Tag: Favor

What shall be the sign?

Genesis 15:8  But he said, “O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?”

2 Kings 20:8    And Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?”

Luke 1:18   And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”

Psalms 86:17    Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Genesis 24:2-4    And Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh,  that I may make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell,  but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”

Genesis 24:13-14     Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water.  Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.”

Judges 6:36-40     Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said,  behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.”  And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water.  Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.”  And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew.

1 Samuel 14:9-10     If they say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stand still in our place, and we will not go up to them.  But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the LORD has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us.”

Isaiah 7:11    “Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.”

Matthew 12:38-40     Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”  But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

There are certain aspects of our christian life that definitely do not need a sign from God for us to follow.

2 Peter 1:4. Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

Galatians 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

One thing is clear, if we do not spend time cultivating a life with these foundations being hammered solid through reading and applying His word, how its it expected to see a sign from Him in whom there is not daily desire to honor, glorify, serve, follow and obey.  Walking with God this side of eternity has questions which requires living active faith.  Faith that is grown and cultivated through His word.

We can ask God to give us a sign but I have found many times that He confirms directions for us to follow without us needing to ask.  We just need to have our heart and ears tuned in to listening for the quiet small whispers of God through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Do you want a sign?  

Do you want to hear Him speak into your life through His word?

Do you want to see things unfold knowing God’s hand is active in plans and purposes in your life?

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen.  In our life of instant everything we seem have lost the ability to seek God with expectant faith anticipation.

Do not lose sight of these

Deuteronomy 32:47  For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.”

Leviticus 18:5    You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the LORD.

Proverbs 3:1-2     My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,  for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.  for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.   Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.  It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.  Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;  Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,  for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.  She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.  Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.  Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.  The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens;  by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, do not lose sight of these— keep sound wisdom and discretion,  and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.  Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.  If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.  Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes,  for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

Matthew 6:33     But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

1 Timothy 4:8    for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

1 Peter 3:10-12    For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;  let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

It does not take much time to understand the way of the world has a way of creeping into the life of those opposed to it.  Slowly it finds cracks and sets root into the heart.  Keep these ways out of your heart and mind.  Stay in His word.  Live to humbly serve, honor, follow and obey Him alone.  Do not this culture’s wisdom of what is right and wrong be your guide, but rather allow His word to be your light and path this side of eternity.

Therefore it shall be a witness against you

Psalms 119:57   The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words.  I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.  When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;  I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.  Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.  I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.   The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!

Psalms 16:5    The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.

Psalms 73:26     My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalms 142:5    I cry to you, O LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

Lamentations 3:24     “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

“Therefore it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.”

Joshua 24:15     And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Deuteronomy 26:17-18     You have declared today that the LORD is your God, and that you will walk in his ways, and keep his statutes and his commandments and his rules, and will obey his voice.  And the LORD has declared today that you are a people for his treasured possession, as he has promised you, and that you are to keep all his commandments,

“You are my portion, O Lord: These are the words of a satisfied soul. The Psalmist is satisfied with the portion received, and that portion is the Lord Himself.”

“The Lord Himself is satisfaction to the Psalmist because God has come to him through His word. It isn’t as if the word of God was in one place, and the Psalmist must go another place for experience of and satisfaction found in God. He can say, “You are my portion, O Lord, and I have received that portion as You meet me in Your word and I live it out.”

“He is an exceedingly covetous fellow to whom God is not sufficient; and he is an exceeding fool to whom the world is sufficient. For God is an inexhaustible treasury of all riches, sufficing innumerable men; while the world has mere trifles and fascinations to offer, and leads the soul into deep and sorrowful poverty.”

“A close connection with God that receives and enjoys Him as one’s portion also receives strength to keep His words.”

“But if we take the Lord as our portion, we must take him as our king. . . . Here is the Christian complete – taking the Lord as his portion, and his word as his rule.” (Bridges)

“I have said; I have not only purposed it in my own heart, but have professed and owned it before others, and I do not repent of it.” (Poole)

Do you ever take notice of how active God’s word is in your life, where you actually reflect on it at the end of the day?  It is easier to notice if time is spent in His word with a heart deep desire to humbly serve, honor, praise, glorify, follow and obey Him.  Being filled with His living word will satisfy the darkest soul and give light to their day.

Secretly serving God is not an option.  Publicly professing and owning it before others is a basic foundation for commitment and service to Him. Scripture adds to this where it says words of faith without deeds (action) is dead and are nothing more than a clanging noise.

Active faith has proclamation/profession and action.  I wait for the Lord, I hope in the Lord, I trust in the Lord, I rely on the Lord, I believe in the Lord, I believe in eternity, I believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I know I have been forgiven, I honor the Lord, I hope in Him alone, I love His word and application in my life, I keep His word, I listen for His whispers of guidance…….. All of these are proclamations and have no meaning if there is no active influence in the actions of the person proclaiming them.

He is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

“You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.”

“I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Psalms 115:12  The LORD has remembered us; he will bless us;

Psa 115:13  he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great.

Psalms 33:18    Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love,

Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.

Proverbs 30:5     Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalms 18:30    This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

James 3:17     But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Psalms 84:11     For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

God’s ways are not our ways.  His thoughts are not our thoughts.  His grace, mercy, and love are the same as ours.  His awesome power and might can not be compared to anything or anyone.  His truth and justice are absolute.  There is none like Him.

Have you heard people talk about a famous person the had opportunity to meet by chance.  They tell the story over and over again when they have opportunity.  Most, if not all of us, at some point have had opportunity and do talk about it.

When I think about God, creator, author of all there is, who spoke things into being, who has no equal in heaven or earth, I wonder what is man that He is mindful of them, cares for them, loves them, provides for them, protects them, encourages them, speaks to them, gives them place of refuge, gives them strength, gives them hope, peace, and love, gives them wisdom, and forgives them.

No matter what we are facing “GOD does not change”.  No matter how big the challenge “God is more powerful”. No matter how dark it seems “the Light of His word” get’s through.  No matter how uncertain things seem “He is in control”.  There is not limit to God and His love for those who fear, trust, and hope in Him.

Beginning of wisdom

“So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.”

Psalms 111:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

 Job 28:28     And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

 Proverbs 9:10    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.  

 Proverbs 1:7    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. 

 Ecclesiastes 12:13     The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Psalms 1:3    He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

 Deuteronomy 4:6     Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

 2 Timothy 3:15-17    and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

 John 13:17     If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

I know “fear” can be misunderstood so I have copied this for a reference to help understand the meaning intended: “The Hebrew verb yare can mean “to fear, to respect, to reverence” and the Hebrew noun yirah “usually refers to the fear of God and is viewed as a positive quality. This fear acknowledges God’s good intentions (Ex. 20:20). … This fear is produced by God’s Word (Ps. 119:38; Prov. 2:5) and makes a person receptive to wisdom and knowledge (Prov. 1:7; 9:10)” (Warren Baker and Eugene Carpenter, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament, 2003, pp. 470-471”.    Without this reverence and respect for God, His word will be meaningless, His promises empty, His salvation rejected, and His purpose seems foolish.  Without this reverence and respect, our heart is hardened and though we may read or hear the word of God it will have no place to root in our heart.  Proverbs says the beginning of all wisdom is fear (reverence and respect) of the Lord.  The verses today speak of those who have this reverence and respect of God and those who do not.  Hold tight to this reverence and respect.  With this as a firm anchor in your life His word will have great impact and purpose in your life.

Doer of Good

“But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him”

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”

Psalms 106:1  Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!  Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD, or declare all his praise?  Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times!Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them, that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.

 Romans 11:33    Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

 Job 26:14     Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?”

 Job 5:9     who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number:

 John 14:23     Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

 Romans 2:7    to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 

 Galatians 6:9    And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

 Revelation 22:14    Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.

 James 1:25    But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

God is powerful and mighty.  His steadfast love endures forever. He does so much more than we can comprehend.  What we see of Him is but a vapor of His unsearchable wisdom, knowledge, and majesty.  His promises are to those who love and honor Him.  We are encouraged in scripture to have patience in doing good, not growing weary of doing good, and to not just be hears of His word but doers with action.  Give thought today on hearing the whispers of guidance from God and being a patient doer of good for His glory and honor.

Lost without hope and understanding

“For this is a people without discernment; therefore he who made them will not have compassion on them; he who formed them will show them no favor.”

“They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction of idols is but wood!”

“If they were wise, they would understand this; they would discern their latter end!”

Psalms 94:8  Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise?  He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see?  He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge—  the LORD—knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.

Jeremiah 8:6-8    I have paid attention and listened, but they have not spoken rightly; no man relents of his evil, saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone turns to his own course, like a horse plunging headlong into battle.  Even the stork in the heavens knows her times, and the turtledove, swallow, and crane keep the time of their coming, but my people know not the rules of the LORD.  “How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us’? But behold, the lying pen of the scribes has made it into a lie.

Proverbs 12:1    Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Psalms 49:10    For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others.  Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names  Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.  This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah

Proverbs 1:22    “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 8:5    O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.

Romans 1:21-22    For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Claiming to be wise, they became fools,

Titus 3:3    For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

The end is clear for those who choose to walk their own path in this world.  We hear it said “they did it their way” or “he is self made” and give head nod to their accomplishment.  This is the way of the world- proud, boasting, always seeking and wanting more, taking paths in life that seem right but do not include God, seeking approval of man rather than God, believing lies to condone their actions, greedy. Scripture says these people are foolish and stupid.  Scripture also says  For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.  We were no different but somehow through God’s grace, mercy, and opening our heart and mind to the truth through Jesus Christ we were made new.  We were forgiven.  We were changed.  No longer having the passions and seeking pleasures of this world we found purpose, safety, hope, love, joy, peace, and comfort through Jesus Christ. We were lost but now we are found in Him.  Never forget the path from which you were saved.  That path of destruction and eternal hell.  Never forget that we too were once foolish and disobedient.  Keep speaking Christ into the lives of both the lost and saved.  God’s word does not return void – it will accomplish what He has planned.  What does it matter if a person rejects the message of Christ 100 times.  Might they not receive Him on 101?

Followed Me fully

Psalms 90:16  Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Psalms 44:1    O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old:

Numbers 14:22     none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice,  shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised me shall see it.  But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.

Habakkuk 3:2     O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.

Joshua 4:22     then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’  For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over,  so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.”

Joshua 23:14     “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.

Psalms 68:28     Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.

Psalms 27:4     One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.

Psalms 110:3     Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.

Psalms 118:25     Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success!

Job 22:28    You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.

Proverbs 16:3    Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.

1 Corinthians 3:7     So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

Isaiah 26:12     O LORD, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works.

2 Thessalonians 2:16     Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,  comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

2 Thessalonians 3:1    Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,
But only God who gives growth.  We wonder why some or all of what we do seems purposeless and without life meaning and satisfaction.  It is time to learn from Him and seek him like given in this scripture “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,”  Everyday the choice we get to make concerning serving Him is given to us.  We get this choice and should we make the right choice we find peace, hope, love, power, courage, strength, comfort, joy and life with fulfilling purpose.  If we make the choice to follow self and the world we void all of this.  We may find these in short term bursts but they do not last and they certainly do not fulfill.  Do you want to see growth in what your purpose is this side of eternity?  Seek and desire God.  Choose to honor, serve, follow and obey Him.  How can we lose sight of what Jesus Christ freely did to redeem us from a path to eternal hell?  He allowed Himself to be beaten, whipped, nailed to the cross, mocked, spit upon and stabbed with a spear.  He could have stopped any of this happening at just a single word.  He chose to redeem.  He chose to call to Himself a people who come to Him with desire to humbly serve Him.  What manner of people ought we to be in light of the great sacrifice paid?  How should we live?  Seek and desire Jesus Christ in and through your life.  Be kind, generous, loving, giving, humble, hopeful, joyful, and never forgetting the redeeming price that was paid for your salvation.  Follow Him fully.

Prayer of Moses

Psalms 90:1  A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.  Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.  You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!”  For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.  For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.  For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh.  The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.  Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you?  So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.  Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!  Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil.  Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.  Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

This prayer from Moses sums up much of life.  granted many of us do not see this because of the luxury we live in.  This is not true for most of the world.  We live with freedom and complain.  We live with education and complain.  We live with running water, heat, electricity and complain. We have transportation, technology, medical care and a place to call home and we complain.  We have more than enough food and we complain.  There might be a slight chance we don’t complain but we certainly are not truly thankful.  We don’t express our thanks to God for the many blessings He has given us.  Sometimes I wonder if they are blessings because they seem to trap so many into thinking there is no need for God.  How sad is it when we get to a place in our thoughts that we think we are entitled to these blessings, forgetting they are gifts from God who is to be praised and thanked for them.  If you strip it all away and leave us with just our body, mind, and soul is God still real and worthy to be praised? YES YES YES, He is.  He is God.  And for this alone He is worthy of praise.  However, He has added to this many blessings to show of His steadfast love, mercy, and grace for the purpose of drawing a people to Himself.  Scripture says “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”  and also says: “The LORD is a jealous God,filled with vengeance and rage.He takes revenge on all who oppose himand continues to rage against his enemies!The LORD is slow to get angry, but his power is great,and he never lets the guilty go unpunished.”  For those who hear His voice and come to Him,  He is a loving Father.  To those who reject His voice and is full of rage.  Submit to Him, cling to Him, rely on Him, and trust in Him.  Our life is short and finds fulfilling purpose when humbling serving, honoring, following and obeying God.

Kicking and Screaming

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.”

Psalms 86:16  Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Psalms 69:16     Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.

Psalms 90:13     Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!

Psalms 119:132    Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.

Psalms 84:5     Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

Psalms 138:3     On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.

Isaiah 40:29     He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.  Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;  but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Zechariah 10:12     I will make them strong in the LORD, and they shall walk in his name,” declares the LORD.

Ephesians 3:16     that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

Philippians 4:13     I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Why is it important to have the right source for inner strength?  Where does true inner strength come from? How does it appear in our life?  Living this side of eternity will have it’s battles.  Walking into these battles there are times we walk with God, times God carries us through them, and times when He drags us kicking and screaming through them.  In Him alone will there be strength to face whatever comes our way.  In Him we have no fear of tomorrow.  In Him there is peace that passes all understanding.  The times we walk with God to face head that which is before us are during times when His Holy Spirit fills us, we are listening and in tune with His leading, we walk fully trusting and relying on His power.  The times He is carrying us are during those times when life hits us with a punch so hard it takes the wind from our sail and we can’t seem to move or find out way through it.  He picks us up and carries us in His power, strength, might, and love.  His arms wrap around us and we find comfort, refuge, and hope.  The times He drags us is when we don’t listen, we shut Him from our life, we walk apart from Him and try to go our own way.  We think we are in control and have no need for Him or His word of truth.  It seems as though God drags us into a battle so big with so much uncertainty, where we truly can’t seem to find our way through it.  Our own strength is drained to a point we quit kicking and screaming and seek Him for we have tried to handle it on our own.  We find peace, hope, joy, and comfort.  I don’t know where you are but the best place to be is humbly serving, honoring, following, and obeying God.  Spend time in His word and build your faith in Him who can do all things. In Hi who can do more than we ask and much more than we can imagine.