It Is Easy

Some food for thought. 

God Bless.

It is easy to take things for granted in this modern world. We can video chat with loved ones living thousands of miles away. We have good, effective treatment for many illnesses. Most of us do not have to labor in the fields for our food. Yet, these are relatively recent blessings provided by those who went before us.

Today’s reading is the second half of Peter’s long opening thanksgiving. Picking up on the theme of salvation, Peter reminds the church never to take for granted the privileged position we have. We live on the other side of Jesus Christ coming in the flesh, dying for our sin, rising again, and sending the Holy Spirit to indwell His people. Peter himself witnessed these events. As a disciple of Jesus for years, Peter was present at His trial and he saw the empty tomb. He was also there when the Holy Spirit came on believers at Pentecost (Acts 2). He does not want his readers to forget what a blessing it is to believe the gospel and be filled with the Spirit.

Even the most privileged people in the Old Testament—the prophets—did not have the same knowledge of God we have. The prophets carefully searched the Scriptures to try to understand when the Messiah would come (v. 10–11).

Peter tells us the “Spirit of Christ” directed the prophets to write about His future suffering and glory. Passages like Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Zechariah 9:9–10 are examples. Although the prophets knew in general that the Messiah was coming, would suffer, and be glorified, they did not know the details. They were writing for the benefit of future believers who could be assured by their prophecies that Jesus is the Messiah (v. 12).

-Author Unknown 

Think Of Ways

Something to think about.

God Bless.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (NLT) -Hebrews 10:24

Do you know of someone who is down? Give your best effort to encourage them. A hot meal goes a long way to help someone who is depressed. Put yourself in their position and use gentle words to build them up. Take a moment to thoughtfully encourage your friend. Reviving their spirit enables them to be their lovable selves again.

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God Has Not

Encouragement below. 

God Bless.

" For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (NLT)" -"2 Timothy 1:7 "

"God’s Word reminds us that you have given us the power to be brave and to control their thoughts. Today, pause to ask God to give you the ability to have a sound mind. Center your mind on the Lord. God will equip you with what you need to capture every thought so fear and anxiety are not able to rule your day. \n"

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Frustration

Oh yeah! I feel this.

God Bless.

Frustration is like an unheard scream in the night. Depression follows close behind. There is something about impossibility wrapped up in inertia that moves us to anger and tears.

I know what I’m talking about. I’m living there right now. I’m white-knuckled and weary. I am faced with a limitation I cannot exceed. I’m like a pyromaniac in a petrified forest. I strike the match, but there’s nothing to burn. One minute I want to charge – the next minute I want to leave.

Knowing the right answer doesn’t always make the pain go away – and the pain of frustration spreads to the joints and marrow of life. Elijah’s frustration cut so deep, he wanted to die. That helps me gain a bit of perspective. He had been to the mountaintop and called down fire and rain. He had pronounced judgment and carried out executions. He had sent a message to the very core of Ahab and Jezebel’s dynasty – and for what? The same people stayed in office and Jezebel conspired to send out a posse. “Kill me Lord!” he cried.

I guess I’m not so bad off after all. God was faithful to Elijah, and God will be faithful to me, and you. We would do well to stop looking at our troubles and start listening for His voice.

-Author Unknown 

Quote Of The Day - Free Access

Wisdom. 

God Bless.

Quote of the Day -Joyce Meyer

“We have free access to God. We can go before Him anytime we want to. We don’t need a special invitation. The throne room is always open, God is always home, He is never napping or on the phone. We can go boldly, expecting Him to meet our need and do it willingly and joyfully.” 

-Joyce Meyer, The Confident Woman Devotional: 365 Daily Inspirations

Fear

Leaving it right here!

God Bless.

As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.- Chanakya

 'Thought Of The Day' , by Rachit Technology ( Download : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rachittechnology.thoughtoftheday )

The First Prayer

I can relate and I wanted to share.

God Bless.

The first prayer of Habakkuk reveals his heart with a stark honesty. “How long?” 

Have you ever prayed that prayer? Have you wept as you’ve cried out to God over a lost loved one, stubbornly resistant to the Gospel?

Can you relate to the prophet with the strange name? His frustration with injustice and violence is heightened by the seeming absence of God. It’s the cry of the falsely accused; the question that haunts us when dying is painful and slow; a longing that aches in silence: “O Lord, how long?”

In times like these we need to be reminded that Jehovah never sleeps nor slumbers. He is never idle, absent, ignorant, ambivalent, or insensitive. The veil of mystery that shrouds His way is often unlifted. His purposes, though perfect, are often obscured and impervious; they are also glorious.

Nobody understood the cross when Jesus died. Yet in that dark hour, the greatest gift was given; the greatest love displayed. God answers Habakkuk (v.5): “Look among the nations and watch – Be utterly astonished! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.”

What is God doing in the midst of your suffering? You probably wouldn’t believe it if He told you.

-Author Unknown