Always Pray

"Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up"- Luke 18:1 (NIV).

The parable was about a widow who continued to cry out for justice from an adversary to an unjust judge. Her relentless pursuit caused the judge to finally yield to her requests to keep her from continuing to bother him. Jesus asked, "And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night?" (v. 7). God chose us before creation began (Ephesians 1:3-4), to be His own possession (1 Peter 2:9), and the choosing was God's doing; we didn't choose Him, he chose us (John 15:16). Learn from the way Jesus prayed: early in the morning while it was still dark (Mark 1:35), alone on a mountainside (Matthew 14:23), and one time all night long (Luke 16:12). He is our example. Do not give up praying. Make your requests known and please pray for all His chosen ones (Ephesians 6:18).

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?