Look Toward Eternity

While it was hidden to the natural eye, the Apostle Paul looked toward eternity and that kept him focused in life and ministry—glorifying and honoring Christ for the life to come. 

We should seek that same spiritual direction.

2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Trials and hardships shouldn’t dictate our purpose and existence because they are temporary. They will pass. But things not seen are eternal.

Maybe we can’t ignore them, but we can find the strength and endurance available in Christ to overcome our struggles, and we can know that eternal life will be better than this world.

Are you dwelling on the difficulties you currently face or do you view them in light of eternity?

The Hiding Place

I know you have battles; but do you have hope? 

Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Could there be a safer place in all the universe? Of course not. 

Those who have entered the Lord’s pavilion are protected by Him. Even while battles rage around them, they are entertained with the peace and joy of the King Himself.  

This is promised to those who abide in The Lord. No enemy can enter.

When hope has turned to reality, and the Lord delivers us from the enemy, we should be quick to praise Him.

Hungry And Thirsty For Righteousness

If you want to enjoy the blessings of God and His goodness in your life you need to hunger and thirst after righteousness. 

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

How do you get to the place where you want more and more of Jesus?

For a start, the words of an old song comes to mind. 

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” —Helen H. Lemmel

Make Jesus Lord of your life. Get into His Word and never stop praising Him. 

As you hunger and thirst after righteousness, Jesus will fill you as He promised. Now that’s something to rejoice about.

We could all feed more on the ways of God and develop a hunger for Him.

Ps.42:1 – As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. 

The Good Shepherd

When Jesus was on earth He labeled Himself as the "Good Shepherd". 

John 10:14-15 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Shepherds lived with the sheep, knew them by name and they knew his voice. They followed His lead and trusted Him to supply their needs. 

This is the same intimate relationship every redeemed child of God enjoys with the Lord Jesus Christ. 

When He calls us by name to follow Him we recognize His voice and respond in humble obedience. 

Peace and assurance comes over me when I say, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”

The Good Shepherd gave His life to save the sheep. Have you asked Jesus to save you, to come into your heart, to be your Shepherd? If not, seek Him. 

Show Me, Teach Me, Guide Me

Abraham Lincoln once said, "I have often been driven to God by the overwhelming sense that I had nowhere else to go."

I’m pretty sure believers are aware that God’s way is best. Always.

David knew he lacked the wisdom to make his own way through life. He had learned to depend upon the Lord for guidance. He was patient, willing to wait as long as it took to get a word from God.

Psalm 25:4-5 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

We can learn from David. We need spiritual guidance every day. 

Pray this prayer often and mean it with all your heart. 

Increase Your Faith

Faith is like a muscle. It can’t do much in the beginning but when it’s exercised in little things day by day, it grows considerably until it can accomplish great things through Jesus.

My little day by day prayers sound something like this: 

• Lord, give me a motor cart at the store.
• Lord, give me strength to do what I need to do today.
• Lord, keep me safe as I drive in the rain.
• Lord, get me through this chemo treatment.

I believe and the Lord always answers my prayers.

Faith is increased as mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Christians at Rome.

Rom. 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 

Study and believe God’s Word. Listen to the preaching of God’s Word.

A God-Blessed Life

Did you ever try to recall the times God helped, healed, delivered and  blessed your life? Think about it. 

You might start with when you trusted Jesus as your Savior. 

If godly parents took you to church, praise God.  

Did someone lead you to Jesus? Praise God.

Wasn’t the Lord with you in the valleys? He was with me. Praise Him for the mountain top experiences. 

How many time did the good Lord whisper peace to your troubled soul when you needed it most?

King David praised the Lord for saving him from his enemies time and again. I agree with his description of a God-blessed life.

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.