How to Stand Strong.
>>The Promises of God are the foundation on which I stand.
Promises are telling. Whenever someone promises something, and then she keeps that promise, we find her credible.
God has made many, many promises - why think of it--even his prophecies are promises; when they are fulfilled, promises kept.
Because God keeps his promises, he deserves our trust.
The nature of God’s promises tell us about who he is, including his character, his heart toward us and his plans for us. Wherever you find yourself, in whatever circumstances … India, Ghana, Israel, Germany, North Carolina . . . these promises are for you. Write them down, carry them on your person, put them on your refrigerator where you will see them, commit them to memory so they are 'at the ready'.
These Scripture verses are arrows for your quiver. Look a little closer at this picture of me teaching in the San Clemente parking lot in 2020, I have a quiver around my neck, complete with verses on the arrows.
And right where we are in John chapter six, we hear Jesus say: Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. John 6.47. Eternal life, a promise! 'Want more on that eternal life? Jesus said, "I am going to prepare a place for you. . .I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am." John 14.3
‘Need to know God loves you? “God demonstrates his own love for us in this - While we were still sinners, [i.e. totally unlovable] Christ died for us.” Romans 5.8
Nothing can come between you and God’s love Look what Paul declared: I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8.38-39
~>Note: whether or not you "feel" that love on any given day is irrelevant; it does not interrupt or change the fact that God loves you.
‘Need to make a decision? If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1.5 When I was 11 years old, I memorized it this way: If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him.
Are you worried or anxious? The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31.8 And Jesus' invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11.28
'Wonder if God is faithful? This verse breathes life into me: "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3.22,23. Keeping it real - there are times, like now--when my heart is broken... or there is a tremendous amount of stress, and I think to myself, 'I just need to go to bed now so I can get up in the morning to God's new mercies!'
Do you feel guilty? Of course, we all do at times! But here is God's promise: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1.9 No shame, no guilt - forgiveness.
And when you are tempted? God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. . . he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10.13
Just a few of the promises of God--enough to assure you that God cares when you hurt, fear, despair, worry and even just wonder.
God's promises assure us of his everlasting, unconditional love, his character, his faithfulness and his presence. God's promises show us his leading and direction, his unchanging nature, and give us peace and provision. He promises forgiveness when we repent, and a home in Heaven with him when we die. It is true-->God promises us eternal life. All of these form a foundation for faith which is resplendent with HOPE! Indeed, God's love for his children is evident by the promises contained in the Bible. Praise be to God! You can stand on these promises of our loving God. He is our Bread of Life.
And I try to remember always that 'God is working in me both to will and to work according to his good purpose.' Philippians 2.13
This prayer was sent to me this morning, an arrow shot straight to my heart:
Father, you know what lies ahead. You are working in my life today and arranging situations and circumstances that will make sense in the future.
When I see then what you see now, I will know that you are never wasting time or experience.
You are efficiently working in my life for the highest good and best outcome. You are not dragging things out. You are timing things strategically.
I take hold of these truths and carry them with me as I walk into what comes next. Jennifer Kennedy Dean
Listen: Breathe In, Breathe Out - Caleb & John,
And another! Best News Ever - Mercy Me,
Christine
John, no.23
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