“Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.”
(Psalm 27:14 NIV)
God does not procrastinate. When faced with a challenge, I looked for multiple ways to hold off attacking it. I cannot see the big picture, but God can. I have to trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance and wait on His next steps. They always come at the right time and in the right way. I will look to my heavenly Father. I will be strong, take heart, and wait for Him. I hope you will, too!
“Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been
completed,
that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s
hand
double for all her sins.”
(Isaiah 40:2 NIV)
God became a human and entered this world He created so we could be reconciled back to Him. His perfection required a perfect sacrifice for our rebellion and we could not provide it. Isaiah prophesied that our sin would be atoned for on the cross of Jesus. I accept God’s free gift of salvation. I hope you will, too!
“Over all these virtues put on love,
which binds them all in perfect unity.”
(Colossians 3:14 NIV)
It does not matter how right I am or how much I know, if I do not show it with love, I am nothing. Like honey bees drawn to flowers for nectar, people will be drawn to genuine caring and love. I see it at the nursing home I visit. The residents do not care about how we sing, only that we care about them. I will ask God to help me care more about others than myself. I hope you will, too!
“But now, this is what the Lord says -
He who created you, O Jacob,
He who formed you, O Israel:
‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name;
you are Mine.”
(Isaiah 43:1 NIV)
Oh, the joy to know I belong to Jesus! No matter where I live or what I do, I am held in the arms of my Savior. No power can ever take that freedom away from me. I will thank Him continually for the freedom I enjoy in this amazing country. I hope you will, too!
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand
firm.
Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the
work of the Lord,
because you know that your labor in the
Lord
is not in vain.”
(1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)
God gives us the victory through Jesus Christ. Everything done through faith will stand and be recognized in God’s kingdom. British Missionary C. T. Studd said it best, “Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.” I will strive to do the best I can all the time for God’s glory. I hope you will, too!
“Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.”
(Proverbs 3:7 NIV)
King Solomon continues in Proverbs 3:8 to say that humility will “bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Sometimes I “jump the gun” and do foolish things that result in injury. I think I know what I am doing, but hastily miss the path of Truth. I will wait on the Lord, fear Him, trust His guidance, and not try to run ahead of His perfect will. I hope you will, too!
“On the contrary, we speak as men
approved by God to be entrusted with
the gospel.
We are not trying to please men but
God,
who tests our hearts.”
(1 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV)
It is a humbling experience to know the Creator of our hearts and minds is also the Instructor who grades our efforts. I am a student of Almighty God. As He walks down the row of desks and approaches mine, He lays down a final grade of 100 A+! I will gladly receive His gracious gifts today. I hope you will, too!
