Golden

"But He know the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold"- Job 23:10 (NIV).

Job trusted in the Lord God. Others who were in distress can be added to his number: Daniel, David, Noah, Moses. That's just a few. Doesn't it seem that great Biblical men had their share of testing? Yet, they persevered and came out stronger; brilliantly reflecting the saving grace of God. Who would Daniel be without the lions, David without Goliath, Noah without the scoffing masses and Moses without the 40 years of leading a rebellious group who fell from grace over and over again. You may feel like you are in a pit of ravenous beasts, facing a mocking giant, waiting for flood waters to hit or like you will never get to that promised land. Pray for the patience of Job. You will come out shining like gold if you keep your faith in the One who leads you.

God Rules

"The Lord foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations"- Psalms 33:10-11 (NIV).

God rules the world! His plans stand firm regardless of what nations or people plan to do. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused of sinful deeds, and thrown into prison; but God's plan was proceeding. Joseph rose to prominence and Israel was saved from famine. Ruth's husband was dead and her mother-in-law allowed her to go back to her homeland even thought Naomi had refused her at first. Ruth had to pick through leftovers in already gleaned fields to try and feed her mother-in-law; but God's plan was proceeding. Ruth would marry Boaz and be included in the lineage of the Messiah. Look around brothers and sisters. God rules the world! And He has plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11).

Path of Least Resistence

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised"- Hebrews 10:35-36 (NIV).

You've heard people say to choose the "path of least resistance." That Old Deceiver wants you to make that choice. It's easy; more comfortable; takes less effort; accepted by the majority of people; and the results are quicker. King Saul, who had been king for two years, couldn't wait for Samuel to come. His people were scattering, the Philistines were coming and the sacrifice needed to be offered. So he made the sacrifice himself. Saul's lack of perseverance cost him the throne and favor with God. Stay in God's will. It may be difficult, but the rewards are promised to those who persevere.

Image of Christ

"Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator"- Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV).

The old you ceased to exist the moment you accepted God's reign in your life. Your life is new; you are new. You are being made new every moment to be like the One who made you. There is no staleness in who you are. What you are now will not be soon after. God is working on molding you into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Oh happy day! Will there be enough mirrors in your reach on that day the goal is achieved?   

Win Life

"But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life"- Luke 21:18-19 (NIV).

There is no better time to stand firm than when you feel like fleeing, throwing up your hands and giving up. It is at that moment when it's clear you have no power, when the Father of Lies has convinced you to abandon the battle, that you must be still, take up your position and stand firm. God is bigger than any battle you are facing. The victory isn't by your strength; God has overcome in this world (1 John 4:4). 

Exalted

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone"- Romans 12:18 (NIV).

God is not a God of disorder but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). A disobedient world that ignores God's will never have peace, for only God gives peace (John 14:27). America's peace and security was assaulted on 9/11/2001 and now there are many who have worries of another attack. Jesus didn't say there wouldn't be trouble in this world; but He told us to take heart, He has overcome the world (John 16:33). God will keep you in perfect peace; focus on the Lord and trust Him (Isaiah 26:3). God will be exalted among the nations; He will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:10b). 

Keep Watch

"I will make you beautiful forever, a joy to all generations"- Isaiah 60:15 (NLT).

Isaiah is speaking of the new Jerusalem...when God brings us to live in His beautiful new city. Revelation 22 shares the same description of the beautiful new Eden God will bring to earth: streets of gold, pearly gates, no pain or tears. There won't be any need for the light of the sun or moon, because God will be our light and He will be dwelling among us. Both of the chapters say He will do this swiftly and soon. How many hearts hoped it was during their generation? Even in the past, between Isaiah and John (around 700 BC to 100 AD); that's a span of around 800 years of hoping and waiting. Here we are 1,900 years later still hoping and watching. Jesus instructed us to "keep watch" because we don't know the day He will come (Matthew 24:42). But oh, what a glorious day that will be! Come Lord Jesus! Come!

Humility

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives"- Colossians 1:9 (NIV).

We will bear fruit doing good works and grow in the knowledge of God (v.10). These are impossible accomplishments coming from man, but all things are possible with God (Mark 10:27). God only requires us to govern our actions, to be merciful and to have a humble heart (Mich 6:8). Do you argue with God that He has not completed some part of you...or that you aren't satisfied with His handiwork? Scripture says "Woe to you who quarrel with their Maker" (Isaiah 45:9). Let us pray for ourselves and our fellow sisters and brothers-in-Christ, God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, that we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12). God will exalt the humble in due time (Matthew 23:12). Look upon the Lord Jesus and His life. Learn from His example...and we will find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:29). 

From Him, Through Him, For Him

""Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?" For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen"- Romans 11:34-36 (NIV).

The Lord's thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are our ways His ways (Isaiah 55:8). We can't reach that level of thought nor understand His plan. That's why we are not to lean on our own understanding, but trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5). God is at work in us, giving us both the will and the means to accomplish His desires (Philippians 2:13). The good God does through us silences the ignorance of foolish people (1 Peter 2:15). We can't take the credit for our thought, nor for our ability to do good. We are privy to the Master at work in and through us; for from Him, through Him and for Him...are all things.