V.O.D.: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.—James 1:2-4
M.O.M.: Ephesians 4:31
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.(English Standard Version)
Today's reading: NAHUM 1-3 REVELATION 14
The Toughest on The Field?
In 1945, C.S. Lewis wrote a book called The Hideous Strength. Here are some lines from that book:
“I suppose there are two views about everything,” said Mark.
“Eh? Two views? There are a dozen views about everything until you know the answer. Then there’s never more than one.”
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There are at least three sides to every story but there is only one truth.
This has been a hard year for the planet of mankind. A lot of voices are heard from every direction and there has resulted a lot of fear and confusion.
No one knows what is going on in your head right now, with the exception of God; no one else but God hears your thoughts; no one cares the way God does. So, uncover your feelings right now in front of God. Let it rip. Roll it out-all of it. It is time for a number of us to be real in front of God like never before. Take off the mask that's behind the mask because God has always seen through it.
Admit your fear and confusion or whatever weighs you down. God wants to heal all areas of your life.
Do you see people actually enjoying the excitement around Christmas but, for you, it's like watching children on the playground? You once felt that free feeling but now you have been 'stood-up-straight' in adulthood. Are some of you men 'muscle-bound' in the sinews of machismo?
Some of us are so 'earth-faced' and 'earth-bound' that we look in the mirror and see a stranger.
Think about it this way. A college quarterback has professed Christ before the nation on national TV. In another interview, he says he has to believe he's the toughest guy on the field. Here is a man who knows what goes where. In his heart, he is surrendered to the Lord. In his job as leader of a team, he knows he has to set an honest example and be the best he can be. When the pads go on he has to be the best. All the while, his heart is anchored in the only truth and this is who he is. He is not defined by the uniform or his success. He is defined by his heart in Christ.
In our day to day lives, we all have had to dress certain way and do certain things required by our jobs. In our own ways we have 'suited up' like the athletes. Are we defined by what we have done? Are we defined by our uniform existence? Or, are we defined by the heart within us and the way we live?
There is only one voice to follow. There is only one truth and it has been for thousands of years.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life and no man can come unto the Father except by me". John 14:6
A lot of voices coming from every direction are nothing but confusion. Pray that wall up. The wall of righteousness that God has given us all to combat the junk and chatter of the world. Put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:11-18
1 Corinthians 14:33
33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
It takes peaceful concentration. We must let go of the tension and take all but the peace of God in our hearts captive-let His peace rule your hearts and minds.
Philippians 4:6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Grip tightly the truth and the real. God will never go away. He is not condemning. He is merciful and forgiving. He has done all for you. Listen to His voice-the only one that matters.
You can be the toughest on the field and be focused on Jesus.
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
Forgive me my crazy, anxious worry. Teach me to be still and listen and know who I am in You, oh, Great God.
Merciful and understanding God of real truth and peace.
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