there any way to remain fueled?

• When a challenge gets put in front of me then it seems like more challenges pile on.
• When an obstacle gets put in my way it seems like my plans fall apart.
• When a situation occurs it seems like GOD doesn't care and HE is only concerned with the after-life, not “my life.”

GOD knew this life would be challenging for me before HE made the world.  HE knew I would need salvation yet HE created me anyway. Please don’t misunderstand, GOD is pure love and wants the best for me and HE also knows this life is going to be difficult.

• When mankind sinned, GOD cursed the Earth, space and everything I can see or touch.
• When mankind sinned, it broke my relationship with GOD and now I need a savior.
• When mankind sinned, it made life difficult and many times I want to give up.

BUT GOD knows my deeds! GOD knows how difficult this life can be and HE wants me to persevere! HE says keep going, do not quit, do not spot! HE says “I know your deeds” and just knowing that HE knows fills me up. HE expects me to not grow weary because HE is my fuel.

With GOD on my side, how can I fail? HE is the source of strength for anyone who wants to keep going.

• Are you getting tired?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Won’t you stop trying under your own might and ask GOD what HE wants for you?
• Can you pursue your dreams while including GOD?
• Won’t you stop your complaints for a moment to see HIS blessings?

How to keep going

Hebrews 10: ²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

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Our church was led to place “stretch goal” type ministries in a bowl and everyone was supposed to draw one out. Thinking this would be easy; I reached my hand in and pulled out a whale! “Run a marathon” my card read. What!? Before this particular race I rejected the notion of running. I mean why would anyone run 26.2 miles?

Right around the last quarter of my daily training run the same discouraging message would pop in my mind, “give up” or “why are you doing this” or “feel that pain, it could end up permanent.” It seems like many things in life have the same discouraging messages.

• Many times I feel like giving up.
• Many times I want to throw myself a pity party and talk about how bad things are.
• Many times I see the difficulties ahead of me and get scared and want to do nothing.

Life has many obstacles and sometimes things look very bleak. Many storms ravage my very existence and I feel tossed about like a rag doll in the wind. What can I do?

• GOD says “draw near” to HIM with a sincere heart not a phony, churchy, judgmental one.
• GOD says “hold unswervingly to hope” in HIM because HE knows the great plans HE has for me.
• GOD says “encourage someone” because it takes the focus off of me and places it on HIM.

Life has many challenges and can sometimes be scary. BUT GOD cleanses my guilty conscience, purifies my heart and holds the key to hope.

• Is life difficult for you?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you stop listening to the negative talk for a minute to hear GOD has a great plan HE promised to give you?
• Won’t you persevere and push through the pain?

The marathon of life

2 Timothy 2: ⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.

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¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:

   If we died with him,

    we will also live with him;

¹² if we endure,

    we will also reign with him.

If we disown him,

    he will also disown us;

¹³ if we are faithless,

    he remains faithful,

    for he cannot disown himself.

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Shivering, we huddled together as strangers to keep warm. When the National Anthem was sung, 45,000 of my best friends and me set off on our journey. Right around mile fourteen or fifteen I noticed a street leading to where the other runners were running back.

I thought to myself, “I wonder if they would notice if I just ducked down that street as my private shortcut. I mean, I’m not going to win the marathon anyway so who would it hurt?

• When I make my own rules in life I throw out the real rules.
• When I make my own rules then no one can win except me.
• When I make my own rules then I can adjust the rules for some and not for others.

GOD gave me a book to follow because I normally would not look at HIM or accept HIM. HE doesn’t want me to be a “rule” follower within my relationship with HIM, but HE does want me to treat HIS other humans with the love and compassion HE has for me.

HIS rules include things like “love others as I would love myself” and “treat others with higher respect than myself.” I’ve noticed me and many of my friends not following the latter of the two during political discussions.

In order to truly follow GOD I must endure, just like the marathon. No short cuts to loving others, I should just love them as they are. When I am faithless, GOD is faithful but HE cannot tolerate if I reject HIS SON or HIS SPIRIT HE wants to give me because of JESUS’ death.

• Are you trying to take shortcuts with your relationship with GOD?
• Is there someone who is difficult to love that you are not showing love to?
• Can you go the extra mile for the people who are hard to serve or love?
• Won’t you accept CHRIST and remain with HIM the rest of your life if you haven’t already?

In it for the long haul

2 Thessalonians 3: ¹³ And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

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 It seemed like nothing was going well for me that year. With bills piled high and demands piling higher, I felt nervous about the future.  Maybe I should be “good” I thought to myself. I mean if GOD see how good I have been then maybe I can be done with this trial. Months later I was still in the trial and I decided to give up on being “good.” I mean what “good” is it anyway?

• When things are going wrong I look for immediate relief.
• When things aren’t going the way I want them to I seek a way out of the trial.
• When things are failing I may consult GOD but not trust HIM enough to let go of the test.

It seems like I start acting “good” when things are difficult. Maybe that’s why I face difficulty more and more. BUT GOD wants me to do “good” whether things are going well or not.

• When I have plenty GOD wants me to share.
• When I have few GOD wants me to praise.
• When I have blessings GOD wants me to show gratitude.
• When I have failures GOD wants me to seek grace.

“Good” guys actually do finish last but last is the best in GOD’s mind. HE did not find it a problem to become a lowly servant to me and HE wants me to feel the same. Wait a minute, what about healthy competition or fighting back? Well, in every situation I need to carry GOD with me, competing fairly and standing for what is right.

GOD wants me to be “good” showing love to draw people to HIM. I should do what is good not to get my way but for GOD to get HIS way.

• Are you trying to manipulate GOD by doing good?
• Are you getting tire of always being the “good” one?
• Can you stop trying too hard and understand GOD loves your actions, large and small?
• Won’t you do ”good” strictly to have GOD glorified?

I’m still here so I should get to work

Philippians 1: ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²² If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

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One day I just sat on the edge of my bed wondering “what’s the purpose?” I mean it seemed like working was futile because I didn’t have enough money to cover my debts, people in the world were mad at me and I wasn’t getting any of my desires met, or so it seemed. Preachers kept speaking about heaven being a wonderful place to be and I thought “LORD can’t you just take me home?”

Meanwhile, more tragedy kept coming my way. Ailments hit various people, death seemed to loom over some of my friends’ families and the news channels never stopped being dismal. When will there ever be peace?

• Life has many difficulties and sometimes I get tired.
• Life has some tough news and sometimes I get weary.
• Life has a lot of bad news and sometimes I get distressed.

It seemed like GOD was taking HIS sweet little time when it came to “my” problems and I found myself pouting in the corner wanting “my” situations to change. GOD didn’t change the situation but HE did do something greater.

• GOD opened my eyes to see other people are hurting and need to hear a word of peace.
• GOD opened my ears to be able to hear the needs of others instead of wallowing in my pity.
• GOD opened my heart to feel what other people are feeling and finally understand I need to show compassion no matter the circumstance.

I’m still here on the Earth so I should get to work telling people about GOD’s compassion.  “What compassion” you ask. Well, in the middle of my sin CHRIST took my punishment. HE paid the ultimate price for me and showed compassion for me that I can never repay. Now HE sends people to me one at a time to hear about HIS grace, mercy and love.

There is plenty of work and so few to take on the challenge of compassion. GOD says “remain and I will be with you.”

• Do you feel like giving up?
• Are you frustrated with your current results?
• Can you realize that your current situation is right where GOD wants you so HE can grow you?
• Will you take the time to tell someone about GOD’s grace in spite of your circumstance?

Another prayer for you

Ephesians 3: ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

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• I pray that we understand GOD has grace that covers any sin, past and present.
• I pray that those who doubt can focus their attention on what GOD is doing rather than the current situation.
• I pray about those who are worried about finances that they may focus on GOD’s riches and believe HE is in control of the situation.
• I pray for fortitude in our beings that we may persevere through life’s difficulties.

I pray that all who read this know just how much GOD really loves them. amen

Don’t give up!

1 Corinthians 15: ⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

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 It was rainy and cold and it seemed like we would never get home. Finally the bus came but most of the seats were wet because the windows were open so we stood up on this leg of the ride. We got a bright idea that if we walked to the beginning of the line on the transfer of the next bus then we would be guaranteed a seat thus getting the rest we anxiously dreamt of.

The rain seemed to come down harder and as we walked our spirits were dampened. Finally after arriving at the beginning of the next leg of our trip, a bus drove through a large puddle drenching us from head to toe. “I give up” I thought to myself!

• I feel like giving up when life doesn’t quite go my way.
• I feel like giving up when life proves to be a bit more difficult than expected.
• I feel like giving up when I look at “what is” versus seeing “what can be.”

GOD tells me to “stand firm” because HE knows life will not be easy. Once HE placed HIS judgment on the earth for the sin of one man, HE could not revoke it. The decree was life would be difficult and even HIS only SON was not spared from its challenges. GOD decided to die in my place to make things better and take on the punishment that HE decreed for me.

• GOD says “Stand firm” when life gets tough.
• GOD says “Stand firm” when I face trials and troubles.
• GOD says “Stand firm” when I am at the end of my rope and cannot find a way out of my bind.

“Let nothing move you” is the message that tells me to “always” follow what GOD is saying. Whether it is a message of “peace” or “persecution” I should listen to GOD and follow HIS lead.

• Are you waiting for some relief?
• Are you tired of holding your breath and want to “exhale?”
• Can you give you trial and trouble to GOD?
• Are you willing to hang in as long as it takes for GOD to handle the situation the way HE wants to?

Prayer is powerful!

James 5:  ¹³ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

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One of my grandmothers had enough of difficult living. She had come to the end of her life, looked back and saw her efforts of training her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren in the LORD were good. I was blessed with studying the Bible with her.

During one of the last sessions she said something very strange. “Please don’t pray to keep me here on this earth” she said “If you do then the LORD will grant your prayer but I’m ready to go home.”

• Prayer is a time where all mighty GOD stops and listens to me.
• Prayer is a time when nothing else is important than listening to me.
• Prayer is a time when GOD gets excited because HE created me to be with me.

GOD loves prayer! That’s about as plain as I can make it. HE loves when I communicate with HIM in all circumstances, not just trouble. HE enjoys a good, fresh conversation that describes my thoughts and HE really gets excited when I give HIM credit where credit is due.

But sometimes it seems like my prayers aren’t heard. Well, they are.

• My prayers are always heard but many times I’m not ready for the answer.
• My prayers are always heard but sometimes the answer is no!
• My prayers are always heard and every time I’m the one who gets changed, not GOD.

I am declared righteous by GOD because I believe JESUS died for my sins. I can now ask the FATHER for any and everything and HE will listen. HE especially loves when I am not selfish and I pray for someone else’s wellbeing.  My persistent, earnest prayer yields results every time. I have seen disease cured, disaster averted and depression dispersed.

I pray, GOD listens, that’s a nice relationship!

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you feel excited and elated?
• Is your day just so-so?
• Have you prayed to GOD today?

Ever had one of “those” days?

James 5: ¹⁰ Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹ As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

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Everyone was loaded in the car headed to breakfast. My wife reminded me that we needed to take the car in for inspection because it had been acting a little strange. On the way to the mechanic the transmission went out and that was the start of the day. It seemed like every part of the day was filled with more and more bad news.

News of pending death, disease or disaster kept coming in. During times of problem solving something else would go wrong. As we sat at the end of the evening trying to resolve the largest issue the light blew out.

• There will be days when everything goes wrong.
• There will be days when problems seem to mount higher than plans.
• There will be days when it seems like there is no hope to be held.

Job was an extreme example of wealth and peace and GOD allowed him to go through many disasters because HE had something much better in this life and after. GOD knows the troubles I will encounter and allows me to go through them in order to strengthen my faith.

• I have to persevere during troubled times because there is something better waiting for me.
• I have to persevere during troubled times because it really isn’t as bad as it seems.
• I have to persevere during troubled times because GOD truly does have a good plan for me that includes “this” problem.

GOD knows exactly what HE is doing when HE lets me go through trouble. HE knows exactly how to strengthen my faith and bless me in the middle of pain. Only GOD knows the future so HE patiently watches me and applauds when the situation doesn’t get me down.

GOD loves when I realize HE is “full of compassion and mercy” for me.

• Are you going through troubled times?
• Does it seem like life is not going in the direction you planned?
• Can you rust GOD to bring you out of your troubles?
• Even if HE doesn’t, can you trust that HIS kingdom has more to offer than this life?

GOD remembers me, now I have hope!

Hebrews 6: ¹⁰ God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. ¹¹ We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. ¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

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“Give up” were the words that flashed in my mind several times. Cheering grew louder and louder in the distance. As I turned the final corner I could see the crowd jumping and then I heard my name. My legs were so tired but the cheering seemed to give them new life. I actually caught up, passed a guy and finished the race!

• Giving up too early makes me miss out on GOD’s blessings.
• Giving up on people does not make me better or more faithful.
• Giving up on GOD leaves me in the wilderness and most times in a worse position.

Finishing what I start is very important to GOD. HE sees every sincere and insincere act that I do for HIM.  HE remembers the time I helped “that” person or prayed for another. Any act of LOVE I have done is noted and remembered by GOD.

BUT GOD also knows my love will not come without opposition. There will be people who try my faith, patience, fortitude and core beliefs. HE knows the more faith I exert, the more opposition I will face, but HE wants me to “hold on.”

• Hold on to my faith and put my trust in HIM.
• Hold on to my family and keep loving them.
• Hold on to my dream and be persistent in its pursuit.
• Hold on to my love for GOD is the root.

GOD sees the finish line and is cheering for me to finish well and not give up. HE wants me to continue to put my trust in HIM, show faith and persevere with patience. HE wants me to know that HE is pleased with my efforts regardless of those who scoff at my attempts. In the end HE will reward my hopes and dreams.

• Are you getting weary?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you “hold on” knowing that GOD sees and hears you?
• Do you believe HE truly loves you and wants you to finish the race?

Ask and Ye Shall Receive by my Wife

John 2:1On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, 2and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." 4"Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come."

5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 6Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. 7Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.

8Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, 9and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."

11This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

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In this passage, Jesus and Mary were attending a wedding. During these times, weddings were week-long events to which the whole town might be invited. Hospitality was so important that running out of wine would be seen as a major embarrassment to the bride and bridegroom. When this occurred, Mary turned to Jesus for his assistance.

There are two things that stand out to me about this passage. First, I note Mary’s faith in Jesus. She saw a problem and trusted that he would be able to solve it. At this point, Jesus had not performed any miracles, so she probably didn’t know how he would solve it. She still had the faith that he could solve it and would solve it. This is a reminder to me to turn my problems over to the LORD.

Sometimes I feel like I have to save my prayers for really big things, like jobs or health. Is it ok to pray for things like lost keys or light traffic? I believe it is. We are instructed to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). Matthew 7:7 tells us to “Ask and it shall be given to you”. The LORD wants me to come to him with all of my problems and to trust him like Mary did. I understand that HE knows what’s best, and will answer my prayers according to his will, but I like knowing that I can always turn to HIM whenever I need him.

The second thing that stands out to me in this passage is Mary’s persistence. When she told Jesus about the lack of wine, he asked her why she was telling him and told her it was not his time yet. Mary was persistent, however. She turned to the servants and told them to follow Jesus’ instructions. Mary needed Jesus help and she did not give up until she got it. This reminds me of the parable of the persistent widow.

I have to remember that the LORD is always there for me to turn to when I need his direction. I can ask HIM for anything and trust that HE knows what’s best for me. I also have to be persistent in my prayers. I praise him for all that he is done for me.

• Do you think its ok to ask GOD for everything, even the small things?
• Is it easy for you to be persistent, or do you get discouraged if you don’t get an answer to your prayers right away?

Have a Blessed Day!

NEVER give up!

Luke 18:1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'

4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "

6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

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I can't count the days that I have felt like giving up. There are so many days that I don't think GOD is hearing me. I mean, doesn't HE see me struggling? Doesn't HE understand my pain?

I read this story and questioned GOD's methods. Why does HE have to take so long to do things? Why doesn't HE give me my way instantly? I had to stop and think about this for a while. A story came to mind.

When I was a kid I wanted a certain toy for Christmas. My parents who were struggling to make ends meet more than likely tried to cater to my desires. They bought me something similar to the toy I wanted. On Christmas day I opened their gift and cried because it wasn't exactly what I wanted. Now looking back on the ordeal, they got me exactly what I needed.

Why do I bring up this story? Because people are fickle in their wants and desires. Looking back to that Christmas as an adult makes me laugh. I don't need the toy that I cried over years ago, I need the understanding my parents gave me.

I see things differently now. GOD knows what is best for me and sometimes, like a child, I am asking for the exact toy that "I" want. The toy for you could be a mate of your choice or more money or some luxury item. I know for me I want many toys, the list goes on and on.

GOD is patient with me because HE has all the time in the world. HE sees me asking for things I don't need and HE just sits there watching over HIS poor helpless child. After I throw my tantrum HE still sits there watching over me. Then I finally wake up and begin to ask for things I need.

• When I ask for things I really need, I am persistent.
• When I ask for things I really need, I see what GOD wants me to have.
• When I ask for things I really need, my prayers are real.
• When I ask for things I really need, my spirit won't rest until I get it.
• When I ask for things I really need, I find myself humble instead of demanding.
• When I ask for things I really need, I don't give up.

GOD understands life better than any human. HE understands that I try to manipulate HIM to get my way and HE isn't going to cater to this. HE wants me to pray with fervor, determination and tenacity. This type of prayer separates the toys from the needs.

• Are you "half way" praying for things?
• Do you pray out of habit?
• Is your spirit troubled by the thing you are praying for?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you ask GOD to help you be persistent in your prayer?