It was beyond thrilling once I realized the Bible was a How-to Book; a list of Master's tools for overcoming whatever we face in the world.
I would see all kinds of wonderful instruction and promises, then look around and not see such faith in others. It is as if people believe Jesus died on the cross and, then, lied about all the rest.
"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." I Corinthians 15:19 And as a man "thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7 Therefore, it is of utmost importance to grow toward protecting ourselves from all that isn't true because, if it is not truth, it is a lie (1 John 2:21).
Only two options are available for which to place our faith: (1.) to believe God, or (2.) to call Him a liar, (1.) to give glory to God by recognizing Him for who He is and who He said He would be, for and through us, or (2.) to bow to evil by focusing on all that is wrong with us and the world.
Of course, one could choose to place themselves on God's throne; thinking they have no need of Him. Our choice determines to whom we give power; to which presence we will dwell in. And, we know which one promotes pride and accuses the brethren.
So, the next time a negative thought comes our way, before we open our mouth, perhaps we should stop to think. Just who are we representing, anyway?
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Our adversary is like a roaring lion, all he does is roar. We either give him power to devour us, or we choose to believe God. It is impossible to fall or fail following the instruction God speaks to us, as God cannot be defeated. Being that nothing is too hard for Him, rejoice even before God brings it to pass (Romans 4:17).
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Only God knows how to defeat evil and where it will be lurking next (Proverbs 14:12). So, it is most advisable to get one's instruction and faith from the words God speaks to your heart (Job 23:12).
Be careful for nothing ...
"But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost." Mark 13:11
but in every thing by prayer ...
Pray in the Holy Ghost by laying your hands on the word of God, comparing scripture with scripture; rightly dividing the words of truth ... because they are spiritually discerned (I Corinthians 2:14).
and supplication ...
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Matthew 7:7
with thanksgiving ...
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving." Psalms 100:4a
let your requests be made known unto God.
"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:10
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
~ * ~
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there
be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye
have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me,
do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
Philippians 4:8-9
© by Joyce C. Lock, KJV
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