Discouragement Or Peace

It has been said that discouragement is the handle that fits all the devil's tools. If Satan can get you to focus on the negative, he can get you discouraged and steal the victory of the Lord right out of your heart.

If Saints develop a "woe is me" attitude concerning the events of life, then you will be easy pray for the devil.

Or you can learn to put into practice the lessons the Apostle Paul gave believers at Philippi.

“Philippians 4:6-9 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

[9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

Amazing Grace

Some people think their sins are too great for Jesus to forgive or that they aren't good enough to be saved from the wrath of God. Then, there are those who believe they can get to Heaven by their good works.

Nobody is good enough to go to Heaven, and no sin is too great that God won’t save you when you believe. That’s grace -- the unmerited love and favor of God. Salvation is a gift of God.

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Thank God for His 'Amazing Grace'.

“I once was lost, but now I’m found – was blind but now I see.” – John Newton.

Lead By The Eye Of God

Maybe we didn’t see the unexpected coming or perhaps we are stuck between a rock and a hard place asking “What do we do now?”  One thing is certain. We need guidance.

The Lord tells David that He will guide him “with His eye”. God might give him a warning look, a warming look or a welcoming look.

Psalm 32:8  I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Just as some married couples become so close that a simple look speaks volumes -- believers can be so close to the Lord that they are lead by Him in all areas of life.

A close relationship with God requires a humble and yielded heart, ready and willing to do as He asks.

Keep your eyes on Jesus through His Word, and He will keep His eye on you, ever leading you to righteousness for His glory (Psa. 37:23).

I Never Saw Jesus, But I Know Him

I wonder what it was like to live in Jesus’ day, to witness the splendor of His glory. I’m a little jealous of those who did.

I never got to see the Man who died for my sins or hear Him preach with authority, but I know His amazing grace and power to save. I hear His living Word speak through His written Word.

Ahh, to witness Him speak “Peace, be still” and see angry waves become calm. I wasn’t there but I know His peace.

By faith and grace Jesus redeemed me at the hill called Calvary, but I didn’t see Him hanging on that bloody cross.

Someday I’ll see Him face to face and then I’ll be like Him.

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Soar Like The Eagle

Regardless of how well we handled past situations, there’s always the possibility of growing spiritually weak under the various loads of life while serving the Lord. It may become mundane or routine at times. That’s when we look up and wait on the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. 

While waiting on the Lord, we need to keep on ----

• Praying, even when it appears that God isn’t hearing.
• Going to church, even when it seems nothing much is happening.
• Witnessing, even when no one responds.
• Giving, even when our finances get tight.
• Living for Jesus --  day in and day out -- even when others don’t.

In His time, The Lord will bless us for being faithful, and when He does we will soar like the mighty eagle.

Those Who Abide In Christ

We will never be successful following the Lord in our own ability. Our flesh resists the leading of the Spirit, but there is hope. We must abide in Christ and allow His words to abide in us.

John 15:5,8  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  . . . . If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Jesus abides in the heart of the born-again believer.  Believers abide in Christ by spending quality time with Him, such as:

• Daily communiom through prayer
• Bible study 
• Meditation

An awesome prayer-answering promise is made to those who abide in Christ.

The Vast Grace, Mercy, And Love Of God

Many have embraced the Gospel, became enlightened to the plan and purposes of God, but none can properly comprehend the magnitude of its majesty.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

We will never exhaust the vastness of His grace, mercy, love, and provision, no matter how much we love Him.