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Why doesn't God do something? How many times have you heard someone ask that question, imploring an answer to the violence and tragedies in the earth? If God really loves us, why does He allow children to die? If there is a God, why would such a good person die such a horrible death? These questions point to an intensely misguided supposition that God, being all powerful can do anything. With the emphasis on "power," the idea that an "all powerful" God would not stop such atrocities is a horrendous thought.
Deception has roots in our perceptions of lack in important areas of life (fear of death, love of money, lust, love). We all try to shore up our self-esteem and happiness by inventing identity and purpose to make sense of our story. When we're done building this castle that houses who we hope to be, it's a fortress that protects us from feeling of insignificant. Each brick in our castle is an argument or a pretension that props up a fragile ego.
In a world where there is so much hatred, there is a tide of love turning that will blanket the earth by those who represent God. Love is the most powerful force in the universe. It is the only thing that can bring peace to the world. We must all strive to be beacons of love and light. If we allow ourselves to be filled with God's love in prayer, worship and faith it will overflow into the world around us. This love will bring hope, understanding, and healing to those in need. It will bring joy and comfort to those in need.
Do you realize that if you are a born-again believer in Jesus, you are a priest? The Bible says in First Peter 2:9 that we are a royal priesthood. But let's face it, most of us are uncomfortable with the title "priest." In fact, when we hear the term priest, what comes to our mind is a picture of a man wearing a special collar or robe sprinkling people with holy water. Right? That makes us feel uncomfortable with who God called us to be–a priest unto Himself.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21 Maybe you have had a tough financial season, but God can turn everything around in the upcoming year. God owns it all. Prepare your heart and increase your faith in Him to do great things for your finances. There was a man in an airport waiting for his flight. He wanted a little snack, so he bought a cup of coffee and a bag of little donuts and sat down at a table. He pulled out his newspaper, grabbed the bag of donuts, and started eating one.
The Lord is about to do extraordinary things in the coming year. A great awakening is on the horizon, and I believe that 2025 is going to be a year of a great harvest. Many people will turn to the Lord, and many prodigals who have wandered will return to their faith with a renewed commitment. Things will begin to happen that will cause some to look for answers and Jesus certainly has all the answers.
Several years ago, I let a few things get under my skin that I never should've allowed myself to have any moment's thought. I was disappointed with myself that knowing better I let my guard down & took the bait. In so doing, I pondered words that I shouldn't have, then stewed about it for a bit of time that day. After the fact, I regretted that I allowed negativity to have such a prominent place within my thoughts and perception.
Shortly after Elijah was carried to heaven in a fiery chariot, a group of young prophets asked his successor, Elisha, to go with them to build a new living quarters. While one of the men was cutting down a tree, the blade of his axe fell in the water and sank into the murky depths of the Jordan River. The construction project came to an abrupt stop. This was before the days of flashlights and sonar devices. They couldn't stop by Home Depot for a new axe. These guys were in trouble.
But the righteousness of faith speaks . . . But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach). Romans 10:6, 8 Let me show you examples of how you can use the written Word to come against the attacks of the enemy. Let's say that while driving to work one morning, you hear some professor saying over the radio, "One in every five women will develop this disease by the age of forty."
I have always loved "new." I have always been inspired by freshly-sharpened pencils … a never-been-used notebook … a new, stylish dress … and crisp sheets on my bed. What "new" things do you delight in? I have always been rejuvenated by a bouquet of freshly-picked flowers from the garden … a book with an unbroken spine … the sparkling possibility of a brand-new friendship. There have been stellar and unmatched moments in my life when I embrace the glory of the "new" just like a two-year old splashes in the puddles of a spring rain!
