20151116 WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR STRENGTH?

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR STRENGTH?

Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank You for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.  (26)  Yes, Father, it pleased You to do it this way!  (27)  "My Father has entrusted everything to Me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him."

In the preceding verses Jesus proclaims the horror of the final judgment of the occupants of five cities. But, in verse 25 He turns His heart and mind to praising the Father. Though judgment will be horrendous there will be a remnant and Jesus praises God for it. He rejoices in what pleases the Father. In that rejoicing He is trusting the Father’s perfect plan for His own, for those He will save.

I’m reminded of the time that David and his men had gone out to battle only to return and find their city burned and their families taken. David’s men, being discouraged, tired, and angry began talking of killing David. Read David’s response… 1 Samuel 30:6  David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Jesus wept over Jerusalem as He approached it (Luke 19:41). No doubt He was broken hearted over Chorazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, Sidon and Capernaum, but He found strength in the Father and His plans.

In what do you find strength when all around you seems devastating? The news of late is depressing, maddening even. Jesus warned of wars and rumors of wars, persecutions, earthquakes and all sorts of calamities. But He also said, John 14:27 "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.”

Father in heaven, strengthen our brothers and sisters in Paris who are dealing with such a massive loss because of evil. Draw the lost to Yourself. Grant Your comfort and Your peace. Remind us where our strength comes from by the power and grace of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!

HUMILITY

HUMILITY

Matthew 5:5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

“Humility,” or “meekness” as many translations put it, is not weakness. It is the greatest of strengths. Psalms 119:165 KJV Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them (or cause them to stumble). Proverbs 16:32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

The humble person, like Christ, is not easily offended, does not strike back quickly, will not speak evil of those who speak evil of him. The humble person is quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. He sees no task as beneath him, no person unworthy of his time. The humble driver yields the right of way, does not demand his way but walks in God’s way.

The humble are blessed. They are blessed because they are at peace and content with God’s plan. Take all they own now and they do not fret for they know they shall inherit the whole earth. They have the promise, they believe the promise and it gives them great joy, peace and contentment now. They know whom they have believed and are persuaded that He is able to keep that which they have committed unto Him against that day (2 Timothy 1:12 my paraphrase). So they do not need to fight and grasp for the stuff of this life. They are already living the abundant life of trust in God’s everlasting and certain promises.

Are there tasks that are beneath you? Are there people not worthy of your time? When you drive do you rush to get ahead of the next guy? Will you kneel down and tie someone else’s shoe? When insulted do you feel you must insult back?

Father in heaven, You alone know our hearts clearly. Show us our humility level. Make us know who we really are and then re-make us to be like Jesus who is meek and lowly in heart and help us to find rest unto our souls. In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!