Empower us with Courage

Merriam Webster definition of courage: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

Synonyms: fortitude, bravery, intrepidity

What a time to be alive. There are many things that can raise our levels of fear, yet we must be courageous. God is still on the throne. Whether it’s wars, chaos, mass casualty incidents, trials in our families, God never changes.

These are scriptures that have helped me today. I hope they will bring you to a level of courage that comes from the One who created you, the Alpha and the Omega! He is the God of the heavens and the Earth. The Earth is definitely trembling. Hold onto what always is true, your Father in heaven!!

Consider declaring the scriptures in your home, car or even as you walk in nature! environment you stand.

Empower us, Lord by Your truths! Give us boldness to say aloud even if we are fearful the promises found in Your Word.

“So now, Lord, listen to their threats to harm us. Empower us, as your servants, to speak the word of God freely and courageously. Stretch out your hand of power through us to heal, and to move in signs and wonders by the name of your holy Son, Jesus!” As they prayed the earth shook beneath them, causing the building they were in to tremble. Each one of them was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they proclaimed the word of God with unrestrained boldness. All the believers were one in mind and heart. Selfishness was not a part of their community, for they shared everything they had with one another.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬-‭32‬ ‭TPT‬‬

God is calling His children, even those who have stepped away from Him. Come back to Yahweh! He is gracious! Repent of past sins and get a Do over! He loves You!!

“Who is a merciful God like you? Your grace wipes the slate clean of guilt and pardons the rebellion of the remnant of your people. You don’t hold your anger against us forever, but you delight in showing faithful, tender love. Once more we ask: have tender mercy on us, tread our iniquities under your feet, and hurl all our sins to the bottom of the sea.”
‭‭Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭TPT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1849/mic.7.18-19.TPT

Be of great courage as a wild horse and run into the future, God already knows what will happen. Stick to Him!

““But it’s not too late,” declares Yahweh. “Come back to me now with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tearing your clothes in sorrow is not enough— tear open your hearts!” Come back to Yahweh your God, for he is gracious to welcome you home and compassionate to embrace you. Yahweh is slow to anger and so rich in extravagant love for you. He is always ready to forgive and cancel judgment. Who knows if he will not turn around and show pity, leaving behind a blessing. Then you can bring offerings of grain and wine to be presented to Yahweh your God. My land, do not fear, for your restoration has come! Be glad and rejoice, you people, for Yahweh has done marvelous things for you. Children of Zion, be glad! Celebrate the mighty acts of Yahweh your God, for he has given you a teacher of righteousness whose teaching is like the refreshing spring rains. And he will pour down the rains for you, the spring and autumn rains as before. “Then afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and your daughters will boldly prophesy, your elderly will have supernatural dreams, and your youth will experience ecstatic visions.”
‭‭Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭14‬, ‭21‬, ‭23‬, ‭28‬ ‭TPT‬‬

May parents and children return to the Father and their hearts be as one for Gods purpose and plans.

““Keep watching, for I am sending you the prophet Elijah before that great and fearful day of Yahweh arrives. He will return the fathers’ hearts to their children and the children’s hearts to their fathers so that I can come and bless and not strike the land with a curse.””
‭‭Malachi‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Don’t let pride keep you from His blessings. The time is now, humble yourselves to Jesus and ask His wisdom.

““I, Yahweh, made the earth, formed its contours, and set it in place. Yahweh is my name. I say to you, cry out to me and I will answer you. I will reveal to you great things, guarded secrets that you never could have known.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭33‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Photo credit by pexels.com

Who gave the horse its strength?

Lately, I find myself reading a chapter of the Bible called Job. A little background on Job. He was a follower of Adonai (The LORD God) who had many blessings in the standards of the world. God gave Job the blessings, family, land, material things.

However, one day, the Adversary (devil) asked Adonai if Job really was a follower of Him, and in challenging trials, would Job be able to stand up under the pressure?

I chose the Complete Jewish Bible as the resource for today. Iyov is the Hebrew word for Job.

Job 1:6-12 It happened one day that the sons of God came to serve Adonai, and among them came the Adversary. Adonai asked the Adversary, “Where are you coming from?” The Adversary answered Adonai, “From roaming through the earth, wandering here and there.” Adonai asked the Adversary, “Did you notice my servant Iyov, that there’s no one like him on earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil?” The Adversary answered Adonai, “Is it for nothing that Iyov fears God? You’ve put a protective hedge around him, his house and everything he has. You’ve prospered his work, and his livestock are spread out all over the land. But if you reach out your hand and touch whatever he has, without doubt he’ll curse you to your face!” Adonai said to the Adversary, “Here! Everything he has is in your hands, except that you are not to lay a finger on his person.” Then the Adversary went out from the presence of Adonai.”
‭‭Iyov (Job)‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭12‬ ‭CJB‬‬

So God allowed trials and challenges to be a part of Jobs’ life. I challenge you to read the Book of Job!! Job ended up losing family members to death, his wealth in livestock and property diminished, losing prosperity by world standards and his friends questioned whether God was really with him anymore.

In chapters 38 and 39, the LORD ( our personal Creator God named in Genesis) speaks to Job. The Lord asks Job who made all things on earth, in the skies and heavens? The LORD reminds Job who He is as Creator God.

“Then Adonai answered Iyov out of the storm: “Who is this, darkening my plans with his ignorant words? Stand up like a man, and brace yourself; I will ask questions; and you, give the answers! “Where were you when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Do you know who determined its dimensions or who stretched the measuring line across it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”
‭‭Iyov (Job)‬ ‭38‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭CJB‬‬

I love when I read scripture and find a new insight or instruction in new ways. I found the following description on horses, hawks and eagles.

Job 39:19-30 The Lord said, “Did you give the horse its strength? Did you clothe its neck with a mane? Did you make him able to leap like a locust? Its majestic snorting is frightening! It paws with force and exults with vigor, then charges into the battle; mocking at fear, unafraid, it does not shy away from the sword. The [rider’s] quiver rattles over it, [his] gleaming spear and javelin. Frenzied and eager, it devours the ground, scarcely believing the shofar has sounded. At the sound of the shofar it whinnies; as from afar it scents the battle, the roar of the chiefs and the shouting. “Is it your wisdom that sets the hawk soaring, spreading its wings toward the south? Does the eagle fly up when you say so, to build its nest in the heights? It lives and spends its nights on the cliffs; a rocky crag is its fortress. From there it spots its prey, its eyes see it far off. Its young ones suck up blood; wherever the slain are, there it is.””
‭‭Iyov (Job)‬ ‭39‬:‭19‬-‭30‬ ‭CJB‬‬

What I am trying to express in this post today? Just like Job, when we are going through trials it can seem our Adonai ( personal Lord God) has left us. Perhaps a better reflection would be remembering our LORD may be teaching us something about His promises and there can be deeper relationship with our Father Creator God, our Adonai, our Jesus and listening to the Holy Spirit developed when we are open to growth.

Spending time to rediscover and grow our faith in a God who sees all things, created all things, knows the future and loves unconditionally is powerful, life changing and eternal.

Jamie MacDonald has a great song, Desperate that describes well the need to be restored by the Lord. Praise Him in the trial.

Prayer: Father God, Adonai, please forgive our human desire to be independent and falsely believe we can do life alone. All things are possible through You LORD. Show us through the trials what You want us to learn about Your love and promises. Just like Job, the sifting of our trials can be a place of deepening faith in You. Thank you for loving unconditionally and being our personal LORD. We need You, in Jesus mighty Name, Amen!

Get the picture!

There are times when I am still with God that I find myself an awe of His creation and also of His power. The Lord led me to the book of Job this morning. Slowly read this particular chapter Job 37 and see the hand of God in His creation.

If you don’t know anything about Job, I’ll give you a quick background. He loved God and he was blessed by God. And then he went through a time of challenges and trials. These trials included: death of family members, friends stepping away from him, his wealth depleted, and yet even though he wrestled with frustration Job still chose to trust God.

We may be going through a time of questioning, and God can still be trusted. I hope this scripture encourages you. Just like God didn’t forget Job, God will not forget you. But you have to walk with Him. You have to walk with your Creator God, the only King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the only God worthy of praise and worship.

Job 37:1-18 NLT
“My heart pounds as I think of this. It trembles within me. [2] Listen carefully to the thunder of God’s voice as it rolls from his mouth. [3] It rolls across the heavens, and his lightning flashes in every direction. [4] Then comes the roaring of the thunder- the tremendous voice of his majesty. He does not restrain it when he speaks. [5] God’s voice is glorious in the thunder. We can’t even imagine the greatness of his power. [6] “He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down. [7] Then everyone stops working so they can watch his power. [8] The wild animals take cover and stay inside their dens. [9] The stormy wind comes from its chamber, and the driving winds bring the cold. [10] God’s breath sends the ice, freezing wide expanses of water. [11] He loads the clouds with moisture, and they flash with his lightning. [12] The clouds churn about at his direction. They do whatever he commands throughout the earth. [13] He makes these things happen either to punish people or to show his unfailing love. [14] “Pay attention to this, Job. Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God! [15] Do you know how God controls the storm and causes the lightning to flash from his clouds? [16] Do you understand how he moves the clouds with wonderful perfection and skill? [17] When you are sweltering in your clothes and the south wind dies down and everything is still, [18] he makes the skies reflect the heat like a bronze mirror. Can you do that?

Our God can do anything! He created all things, He loves you with unfailing love, He wants to hear your voice, He wants to guide your life, let Him!!

Let God harvest the fields of your heart, mind and soul! He will pull up the weeds and chaff and bring amazing produce to your life. He is the Creator of all things. He has plans for you. Cry out to Him today. He will hear even your whisper, “ Jesus, I need you!”

Despite circumstances

Fear of God is about reverence and honor for His plans despite our trials. Fear of God is not about running from Him as cruel judging Father, instead it is trusting Him and leaning into Him for guidance.

Our God is the Rock who must become our firm foundation.

Matthew 7:24-29 NLT
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. [25] Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. [26] But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. [27] When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” [28] When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, [29] for he taught with real authority-quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

Another version of Matthew 7 is in the message Bible. Maybe this version will bring more clarity to you. His Word will never return void, it is meant to build us up in His wisdom for living.

Matthew 7:24-27 MSG
“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. [26-27] “But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.”

Psalm 25:12-14 NLT
Who are those who fear the LORD? He will show them the path they should choose. [13] They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land. [14] The LORD is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.

Be sure you are staying firm in His ways, He wants the best for you. In the end, you want Him to open the door of your future holding onto His hand not a distracted world view set by the enemy.

Luke 13:22-27 NLT
Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he went, always pressing on toward Jerusalem. [23] Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He replied, [24] “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. [25] When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ [26] Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ [27] And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’

We have a choice to make for every moment. He wants our heart, mind and soul connected in relationship for our good. You will be blessed.

Luke 13:34-35 NKJV
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! [35] See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ “

Don’t be desolate and miss the best relationship with God, the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit! You get a trio of goodness and wisdom.

“Fear of God is the summit of wisdom” by Ephraim the Syrian. Seek the best for your life!

Proverbs 9:10-12 NKJV
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. [11] For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. [12] If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.”

Put on your coat!!

Our lives are filled with colorful snapshots of brilliant pink joy, cool teal blue, fluorescent lime green, along with moments of cloudy grey, and dark blackness.

We are a kaleidoscope of many experiences, times of solid connection to God, friends and family that may support our walk with Him too. We may have had dysfunctional family, mental health exposure, legalism over the message of Jesus in a personal relationship, or substance abuse in our environments. Or perhaps, we may not have been exposed to the gospel message of grace, love, forgiveness and mercy.

Living in this world, we can also have times of trial, disappointment in others or even our own choices, detours from the love and goodness of Jesus.

Each snapshot of our life provides a piece of the full picture of our testimony of life. We are created in Gods image to live a life of purpose. Just as Joseph and his coat of many colors (Genesis 37) shares the story of trial, family dysfunction, destiny, and ultimate restoration filled hope for the journey, we have a life story.

Brandon Lake has become my favorite Music artist, his powerful lyrics and melodies share his gift of story telling. However his humility in being used by God is the biggest impact. Listen to his newest song, “Coat of Many Colors”, powerful anointed message.

Coat of many colors by Brandon Lake

Let today be a day of putting off the old you, and putting on the new humble, wonderfully created by God, colorful woman or man as His chosen, beloved, purpose filled child.

Nahum 1:7 AMP
The LORD is good, A strength and stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows [He recognizes, cares for, and understands fully] those who take refuge and trust in Him.

Romans 8:29-32 TLB
For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him-and all along he knew who would-should become like his Son, so that his Son would be the First, with many brothers. [30] And having chosen us, he called us to come to him; and when we came, he declared us “not guilty,” filled us with Christ’s goodness, gave us right standing with himself, and promised us his glory. [31] What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? [32] Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else?

Burst into song as you dance with your coat of many colors! He delights in you!

Psalm 30:11-12 MSG
You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance; You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers. I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you. God, my God, I can’t thank you enough.

Photo credit by pexels.com

Be still

No matter what news reports share about rumors of wars, social injustice, conflicts between the races, maybe even conflicts within your own personal circle of family or friends. There is a place of peace when we lay our fears, worries, and anxiety down to our Creator God who is the Alpha and Omega, He knows the beginning and the end. He placed the stars in the sky and knows them by name.

The Lord wants us to trust Him. It takes faith in God for the unknown future. It is impossible to lay down our life to Jesus when we are not submitting our whole life to His authority. Let Him be the Lord of your life regarding your thoughts and feelings, and when we submit to Him your actions we will show your family, friends, and even kids a parent with more peace, hope, joy, and love.

Psalm 37:7 AMP
Be still before the LORD; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

Jeremy Riddle has become my favorite Christian worship artist. His song, Know ( Be still) is so anointed in the Word of God. Let the words of the Lord flow over your mind, body, soul, and spirit.

Be Still and Know He ( the Almighty God) has the whole earth in His hands. The Lord has you, loves you and wants to be in a relationship with you. Let go of worries and fear! Be still with Him.

Psalm 1:1-3 NLT
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. [2] But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. [3] They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Strong

We live in a dog eat dog world, look at the banking system, the materialism, the constant striving for keeping up with others, is our car status representative of our success? The survival of the fittest is another example, it’s great to be healthy and use our body temple for purpose. Or are we feeling constant comparison to others’ and cursing the body and face created in the image of God?

My reading of 2 Corinthians 10 this morning was so impactful. It made me ponder the world, my community, personal interactions, and even my own walk with Jesus. Paul, shared a message of God, was transformed from persecuting Jesus and His followers to an amazing apostle who led the Gentiles and even fellow Jews to Jesus. Because Paul allowed Jesus to use his life for amazing things, Paul was bold and Holy Spirit filled in his preaching.

2 Corinthians 10:3-8 MSG The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way-never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

7-8] You stare and stare at the obvious, but you can’t see the forest for the trees. If you’re looking for a clear example of someone on Christ’s side, why do you so quickly cut me out? Believe me, I am quite sure of my standing with Christ. You may think I overstate the authority he gave me, but I’m not backing off. Every bit of my commitment is for the purpose of building you up, after all, not tearing you down.

In the Life Application Study Bible, we are given a narrative background for the times of Paul and the Corinthian culture. Just as in our times, peoples feathers get ruffled when another human speaks boldly and they are not in agreement with the same philosophy. The truth found in the Word can ruffle feathers.

Here is the notes for the Life Application Bible found in 2 Corinthians 10: Verses 1-2 Paul’s opponents were questioning his authority. From verses 7:8-16 we know that the majority of Corinthian believers were siding with Paul; however, a minority continued to slander him, saying that he was bold in his letters but had no authority in person. Second Corinthians 10 through verse 13 is Paul’s response to this charge. Paul used Jesus as a model for being gentle and kind rather than demanding respect.”

Does this description from Paul’s journey feel strangely familiar? I don’t know about you, however, I want to reflect Jesus character with gentleness and kindness over demanding respect. In love, I want to share what the Lord is showing me regarding how to live with Him as my authority.

In love, I want those I love friends, family, even perfect strangers, to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus! But I can’t do it for anyone. If I love like Jesus, speak His truth in love when I feel His prompting, seek forgiveness if I have overstepped in discussion, then maybe others will want to seek Him too!

Love Them Like Jesus also means speaking the truth found in the Bible about complicated issues and being willing to speak the truth even if it’s hard!

Where do you get strong? Is it in the gym or in time spent being built up by the Lord? This workout with God lasts longer than the next time you crave your favorite sweet. Time spent with gaining His wisdom is muscle building for mind, body and soul. As a surfer needs, core strength, focus and tenacity, when we ask the Living Water, God will provide these necessary traits with even more ability to stand in balance no matter what we face.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Photo credit by Pexels.com

Where’s your hope?

We are His chosen. He looks down at His children with understanding and we are created in His image. How the Father wants our connection!

Psalm 33:12-22 NLT
What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. [13] The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. [14] From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. [15] He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.

How many times have you counted on your own strength and lost? Whether it is haywire emotions or a spiritual time of isolation, we can feel drained of all energy, hope and contentment. I used to ponder ‘ is God still with me?’ Then I realized, it’s at these times of exhaustion and perhaps aloneness, I can best hear the message of my Savior. It isn’t a time of punishment but a time to seek to be refreshed by the Living Water that saves and has the best future in store.

15b We can’t count on our strength. We can’t succeed without Him. He wants to guide us to His purpose. We must have reverent awe. Fear with respect for God is understanding. He is our Father.

Fear with respect for God is understanding. This is not meant to cause PTSD, it is meant to bring us to Him in awe, fear with courage attached as we honor and respect our Creator who loves us and knows us individually.

16] The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. [17] Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory- for all its strength, it cannot save you. [18] But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.

Our rescue is in Him alone. We must rely on His unfailing love. He is our commander Our Father is our only hope. He is with us in the battle.

19] He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.

He is our help and our shield! Our barrier to the evils of life that want to tear down our defenses. The distractions of other idols vey for our heart, mind, and soul to slowly erode our strong tower of defense. We must let God provide His barrier of protection. The Armor of God is full body and mind protection.

20] We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. [21] In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

We can rejoice and trust in His Holy Name! He is worthy of our love and our hand must be in His! He knows the future.

22] Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

Choose today, who you will serve: the Holy One, Jesus or your own or another humans’ foolish plan.

Today, I am ending this post with the first part of Psalm 33 positioned last. These words from scripture are a great reminder in our world, trust in Him alone!

Psalm 33:1-11 NLT
Let the godly sing for joy to the LORD; it is fitting for the pure to praise him. [2] Praise the LORD with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp. [3] Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. [4] For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does. [5] He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth. [6] The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. [7] He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. [8] Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him. [9] For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. [10] The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes. [11] But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.

Stand in awe, when He spoke the world began! His intentions can not be shaken.

Wisdom: Leader or Follower

The Bible has living wisdom for all generations. They are not stories of old with no relevant message. Those who believe this statement have not been in His Word. How is it possible that the words from Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples could be so relevant today?

Could it be because the Creator of Heaven and Earth, Our Father God knows the end from the beginning? Could it be because He understands the mind of those created in His Image? Of course, He knows His children. He knows our character traits for good and for selfish impulse control issues.

You see our issues of sin have not changed much, since Adam and Eve. We still want our way, don’t want to be told what to do, seek our needs over others, and believe we got it together!!!

I was reading Matthew 16 this morning, and I felt as if the messages were bouncing off the paper. I am not Elohim (the all-Powerful One), I must seek wisdom from the Word of God. You must seek His wisdom for yourself and have your eyes, mind, heart, soul, and spirit opened.

I am so grateful for Biblegateway.com, it is a great resource for a free online Bible. You can choose the version of the Bible that is understandable for your personal walk with Jesus. With one click on the right on their website you can choose your favorite version. For the most part, I use the New Living Translation (NLT), however, there are other times when the Message (MSG), Amplified ( AMP), or New International Version ( NIV) are helpful.

You can also use YouVersion Bible app, it’s free and can be used on your phone.

WISDOM FOR TODAY IN MATTHEW 16:

Jesus shared great wisdom for all generations regarding miracles

Matthew 16 NLT 16 One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. ²He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; ³red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times! ⁴Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away.

Jesus warned: Pharisees and Sadducees preach religion over their relationship with Jesus

⁵Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. ⁶“Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” ⁷At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. ⁸Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? ⁹Don’t you understand even yet? Don’t you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves and the baskets of leftovers you picked up? ¹⁰Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up? ¹¹Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’” ¹²Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Peter shares wisdom from God, Jesus is the Messiah

¹³When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” ¹⁴“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” ¹⁵Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” ¹⁶Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. ¹⁸Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock, I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. ¹⁹And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” ²⁰Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Jesus’ description of human versus God perspective

²¹From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day, he would be raised from the dead. ²²But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” ²³Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” ²⁴Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. ²⁵If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. ²⁶And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? ²⁷For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. ²⁸And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

If anyone wants to follow Jesus, we must take up our cross and follow Him. What does that mean? Being willing to choose to walk with Jesus wherever He leads us, may mean leaving our comfort zone, leaving a job we know is not the best for us, leaving a situation that is tearing us apart, stepping away from friends or even family who are set on destroying our minds, hearts, and life.

Gaining the world, materials, or status but being lonely, depressed, or suicidal as we reach for things that are not our path leaves us feeling empty and isolated.

But sticking to our Savior may bring trials of hills and valleys, however, I have learned I have never been alone. He has been with me, and when I let Him, He is guiding my steps.

I have moved cross country and have seen for myself as I trusted God from the near-death rafting experience to currently, I am glad I took the risk. My life was saved as I reached out to God, praying for a new life, and I will not look back.

Will you pick up your cross and follow Him? Take the risk it will be life-changing and may change the trajectory of your steps to an amazing place.

Deuteronomy 10:17, 20-21   “For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed.  20 You must fear the Lord your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. 21 He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes.

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Who’s stirring the pot?

The pot is boiling, who is stirring the pot? Things are heating up. It’s time to step up to the stove.

2 Timothy 1:14 AMP
Guard [with greatest care] and keep unchanged, the treasure [that precious truth] which has been entrusted to you [that is, the good news about salvation through personal faith in Christ Jesus], through [the help of] the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

The treasure of the good news about salvation through Jesus Christ alone is a gift to share not hold onto ourselves.

The gift effects the mind, body and spirit for eternity. It is more priceless than gold or any currency. It is more life changing than the most pampered spa visit. It leaves you refreshed from head to toe.

The peace that surpasses understanding can not be attained without Jesus. No power of hell nor scheme of man can pluck us from the hand of God.

Picture this: A huge black or red copper pot is filled with water, boiling at high temperature, the cook is placing one mistake after another into the pot. He stirs the water and contents with a huge slotted spoon. A creepy laugh escapes his lips, as a smile curls on his face. If the enemy can get those created in the image of God, all of us, to turn from the gift of relationship with Jesus, then the enemy wins our souls and we die.

This is the attempt of Satan, to steal kill, or destroy each of us, created in the Image of God. He knows each weakness, the enemy knows our places of regret, shame and guilt.

On the other hand, if with every attempt to drop our sins in this pot, we repent and ask Jesus to forgive and save us from this death, the pot of boiling water can’t overflow. We can seek Jesus for life changing futures. We will be saved to new life, our destiny is not written in the boiling water but in the One who created us for a purpose. We will have peace that surpasses understanding and if in trial we will no longer walk alone.

The healing balm of anointing oil from our Savior Jesus is just a repentance away! Be renewed in mind, body and soul. Jesus is Savior, Wonderful Counselor. Prince of Peace, King of Kings.

We may need to repent and turn from past mistakes and sin. Even in our past lives, we can learn and comfort others with the wisdom we gain in relationship and salvation in Christ. That is the key, our lives can be a story that draw others to Him.

So, if you know Jesus as Lord of your life, now is the time to share the gift with others. Don’t be afraid, someone likely prayed for you to meet Him. Ask God to bring the boldness of David against the giants in this world. He will prepare you with His Words in this hurting world. He needs your witness to those lives you intersect, we must answer the call to love like Jesus.

Psalm 32:8 NLT
The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

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