Good Plans

We often do not know our own thoughts, nor know our own mind, but God is never at any uncertainty within Himself. We are sometimes ready to fear that God's designs concerning us are all against us but He knows the contrary concerning His own people, that they are thoughts of good and not of evil even that which seems evil is designed for good. His thoughts are all working towards the expected end, which He will give in due time. The end they expect will come, though perhaps not when they expect it. Let them have patience till the fruit is ripe, and then they shall have it. He will give them an end, and expectation, so it is in the original. 

He will give them to see the end (the comfortable termination) of their trouble though it last long, it shall not last always. The time to favour Zion, yea, the set time, will come. When things are at the worst they will begin to mend and He will give them to see the glorious perfection of their deliverance for, as for God, His work is perfect. He that in the beginning finished the heavens and the earth, and all the hosts of both, will finish all the blessings of both to His people. When He begins in ways of mercy He will make an end. God does nothing by halves. 

He will give them to see the expectation, that end which they desire and hope for, and have been long waiting for. He will give them, not the expectations of their fears, nor the expectations of their fancies, but the expectations of their faith, the end which He has promised and which will turn for the best to them.

from Matthew Henry Bible Commentary

 

In Due Time

The salvation of the righteous will be the Lord's doing. He will help them to do their duties, to bear their burdens; help them to bear their troubles well, and, in due time, will deliver them out of their troubles. Seek and trust Him, and Him only, for help and deliverance.

Be patient - God wants us to trust Him and to keep trusting Him in and out of season. And being patient is how we show God that we have firm confidence and believe in his sovereignty. As believers trust is crucial to receiving every promise God makes to us.  

Wait on the Lord - Let your hope be from the Lord; depend wholly on Him; have such confidence in Him as to expect His graciousness and for Him to act on your behalf. 

Keep His way - Or, walk in the path which He commands. Do not turn from that at any point. Do not allow any temptation, or any opposition, to cause you to swerve from that path.

The way to achieve victory when the enemy attacks is to wait on the Lord to act and to keep His way. Trust in the Lord and obedience to His commands are powerful weapons. If we trust and obey, the righteous will be exalted by the Lord and will dwell in the Promised Land.

Father God, help us to live in the spirit of obedience. May we trust You enough to let You take the lead and follow You. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏. 

Stay Peaceful and Stand Firm

Listen to this, Job; 'stand still and consider the wonders of God.' Job 37:14  

In Job 37, Job was still waiting for answers from God regarding his sufferings, and Elihi gave him advice - STAND STILL and consider the wonders of God.

👉 When you're in a difficult situation -

✅ DO what you know to do. 

✅ DON'T feel pressured to take action if you have no clear direction from God. 

👉 Ask God to open your mind to new ways of thinking, doing and seeing things -

✅ IF HE DOES show you something, then do it.

✅ IF HE DOESN'T, then remain peaceful and trust that He'll work for you and do what you can't do. 

👉 While you're waiting -

✅ CONSIDER all the wonders and amazing things God has done all around you. 

✅ REMEMBER all the miracles He's performed for you in the past to build faith for your future miracle. 

✅ THANK HIM in advance for supporting you, hearing you, and at the right time answering you. 

Father, we may not know what to do in our situation, but we do know You, and You're working right now on our behalf. We believe You're doing something amazing and we are expecting to see it soon. Thank You, Sir. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏. 

Spend Time with Him

No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me,” says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17/AMP

Isaiah 54:17 is part of your inheritance as a believer. If you spend time with God, you are protected by His presence.

When we spend time in God's presence, He becomes our protection, our stability, our place of refuge.

He becomes the source of our help, not only when we feel the enemy has forged weapons against us, but in EVERY situation and EVERY circumstance.

Thank You Father, for Your loving arms that hold us and protect us. Bless Your Holy name 🙌🏻. 

While We Wait

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

When you want to quit, be encouraged that you don’t have to keep going on your own strength. 

Remember this promise – God will renew your strength as you wait upon Him. You can lean on Him to help you keep running your race so you can finish your course.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise of Isaiah 40:29-31. Help us to wait on You and trust in Your unfailing love, so that we may renew our strength and soar like eagles. Give us the courage to run with endurance, walk with confidence, and overcome any challenges that we may face. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏.

Need Wisdom and Direction?

This is the 'Formula' 

Proverbs 2:1-11

1  My child, listen to what I say,

     and treasure My commands.

2  Tune your ears to wisdom,

     and concentrate on understanding.

3  Cry out for insight,

     and ask for understanding.

4  Search for them as you would for silver;

     seek them like hidden treasures.

5  Then you will understand what it means to 

    fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge 

    of God.

6  For the Lord grants wisdom! From His

    mouth come knowledge and

    understanding.

7  He grants a treasure of common sense to

    the honest. He is a shield to those who 

    walk with integrity.

8  He guards the paths of the just and

    protects those who are faithful to Him.

9   Then you will understand what is right, just,

     and fair, and you will find the right way to

     go.

10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and

     knowledge will fill you with joy.

11 Wise choices will watch over you. 

     Understanding will keep you safe.

Father, like the above scriptures suggest, help us to seek wisdom and understanding. And as we do, may we just know what to do. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏.

Shape Your Worries into Prayers

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6,7/MSG

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all He has done. 

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34/MSG

We need to let go of our concerns for the future and focus on the present, trusting that God will provide for our needs and guide us through life's difficulties. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the omnipotent God who takes care of every need and calms every anxious heart. We give You our worries and concerns, knowing that You are in control, and You always have a good plan. In Jesus’ name, amen 🙏.

Just Keep Waiting ...

You can't get from where you are to where you want to be unless you go through a door. Open doors give you access to something. Shut doors means you don’t have access. The Lord is your doorkeeper. He opens doors and He shuts doors.

This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: I am the one who is holy and true, and I have the keys that belonged to David. When I open a door, no one can close it. And when I close a door, no one can open it. Listen to what I say. Revelation 3:7

Patience to wait for doors, whether it be to open or close, is God-given restraint, not something we're to produce in our own strength. Our responsibility is to trust that God will provide the strength to hold on. Stand firm in Christ and live fully for Him, trusting in His perfect will despite any present difficulties. 

Waiting on God forces us to look to Him, get to know Him more and rely on Him more. We can trust the Spirit to give us the strength to bear our circumstances and enable us to use the time of waiting to grow in our intimacy with the Lord.

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired. Isaiah 40:31

It's our choice whether to trust Him or not. And relax. More often than not, you're gonna have to wait for a season for what you're believing for 😉.

Father, give us grace to 'wait right'. To hear Your voice. To know which doors are ones we are to walk through and which ones need to be closed. And discernment to know the difference. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏. 

It's ALL About Him

God's timetable may differ from ours. We tend to want an immediate answer to our prayers, but the Lord is never in a rush. He may not answer us immediately, but He has promised to answer, "in time of need". 

Hebrews 4:14-16 - Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. 

Waiting on the Lord draws us close to Him and teaches us to be patient.

Isaiah 40:31 - But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired. 

We need to have strength and bravery, grounded in our trust of God. We need to be strong and courageous in the power of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.  

The Christian life is not easy. There are many adversaries, trials, and temptations.

John 16:33 - I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world and deprived it of its power to harm you. 

Prayer: Father, give us grace in the waiting. Help us to do what honors You most. As we submit ourselves to You, live Your life through us. In Jesus' name, amen🙏. 

Let Go of the Old You

STOP identifying with the sinful, wounded, or abused person that you used to be and start identifying with the new person God has made you in Christ. 

BELIEVE the promises of God's Word more than you believe how you feel, and don't ever give up until you have victory. CHOOSE to believe what God says over what you see. When you realize you are a new person, you have a new hope. 

Renew your mind to new creation realities. Like  ... 

🌹I am the righteousness of God in Christ

🌹I am justified and sanctified through the

    blood of Jesus

🌹I have God-given talents and abilities 

🌹God lives in me

🌹God will never leave me or forsake me

    

                 - - - - - - - 

This is for those who have surrendered control of their lives over to Jesus. If you have never done so, know this ... that God loved you so much He sent His Son Jesus to take on the weight and sin of the world ... He did it for you. Ask Him for forgiveness of your sins, and ask Jesus to come into your heart and to be your Lord and Savior. He's waiting for YOU. 

Worrying about It IS NOT Gonna Fix It

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6-7 

Feeling anxious? God tells us to pray about everything. To bring Him everything ... the good, the bad, the ugly. Tell Him how we're feeling. What's on our minds. What's overwhelming us. When we pray, it helps us to release the burdens that are so heavy that we've been carrying. 

God promises to give us peace for worry when we humble ourselves and come to Him. 

Come with a thankful heart, He's waiting for you. 

Father, we come before Your throne. Help us to trust You enough to bring everything to You in prayer and leave it with You. And to thank You for who You are, what You're doing, and to expect You to take care of everything we commit to You. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏. 

Where's Your Focus At?

👉 Don't look to the right or left. Don't be distracted by circumstances or the smoke screens of the enemy. 

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Don't turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:25-27 

👉 Look to the Lord for help. Keep your eyes open for God, watch for His works; be alert for signs of His presence. If we’re seeking God, then we're watching for Him and His work each day as we go about our business. 

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Psalm 105:4

👉 God will guide us with His eye on us.

I hear the Lord saying, 'I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with My eyes as your guide.'  Psalm 32:8‭

👉 God is faithful to complete what He's started.

God is the one who began this good work in you and I am certain that He won't stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

👉 God's grace is sufficient for us. 

I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] Philippians 4:13

👉 Help us to cast our cares on You, Lord. And leave them with You. 

Cast [release] your burdens (anxieties and concerns) on the Lord and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip and fall). Psalm 55:22

👉 God, You're faithful to fulfill every promise. 

... The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. Psalm 145:13

👉 We can trust God, with everything and maintain our faith in Him. 

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Prayer: Father, we keep fighting to focus on You, Your Words, Your heart, Your face. Help us. When the momentum of the day tries to sweep us up into busyness and frustration, we loose sight of You. Help us to see You and stay connected to You. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏. 

Which Way? ➡️ ⬅️ ⬆️ ⬇️

To You, O lord, I lift up my soul. I trust in You, my God. Do not let me be put to shame, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in You will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You. The Lord is good and does what is right; He shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them His way. The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all those who keep His covenant and obey His decrees. For the honor of Your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins. Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the Promised Land. May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in You. Psalm 25:1-5, 8-13, 21 

 

Right or left? Up or down? When you don't know where to turn, turn to God. 

Commit decisions to God. Make it a matter of regular prayer, asking Him to guide you and make His will known to you.

Spend time in God’s Word. Read a chapter or two and stand in faith, believing that God will give you the revelation you need. Slow down, listen and tune in to what the Holy Spirit may be saying to you. 

Trust God's leading, and believe He goes before you – for He does. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

God loves you, and He wants you to know His will. Seek it . . . discover it . . . and then do it. His way is always best.

                              - - - - - - 

Abba Father, show us which way to go. Help us to be lead forth by Your Word and Your peace. Order our steps by Your Holy Spirit, let Your word guide our choices, and let us not go ahead of You. Thank You that You are not a God of confusion, but a God of peace. Guide us and give us peace with the decisions we should make. If something is not from You, let us know. Close doors that need to be closed, and open those that need to be opened - and give us faith and grace to walk through them. We humbly ask for Your guidance and direction as we go through life. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏.

You Don't Have to Go it Alone

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened and empowered me, so that through me the [gospel] message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the mouth of the lion. 2 Timothy 4:17

On those days when you're worn out and ready to give up, remind yourself ...

👉 You don't stand alone

👉 God stands with you

👉 His presence strengthens you

Because of that, you can be a person who ...

👉 Doesn't quit

👉 Always trusts

👉 Takes courage

Thank You God, for Your promise to never leave us or forsake us. You're the best thing that's ever happened to us. Your support means everything 🙏.

Hope Maketh Not Ashamed

Hope dares us to believe ... 

'You know what? Things just might work out after all. Today would be a bad day to give up.'

Father, help our unbelief to believe. May we believe that something good is about to happen at any moment. In Jesus' name, amen 🙏

God Has Got You Covered 💯

God has got you covered 💯

🌈 He will keep you at rest.

🌈 He will strengthen you.

🌈 He will see you through the tough times.

In everything you do, every trial that you face, and in every challenge, that comes your way, you should know that you have no reason to fret or worry.

God is with you 💯

Father, I pray that You help us to keep our minds and thoughts stayed on You. May we find true, perfect peace in the fact that You are with us. And because You are with us and helping us, we don't have to be afraid. Hold us close, my Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.