‘Faith means building the boat before you see the rain.” ~ Inrig

How much of God’s blessing have we missed out on because we stayed on the shore or in the boat? What if instead we had ‘waded in’ ‘by faith’, knowing He will act, and is just waiting for us to join Him so we can be blessed through His work?

Life is full of spectators. There are many who remain in the stands because they allowed distractions, fears, anxiety, and other opinions to sideline them from what God has so wonderfully designed for their lives. I have played sports most of my life and know firsthand the scars and wounds that do occur from being in the fight. I wouldn’t trade one of them for being a spectator… each is a reminder of what was overcome and the battles won. Life is no different… there are scars to be had there too… but when I walk by faith, following my Lord into each battle, yes I may be knocked down and even wounded, but it is in a worthy cause, for my Lord fights for the hearts and minds of those who need to hear the Gospel. For that, I will get off the shoreline and out the boat and wade into any battle.

My heart bears many scars, some very fresh and not yet healed. I have come to realize that they are not something to despair over though, but are great reminders that I am a participant in God’s work and walking with the One who bears more wounds than I could conceive of, and more than anything else, who gave His life for me… I will follow Him no matter what battle He fights.

I read often through Hebrews 11 and I am encouraged by the words, ‘by faith.’ These two words portray the obedience of those who walked with God, not knowing where that path would lead or what battles they may incur. None of that mattered to them… what did matter was that they were with the One who is ‘Absolute Perfection’. With Him they knew true goodness, justice, truth, faithfulness, beauty, security, hope, and love.

I pray you are ‘building the boat while trusting His Word that the rain is coming.’

Choose wisely….

“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?”

(Romans 8:31-32)

Praying 4 U

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, and grandfather with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is a member of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church.

The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 16-20| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “”The steps of faith fall on the seeming void, but find the rock beneath.” – John Greenleaf Whittier

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

And I prayed to the Lord my God, and made confession, and said, “O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, Daniel 9:4

 

“Therefore behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people, wondrously marvelous; and their wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of the discerning men shall be concealed” – Isaiah 29:14 (NASB)

Being a Freedom Fighter writer for almost a decade now has given me something more than just an activity to pass my time. It has given me a record of where I once was on this journey known as the Christian Walk. A recent posting from my fellow laborer in the vineyard, Makala Doulos, had a link to something I wrote back in 2012 that caught my attention. I started that day off by quoting verses Isaiah 29:13-14 and went into a slight discourse on idolatry. I also made a plea that we do not become so familiar with the presence of El Shaddai that we reduce Him down to our level and treat Him as common. With that in mind, today I would like to revisit Isaiah 29:13… but maybe in a different light.

“Then the Lord said, ‘Because this people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote.'” I like the lip service part because sometimes we hear things as we go through the motions of doing church that sound so crisp that we almost trip over each other to say “WOW, THAT WAS SO PROPHETIC!!” But ya know something, I kinda like it said like this: “The Master said: ‘These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their hearts aren’t in it. Because they act like they’re worshiping Me but don’t mean it.'” There is a phrase out there in Secularland that gets used quite often, and I hear it used at where I work all day, but for the sake of keeping a PG rating I’ll just say that these folks talk with a tongue of dung.

We know that there are wolves among the sheep, but I ain’t here to give the wolves any acknowledgement beyond what I just wrote. I’d rather share with you something I recently stumbled on that Ray Stedman wrote in a devotional that I think sheds some light on what can happen to us from time to time. Take a look at the very first word used in the beginning of Isaiah 29…. WOE!! Okay, now remember that and then get your focus back onto verse thirteen. Ray uses a phrase that I think strikes a death blow to the saying we’re “just doing church.” The phrase is “Mechanical Religion” and in short, it’s the “meaningless, external conformity to a performance of religious things.” If you are at this point in your walk, then you are in grave danger.

Now if you feel things have become spiritually dull for you, being kinda mechanical during a church service or a Bible study, that can be a warning sign that says you are heading into the danger zone. However, it is a healthy thing to ask yourself if you have lost your zeal for The Most-High God from time to time. Scripture can sound and appear kinda dull and common place as well and singing “Majesty” or “Amazing Grace” can be just as mundane as walking but don’t ever think that God will leave you hanging there…not if you are really a child of His. Now for your moment of WOE….

“And it shall happen instantly, suddenly. From the LORD of hosts, you will be punished with thunder and earthquake and loud noise, with whirlwind and tempest and the flame of a consuming fire.” (Isaiah 29:5b-6)

And that’s just His tap on your shoulder (just kidding?). Anyway, spiritual complacency is not a good place to be. It leaves you in place where Secularland can begin to cut its groove into you and the next thing you know you’re stuck in its depth. Fortunately, there is a God that will not leave you or forsake you, but that doesn’t mean you’re gonna get something that changes the course of your walk that is covered with complete goodness. I myself am going through an ordeal that I never saw coming and it has me leaning hard on The Cross of Christ. But in the mess of it all God has sent reassurances that He is there and in that I find peace. That peace has rekindled zeal and that zeal feels good…even if my heart is heavy from what has happened.

So, from the pen of Ray Stedman, know this very thing, “God’s love for us does not tolerate pretense and external worship. Do we gratefully acknowledge His wake-up calls as His loving pursuit?” If you have comfortably agreed then I lift an AMEN with you, if not then all I got for you is a…WOE.

Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married (Kathy) with two adult children (Kevin and Karen) and has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008.

The Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 11-12| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “At times God will send something that wakes you up suddenly to the drift in your life. This is why He has spoken so helpfully through the prophets and the apostles, warning us of the danger of spiritual drift and the danger of living mechanically as a Christian.”—Ray Stedman

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.” Proverbs 15:8

 

 

 

Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, Which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” – Matthew 13:33

Does God give us burdens? Is there a burden that has drawn you to the heart of God that boarders on being considered judgmental or critical? Sometimes I think God allows us to see His heart for His church, and even if there is nothing you can do about it, there’s this connection with the Father that enhances our relationship and we can actually share in His grief. Of course this should also take place in our own lives as we should always be sensitive to the things that God disapproves of.

My burden? The fellowships of the Church.

Now the parable. I recently saw a picture of some friends spending time together with their extended families at a reunion. It brought a smile to my face as all were gathered together, big smiles, the making of life long memories and sharing of the past. But the last set of pictures caught my attention, it was a whole group of family members posing for a group picture, the setting was a boat dock over a lake. The first picture was everyone smiling and saying cheese, the next set of pictures was half the party in the lake because the dock collapsed. Fortunately no one was hurt, so after a gasp, I admit, I did chuckle and gave kudos to the photographer for snapping the after pictures. I perceived that the idea of taking a picture over the water sounded harmless, and even though some may have been skeptical the encouraging words of loved ones and family members were convincing enough to persuade them to join in. Maybe words like, “it’ll be fun”, “It’s different” and “everyone else is doing it, don’t be old fashioned.”

In my recent quiet time with the Lord, I believe He used that snapshot to confirm a burden I carry for the church. There are a lot of “new and different” fellowships springing up that are very disturbing to me, like a bunch of loved ones on an unstable dock. As I shared with some who are excited about this endeavor, I’m usually accused of being judgmental or critical. When the weight of disapproval from fellow believers gets heavy, God always has a way of speaking to me and lifting the burden and placing it back on Himself with a type of parable. At that point I feel a connection with God and am able to direct my prayers toward those who need the truth of the Gospel. I can also rest in the fact that as long as I share my convictions to those in authority and to anyone who asks my opinion, I’m no longer need to do anything but pray.

In Matthew 13:13, Jesus gives one of the most powerful parables that pertain to today. The NLT version says, Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” If the word of God is the flour (bread) then the yeast (pride) that is added to seem to misrepresent the true meaning by adding it.

So, what is your burden, and has God given you a parable to comfort you? If so, share it with those affected and then commit it to prayer.

I realize this post is out of character for me and I would have preferred not to write it, but I did it out of obedience from the leading of the Holy Spirit, thanks for listening.

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 8-9| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “A spiritual Christian should welcome any burden which the Lord brings his way.” – Watchman Nee

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“Hear a just cause, O Lord, Attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.” Psalm 17:1

 

 

So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” – Mark 10:51a

Every once in a while, my wife will ask me to come food shopping with her. Upon entering the store, there are two different mindsets: hers, list in hand and on a mission to get what she came for, and mine, just wandering around looking for “who knows what?” Sometimes an employee of the store will inquire, “Can I help you?” My response is usually, “No thanks, just looking”. The outcome is my wife having received everything she came for and I, nonsense.

One of the most valuable benefits of our relationship with Jesus is that He wants us to come to Him with our needs and desires. How foolish it is when I am struggling with the issues of life and have a Heavenly Father who loves me and wants to comfort me, but instead I walk around window shopping, unprepared to come to Him with my burdens?

I guess for me the real issue is do I know what I need? Am I prepared to come to Him with the real issues in my life? My wife and I will meet up at the register and she’ll have the essentials in her basket, mine are usually comfort foods which, after consideration, are put back on the shelf.

There was a time in my life when I was desperate for a healing and I came to Jesus with a “shopping list” full of needs. In my crying out to Him, I could imagine Him asking me, “What do you want Me to do for you?” That began a process of healing of my soul that has forever caused me to be grateful and devoted to my Savior.

There are two occasions in Mark 10 where Jesus asks the question, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The first time is the inquiry of James and John, their answer was, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” The second was blind Bartimaeus, his response was, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Which one do we need and which one is the comfort food? I know there are times where we can come to God with our frivolous requests and desires, but I believe Jesus wants to cure our blindness first, and then we will see clear to ask what we really need. James tells us in an extreme case concerning our selfishness but I think it still applies, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” (4:3).

So, maybe today God wants us to bring Him our shopping list of true needs, the issues that cause us pain and grief. Jesus says, Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 13-18| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Whoever will labor to get rid of self, to deny himself according to the instructions of Christ, strikes at once at the root of every evil, and finds the germ of every good.” – Francois Fenelon

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.” Psalm 4:1

“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.”         ~ Faulkner

If you have ever put together one of the ‘Lego’ kits that makes a ship or a particular character, you know how many pieces (tiny pieces at that) it takes to make it look like the picture on the box lid. You also know that once those pieces are mixed in with others from other sets, getting back to the original design is quite the chore. O, it’s possible, but… the instructions become really important. You spend a lot of time studying the pictures and looking for specific pieces that match in order for it to resemble its original intent. Operating according to the design is hard enough for most of us when we are working right from the kit, but redeeming the design from a muddled state of affairs requires patient reliance on the ‘One’ who designed the kit in the first place.

Our God, and our Creator, has told us how this life works. He has given us words of wisdom to direct us like, “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5), and “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4), as well as “Call on the name of the Lord and you will be saved” (Rom 10:13). Now if we follow these instructions, God assures us that we will know peace, joy, contentment, and all that is His will be at our disposal. Our problem is we desire autonomy and want to do it our own way, rejecting God’s design… but isn’t that how we end up with the muddled pile of “Legos’ in the first place?

In order to redeem our lives from these muddled piles we have made, we must recognize whom and what we are dealing with. God is “Absolute Perfection”, having no fault or flaw. Therefore, His design is determined and can be participated in only by following His Word (the instruction manual). It is when we “delight” or find enjoyment in His Word, digging into it with a thirst for understanding; and having trusted Him because we have gazed intently into His instructions and obtained a rational faith in His perfect (flawless) nature; it is only then He is able to give us “the desires of our heart.” There is no other way, His is perfect!

I pray that you go beyond the casual glance at His Word today and dig deep into His instructions. I pray that as you find delight and understanding in Him, the gates of His love will open, spilling hope and joy into your muddled soul. God wants to redeem you, He desires to pour into your life all joy and contentment, but you have to do it the “Perfect Way.”

Choose Him, Choose Wisely…

“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way, there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11)

Praying 4 U

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, and grandfather with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is a member of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church.

The Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 19-22| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Whoever will labor to get rid of self, to deny himself according to the instructions of Christ, strikes at once at the root of every evil, and finds the germ of every good.” – Francois Fenelon

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.” Psalm 4:1

 

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:16

For some of us, it doesn’t take much to bring everything to a halt and become confused and paralyzed when it comes to making a decision. I once worked for a guy whose motto was “do something, even if it’s wrong.” I wouldn’t suggest that as a motto, but it does make a point.

Restrictions, limitations, how do you handle those things that seem to keep you from doing what you want to do? I remember a toy truck I had as a kid that would be able to sense a ledge or a wall and immediately turn around and go the other way. That truck would run until the batteries wore out because anytime it met an obstacle it would change course and keep moving.

We were discussing as a Men’s group how we interpret the will of God in our lives; how do you know what God wants you to do? Of course the discussion went in many different ways and our conclusions were merely suggestions, because, I believe it is a life long journey and there is no easy answer. But it sure makes you think. Someone said jokingly, “I have enough trouble trying to figure out what my wife wants let alone God”.

My thoughts were lead to Ephesians 5 where it sums up our process and gives us a direction to move towards. It starts off by saying, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma”. There is a sanctification process that continues to conform us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). The life of Jesus was a selfless life, always doing the will of the Father. So, if you trying to decipher the will of God in your life, some of the questions you might ask yourself are, “what are my motivations” or “will this bring glory to God?”

I have to believe when my motives are pure and my actions are not selfish, I can move forward until I am faced with this idea of a symbolic door. This door apparently opens and closes, and if you’re like me, you’ve had some that slammed shut. Unlike my toy truck, when hitting an obstacle, there’s a time for sitting still but don’t grow roots.

The pattern continues in Ephesians 5, “Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” One of my favorite Bible characters is Nehemiah, he spent time in prayer but when the opportunity arose (open door), he moved in. He also didn’t allow “unfruitful works” to distract him from what God called him to do.

So, spend some time in Ephesians 5, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 5-6| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Don’t let obstacles along the road to eternity shake your confidence in God’s promise. The Holy Spirit is God’s seal that you will arrive.” – David Jeremiah

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14

 

 

 

 

“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.”

(2 Corinthians 5:16)

Part of my job is to evaluate the progress of the residents in various degrees, in various aspects. I can remember early in the process, I would start fretting over the evaluation. Who am I to judge another in the condition that I’m in? And in that very moment, I guess it was written all over my face, a wise counselor caught me and gently encouraged me to separate my issues and essentially allow Spirit to lead me. It wasn’t about me and my own self-centeredness, it was for the good of the resident.

We love 2 Corinthians 5:17 and how the Word illuminates our new life in Christ, our new identity, our redemption and the like…But do we deal with others in their new condition, or do we judge according to the flesh patterns? We are new; so our outlook, insights, fruit inspecting should all be governed from our new selves.

For the love of Christs should constrain us and give us the guidance that comes through the Holy Spirit. Man looks on the outward appearances but God looks on the heart; here is what Mathew Henry declares, “We can tell how men look, but God can tell what they are. He judges of men by the heart. We often form a mistaken judgment of characters; but the Lord values only the faith, fear, and love, which are planted in the heart, beyond human discernment” (1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary). As we consider our newness in Christ, we ought to be Spirit-filled in dealing with others.

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 72-74| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Whenever you do judge, the only basis of judgment is not your own perspective or anything else, it’s the very character and nature of God and that’s why we are to allow Him to exercise His justice, where I personally want to take it upon myself.” – Josh McDowell

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14

 

 

 

“You will show me the path of life,
In Your presence is fullness of joy’
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

-Psalm 16:11

 

The scene was a hotel late at night. After getting our room key, we took the elevator up to the floor of our room. The strange thing was when the elevator opened, the hallway was pitch black. We went back down to the desk and informed the hotel staff of the problem. He chuckled and said, “Just take a step out of the elevator, and the lights will come on”. Sure enough, as we walked to our room there were sensors that activated the lights and illuminated our path.

I was thinking about this scenario as I read the 2^nd chapter of the book of Acts. It’s quoted of David by Peter when referring to the resurrection of Christ. David prophesies of the “The path of life” and trusts “You will show me.” I wonder if Jesus was thinking of this verse when questioning God and asking “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done”?

I couldn’t help but think of Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” When the road of faith isn’t too bright and I’m not sure where it leads, the Bible seems to teach that if we “walk as unto the Lord” we should expect illumination. Just like the hotel clerk instructed me to take that step off the elevator and lights will come on, how much more should we walk in the counsel of God and expect divine illumination? Illumination is simply god’s word revealed to us as we need it. How many times do you find yourself in a situation where the Word of God gives a clear picture and can be applied? Being mindful of scripture and always being ready to give a reason for the Hope found in you will turn on the next set of lights and provide you with a clear path.

So, today if you find yourself seeking after God but can see where your next step will take you, walk, and “expect illumination.” Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: Lamentations| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “When you live in the light of eternity, your values change.” – Rick Warren

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” – 2 Kings 6:17

 

 

 

 

“Likewise, reckon you also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:11)

When I’m in the company of southern or country folk they tend to use terminology that specifically or exclusively tie back to their roots, and they will naturally have conversation only they can completely decipher. For instance, the phrases “fixin,” “y’all,” “over yonder”, “what in tarnation” and the like, if you are from the south you understand the meanings of these phrases and their intended purposes. ‘Reckon’ is one those words coined by south and has adopted a southern twang and usually means ‘I think’ but is that the same understanding Paul uses here in Romans?

Reckoning in this passage has more sustenance to the meaning than the typically southern undertone. Paul is encouraging the saints, after their gospel revelations, to logically consider yourselves dead to sin. This is bottom-line; you aren’t governed by the old man in addition, we are to consider ourselves new, moreover alive in Christ. This is the logical step after fully understanding God’s grace and love. Reckoning is a process, but it is also can be an event; if you believe.

What would be the level of freedom if the believer whole-heartedly reckoned themselves dead, and allow the new person to fully emerge. Reckoning, or another way put; God’s Word as the bottom line, allows us to explore these endless possibilities of course it will take the yielding to the indwelled Holy Spirit, but it’s worth it.  “For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not comparable to the coming glory to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 66-68| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “We must desire to be separated unto the Lord from the world and its evil system. We must reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. This is true positionally, but it can be made true in our spiritual life only as we yield to the Holy Spirit’s control.” – Theodore Epp

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” – 2 Kings 6:17

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“Father, Into your care I commit my spirit.” ~ Jesus

At the darkest moment of anguish, bearing the signs of despair, loneliness, and grief… Jesus, by faith, committed what was most precious about Him into the care of our Heavenly Father.

He knew no matter the circumstance, no matter how dark life ‘seemed’ at the moment, Our God is Faithful.

In these moments, words are few. Grief is a silencing entity that takes almost all expression away. The only defense we have against it is our faith in ‘The Sovereign and Holy God who is there.’

As Christ took His final breath and entered death on our behalf, it was His faith in the ‘God who is there’ the sustained Him.

I pray you have this confidence in you that was also in Christ at His moment of crisis. I pray you will turn to Him… The God who is there.

Choose wisely…

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalms 46:10)

Praying 4 U

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, and grandfather with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is a member of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church.

The Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 1-4| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “One way to get comfort is to plead the promise of God in prayer, show Him His handwriting; God is tender of His Word.” – Thomas Manton

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

“whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.” 1 Peter 1:8