In the messages to the seven churches of The Revelation, Jesus links a description of Himself to each church that pertains to the message to that church. To the Laodiceans, He is "the Amen". We see Jesus described as the Amen in Isaiah's prophecy and Paul's exhortation to the church at Corinth.
Isaiah 65:16 (NLT) All who invoke a blessing or take an oath will do so by the God of truth. For I will put aside my anger and forget the evil of earlier days.
II Corinthians 1:20 (NASB) For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.
Why is it important that we see Him as our Amen? The word that is translated Amen, is "truth". The message to the Laodicean is connected to the city of Laodicea. It was a progressive city and very wealthy. Banking establishments, a medical school and textile industry were part of its attraction but the only draw back was the lack of an adequate water supply, although it boasted hot springs known for their healing potential. It was an environment that was expressed in the church more than the Spirit of God, for they were content with their environment. The people were not separate from, and so not a candle shining brightly to, the environment in which they lived. They were not a living Amen to the darkness.
I see a similar contentedness in the Christian world today. We share a love of comfort with the world and are content with our air conditioned homes, security in our jobs, easy transportation and promise of all things secure. But God is shaking things, concepts, philosophies, and nations. The whole world is going through a shaking. We have no idea how much is going to be lost in this shaking. But I know one thing that will be accomplished. We will lose our contentedness with the world around us.
To what is our passivity directed? To God. We take His blessing as our due. We expect Him to be there when we need Him. We seek Him when we have a need or when it is convenient. We find our security and our comfort and our pleasure in the world around us. We measure our reputation by the world's approval. Our recognition is gained by what we achieve in their eyes. Our challenge to them is measured by their idea of correctness. We are not God's Amen to the world.
I want to be pleasing in His sight. If the world thinks I am a fanatic, weird, "hateful" and misguided, I am willing to lose their approval to gain God's. How can we lift up the banner of Jesus' victory without making war on Satan's hold? The army of God does not stay happily on furlough. It marches through the land. Read the second chapter of Joel and see God's Headlines for this day. One significant verse out of that chapter is Joel 2:11[Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)] 11 And the Lord hath uttered his voice before the face of his army: for his armies are exceeding great, for they are strong and execute his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible: and who can stand it?
It is the end of passivity.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
A Personal Note
This blog has many "silent" days. I have some reasons for that. First and foremost, I only publish when I feel the Spirit has given me something I have to share with you. Many times I have felt refreshed and even excited with my time of conversation with the Lord, but do not have the witness that I have something I must share. Another reason has been computer problems. This last time was a long period--almost six weeks--and I am glad that is over. But we still battle some health problems and I appreciate all the prayers you have spoken for my husband. This last time his visit to the hospital was ended abruptly with a miracle of God's deliverance by healing whatever was wrong. The doctors never found out although he was to be kept for a period of observation, he was sent home the next morning with no symptoms at all. He is feeling great (in his words!) I do appreciate you very much! I receive and read your comments and if the Lord gives me the wisdom to answer, I try to cover any question in the next blog. I do not know how to get your comments onto the blog so that we can have a discussion, but maybe some of you may have the answer to that!
You and Your Faith
The Scriptures reveal often that faith is an individual "potential power". Because it is a covenant response, it is the avenue on which God moves. You are the important link to God's revealed power in this realm. (There are certain things that God does sovereignly that He has already revealed through the prophets and in the fulness of time. We have come to one of these times that Jesus prophesied and that is the Day leading up to His return to this earth to rule over the nations.) To Joshua was given the responsibility of bringing the twelve tribes of Israel into their promised inheritance. Joshua 1:9 (NASB) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” We are given the responsibility of standing strong to bring back the King and see the promise, given to the Saints, fulfilled with His coming. I Corinthians 16:13 (NASB) Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
I want to interpret that scripture by other scriptures. "Be on the alert". Matthew 24:42 (ESV) Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
"Stand firm in the faith". I Corinthians 15:1(NIV) Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. Galatians 5:1(NASB) It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Philippians 1:27 (NLT) Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
"Act like men". II Samuel 10:12 (NLT) Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord’s will be done.”
"Be strong". Psalm 31:24 (NASB) Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord. Ephesians 3:16-21 (ESV) that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 6:10 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Our faith, expressed by love, will be the witness of light to a very dark world.
I want to interpret that scripture by other scriptures. "Be on the alert". Matthew 24:42 (ESV) Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.
"Stand firm in the faith". I Corinthians 15:1(NIV) Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. Galatians 5:1(NASB) It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Philippians 1:27 (NLT) Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
"Act like men". II Samuel 10:12 (NLT) Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord’s will be done.”
"Be strong". Psalm 31:24 (NASB) Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord. Ephesians 3:16-21 (ESV) that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 6:10 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Our faith, expressed by love, will be the witness of light to a very dark world.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Faith
Luke 18:8 (NASB) ........when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
This question that Jesus asked inspires us to consider more questions. What does Jesus mean by the word "faith"? What is faith to us? What do we mean when we say we need more faith? Jesus spoke of "little faith". There are many times that Jesus spoke of faith but two stand out in my mind.
Mathew 6:30 (NIV) If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?
Matthew 8:10 (NIV) When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith."
Our focus--what we keep before us--makes a big difference in our lives. What we wear, where we live, where we earn a living, where we went to school, what we like and what we dislike, and the list goes on and on, shapes our focus. This realm has a culture that shapes our focus. But what causes us anxiety and what we are willing to sacrifice to gain are two things that really define our focus. Do all the things that are happening around you cause you to consider God and His Word or do these things fill your thoughts and you do not even think of God when you consider them? The answer to these questions will help you to determine your focus. The Centurion considered his own position with his responsibilities and what he knew of Jesus, and went to Jesus to heal his servant. He did not just go to Jesus because he heard that Jesus healed and hoped He would heal his servant. He considered what his own authority meant and knew that Jesus had to have authority behind Him. He had faith in authority.
You have to have faith in something. You have faith in electricity, in cars, in newspapers, in schooling, in your work and in your self. If you did not have faith in these things you would live in constant hesitation and withdrawal. When something does not work, it is a "surprise" and you have to figure out what went wrong. We do not know how the Centurion heard of Jesus. We do know a Centurion had the responsibility of 100 men and that he answered to Caesar. The authority of Caesar was the authority in which he acted. His men knew he had the authority to command them. The Centurion knew Jesus had to have authority behind Him and that He had the authority to command the disease to leave his servant. This was the "faith" that Jesus recognized.
When we lay hands on the sick, we know we have the authority to do so for Jesus gave the command to do so at the same time He said, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.." (Matthew 18:20). Paul considered himself a bondslave of Jesus Christ. All he did was under the authority of His Master. When we live in connection with the One who promised He would never leave us, we live in the faith of the Son of God. Faith is trust in the One who never fails.
This question that Jesus asked inspires us to consider more questions. What does Jesus mean by the word "faith"? What is faith to us? What do we mean when we say we need more faith? Jesus spoke of "little faith". There are many times that Jesus spoke of faith but two stand out in my mind.
Mathew 6:30 (NIV) If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?
Matthew 8:10 (NIV) When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith."
Our focus--what we keep before us--makes a big difference in our lives. What we wear, where we live, where we earn a living, where we went to school, what we like and what we dislike, and the list goes on and on, shapes our focus. This realm has a culture that shapes our focus. But what causes us anxiety and what we are willing to sacrifice to gain are two things that really define our focus. Do all the things that are happening around you cause you to consider God and His Word or do these things fill your thoughts and you do not even think of God when you consider them? The answer to these questions will help you to determine your focus. The Centurion considered his own position with his responsibilities and what he knew of Jesus, and went to Jesus to heal his servant. He did not just go to Jesus because he heard that Jesus healed and hoped He would heal his servant. He considered what his own authority meant and knew that Jesus had to have authority behind Him. He had faith in authority.
You have to have faith in something. You have faith in electricity, in cars, in newspapers, in schooling, in your work and in your self. If you did not have faith in these things you would live in constant hesitation and withdrawal. When something does not work, it is a "surprise" and you have to figure out what went wrong. We do not know how the Centurion heard of Jesus. We do know a Centurion had the responsibility of 100 men and that he answered to Caesar. The authority of Caesar was the authority in which he acted. His men knew he had the authority to command them. The Centurion knew Jesus had to have authority behind Him and that He had the authority to command the disease to leave his servant. This was the "faith" that Jesus recognized.
When we lay hands on the sick, we know we have the authority to do so for Jesus gave the command to do so at the same time He said, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.." (Matthew 18:20). Paul considered himself a bondslave of Jesus Christ. All he did was under the authority of His Master. When we live in connection with the One who promised He would never leave us, we live in the faith of the Son of God. Faith is trust in the One who never fails.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Fear
Fear is a natural reaction to the creatures of this realm. It is a part of living. But a natural instinct for survival does not have to rule your life. We live with dangerous things. The very first convenience known to man was fire, and its use to light the dark and to keep warm made it a necessity. Fire cannot only bring comfort and pleasure to us but we know it can destroy and kill. Methods of travel can be a necessity and a pleasure but they also can maim and kill. People who use anything that is potentially dangerous, and use it safely, seem to be fearless, but they have learned to respect it and use it wisely.
Psalm 111:10 (NIV) 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. The judgments of God are indeed a cause for fear, but those who have found Him loving and merciful, faithful and true to all His Word, and with respect keep His Word and walk in His ways, seem fearless. When everything is shaken, will you fear or will you know you stand in His Kingdom? Hebrews 12:25-29 (NASB) 25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. 26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “ Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire. When you hear that a chip to protect and offer easy payment of all you need to purchase, is not only available to be inserted under your skin, but is required, what will you do? I am sure the "suggestion" will be presented in such a way that it will seem reasonable and convenient, but, I am also sure, the failure to accept this easy way will carry the promise of dire consequences. To refuse in the face of these "dire consequences" may seem fearless, but it will require faith in God for those who do so. We depend on the power of purchase to survive. Housing, food, warmth and travel, all require the power to purchase. We are no longer the people who came to this country and forged survival out of a wilderness. Our cities have made us dependent. Our culture has demanded bigger and better.
On the Word of the Lord, Abraham went to a place he did not know because he trusted in God. Moses led millions of people out of Egypt into a wilderness with no means of survival in it because he trusted in God. Faith in God will reveal His hand to provide. The three Hebrews who faced Nebuchadnezzar's wrath because they would not bow down to worship his image, proclaimed their faith. Daniel 3:17-18 (NASB) If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
This looks fearless to us, but I am sure they had natural fear when they were being bound and were being heaved into the fire. God understands our weakness, but He moves on our faith. Their faith was greater than their fear. Jesus spoke the time of His return to this earth and wondered if He would find faith. Luke 18:8 (ESV) I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Psalm 111:10 (NIV) 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. The judgments of God are indeed a cause for fear, but those who have found Him loving and merciful, faithful and true to all His Word, and with respect keep His Word and walk in His ways, seem fearless. When everything is shaken, will you fear or will you know you stand in His Kingdom? Hebrews 12:25-29 (NASB) 25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. 26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “ Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire. When you hear that a chip to protect and offer easy payment of all you need to purchase, is not only available to be inserted under your skin, but is required, what will you do? I am sure the "suggestion" will be presented in such a way that it will seem reasonable and convenient, but, I am also sure, the failure to accept this easy way will carry the promise of dire consequences. To refuse in the face of these "dire consequences" may seem fearless, but it will require faith in God for those who do so. We depend on the power of purchase to survive. Housing, food, warmth and travel, all require the power to purchase. We are no longer the people who came to this country and forged survival out of a wilderness. Our cities have made us dependent. Our culture has demanded bigger and better.
On the Word of the Lord, Abraham went to a place he did not know because he trusted in God. Moses led millions of people out of Egypt into a wilderness with no means of survival in it because he trusted in God. Faith in God will reveal His hand to provide. The three Hebrews who faced Nebuchadnezzar's wrath because they would not bow down to worship his image, proclaimed their faith. Daniel 3:17-18 (NASB) If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
This looks fearless to us, but I am sure they had natural fear when they were being bound and were being heaved into the fire. God understands our weakness, but He moves on our faith. Their faith was greater than their fear. Jesus spoke the time of His return to this earth and wondered if He would find faith. Luke 18:8 (ESV) I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Monday, August 20, 2012
Doubt
As a young child snow was a marvel joyfully anticipated to be fully enjoyed. We had "snow gear" that was as much a part of our August school planning as the new books and pencils. With snow pants and rubber boots and new mittens and caps that were knitted fresh each year and the winter coat handed down from an older sister, the first snow was met with an open mouth to catch as many flakes as we could! There were no snow plows or blowers, but big snow shovels were used so early that the scraping sound would be the first sound you heard when it was still dark. Oh the marvel of the glittering white that covered everything. Walking to school was snowball time. But there was something in the air. You could smell the sharp odor of coal fires in stoves. By the time school was out, the walk home was different. A subtle coating of black was beginning to coat the pristine white of the early morning glory of the snow. It wasn't but a day or two and Mother insisted no more snow balls or snow people to grace the front yard. It would ruin our mittens. What was the culprit? Soot. It covered everything and invaded everything--even your nose! It was in the air you breathed.
This is how I see doubt. The Prince of the power of the air uses doubt to infiltrate the air you breathe. You have a wonderful experience seeing God's Hand at work and you praise and rejoice. In a few days the joy becomes a memory and another circumstance is met with doubt and wonder what are you going to do about this new problem. No matter how great and mighty you know God is, a circumstance can seem bigger. It can be a school problem, a financial problem, a relationship problem, a work problem, a national problem or a world problem--it makes no difference, anxiety, the evidence of doubt, is the first reaction from the flesh. Can you overcome it? Yes. Joshua named it for us. Joshua 24:14-15 (NASB) 14 “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” In I Kings 18:21, Elijah asked Israel "how long will you hesitate between two opinions?" The Hebrew word translated hesitate or halt in the King James Version, is the same word used in verse 26 and translated "leaped". I Kings 18:21 Elijah came near to all the people and said, “ How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word.
I Kings 18:26 Then they took the ox which was given them and they prepared it and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon saying, “O Baal, answer us.” But there was no voice and no one answered. And they leaped about the altar which they made.
This seems to be the way we go from rejoicing in faith and stumbling in doubt. But Joshua showed the strength of setting yourself to serve the Lord. We determine our attitude. God is in control and we will NOT take the control into our own hands. We sing the song, " I will not doubt, I will not waiver, I'll trust in God in Whom all things are possible".
This is how I see doubt. The Prince of the power of the air uses doubt to infiltrate the air you breathe. You have a wonderful experience seeing God's Hand at work and you praise and rejoice. In a few days the joy becomes a memory and another circumstance is met with doubt and wonder what are you going to do about this new problem. No matter how great and mighty you know God is, a circumstance can seem bigger. It can be a school problem, a financial problem, a relationship problem, a work problem, a national problem or a world problem--it makes no difference, anxiety, the evidence of doubt, is the first reaction from the flesh. Can you overcome it? Yes. Joshua named it for us. Joshua 24:14-15 (NASB) 14 “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” In I Kings 18:21, Elijah asked Israel "how long will you hesitate between two opinions?" The Hebrew word translated hesitate or halt in the King James Version, is the same word used in verse 26 and translated "leaped". I Kings 18:21 Elijah came near to all the people and said, “ How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people did not answer him a word.
I Kings 18:26 Then they took the ox which was given them and they prepared it and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon saying, “O Baal, answer us.” But there was no voice and no one answered. And they leaped about the altar which they made.
This seems to be the way we go from rejoicing in faith and stumbling in doubt. But Joshua showed the strength of setting yourself to serve the Lord. We determine our attitude. God is in control and we will NOT take the control into our own hands. We sing the song, " I will not doubt, I will not waiver, I'll trust in God in Whom all things are possible".
Saturday, August 18, 2012
The Power of Thanksgiving
I Thessalonians 5:18 (ESVUK) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
There are some key thoughts in this verse that are very important to your maturing into the image of God. "In Christ Jesus" shows the covenant that covers you and to which you are responsible to give response. "God's will for you" shows the instigator of the covenant. "In every thing give thanks" is the response that is required in the covenant. To fail to give this response is to deny God and yourself the avenue for God to accomplish His perfect will and desire in you.
Why is thanksgiving so very important? It is vital to your focus. If you have a thankful heart toward God, you bring Him into the forefront of your thoughts and your attitude becomes one of worship. If your own circumstances are filling your thoughts you will let fear, distress, criticism and even bitterness into your mind and soon they will rule your heart. You lose the joy in the Word of God, the respect for your spouse and the confidence in God, so faith begins to fade. You live in a gray world. The joy of the Lord is just a phrase and the reality of your salvation is lost to you. Serving God becomes a ritual and a duty and you live in the same reality of this realm that is prevalent in the world. God seems far off to you and prayer loses its place in your mind.
I Thessalonians 5:16-24 (ESVUK) 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Giving thanks is mentioned often in the Psalms. It is part of our worship and our attitude toward God. Colossians 3:15-17, Psalm 100:4.
Nehemiah faced a hopeless challenge with praise and thanksgiving and God met the challenge for him. No matter what you face, if God is your focus and your trust is in Him, He will guide you through it and you will see Him glorified in your life and your circumstance.
There are some key thoughts in this verse that are very important to your maturing into the image of God. "In Christ Jesus" shows the covenant that covers you and to which you are responsible to give response. "God's will for you" shows the instigator of the covenant. "In every thing give thanks" is the response that is required in the covenant. To fail to give this response is to deny God and yourself the avenue for God to accomplish His perfect will and desire in you.
Why is thanksgiving so very important? It is vital to your focus. If you have a thankful heart toward God, you bring Him into the forefront of your thoughts and your attitude becomes one of worship. If your own circumstances are filling your thoughts you will let fear, distress, criticism and even bitterness into your mind and soon they will rule your heart. You lose the joy in the Word of God, the respect for your spouse and the confidence in God, so faith begins to fade. You live in a gray world. The joy of the Lord is just a phrase and the reality of your salvation is lost to you. Serving God becomes a ritual and a duty and you live in the same reality of this realm that is prevalent in the world. God seems far off to you and prayer loses its place in your mind.
I Thessalonians 5:16-24 (ESVUK) 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Giving thanks is mentioned often in the Psalms. It is part of our worship and our attitude toward God. Colossians 3:15-17, Psalm 100:4.
Nehemiah faced a hopeless challenge with praise and thanksgiving and God met the challenge for him. No matter what you face, if God is your focus and your trust is in Him, He will guide you through it and you will see Him glorified in your life and your circumstance.
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