Monday, June 21, 2010

You Don’t Have A Chance!

With that title you are probably asking yourself, “Where is the good news?” Let me start with encouraging you to read the 46th Psalm and then I will show you the good news.

Psalm 46:(1) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (2) Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, (3) though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah (think about it)
(4) There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. (5) God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day. (6) Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. (7) The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah (think about it)
(8) Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. (9) He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. (10) "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (11) The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (NIV)

Israel is surrounded by and being attacked by wicked warring nations. The psalmist starts by reminding God of His rightful place in his life. A refuge, strength and ever-present help in trouble. The natural outcome being; there is nothing to be afraid of because God is in charge. Then something amazing happens, God speaks back! In verse 10 God says, “Be still, and know that I am God…” I have heard this used as a worship scripture. God wants you to be still. While rest and be still are in His word and for the believer, it is not what God is saying in Psalm 46. Actually, God is speaking to those wicked warring nations. He says to them, Cease and desist (be still); it is I, God, who will be exalted in victory; you do not have a chance. God speaks and says to our enemies you don’t have a chance. THAT’S THE GOOD NEWS!

If your enemy is fear or doubt, lust, depression, fatigue, sickness, loss of employment, hopelessness or addiction remind it today, “You don’t have a Chance”. Stay in faith, keep trusting your Heavenly Father and keep your eye on the prize because He will give us the victory.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Double Up!

I always hate when I read the parts of the Bible where Jesus promises that we will experience trouble in this world. I know God has a plan in all circumstances, but it would be fine with me if I could skip the difficulty and fast forward to the blessing part. This is the bottom line though; I know more of God's faithfulness in times of trouble than in times of blessing. In those seasons of difficulty and trouble some encouragement is always helpful. I have great news for YOU today, God will give us double for our trouble!
Isaiah 61:7 (The Message)says, "Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever." In the Old Testament when this scripture was written, God's people were going through a very dark time. They were being held captive against their will and mistreated by other nations. God sent this word to encourage them, and give them hope for their future. When the time came, God was faithful to His Word!
Are you going through a difficult and troubled season? Let this word bring you encouragement! He is the God of restoration-that means, He's not going to just repay you for every wrong done, but will go above and beyond and make things even better than they were before.
If we are facing challenges today or going through a time of adversity, just remember, it is always darkest before the dawn appears. Our days are destined to shine brighter because God is faithful. As we stay in faith and are obedient to His Word we'll receive double for our trouble, and see His promises come to pass!