Hebrews 6:19-20 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Thankful that my anchor is in
Christ Jesus. He alone can keep me safe in the midst of stormy weather.
🎶”Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, When the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, Will your anchor drift or firm remain? We have an anchor that keeps the soul Stedfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.”🎶
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. ” John 10:10
Our earthly view of abundant living is tainted. We generally tend to think that someone who has it all is living the “good life”. We sense that the good life is full of pleasure. While the opposite is suffering, trials, or difficult situations.
Jesus’ life on earth doesn’t fit that depiction. He had nowhere to lay His head (Matthew 8:20). He was hated of men (Matthew 10:22). He suffered an agonizing death (Mark 15).
Yet Jesus came to give life. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life: (John 14:6). The life He gives is eternal, and is richer and fuller because of His abundant forgiveness, mercy, love, and grace.
Does your life mimic a spring of Living Water or is
it on the dry side? Be the difference that will draw others to Him.
In the hustle and bustle of the season, remember to take time to reflect on the true reason of why we celebrate.
Luke 2:1-20 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Joshua 5:12 And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.
Just prior to this, Joshua led Israel in the crossing of Jordon. Twelve stones were taken from the Jordan River to be strategically placed as a memorial of God’s protection and provision.
Up to this point God had provided this extraordinary gift of manna to sustain Israel for 40 years. Their next step of faith was to conquer the land of Caanan in a most unconventional way – march around Jericho once quietly for six days and then seven times on the seventh day and then shout?
Can you imagine what was going through their minds? Where would their next meal come from? This is crazy! What in the world is he thinking?
Maybe God ceasing the manna was just what Israel needed to spur them on in their next step of faith. Many times I have looked back in my life once through the trial and I think if God hadn’t allowed — I may have not taken that next step of faith.
Thankful that Joshua had the courage and faith to lead Israel to face their giants and conquer the land of Jericho. Biblical history gives me courage to conquer the mountains in my life.
If it seems that God has ceased the manna in your life, take time to see if maybe God wants you to trust Him to help you take the next leap of faith in your life. God will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
In order to understand the goodness of the Lord, we must take time to be still. God speaks in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).
Our fast paced lives filled with activities or places we must go can rob us of the peace and joy we can have through Christ. Nothing is as important as spending quiet reflective time with the Saviour.
🎶Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely
And long for heavenly home
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know he watches me
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He’s watching me
I sing because I’m happy I sing because I’m free For His eye is on the sparrow And I know He’s watching me🎶
Author: Civilla D. Martin (1905)
Life may not always go the way you hope for, and it’s definitely not an easy road to hoe at times. Some trials are definitely not for the faint of heart, and they can cause even the toughest warriors to need to bow the knee and cry for just a while.
BUT GOD knows each and every individual need and He loves and cares for us. We need to never forget that He is always with us regardless of our circumstances.
Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Philippians 4:6-8 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. 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.
We have a choice on what thoughts we dwell on. What we think on will run our lives.
We can choose to dwell on the negative (no one cares, nothing ever turns out right, I’d be happier if…). Or we can choose to think positively (God loves me, count your blessings, meditate on Scripture, pray, spend time encouraging someone else).
When we guard our thoughts against the wicked lies of the devil and choose to trust the Lord, we free ourselves from fear and worry. This in turn gives us a peace that passes all understanding.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give
I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the
world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the
world.
Thankful that no matter what is
going on around us we can have peace of mind that Jesus is always near.
🎶There’s a peace
in my heart that the world never gave,
A peace it cannot take away;
Though the trials of life may surround like a cloud,
I’ve a peace that has come here to stay!
Refrain:
Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
He never leaves me lonely, whispers, oh, so kind:
“I will never leave thee”—Jesus is mine. 🎶
🎶I have a peace
in my heart that the world never gave me and a peace it cannot take away. An
everlasting peace and I know that it’s here to stay. 🎶
