And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. Matthew 21:9
Tomorrow is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week leading up to Resurrection Sunday. This is a great time to pull out The Passion of the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, or The Gospel of John - movies that focus our attention on the Savior and what He did for us on the cross.
Palm Sunday has always been an interesting day for me, because over the years I have had such a hard time understanding how Israel could welcome Jesus as the promised Messiah, set to restore the nation to its proper place, and then five days later, nail Him to the cross. The speed at which they turned their affections is almost supernatural - and indeed it is. But as I've grown in my faith and meditated on the Word, I have come to see that all of this was part of God's plan. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit leading me and guiding me into all Truth, I now realize that I would have been just like the other Jews of Jesus' day, equally confused and saddened that He didn't fulfill the Scriptures to my understanding. Oh how limited we can be when we rely on our own minds and the circumstances surrounding us to understand the things of God!
Jesus came into the city of Jerusalem riding on a donkey, which represents a king coming in peace and not as a conqueror. When He comes again, He will be riding on a white horse, meaning He will be coming as the King of kings and Lord of lords to judge. But 2000 years ago, He came as the Prince of Peace, or the Prince of Shalom), coming to reconcile man to God and God to man. Shalom is the Hebrew word meaning wholeness and wellness - nothing missing or broken. Jesus came to bring life, healing, wholeness and blessing to mankind and the earth. All those who receive this gift by faith are born again as sons of God.
And yet four days after he entered the city, all had gone wrong. By that Thursday night, He began taking on the sins of the world - worry and stress being the first. And by Friday afternoon, He was dead. After such exaltation and triumph on the Sunday before, now all of Israel was left confused and traumatized! They thought this man was the Messiah! Who else healed the blind, cast out demons, cleansed the leprous and raised the dead like Jesus? Who else explained the Scriptures and spoke with such authority, feeding the people new wine, fish and loaves, as well as spiritual truths? If this man was not Messiah, then who could be?
But little did they know, a wonderful work was taking place in the spiritual realm - a realm they couldn't see because they were natural people, not yet born again. Sometimes, when we've heard the voice of God in our spirit, seen it in Scripture, had it confirmed through circumstances, and then darkness and confusion follows, we may not fully understand that a wonderful work is taking place on our behalf in the spiritual realm. Things are shifting, the enemy's plans are being thwarted and God's plans are taking shape. If we look at the situation with spiritual eyes, perhaps we will see this, but many times our natural eyes take over!
The resurrection of Jesus on the third day is our example of this truth. While all of Jerusalem mourned the death of a dream, God was busy at work, restoring mankind to Himself. What a happy and exciting time that must have been for Jesus! The bible says in Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Are you holding fast to God's Word and yet darkness and confusion abounds? Keep your eyes focused on Jesus, knowing that God is working on your behalf in the spiritual realm. Like the 120 disciples in the upper room on Pentecost, a day will come when He will reveal to you the work that has taken place. You might not understand today, but revelation will come later, and you will be glad!
The Jews in Jerusalem were sad on the day of Crucifixion, but 50 days later on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given, they were glad! Understanding came and they rejoiced! Little did they know that the enemy's plan to snuff Jesus out actually fulfilled God's divine orchestration to make us His sons! Praise Him! How can anyone say a God who would do that is anything other than GOOD!
Blessings to you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Hall of Faith
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. Hebrews 11:24-28.
Hebrews 11 is often called the "Hall of Faith." It lists the patriarchs in the Old Testament who continued to believe God's promise of Messiah and His kingdom, despite having never seen the fulfillment here on earth. One of those people is Moses, a great leader and prophet, yet a man filled with flaws. He committed murder, became a fugitive on the run, married a non-Hebrew, and was afraid to answer God's call to deliver Israel from bondage due to a speech impediment. But Moses' most famous gaffe was while in the wilderness--he struck the rock twice to bring forth water for a disgruntled and thirsty Israel. God had instructed him to speak to the rock, but thinking he knew better, Moses struck the rock like he had before. He didn't know this rock was prophetic of Jesus Christ being stricken, beaten, and bruised only once for sins so that the living water of eternal life could spring forth to mankind. Because of this act, Moses was condemned to the wilderness, never able to enter the promised land. That may seem like a harsh penalty for disobedience, but a holy God demands perfection under the law, especially when the act is prophetic of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. And yet, in reading Scripture's recording of Moses in Hebrews 11, there is no mention of his human faults and sins. What is recorded is his allegiance to the Jewish nation, esteeming the afflictions of Christ as greater riches than the earthly riches of Egypt! In addition, he is recorded as having endured the wrath of Pharaoh, because his eyes were fixed on an invisible savior! How can this be, when Jesus didn't come along until thousands of years later? And don't forget that by faith, Moses also instituted the Passover, instructing Israel to put lamb's blood on their door posts to avoid the death of the first born. Surely, he didn't have a full understanding of any of these acts, but did them anyway out of obedience. If you read this chapter of Hebrews and never perused the book of Exodus, you might conclude Moses never wavered in his belief. But we know this wasn't the case at all! What is the answer? God doesn't record the flaws and shortcomings of those who are believers in His son, Jesus--including those who came before the cross. Because Jesus took on all sin and bore the curse of the law, He suffered the legal penalty and received the fullness of God's wrath. Today, as born again believers in His death and resurrection, we are forgiven of all our sins (they have been put away once and for all), and we are new creations in Christ Jesus--as righteous as He is. The truth of this reality is so lofty for the human mind that it takes a revelation from the Holy Spirit to fully understand it. But like Moses, we don't have to understand all the things of God before accepting them as true and acting upon them. Believing in God's Word and acting in accordance with that belief is what our heavenly Father considers. So rejoice in the good news of the Gospel! Like Moses, all your faults, shortcomings, and sins cannot change the reality of the new birth and what Jesus did for you on the cross! You are loved and forgiven! |
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Rest in the Lord
"But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it. Numbers 14:24 KJV
The book of Hebrews encourages us to labor to enter into the rest of God, which means we cease from worry and concern and trust the Lord Jesus fully to fulfill the promises He has made. But this is a hard thing to do when there is turmoil all around. It takes dedication to pray and study and meditate on the Word to keep our faith strong.
The Old Testament picture of entering into the rest of God is Israel entering into the promised land after fleeing captivity in Egypt. If you read the book of Numbers, you will see a great story about how Moses sent twelve spies into the land, one from each tribe, to scout things out and see if things were as good and wonderful as God had promised. Well, the scouts did just that, and discovered the land was indeed a good and prosperous land, flowing with milk and honey. They even brought back a vine of grapes that was so large, two men had to carry it on a pole!
And yet, there was a problem. There were giants in the land, and as much as God had promised the land to Israel and was truthful in the goodness of it, the fear of those giants made ten of the scouts give a negative report. They spread dissension in the camp and fear spread like wildfire. The entire nation of Israel cried out in anguish, angry that God had brought them so far, only to have them destroyed by giants. Much to Moses' dismay, they made plans to choose a new leader and return to Egypt!
But the other two scouts, Joshua and Caleb, believed God's promises despite the giants in the land. Numbers 14:6-9 KJV records as follows: And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, [is] an exceeding good land. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not.
Instead of listening to Joshua and Caleb and reasoning with the truth, the people sought to stone them. Have you ever been in a situation where irrational fear causes men's reasonings to fly out the window? This is so true, especially when God's promises are called into question. The giants in our lives--the wind and waves and storms of life--make us question what God has said, causing us to shrink back in fear and choose the comforts of bondage over freedom.
Joshua and Caleb were different than the other Israelites. They rested in the Lord. They believed what God had promised, despite what the majority said. They weren't swayed by fear, but held firm that much more when threatened with stones. As God said of Caleb in Numbers 14:24, they were men of a different spirit who obeyed God fully. As a result, they were the only two of that entire generation of people who entered into the promised land. Unfortunately for them, they had to wait for the others to die out first, but when the time came to enter, they went in victorious!
Be like Joshua and Caleb and not those ten spies. Rest in the Lord and believe His promises, no matter what you see around you or feel in your emotions or body. Fear is real, but we don't have to rest in it. Rest in the grace of Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, and you will enter into a wondrous land of Shalom, peace.
The book of Hebrews encourages us to labor to enter into the rest of God, which means we cease from worry and concern and trust the Lord Jesus fully to fulfill the promises He has made. But this is a hard thing to do when there is turmoil all around. It takes dedication to pray and study and meditate on the Word to keep our faith strong.
The Old Testament picture of entering into the rest of God is Israel entering into the promised land after fleeing captivity in Egypt. If you read the book of Numbers, you will see a great story about how Moses sent twelve spies into the land, one from each tribe, to scout things out and see if things were as good and wonderful as God had promised. Well, the scouts did just that, and discovered the land was indeed a good and prosperous land, flowing with milk and honey. They even brought back a vine of grapes that was so large, two men had to carry it on a pole!
And yet, there was a problem. There were giants in the land, and as much as God had promised the land to Israel and was truthful in the goodness of it, the fear of those giants made ten of the scouts give a negative report. They spread dissension in the camp and fear spread like wildfire. The entire nation of Israel cried out in anguish, angry that God had brought them so far, only to have them destroyed by giants. Much to Moses' dismay, they made plans to choose a new leader and return to Egypt!
But the other two scouts, Joshua and Caleb, believed God's promises despite the giants in the land. Numbers 14:6-9 KJV records as follows: And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, [is] an exceeding good land. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not.
Instead of listening to Joshua and Caleb and reasoning with the truth, the people sought to stone them. Have you ever been in a situation where irrational fear causes men's reasonings to fly out the window? This is so true, especially when God's promises are called into question. The giants in our lives--the wind and waves and storms of life--make us question what God has said, causing us to shrink back in fear and choose the comforts of bondage over freedom.
Joshua and Caleb were different than the other Israelites. They rested in the Lord. They believed what God had promised, despite what the majority said. They weren't swayed by fear, but held firm that much more when threatened with stones. As God said of Caleb in Numbers 14:24, they were men of a different spirit who obeyed God fully. As a result, they were the only two of that entire generation of people who entered into the promised land. Unfortunately for them, they had to wait for the others to die out first, but when the time came to enter, they went in victorious!
Be like Joshua and Caleb and not those ten spies. Rest in the Lord and believe His promises, no matter what you see around you or feel in your emotions or body. Fear is real, but we don't have to rest in it. Rest in the grace of Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, and you will enter into a wondrous land of Shalom, peace.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Stay in Faith
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13.
Hebrews 11 gives us the "Hall of Faith," which is a listing of the patriarchs of the Bible who stood firm in their belief in God's promises, despite the circumstances. They are described as a great cloud of witnesses whose testimonies are an encouragement to us to keep believing and to hold fast to our confession of faith regardless of the pressures coming against us. All of them died believing for the promised heavenly Jersualem, expecting to see manifestation in their lifetimes, and yet they did not. This is a picture of faith. Faith continues to believe no matter how long it takes for the results to come. Faith remains expectant and sure of the truth no matter what life throws our way.
Have you ever heard someone say they prayed for something, let's say healing perhaps or provision, and the answer/result didn't happen overnight, or even in a week, a month, or even a year? It's happened to all of us. We may get mad at God or perhaps look inwardly, thinking we may have done something displeasing to Him. We may believe it isn't His will to bless us. We may feel abandoned and alone, unloved. We may say, "I believed, I had faith, but it didn't happen. No one believed harder than I did! My prayers didn't work!" All of us have had these thoughts run through our mind at some point.
But the truth is that prayer does work. It's just that the answer may take a little longer than we hoped. But that certainly is no reason to give up on faith. Faith believes all the way to the end, expecting manifestation at any moment. Imagine if Abraham had given up on his faith after the first year he prayed for Isaac? The Bible said it took about 20 years for Sarah to give birth to him! That's a long time. Joseph waited 23 years before his God-given dream came to fruition, and his brothers and father bowed before him as the Viceroy of Egypt. David waited about 14 years after being anointed King of Israel before he took the crown and ruled from Jerusalem. What if he had given up after a month? What if he had said it was all a lie?
Don't give up! Don't stop believing! Even if you go all the way to heaven and meet Jesus on the other side of life without seeing the manifestation of your prayers, go believing. Go with faith! You are in good company if you decide to be a person of steadfast faith regardless of the circumstances. God is pleased with His children believing in His promises, no matter what. Yes, the answer may be slow coming, but it's coming! At the appointed time, He will manifest His promises.
Hebrews 11 gives us the "Hall of Faith," which is a listing of the patriarchs of the Bible who stood firm in their belief in God's promises, despite the circumstances. They are described as a great cloud of witnesses whose testimonies are an encouragement to us to keep believing and to hold fast to our confession of faith regardless of the pressures coming against us. All of them died believing for the promised heavenly Jersualem, expecting to see manifestation in their lifetimes, and yet they did not. This is a picture of faith. Faith continues to believe no matter how long it takes for the results to come. Faith remains expectant and sure of the truth no matter what life throws our way.
Have you ever heard someone say they prayed for something, let's say healing perhaps or provision, and the answer/result didn't happen overnight, or even in a week, a month, or even a year? It's happened to all of us. We may get mad at God or perhaps look inwardly, thinking we may have done something displeasing to Him. We may believe it isn't His will to bless us. We may feel abandoned and alone, unloved. We may say, "I believed, I had faith, but it didn't happen. No one believed harder than I did! My prayers didn't work!" All of us have had these thoughts run through our mind at some point.
But the truth is that prayer does work. It's just that the answer may take a little longer than we hoped. But that certainly is no reason to give up on faith. Faith believes all the way to the end, expecting manifestation at any moment. Imagine if Abraham had given up on his faith after the first year he prayed for Isaac? The Bible said it took about 20 years for Sarah to give birth to him! That's a long time. Joseph waited 23 years before his God-given dream came to fruition, and his brothers and father bowed before him as the Viceroy of Egypt. David waited about 14 years after being anointed King of Israel before he took the crown and ruled from Jerusalem. What if he had given up after a month? What if he had said it was all a lie?
Don't give up! Don't stop believing! Even if you go all the way to heaven and meet Jesus on the other side of life without seeing the manifestation of your prayers, go believing. Go with faith! You are in good company if you decide to be a person of steadfast faith regardless of the circumstances. God is pleased with His children believing in His promises, no matter what. Yes, the answer may be slow coming, but it's coming! At the appointed time, He will manifest His promises.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Truth Remains the Same
For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 1:20
Have you ever claimed the promises of God, whether it be for healing, provision, favor, or blessings, and yet the circumstances look like things aren't happening? At times like that, we may get frustrated and even angry with God, feeling condemned and unloved. The facts surrounding us point to sickness, poverty, the curse and yet we open our Bibles and read Scriptures that speak the opposite. They tell us we are loved, blessed, healed and wealthy. Something is totally wrong!
Yes, the facts are the facts, but facts are subject to change. A bad doctor's report can suddenly become a clean bill of health. A low balance in our checking account can suddenly become flushed with cash, and that unfavorable situation can suddenly turn around and benefit us. Facts can change, but Truth remains the same. Truth is in the person of Jesus Christ, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.
Imagine Abraham calling himself the father of many nations at the age of 100 and yet he had no children. The Bible says his body was as good as dead and his 90 year-old wife, Sarah's, womb was dead. Those are terrible, dismal facts if one is holding on to a promise for a baby boy, much less nations of people. But on the day Sarah gave birth to Isaac, the facts changed and the Truth was made manifest. God had promised an offspring from Abraham's body, and what God promises will surely come to pass.
What about Israel conquering the powerful city of Jericho? The city walls were thick enough to have chariot races, and yet God brought those walls down just by having the people march around the city blowing trumpets and shouting praises. Again, those are outrageous facts for a budding nation poised to inhabit a prosperous, yet hostile, land and claim it as its own. No other nation in the history of the world has been able to conquer a stronger people by a shout and a trumpet blast! But on that day, the facts changed - Israel took Jericho and the Truth was made manifest. God had promised that land to Abraham, and what God promised will surely come to pass.
If you are In Christ Jesus, God has promised you every good and wonderful thing for an abundant, joyful life that glorifies Him. Yes, the facts in your life may stink, but the Truth remains the same. If you are sick, healing is there because Jesus is the healer. If you are suffering from financial lack, provision is there because Jesus is the provider. If you need favor in a situation, grace and mercy are there because Jesus is the savior and prince of peace who brings us Shalom peace.
Don't rest on the facts in your life. Don't even ask yourself why the facts are the way they are. Just focus on the Truth, resting on the goodness and mercy of Jesus. Perhaps it will take longer than you wish, but eventually, those horrible, nasty facts will have changed! Truth will be made manifest, because all of God's promises to those who are in Christ Jesus are "Yes" and "Amen"!
Have you ever claimed the promises of God, whether it be for healing, provision, favor, or blessings, and yet the circumstances look like things aren't happening? At times like that, we may get frustrated and even angry with God, feeling condemned and unloved. The facts surrounding us point to sickness, poverty, the curse and yet we open our Bibles and read Scriptures that speak the opposite. They tell us we are loved, blessed, healed and wealthy. Something is totally wrong!
Yes, the facts are the facts, but facts are subject to change. A bad doctor's report can suddenly become a clean bill of health. A low balance in our checking account can suddenly become flushed with cash, and that unfavorable situation can suddenly turn around and benefit us. Facts can change, but Truth remains the same. Truth is in the person of Jesus Christ, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.
Imagine Abraham calling himself the father of many nations at the age of 100 and yet he had no children. The Bible says his body was as good as dead and his 90 year-old wife, Sarah's, womb was dead. Those are terrible, dismal facts if one is holding on to a promise for a baby boy, much less nations of people. But on the day Sarah gave birth to Isaac, the facts changed and the Truth was made manifest. God had promised an offspring from Abraham's body, and what God promises will surely come to pass.
What about Israel conquering the powerful city of Jericho? The city walls were thick enough to have chariot races, and yet God brought those walls down just by having the people march around the city blowing trumpets and shouting praises. Again, those are outrageous facts for a budding nation poised to inhabit a prosperous, yet hostile, land and claim it as its own. No other nation in the history of the world has been able to conquer a stronger people by a shout and a trumpet blast! But on that day, the facts changed - Israel took Jericho and the Truth was made manifest. God had promised that land to Abraham, and what God promised will surely come to pass.
If you are In Christ Jesus, God has promised you every good and wonderful thing for an abundant, joyful life that glorifies Him. Yes, the facts in your life may stink, but the Truth remains the same. If you are sick, healing is there because Jesus is the healer. If you are suffering from financial lack, provision is there because Jesus is the provider. If you need favor in a situation, grace and mercy are there because Jesus is the savior and prince of peace who brings us Shalom peace.
Don't rest on the facts in your life. Don't even ask yourself why the facts are the way they are. Just focus on the Truth, resting on the goodness and mercy of Jesus. Perhaps it will take longer than you wish, but eventually, those horrible, nasty facts will have changed! Truth will be made manifest, because all of God's promises to those who are in Christ Jesus are "Yes" and "Amen"!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Patience and Endurance
For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and [a]carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised. Hebrews 10:36 AMP
Have you ever wondered why sometimes it seems to take so long for God to come through with His promises in your life? Perhaps you are standing firm on the Lord's Word regarding divine healing or financial provision, or the deliverance of a child or loved one, and yet manifestation is slow coming. The temptation is there to doubt God's Word, to question whether He loves you, to slide into guilt and condemnation. But then the Holy Spirit inside of you comforts you and encourages you, reminding you that you are righteous in Christ Jesus and deeply loved by Abba Father.
If that is true and we are God's children, part of the body of Christ, filled with His Spirit and heirs of the wonderful promises--which include the blessings of Abraham--then why are things taking so long? Answer: patience is being manufactured in you. And the Bible says you NEED patience. Well, if the Lord says we need patience, then we should endeavor to embrace every opportunity where patience is developed in us.
So how do we get patience? Unfortunately, it can't be attained by any means other than fiery trials and temptations to not believe God's Word. As we stand firm and stalwart in our faith in Scripture, patience is doing a perfect work in us, proving and refining our faith, so that we can fully accomplish God's will in our life and receive and fully enjoy His promises. Read the entire book of 1 Peter to get a deeper insight into this spiritual truth.
When we keep our eyes on the promises in Christ, knowing that patience is working in our favor to help us fully receive, then we will come to realize as James did--that fiery trials and temptations are a joyful thing. Consider James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
So rejoice when the trials come, knowing that patience is working in the spiritual realm on your behalf. Stand firm in the faith, knowing that manifestation is on its way!
Have you ever wondered why sometimes it seems to take so long for God to come through with His promises in your life? Perhaps you are standing firm on the Lord's Word regarding divine healing or financial provision, or the deliverance of a child or loved one, and yet manifestation is slow coming. The temptation is there to doubt God's Word, to question whether He loves you, to slide into guilt and condemnation. But then the Holy Spirit inside of you comforts you and encourages you, reminding you that you are righteous in Christ Jesus and deeply loved by Abba Father.
If that is true and we are God's children, part of the body of Christ, filled with His Spirit and heirs of the wonderful promises--which include the blessings of Abraham--then why are things taking so long? Answer: patience is being manufactured in you. And the Bible says you NEED patience. Well, if the Lord says we need patience, then we should endeavor to embrace every opportunity where patience is developed in us.
So how do we get patience? Unfortunately, it can't be attained by any means other than fiery trials and temptations to not believe God's Word. As we stand firm and stalwart in our faith in Scripture, patience is doing a perfect work in us, proving and refining our faith, so that we can fully accomplish God's will in our life and receive and fully enjoy His promises. Read the entire book of 1 Peter to get a deeper insight into this spiritual truth.
When we keep our eyes on the promises in Christ, knowing that patience is working in our favor to help us fully receive, then we will come to realize as James did--that fiery trials and temptations are a joyful thing. Consider James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
So rejoice when the trials come, knowing that patience is working in the spiritual realm on your behalf. Stand firm in the faith, knowing that manifestation is on its way!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Do Not Fear, Only Believe!
While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's [house], saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard [it], he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. Luke 8:49-50 KJV
What happens when you're believing for God to come through for you, whether it be a miracle for healing, provision, or safety, and things don't turn out like you planned? Are you tempted to believe God has forsaken you, that's He's angry at you and getting back at you for some misconduct in your life? While all of us may be tempted to believe such things about our loving Father and wonderful savior, Jesus, don't fall for it! Don't succumb to any temptation to believe anything other than what is supported by Scripture. As believers, we look to the Word and the witness of the Holy Spirit inside our hearts, not our circumstances.
Think on the words Jesus spoke to Jarius after he learned that his little daughter had died. The ruler of the synagogue (who represents religious people) told Jarius not to trouble the Master (Jesus). But Jesus has the final word. He turned to Jarius and said, "Fear not. Only believe." Translation - "Don't listen to the world and religious folk! Listen to me!" If you read later on in Luke, you will learn that the little girl was raised up! What a wonderful testimony that family had to share with others - and it's still being shared today!
Yes, things may look hopeless, but don't give up hope! Dead things in our lives may appear permanently dead, but with Jesus there is resurrection power. Perhaps manifestation of your miracle is slow coming - think about Abraham waiting for Isaac to be born, Joseph waiting for his dream to come to pass, David hiding away from evil King Saul, Jesus waiting in Nazareth for 18 years for His ministry to begin ... patience and endurance worked on their behalf and, likewise, they are working on our behalf. Don't give up! Keep believing in God's promises despite the circumstances.
Do not fear! Only believe!
What happens when you're believing for God to come through for you, whether it be a miracle for healing, provision, or safety, and things don't turn out like you planned? Are you tempted to believe God has forsaken you, that's He's angry at you and getting back at you for some misconduct in your life? While all of us may be tempted to believe such things about our loving Father and wonderful savior, Jesus, don't fall for it! Don't succumb to any temptation to believe anything other than what is supported by Scripture. As believers, we look to the Word and the witness of the Holy Spirit inside our hearts, not our circumstances.
Think on the words Jesus spoke to Jarius after he learned that his little daughter had died. The ruler of the synagogue (who represents religious people) told Jarius not to trouble the Master (Jesus). But Jesus has the final word. He turned to Jarius and said, "Fear not. Only believe." Translation - "Don't listen to the world and religious folk! Listen to me!" If you read later on in Luke, you will learn that the little girl was raised up! What a wonderful testimony that family had to share with others - and it's still being shared today!
Yes, things may look hopeless, but don't give up hope! Dead things in our lives may appear permanently dead, but with Jesus there is resurrection power. Perhaps manifestation of your miracle is slow coming - think about Abraham waiting for Isaac to be born, Joseph waiting for his dream to come to pass, David hiding away from evil King Saul, Jesus waiting in Nazareth for 18 years for His ministry to begin ... patience and endurance worked on their behalf and, likewise, they are working on our behalf. Don't give up! Keep believing in God's promises despite the circumstances.
Do not fear! Only believe!
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