When Jesus Shows Up

There’s something special about those times when Jesus chooses to meet with His people, to assure us that we are not alone. He has shown up many times and still does in the lives of believers.

Matthew 18:20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

There were times in the Bible when Jesus  "just showed up".  When He “just shows up” everything changes. He has shown up in my life many times. The following is a partial list.

• Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego not burned in the fiery furnace because He was there.
• Daniel kept safe in the Lion's Den because He was there.
• As Captain Of The Lord's Host outside Jericho, He brought victory..
• Walking on the storm to come to the disciples;
• At the tomb of Lazarus He raised him from the dead.
• At the Red Sea, He parted waters.

The Lord Is My Shepherd

When my head hits the pillow, the following thoughts cross my mind as I say the 23rd Psalm.       Sometimes I’m soothed to slumber before I finish. One night I was so caught up in the awesome reality of knowing the Lord is my Shepherd that I didn’t continue.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want --  WOW!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: -- NEEDS MET.

He leadeth me beside the still waters --  PEACE.

He restoreth my soul --  GRACE.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake – THE WAY OF TRUTH.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me -- PEACE WITH CANCER AND A LIFE-THREATENING SURGERY.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies -- HE HAS MY BACK.

Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over --  JOY UNSPEAKABLE.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.  SECURITY -- HOPE.

The Whole Truth: Trust God

When we want nothing but God we are sure to have everything we want (Matt. 5:6).

Psalm 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

Do we see things as they really are or like we think they are? We can correctly see if we lose our human perspective and grasp the heavenly perspective. How do we get to that place?

By Prayer --- By reading  the Bible. ---  By Grace --  By Faith

If we are to enjoy victory in the difficult days we need  to draw near to God and trust Him.

The more we allow ourselves to believe that God is Who He says He is --- that He can do what He says He will do --- the easier it becomes to trust Him with all of life.

Delight In The Lord

Do you suppose we can take our minds off the flusters and snares of life long enough to delight in the Lord? David gives us a good reason.

Psalm 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Too often when I’m focused on prayer and worship,  a multitude of unrelated “stuff” pops into my head.

It’s a challenge for believers to give the Lord our full-focused attention.

We can  delight in who God is to us, what He has done for us, and where He is taking us. We can delight in how much He loves us and in things which bring Him glory.

When we are lost in the Lord, our will and desires will be lost in Him as well. Sing – pray – study and praise the Master with delight – then trust in him and see what happens.