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.