Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – The Day of Evil #1075.1

Posted on November 19, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1075

“The Day of Evil – part 2”

O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. They crush your people, O Lord, and afflict your heritage. They kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless; and they say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.” – Psalm 94:3-7

Evil in this world is nothing new. It has been with us since Adam and Eve sinned and Cain slew Abel.

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually… So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” – Genesis 6:5-7

Even though the Lord purged the earth because of its evil at the time of Noah, mankind has continued its evil spiral into greater and greater sinfulness. I don’t know why I am surprised that each day it seems that a new level of depravity is played out in our society as well as the world news media and ‘entertainment’ venues. Like David wrote in our reference Psalm I ask, ‘How long, O Lord shall the wicked exult?’ The answer has to do with the grace of God that is poured out on mankind.

I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth…”– Genesis 9:11-13

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. – 2 Peter 3:19

God will deliver us from these evil days. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, – Galatians 1:3-4

Meanwhile we need to wear the whole armor of God each day, placing our hope in Him to keep us from evil. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. – Ephesians 6:13

Thou art my hope in the day of evil. – Jeremiah 17:17

Being surrounded by evil will bring temptation but God will see us through it as we trust and hope and Him. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

May you seek the presence of the Lord continually, walking in the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Encouragement, Forgiveness, Holiness, Hope, Morality, Salvation, Temptation, Trust | Tagged evil, Hope in Christ, Noah | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – The Day of Evil #1075

Posted on August 31, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1075

“The Day of Evil”

Thou art my hope in the day of evil. – Jeremiah 17:17

I write this from a campground in west central Georgia. I have evacuated my home in Florida ahead of Hurricane Dorian. As I drove the several hundred miles fleeing the impending storm I was reminded of God’s Word that admonishes us to flee evil.

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22

We have not yet fully recovered from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Irma two years ago and I was tempted to lose hope as Dorian gathered strength and took aim for Florida. Whether it is the evil of a hurricane or the temptation to sin, God remains faithful and will provide a way of escape.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. -1 Corinthians 10:13

The Lord provided the way of escape for us and we were able to reserve the last campsite available at my chosen location to flee to. He provided favor with our employers allowing us the time to escape the storm. He is truly our hope in the day of evil.

The times we live in are evil. Our society celebrates full term murder of babies and is methodically attacking all Judeo-Christian moral values, indoctrinating our children in schools with all that God’s Word declares to be an abomination to Him. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions… 2 Timothy 4:3

Living in Florida, we have to be prepared for hurricanes. Our house is boarded up and secured as best it can be to withstand the winds. We also must be dressed ready for spiritual battle every day.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. – Ephesians 6:13

Some people foolishly fail to prepare for devastating hurricanes. Some even plan to party in the midst of the evil day. This same mentality applies to those who live for today and refuse to repent and accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. God calls these people fools and unwise.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

Whether it is Cat 4 hurricanes or the temptation to sin, God is our hope in the day of evil.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father; But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. – Galatians 1:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Morality, Salvation, Temptation, Trials | Tagged Evil Days, Hurricane Dorian | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Ambassadors #1074

Posted on June 30, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1074

“Ambassadors”

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

An ambassador is an official representative to a foreign country. Their citizenship is elsewhere and although they reside in a foreign place they are not of that place.

As born-again Christians, our citizenship is in heaven. This is why God’s Word calls us ambassadors. We are in this world but not of it. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world; But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (John 17:16; Philippians 3:20)

When irreconcilable tensions arise between nations, ambassadors and other diplomats are recalled home. Tensions have always existed between the Kingdom of Heaven and the kingdom of this world and these tensions have been on the rise since the fall of Adam and Eve. In January 2018 Newsweek reported that “the persecution and genocide of Christians across the world is worse today than at any time in history.”

Although North Korea ranks as the number one nation for the persecution of Christians, the United States is becoming increasingly hostile to Judeo-Christian values considering them to be intolerant. Given such increasing tensions, could a recall of the Lord’s Ambassadors be imminent?

… For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)

So what are we to do? We are to occupy until He comes regardless of persecution. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ (Luke 19:12-13)

Paul declared himself to be an ambassador in chains yet continued to preach the Gospel. …for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:20)

As Ambassadors we are ‘living letters’ from Christ. How we act, behave, speak, and vote speaks volumes to those around us that need to know the Gospel Truth of salvation in Jesus. And you show that you are a letter from Christ…written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts; “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (2 Corinthians 3:3; Matthew 5:14-16)

A recall is coming soon. May you be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the Day of God… (2 Peter 3:11-12)

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Holiness, Obedience, Perseverance, Purpose, Trials | Tagged Occupy until He comes, Second Coming of Jesus | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Don’t You Care? #1073

Posted on June 2, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1073

“Don’t You Care?”

…And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:35-41)

Imagine being in a shallow draft boat when hurricane force winds whip up the sea you are sailing in. All hands are on deck furiously bailing the water that was crashing over the sides – except one: the Teacher you have been following is fast asleep at the back of the boat. That’s when you wake Him and ask ‘Don’t you care?’

Are the storms of life overwhelming you right now? Perhaps you have suffered the loss of a loved one or a job or your health. Are you tempted to wonder if Jesus cares? Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever! Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression? (Psalm 10:1; Psalm 44:23-24)

The disciples at this time did not fully comprehend who Jesus was – they knew Him as a Teacher with a message that they were drawn to. Do you fully comprehend who Jesus is to you? Is He your Lord and Savior – God incarnate, creator of heaven and earth? Or is He a figure head in your religion? …waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily… (Titus 2:13; Colossians 2:9)

Some disciples had a closer relationship with Jesus than others. Some were in the boat with Him and others followed at a distance in other boats. Is your relationship with Jesus a close one? Are you in His presence occasionally, or continually? The disciples in the boat with Jesus grew in their knowledge of Him when He calmed the seas and the wind. Their faith and trust was strengthened. Whereas those who followed at a distance in other boats had no clue as to what happened to calm the storm. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

The Lord allows storms in our life because He loves us. Storms are relationship and faith builders between us and Jesus. Storms equip us with increased knowledge of Him and experience that we can share with others to bring the Lord’s comfort to them in their time of need. The Lord works all things for good for His children. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

No matter what storms assail you, remain close to Jesus and know that He does care. …casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Relationship, Salvation, Trials | Tagged Jesus Cares | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – The Desires of My Heart #1072

Posted on May 15, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1072

“The Desires of My Heart”

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

What are your heart’s desires? What do you dream about doing, achieving, having? What are your goals? Do you expect that God will give you what you desire?

Our tendency is to use this Scripture in such a manner that we expect God to become our personal ATM blessing machine giving us whatever our heart desires. But this is far from the truth of this Scripture.

Note that our heart is deceitful and sinful.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. (Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:19)

The bottom line is that, in our fallen state, the desires of our hearts do not come from God. So, how do we understand and apply Psalm 37:4 to our lives? The key is found in the word ‘delight’.

This word, delight, in the original language carries the meaning to be soft, delicate, and pliable toward the Lord and His will for you. We delight in the Lord when our heart and mind has been renewed and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit – when we are born again.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

A heart that delights in the Lord can hear and discern His will and direction for our lives.

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (Hebrews 3:7-8; Isaiah 30:21)

When we are born again by the Holy Spirit the Lord supernaturally removes our hardened hearts of stone and replaces them with a heart of flesh, soft, delicate and pliable – a heart that can delight in Him.

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, (Ezekiel 11:19)

This is when the desires of our heart become His desires and our wills seek to do His will. We are no longer rebellious but serve Him with joy.

May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! (Psalm 20:4)

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Encouragement, Hope, Obedience, Service | Tagged desire, heart transormation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Vengeance or Justice #1071

Posted on May 1, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1071

“Vengeance or Justice”

When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. (Proverbs 21:15)

In April 2011, convicted killer Michael Bargo, along with four co-conspirators, lured 15 year old Seath Jackson to a house where they beat, tortured and shot him and burned his body. He was dismembered and his remains were placed into paint buckets and dropped into a water-filled quarry. Michael Bargo was the ringleader and he was sentenced to death by a 10 – 2 Jury vote.

Six years later Michael Bargo was granted a resentencing hearing due to a Florida Supreme Court ruling that death sentences had to be by unanimous vote.

I spoke with a prospective juror for this trial who was not picked to be on the jury. They confessed about dealing with inner turmoil regarding whether they could vote to end someone’s life. The trial concluded with a unanimous vote by the jury for the death penalty.

This trial gave me pause for reflection as to how a born-again, Christian should deal with a death penalty sentencing hearing. God’s Word is clear that we are not to take revenge.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

To better understand this we need to first examine the difference between revenge and justice.

Revenge is all about retaliation. You hurt me and I will hurt you back. The motivational forces behind revenge are anger and rage and its goal is clearly to inflict harm.

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. (Psalm 37:8)

Justice however is about restoring balance. Justice remains objective and dispassionate. Justice takes no pleasure in disciplinary actions, even death, and as depicted in the imagery of Lady Justice it will not hesitate to use the sword to restore balance if necessary.

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. (Isaiah 1:17)

It is our civic duty to serve on a jury when called to do so. It is our Christian moral duty to do so prayerfully guided by the Holy Spirit with discernment and wisdom.

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Sword of the Spirit – Notre Dame Lessons #1070

Posted on April 19, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1070

“Notre Dame Lessons”

And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”; And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (Mark 13:1; Luke 21:5-6)

The recent Notre Dame fire was indeed a tragedy. As I watched the news reports and listened to the commentary about the building: its architecture and artifacts, I was reminded of our reference Scripture where the disciples marveled at the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus took that occasion to be a teaching moment about the signs of the end of the age and put in perspective how temporary the things of this world are.

The Notre Dame Cathedral is indeed an iconic historical structure. Because of that fame the church had compromised its spiritual purpose in favor of capitalizing on its commercialism. This reminded me of the Scripture where in His zeal for His Father’s house Jesus dealt harshly with the commercialism of the temple.

And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” (John 2:15-17)

Later news reports indicated French President Macron’s claim that the cathedral will be rebuilt in five years. This was met with much criticism as an unrealistic timeline. Again, I was reminded of Scripture where Jesus spoke of raising the temple of His body in three days.

So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. (John 2:18-22)

The news reported of the bravery of the individuals who not only fought the fire but at great personal risk, rescued the crown of thorns artifact which is believed to have been the crown of thorns placed upon Jesus’ head at His crucifixion. As with all religious artifacts we must take care to avoid worshipping the artifact in lieu of worshipping the one true God, our Lord, Jesus Christ. He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). (2 Kings 18:4)

The Living Word of God continues to teach us life lessons through the context of current events. Jesus lives today and because He lives we can have eternal life through Him. No building or religious artifact can do that for us – only Jesus. Let us rejoice in His sacrifice for our salvation. Let us rejoice in His resurrection. He is risen – He is risen indeed!

Posted in Business as Mission, Encouragement, Faith, Salvation, Worship | Tagged notre dame fire; easter | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Protect the Innocent #1069

Posted on March 24, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1069

“Protect the Innocent”

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

I recall holding my newborn children. They seemed so innocent, helpless and vulnerable. I loved rocking them to sleep as they nestled safe and secure in my arms. I felt that I had to be their protector.

Sadly, in our society today it seems that children are despised. Our lawmakers have legislated that the unborn are not human and that their life can be terminated at any time. Recently they extended this death sentence to include children born alive from a failed abortion attempt. If not to flaunt this heinous act, seventeen days later these same lawmakers pass a ‘kitten’ act preventing the killing of kittens used in various types of experimentation declaring that the kittens have a right to a good home. Children are despised and kittens are valued among our convoluted, corrupt, and dare I say evil elected officials. May the Lord hold them accountable!

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood; Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.(Proverbs 6:16-17; Luke 12:48)

Innocence is fleeting for our children. Their eyes and ears are assaulted with things that rob them of innocence as soon as they begin to watch TV, let alone walk down the halls of their schools, public and private alike. …but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6)

The Greek word translated as ‘sin’ is “skandalidzo” from which we get our more common word: ‘scandal’. It literally means a trap-stick or bent sapling used to create a snare to capture or causes to stumble. Our children learn by watching. Are we protecting them or setting snares to trip them up?

Do we set the snare of prejudice toward their fellow man by what we say and how we act?

Do we place the stumbling block of compromising values by our entertainment choices?

Do we teach them the principles of biblical financial stewardship or set the trap of the materialistic principles of this world?

Do we teach them of the sanctity of marriage and the value of a family unit solidly built upon the rock of Jesus or do we set the snare of a divorce and of a fractured family unit.

Let us pray for the innocent children, that God’s hand of protection be upon them. Let us pray for the strength through God’s Holy Spirit to be men and women of integrity in that we would never cause one of God’s innocent ones to stumble or be snared by sin.

but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Marriage, Morality, Priorities, Purpose | Tagged children, kitten act, right to life | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Spiritually Minded #1068

Posted on March 14, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1068

“Spiritually Minded”

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth… (Colossians 3:1-4)

I heard a sermon preached once where the speaker made a statement that people can be ‘so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good’. In light of the Truth of God’s Word, is this statement even remotely true? I imagine that there are false Christians who appear religious (act heavenly-minded) in certain contexts and otherwise blend into the world (no earthly good). These are the ones of whom Jesus says He never knew. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord…And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

But this is a narrow line to paint with such a broad brush that heavenly-minded people are no earthly good. In fact, the Word of God contradicts this notion and repeatedly exhorts us to be spiritually and heavenly minded. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:5-8)

Spiritually minded people recognize that they are sojourners here on earth and that their citizenship is in heaven. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20)

Heavenly minded people however do not wait idly but remain occupied in the service of the Lord. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)

Spiritually minded Christians walk with the Lord. They bring the Love, Grace, and Peace of His presence into all the worldly contexts they are involved in. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

Indeed, we must be spiritually minded in order to be of any earthly good. We must be salt and light in this dark, unsavory world. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)

It is the heavenly minded Christian who impacts the earth for good. Those with the mind of Christ work to elect officials and government representatives based upon biblical moral values rather than the empty promise of worldly gain.

It is the spiritually minded who walk with the Lord that impact the world for good by their example of saying ‘No’ to sin when temptation and opportunity present itself.

May you be so spiritually minded that you are earthly good.

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Holiness, Morality, Purpose, Service, Stewardship, Workplace | Tagged earthly good, heavenly minded, spiritually minded | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Weary in Waiting #1067

Posted on February 27, 2019 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1067

“Weary in Waiting”

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

The verb translated ‘wait for’ in our reference Scripture has a meaning of the ‘tension of enduring’ which I find very descriptive and true

I do not wait well. I am a toe-tapping, floor pacing, fidget in the seat kind of waiter. I do indeed endure the tension of waiting and it makes me weary. All this is well and good until I cross the line and become weary with waiting for the Lord. This is when He gently, but firmly reminds me that His grace is sufficient for me.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”… (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Are you restless and weary? Do you feel anxiousness and despair? Are you unable to sleep because you dread the uncertainty of tomorrow? Are you tired of waiting for things to change for the better?

The world offers many coping mechanisms for these feelings but perhaps we need to first take stock of our spiritual walk: How close does God seem? Does He seem distant and far off? Know this for certain: God did not make Himself distant. Rather, it is we that have distanced ourselves when we have taken our eyes off of Him and focused our energy on the things and desires of this world.

Our daily walk and personal relationship with Christ must be our priority. It is through the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit that we have the power to deal with the daily life pressures that we face. It is through the abiding presence of Jesus that we can have peace and stillness in waiting.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him… (Psalm 37:7)

It is those who wait and hope in the Lord that will renew their strength.

It is those who wait and hope in the Lord that have true power for living, who will run and not grow weary.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)

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