The Lord's House Community Church

Welcome to 20/20 Vision with a Kingdom Mindset!

Scriptures

Ephesians 1:18, 19: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.

Proverbs 29:18: Where there is no vision the people perish; but he that keeps the law, happy is he.

Matthew 6:22, 23: The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness.

Thought for Today

The year 2024 erupted with the speed of lightening! Believers in Christ are bursting with hope and expectancy that He will reveal fresh vision surrounding His kingdom. Most likely, you’re reading this devotional as part of your personal commitment to dedicate the next twenty-one days to prayer, fasting, worship, study, and meditation. You’re among countless others during this season whose heart’s desire is to increase intimacy with God to see clearly what is ahead for their lives.

Commonly, people begin each year with annual physical exams to ensure they are in stable health. The yearly eye exam is a vital part of this routine. Though this is truly important, a spiritual vision check-up, with adjustments as needed, should take precedence over any assessments of your physical body. Blessed with seeing another new year ushers in the opportunity to let the Holy Spirit closely examine your spiritual vision, allowing Him to make changes to improve, or enlighten, the eyes of your understanding.

I Can See Clearly Now

In 1972, singer-songwriter Johnny Nash released the title “I Can See Clearly Now.” In part, the first verse states: I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It’s gonna be a bright (bright) sunshiny day.

The song sailed to the top of music charts around the globe upon its release. It has been, and still is, recorded and sampled by other artists; it is also featured in movies and videos. When questioned about the song’s success, Mr. Nash was reported as saying he purposely wrote the lyrics to inspire hope and courage to people who have overcome adversity. In essence, the songwriter expressed that darkness and obstacles which obscured his vision had been lifted. He could now clearly see the brilliance of the day. Can you relate to this sentiment?

To a far greater extent, laser focus is needed to illuminate what the Lord God has ordained for your life. While you certainly use your natural eyes on a daily basis, the things that are “unseen” should be your primary concentration. It is in the spiritual realm where you will seek and find God’s purpose, wisdom, and guidance with vibrant clarity.

How to Clear Your Vision

Hindrances to spiritual sight and insight can be compared to what may decrease the quality of natural eyesight. For instance, tunnel vision is a disorder in which sight is limited to a pinpoint view without seeing surrounding objects. Spiritually, to view your life though a tiny lens means you do not see “what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us” which surround you.  Other common vision disorders such as blurred vision, double vision, near and far sightedness can also illustrate the dire need to continually seek God for 20/20 vision with a spiritual mindset.

God does not leave you alone to find your way to a “sunshiny day.” He places kingdom-minded people in your life to teach, pray, encourage, and assist you in your journey.  Confirmation from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God will reveal your gifts, duties, and purpose in His Kingdom. Unblemished spiritual vision gives you discernment and knowledge to make biblically sound decisions and take kingdom minded actions.

Therefore, ask the Lord for people and opportunities that present you with fresh and anointed visualisation according to His will. God’s reminder in Proverbs 29:18 is that the people perish when there is no vision. While this void can result in physical death, the verse also confirms that vitality wanes, light darkens, and passion dies without a life vision or resolution. You are here to see another year by God’s intention. Start this year off with a commitment to improve your spiritual sightedness, where kingdom visions are found.

While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are

seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

Prayer

Lord God, open my mind and my heart to the plans You have for me. Help me to avoid distractions that prevent me from a clear line of sight to what you desire for me to be as a member of the Body of Christ. I ask for this love, attention and clarity upon my brothers and sisters around the world who are seeking the same. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Love Language from Heaven

Scripture

1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 

Thought for Today

Today is your reminder of God’s immeasurable, everlasting love for you. He inspired a Divine love letter addressed to you reflecting the scope of its intensity. Nothing that will ever exist can separate you from His devotion (Romans 8:38,39). 

The love of God is personal to each individual (Deuteronomy 32:10). His feelings intensify in times of your testing, just like an earthly parent. Yet, it can only be fathomed by those who know Him. The Apostle Paul understood that humans could only discern the extent of God’s love by power from on high. In Ephesians 3: 17b-19, Paul wrote:

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

We invite you to take time to study the topic of God’s love for you. The reminders will bless you when you need them most.  Scriptures are included below that reveal how much the Lord delights in His people. Add more scriptures to create a collection of His thoughts toward you. Declare them regularly over yourself and the ones you love.

How God Demonstrates His Love

Love is of God, and God is love. Live your life with the expectation of receiving His love each day. Learn the special love language He speaks that is found in the Word and listen for it. You may hear it as a shout through a dramatic miracle. He will also speak to you in a small, still voice as He did to Elijah. Somehow, He will let you know you have His heart at all times. 

Time to Pray

Father God, words are not adequate to thank You for loving us while we were yet sinners. We lean on Your care. You never fail us. We ask this day that we remember to hold on to Your love through the times ahead, for we know not what tomorrow brings. But we trust that it will never cease, not now or through eternity. We praise and honor You in all things. In the name of Jesus…Amen

Closer Than You Think

Scripture

Luke 19:41-44

Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

Thought for today

The rear view mirror on the passenger side of every automobile has a statement printed at the bottom:  “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.” The purpose of this statement is to warn the driver to be aware of objects beside and behind them before making lane changes and other maneuvers safely.

In the busyness of life, the critical importance of salvation through Jesus Christ and living for him can be lost. God is reminding you and I to take seriously the forgiveness of sin and everlasting life we have received through our faith in Jesus Christ. Further, as believers Jesus commands us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations (people)…(Matthew 28:19).   The opportunity for salvation has never been greater. The Lord is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9b). We must be in a state of readiness and share the gospel with urgency to give everyone we know and meet the opportunity to come to salvation through Jesus Christ, because the Day of Lord is closer than you think.    

It’s Time to Pray!

Heavenly Father, I confess to You that I have allowed the issues of life to cause me to lose focus on living in a state of readiness and sharing Christ with the people in my life. Help me to live for You each day with the urgency to share Christ with the people in my life. Thank You for reminding me that the Day of the Lord is coming quickly… In Jesus’ Name – Amen

Planted! You Are a Tree Firmly Rooted in God

Scripture

Jeremiah 17:8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Psalm 1:3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Proverbs 12:3 A man will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous will not be moved.

Hebrews 12:28 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…

Throughout the Bible, God assures His people they are securely entrenched and established in Him. He frequently uses trees as a metaphor to symbolize a sure and resilient foundation for believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The word “tree” is mentioned more than 280 times in several bible translations. More than 35 varieties of trees appear in the Old and New Testaments. Trees in the Word send clear messages of an outpouring of strength and security from God.

The scriptures in Jeremiah 17:8 and Psalm 1:3 are 2 of more than dozens of scriptures that mention trees planted by water. Why is this significant to the reader of the Word? Water is the ultimate life source for plants as well as humans. Trees planted near water receive a regular supply of refreshment and nourishment. They thrive and grow strong and sturdy because their root system is healthy. God has planted you in places where He will feed life into you. His supply never dries (Lamentations 2:22,23).

The Creator designed every tree species for a purpose. Some trees provide shade and beauty, while others produce fruit. Trees rooted near waterways offer a source of food and habitation to the area. They stabilize the banks and clean the water source. Like the tree, God guarantees that you continually yield the fruit of His righteousness. You were created for a unique purpose to be used by God (1 Timothy 2:21,22). Your destiny is firmly grounded in Him. He has prepared the season for your harvest. 

God is faithful to His promises to love and keep you (Psalm 71:22, 1 Corinthians 1:9). He pledges th at adversity will not make you fretful; He will make a way of escape (Philippians 4:6,7 1 Corinthians 10:13).Therefore, you can be confident He will keep you in all your ways regardless of circumstances. Neither life, death, nor any other thing imaginable can prevent you from flourishing (Romans 8:38,39).

In contrast, the Word likens the ungodly to chaff, which is the inedible husk surrounding a seed. The winds of life sweep the ungodly away as worthless trash because they’re not firmly rooted in place. Unlike your inheritance, the wicked will perish in their way. Your position in Jesus is solidly affixed. He knows your way. The Word is your water source that refreshes you when weary (Galatians 6:9).

Remain confident that you are seen, loved, and used by your heavenly Father. His Word is truth, and He secures your foundation within the pages. He keeps a steady grasp on your life in times of prosperity, famine, and seasons of joy and pain. Take comfort in his blessed assurances of victory and answers to your prayers. Follow His guidance and trust that He forgives you when you ask. Let your hope of salvation be a constant reminder that you are forever planted in God!

Those who trust in the Lord Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved  but abides forever. Psalm 125:1

It’s Time to Pray

Father God in heaven we honor the greatness of Your faithfulness. Thank You for steadying us when we are unstable. We trust You to keep us from stumbling. Let us not take your priceless promises for granted. Remind us to pray for those that live in uncertainty and to spread the Gospel to the unsaved. In the name of Jesus…Amen

High and Lifted Up

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (NIV)

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.

Thought for Today

Processing all the data contained in these demanding times is immensely challenging. Each day dawns with news of unprecedented world events, some of which affect us personally. In addition, a flurry of mundane chores to urgent crises invades our private lives. It is no wonder that encouraging others is sometimes placed on the back burner. More likely than not, the Holy Spirit has reminded you to extend yourself to others facing their own battles.

Encouraging, comforting, and supporting others reveals the gospel of Jesus in you. God supplies resources and gifts (2 Corinthians 9:10) for you to use specifically to give away to someone else. He knows the benefits we receive by pouring out to others. The Lord God works out all things for His good purposes, which includes opportunities to serve someone in need (Romans 8:28).

Charity at Home

A heart of compassion for others reflects His glory. Acts of kindness and service demonstrate this truth. Our benevolence starts with the people we see every morning. Encouraging members of our household should be a priority before we walk out of the door. We must practice being attentive and present to those we love the most.  Each member needs to understand they can lean on the family for help and support. Following Jesus’ example to love and respect others results in a peaceful and welcoming home environment that honors God.

Service in the Workplace

As a Christian employee or business owner, you know that your conduct is under close scrutiny. Of course, you are honest in your business dealings. You probably go beyond what’s necessary to perform the work required of you. The Lord is pleased with your obedience in conducting business with integrity.

Remind yourself to also listen for (and act upon) areas that enhance the lives of your co-workers, including non-Christians. Although you might or might not receive financial compensation for the extras you do, rest assured the treasures which you store in heaven cannot be counted. A smile, a listening ear, or a needed prayer goes a long way to refresh a tired soul. Your kindness will not be forgotten.

Proverbs 22:1 says a good name goes beyond riches. When you give your gift of kindness in the workplace, you lift up your name as a valuable worker. Most of all, you raise the blood stained banner of Jesus. People view you as reliable and honest. You are considered a valuable asset to the company because you work and behave for the Lord and not for man.

Shining Light in the Church

Your brothers and sisters in the body of Christ go through the same tests and trials as you. Sometimes, a scripture or small kind gesture is the strength they need to make it through. Likewise, they need equal support when they are successful in achieving a goal or have some other good fortune. Are you willing to rejoice with them in their victories, regardless if you are waiting on God for your own breakthrough (Romans 12:15)?  If so, make it a point to let them know they have your support. Sometimes, people go through challenging times alone because they don’t know someone cares. Be sure to also celebrate their wins so they don’t feel lonely at the top.

Be careful not to assume that everyone reacts or behaves alike. The body of Christ is made up of many types of members with different personalities and life experiences. (1 Corinthians 12:12,13). Some people are not willing, able, or used to giving or receiving help from anyone. A good number of men and women are uncomfortable with demonstrative gestures or they may be uneasy expressing their feelings in words. It is not uncommon for men or women to shy away from giving/receiving physical contact, like hugging.

Even though the church has many members, we are of the same spirit. The bible charges us to build up one another. We are bound by that mandate. Rather than giving up, let the Holy Spirit guide you who, when, and how to be of help. Seek His power in you to resist any feelings of offense. If nothing else, you can always lift up a person in prayer – with or without their knowledge. Obey the Word without expectation from others; the Lord will honor your service.

Physical Benefits of Kindness

Putting thought and action into being kind is just as much for you as the recipient. God also instilled physical rewards for acting upon what He compels you to do. These include:

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted,

uphold the weak, be patient with all. (1 Thessalonians 5 14)

It’s Time to Pray

Father God, we give praise to You for endowing us with material and spiritual resources to uphold someone else. Create in our hearts compassion for others, just as You pity us. Open our eyes for chances to be loving and supportive to those in the church and out. We bless You in the name of Jesus…Amen

Call to Order

 How to Avoid Chaos and Confusion

Scripture

1 Corinthians 14:40   Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Proverbs 24:27 Prepare your outside work, Make it fit for yourself in the field; And afterward build your house.

Thought for Today

Like everyone else, your daily “to-do” list of tasks is exhausting, to say the least. Your order of the day probably includes items carried over from yesterday, last week, or even the more distant past. The responsibilities of life can threaten to overwhelm even the most organized person. As a Christian, The mandate of serving and pleasing God first adds even more accountability. However, the strength to dow hatever needs doing is yours as a believer in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:3).

There is no escaping a whirlwind of activity with each new day. Inevitably, some things become misplaced, forgotten, or left undone. But a life of constant chaos leads to stress, to compromised physical and mental health. A life of endless disorder breeds confusion and stifles productivity. The entertainer and civil rights activist Lena Horne is quoted as saying: “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” 

In other words, how you tackle your tasks (even minor ones) can make or break your resiliency and success. This adage has a deeper meaning for Christians since we risk the temptation of carrying loads that Jesus is willing to bear. We often spin our wheels in frustration by trying to perform using our own strength. We must remain mindful that in Him we can bear much fruit – without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:4,5).

Reminders of the importance of maintaining order in all things fill the pages of the bible. God faithfully teaches us how to escape the trap of a confused mind. He invites us to commit our works to Him to establish our thoughts in an orderly fashion (Proverbs 16:3). As a loving Father, He provides patterns to follow to sustain order in our lives.

God revealed the perfect demonstration of orderliness in the story of creation of the heavens and earth. To the extent our finite minds can grasp, He details the process. From this, we can understand the magnitude of what thoughtful organization can accomplish. God methodically planned the timing of elements to work in harmony with one another (day and night, for example). Read Genesis the first chapter again to appreciate a Divine lesson in time management and creativity by design.

The account of Noah’s assignment teaches us many things about the mind of God. In the days of Noah, humans had become so wicked that their every thought was evil. The corruption had permeated the earth to the extent God regretted making humans altogether. He was well within His right to eliminate their very existence. 

However, God found favor in Noah because he was righteous, blameless, and faithful (Genesis 5:8,9). He made a way of salvation for Noah, his family, and all of mankind. He briefed the man chosen to assist with its execution. God also included the reasons for His actions. He followed up with strict instructions, from the greatest to the minutest detail. We are here today because of the power of the problem-solving, orderly, and detail-oriented proficiency of the Almighty.

Can you use assistance and reminders to get things in more order in certain areas of your life? The scriptures offer an abundance of guidelines to help you grow in this area. For instance, the preciseness of the instructions God gave to Gideon (Judges Chapters 6-8) is inspiring to read when you need to form a plan for victory. Another example is the intentional manner in which Jesus called the crowd to gather in an orderly manner before the miracle of feeding the five thousand. Allow God to order your steps. Perhaps, He has a miracle waiting for you. Positioning yourself in an orderly manner may allow you to see His plan. 

This world, and everything that is in it, is under the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19). However, as a child of Christ you have been saved from the power of the evil one and the spiritual authority over the chaos and disorder in the world (John 17:14). The answer to debilitating confusion is found in the words penned by the Author of peace. Study them carefully to achieve clarity and direction in all areas of your life.

A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.  Proverbs 16:9

It’s Time to Pray!

Father God thank You for leaving no stone unturned when it comes to organizing our lives. We praise and honor You as the only wise God who is loving and gracious toward us. Teach us how to live in peace by following Your instructions for an orderly life that glorifies You. In the name of Jesus…Amen

There is Healing for Your Soul

Scripture

Psalm 42:5

Psalm 23:3

He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

We living in a season of unprecedented turmoil, crisis, chaos and uncertainty. There are many factors that contribute to these conditions in society including impacts of the global COVID-19 Pandemic, sickness, death, job/career loss and general pain and suffering all around us. No one is immune to these pressures. The impacts on our lives have deeply afflicted our souls and left many people feeling helpless, hopeless, depressed and in despair. Prolonged social distancing and isolation have left families struggling to cope with issues they have never faced. Our souls are diseased and in desperate need of healing. One writer called it: “this present darkness”.

The Psalmist faced a similar crisis and soul sickness in Psalm 42 when he wrote: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?” He described his soul as being ‘cast down and disquieted’ which implies profound sadness, despair and a lack of peace, but he immediately realizes that his way of escape is ‘Hope in God’ and that he must praise God, even in the midst of the affliction of his own soul. Giving God praise ‘in spite of’ activates a weapon to combat the afflictions of the soul. Praise is also a garment that we as believers must wear to life the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3).  God is your hope and the help of your countenance. He will heal you and deliver you from this present darkness into His marvelous light. David made a very personal affirmation that the Lord was the restorer of his soul (and ours) in Psalm 23:3 when he declared “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness. For His name’s sake.”

Will you praise God while your soul is afflicted? Will you allow the Holy Spirit to comfort, restore and prepare you for the future that God has planned for you?

It’s Time to Pray

Dear Lord, I come to You asking You to heal the afflictions of my soul. There are burdens on my heart that weigh me down that You alone can heal. I lay them at your feet and move forward in faith knowing that you care for me and will heal my soul so that I may serve you with joy and gladness once again. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Breathing Room

Scripture

Matthew 11:29-30 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, andyou  will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Genesis 2:2,3 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on thes eventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

Mark 6:30-32 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

Thought for Today

Today’s devotional is intended as a reminder to take a break from the busyness of everyday life. Often, when we take time for ourselves, the enemy tries to invade us with feelings of guilt. The tactics of the devil are no surprise. He is relentless in his futile attempts to disrupt our peace. However, sometimes we simply forget to slow down the pace at which we move. 

Christian life is filled to overflowing with maintaining a home life, serving the church, and making a living. In the course of a normal day, these responsibilities leave little time for respite. Permit yourself to carve out time exclusively for rest and relaxation. Let’s look at what God’s Word says about leaving room to breathe.

In the first scripture, The Lord tells you to learn from Him and find rest in your soul. Following Jesus does not result in a life that is unyielding and joyless. On the contrary, serving Jesus relieves heavy burdens so that you may live rested in Him. The 23rd Psalm says God makes you lie down in a serene environment of green pastures alongside still, peaceful water. The inference is that He compels you to pull away and enjoy the beauty of His creation. 

God knows that humans need to rejuvenate regularly. He set the pattern for cycles of work and rest when He created the heavens and earth. He paused from forming them and blessed the seventh day. He then sanctified the day because in it He rested from all His work (Genesis 2:3). He considered the day hallowed and instituted the Sabbath (Hebrew for rest) observance for His people. 

The Creator did not take a rest because He was tired. He set the example for balancing some of the greatest work you’ll ever do with moments of rest. So-called “down-time” is a resting and reflection period. It’s also a time to look back on all of the things God helped you accomplish. You can enjoy the fruit of your labor and thank the Lord for allowing you to finish.

God inspired every scripture in the bible (2 Timothy 3:16). Each verse gives us insight into the His mind. This includes musical verses, which demonstrate how pausing is needed to create harmony. 

For example, the Hebrew word Selah is found in the bible 74 times, mostly in the book of Psalms. In 31 instances, the title “to the musical director or choirmaster” is in the heading of the Psalm. 

Saleh appears at the end of a verse or chapter between one thought and another. For these reasons, it is generally accepted that the word Saleh is a musical term suggesting a pause in the melody (see Psalm 3). The Psalms are among the most read and comforting verses in scripture. We can use them as a lesson to take a hiatus from busy schedules and enjoy the melodies from heaven God provides.

Life is filled with trials and trouble. During a crisis, you can (and should) take a breather whenever possible. Space is needed, even a few moments, to rejuvenate your mind and emotions. Your thinking is clearer and your prayers more focused if you step away for a bit.

Jesus told the apostles to move away and settle themselves in the middle of two impactful events. John the Baptist had just been beheaded. The apostles met Jesus to tell Him what happened as crowds gathered to hear Him speak. The gentle Savior told them to come with Him to a quiet place. Jesus knew that the miracle of feeding the 5,000 lay just ahead. But He also knew that the apostles were upset, tired, and had not eaten. He invited them to dine with Him for a time of solitude and refreshing.

The Lord who loves you extends the same invitation. Find fellowship and rest with Him in hectic times or when life is moving at the speed of light. Listen for God’s prompting to give your mind and body a breather. Answer His call to relieve some of the pressures of this life. God won’t leave or forsake you. As He promised Moses, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. (Exodus 33:14).

It’s Time to Pray!

Father God, Thank You for inviting us to lay our heavy burdens upon You. We are grateful that You loveand  care for us. Remind us to answer when we are called to Your secret places of rest when we need it. May we use our rest time to gain strength to continue our lives in holiness and service to You. In the name of Jesus…Amen

Is Trusting God Beneficial?

Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Thought for Today

How often have you asked yourself, Where would I be without Jesus? Christians often express their gratitude for Christ with this question. They know their lives would be a wretched mess if not for His saving grace. As a believer you understand that knowledge alone was not enough for you to receive salvation. You trusted His Word that by faith you are saved (Ephesians 2:8,9). You are one of His own, and He is yours.

Trusting God means you have deliberately committed to relying upon His truth and character. Yet,de pendence on God is not a one-time occurrence. It is a lifestyle of faith which remains in constant motion and has many moving parts. At the top of the list is a relationship with God. It is impossible to have faith or trust without it (Hebrews 11:6). Once you have established your relationship, you are free to build upon it and partake of all its benefits.

The scriptures contain an overabundance of privilege we receive by trusting in the Almighty rather than  ourselves. Consider the legality of an earthly inheritance. Beneficiaries must accept the bequest in totality. Afterward, the will and testament becomes fully executed. Likewise, God tells us to trust Him with all of our hearts. 

Habitual study of God’s nature will help you maintain and increase your bond of trust with Him. Dedicate time today (and each day) to using the Word as a reminder of the Lord’s priceless blessings. Praise God that there are no promises He doesn’t keep. He never fails because all things through Him are possible (Luke 1:37). No human can claim this truth. 

Search the bible for scriptures that remind you why you should consistently upgrade your level of trust in God. More than 25 godly benefits of God can be found in Psalm 103:2-19 alone. Allow scriptures like these to become trust-building exercises. Make the verses personal to what you’ve witnessed during your walk with the Lord. Placing each benefit in the context of your life experiences will cause you to bless the Lord with all your heart and soul.

We can never tally the benefits we receive from fully trusting the Lord. In Ezekiel 34:26, the Lord told His people, I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing. In other words, leaning on God releases ade luge of heavenly endowments. 

Who can count the number of water drops in a rain shower? No mortal can accomplish such a task. However, we can appreciate the innumerable reasons to trust God. We encourage you to develop a regular regimen of setting aside time solely to ponder God’s rewards. Marvel at the goodness He has prepared for you as a benefit of your trust (Psalm 31:19).

Commit your way to the Lord,Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your  righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.  —-Psalm 37:5,9

It’s Time to Pray!

Father God, we worship You as the Personification of grace and mercy. You alone can we trust in all matters of our lives. Only You reward us with benefits we do not deserve without Christ. Forgive us when we forget the magnitude of Your grace. Thank you for showing us compassion and remembering we are dust. We are grateful to You for saving our lives from ruination and our souls from destruction. In the name of Jesus…Amen