Tearing Others Down

As human beings it is often hard for us not to judge our fellow man. Often by picking on their supposed defects we are able to make ourselves shine in a brighter light. It is good that God is God and has not left the job to us. God does not play favorites but loves us all the same. While it is true that He is more proud of some of His children's actions than others, He desires for each and every one of us to walk in a close personal relationship with Him. In fact, that is why He sent His beloved son. The next time you find yourself secretly tearing someone down, stop and remember that God loves that person every bit as much as He loves you.

Faith in God

 There is no place more safe than in the arms of the Lord. No matter what you are going through, God is not stumped. He knows exactly what to do. No matter what the outcome, God will make something good out of your situation. It is truly hard to see that now, but there will be a time where God's plan will be unfolded to you revealing that your trust in Him was not displaced. Maturity comes from an unwavering trust in God whether your circumstances warrant it or not.

The Importance of Sharing Your Faith

God created us to walk in fellowship with Him. Through man's disobedience to God that relationship was severed. But God in His love and mercy sent His only son to pay the penalty for us. Now with the acceptance of this free gift, we may again walk in fellowship with God. It is not enough for we ourselves to receive this gift, but we must out of love and obedience to God share this wonderful news with others. Scripture says" if you do not speak to the wicked, the man (or woman) shall die in his sin but his blood will be on your hands. However if you tell him but he doesn't listen to you, then it is his fault and not yours.

One Nation Under God

A nation cannot continue to disobey God and expect to remain under His protection. The Old Testament is filled with nations that were continuously disobedient to God only to be wiped off the face of the earth. God is not blind to our transgressions but is patiently waiting for us to come to Him in repentance. Much of the violence in scripture is from when God used Israel to punish the other nations or when He used the other nations to punish Israel. It is not God's desire to punish. It is His desire to embrace us in a loving, saving relationship. But if God's justice is not punishing as well as saving, then there would be nothing to hold back the forces of evil. It is not usually in the good times that we run to God but in times of trial and tribulation.

Being Trusted by God

 If we wish to be used mightily by God then we first must set aside our love for ourselves and then cling to our love and obedience for God.It is only when He can trust us with the small things that He will trust us with the big. Too many times  we ask God to do a mighty work in our lives only to ignore the still small voice He sends us to guide us throughout our day. By His grace and mercy He continues to shower us with small blessings even though we deserve chastisement as disobedient children. How much more could and would He bless us and those around us if we would truly listen and obey?