Patiently waiting
Constantly praying
Expecting and believing
As I wait
Letting go of doubts
Worries and frustrations
All I need is strength and patience
As I wait
Dreams and visions
Of things yet to come
Holding fast to hope
As I wait
Time can seem to stand still
Yet I know I’m in His will
So I will continue to trust Him
As I wait
With all of the hoopla about Christianity and God, there has to be a definite path for comprehending the magnitude of them both. The word of God is factual and available to understanding the vast knowledge of God’s will. Jesus understood them all too well as He avoided the temptation of encountering the subjects. Every book you read is because you chose to or needed to, having a desire to know and understand the contents. The same applies to the Bible, which is the Word of God. You grasp the message and believe in the author’s descriptions of his characters, the plots and the truth about what he or she is saying.
It amazes me how we tend to uphold and embrace some of the weirdest and no progressive work around, to find ourselves doubting the one who created us, and remains to be an award winning author. I thought on how the majority of people can quote or repeat books of authors who we seldom know or will ever get to know. You believe and obey fables, fairy tales and characters that are so off and you hardly know or understand God. He laid down His life giving proven “facts” of living for all.
I have become saddened and weary, trying to understand our purpose of reading the Bible, if we are not going to believe it, in its entirety. The present debate and uproar about same-sex marriages, being free from sin, everybody is doing something wrong and the likes of such debates, are one thing but when compared to what God requires, would make it all unrighteous and wrong. We are to love people but when those people, whoever they may be, have made a decision to violate the principles ofGod, you continue to love them but hate the violation. The perpetrator has made their decision to ignore God’s will, in order to satisfy their desires, longings and to appease the populists.
The scriptures are very adamant and plain about the above topics and there are no gray areas at all. We have sought ways to alter and tailor certain scriptures, as well as traditions, to accommodate the desires of people. My position on the topics, especially the sin issue would probably have one to believe that I am sardonic in thinking. Well let me help you to get the picture I’m painting. If everyone is doing wrong even if one thing, what is the purpose of salvation; for even a sinner may be involved in just one thing? What separates the sinner from the saint? A confession of accepting Christ, could be done by anyone, including the vilest of individual and yet remain with the one fault. If there is an all powerful, nothing impossible and flawless spirit that you possess, how is it that it has no power to sustain you?
There are consequences of not waking up…being late for work, missing an appointment, or more importantly, coming to the realization of a truth, but too late!
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If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour. Revelation 3:3 |
The sleepy city of Sardis had proven its indifference to attentiveness. It was an almost impregnable fortress located on a plateau about 1,500 feet above the main roads. Amazingly, it was captured on two occasions when sentries failed to do their jobs faithfully.
The same was true of the church at Sardis. It was in a coma – members blandly worshipping, lacking eagerness to learn or excitement to share the good news of the Gospel. The people neglected to be faithful to the charge God had given them. Their spiritual life was in decay. Their works were not found complete in His sight (Revelation 3:2). He told them to wake up, realize what was wrong, repent, and give evidence of their faith in Jesus…or judgment would follow.
Take note, Beloved. Live your life showing your passion for Christ and all He has done for you. Then intercede for this nation that the work God has planned for it would be revealed and embraced by its leaders.
Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:17-5:2
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The one who conquers…to him I will give authority over the nations. Revelation 2:26 |
The church in Thyatira must have wondered if Christ would ever return. A “Jezebel” was misleading the servants there (Revelation 2:20). But John relayed encouragement from God, promising a day when those who would “keep my works until the end” (rest of Revelation 2:26) would be given authority through Christ.
Perhaps you have wondered if Christ will ever return to rescue you. Stay strong and continue to fight the battle before you. Jesus will appear again, and God will reign over all the nations.
Recommended Reading: Psalm 31:1-10, 14-16
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You hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith. Revelation 2:13 |
Before focusing on others, look at yourself…starting with today’s verse. Do you have godly integrity, holding fast to Christ and authentically living what you believe? Timothy warned Christians, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (I Timothy 5:8) While on this Earth, Jesus was the perfect example of compassionate love being lived out every day with those whose paths He crossed. He has given you the directions and power to carry out the principles of compassionate love detailed in today’s recommended reading. To do anything less is to reject your very faith.
Humbly examine yourself. Then imagine a nation whose leaders practice God’s definition of compassionate love…and pray for a revelation. Ask God to reveal to them how to love – and live – as He did. Believe for the extraordinary!
Recommended Reading: I Timothy 5:1-8
The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake, for it has pleased Him to make you a people for Himself.
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way.
Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; for consider how great are the things He has done for you.
And they who know Your name {who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy} will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You {on the authority of God’s Word and the right of their necessity). {PS. 42:1}
It is a necessity and an awesome privilege to call God by name and trust Him to be who we say He is in our situation. We know that everyone of God’s names speaks power for our deliverance into our situation, mixed up and shaken down with faith. By telling God who He is in whatever situation we find ourselves, is the same as speaking prophecy over our lives. As we read examples of some of these names for God and their meanings, please meditate on them and prophecy over yourselves, and allow the prophecy to drop into your spirits.
Adonai, “I am the One who owns and rule over everything that exists.” Jehovah-jired, ” the Lord provides,” for His grace is sufficient for me. Jehovah-Rophe, “Lord who heals,” for I am the Lord that Healeth. Jehovah-Shalom, “God is Peace,” Jehovah-M’Kaddesh-”I am the Lord who makes you Holy.” Jehovah-Nissi, “God, My Banner or God my Standard of Victory.” Elohim- ” The Great Almighty, Three-in-One God, who establishes and keeps covenant forever. El Shaddai, “The Almighty,” I am the Almighty God: Walk before Me, and be thou perfect” Jehovah-Tisdkenu, “The Lord our Righteousness that we might be the righteousness of God in Him.”
O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, give heed and act! Do not delay, for Your own sake, O my God, because Your city and Your people are called by your name. Blessed is the man that trust in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.
Scriptures References: I Samuel 12:22-24, PS. 9:10. Daniel 9:19
Jeremiah 17:7
Sister Betty,
In Christ Jesus, I Live, I move, and I have my being.
