Rising Above Bad News

01/12/2019

Psalm 112:7 (ESV) He (the righteous man) is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. (emphasis add for context)

Who is this righteous man? How is he defined? He is a man of high morals, wholly submitted to God, living his life according to the teachings of Christ. He is a man who rises above negative emotions, and the lusts of the flesh that would cause him to stumble and compromise his integrity. He is a man who walks with God and keeps in step with the Holy Spirit. He is NOT a perfect man, and when aware of his errors and missteps, is quick to submit to God and repent.

“ . . . his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord.” (AMPC)

“This is a part both of the character and of the comfort of good people. It is their endeavor to keep their minds stayed upon God, and so to keep them calm, and easy, and undisturbed; and God has promised them both cause to do so and grace to do so.

It is the duty and interest of the people of God not to be afraid of evil tidings, not to be afraid of hearing bad news; and, when they do, not to be put into confusion by it and into an amazing expectation of worse and worse, but whatever happens, whatever threatens, to be able to say, with blessed Paul, None of these things move me, neither will I fear, though the earth be removed.” –Matthew Henry

Heavenly Father, I want to be this man! Help me to firmly fix my eyes upon you in all situations, to lean into your word, and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Help me to be steadfast, unshakable in hard and troubling times. You alone are my refuge, my anchor, my everlasting hope. In you alone I will place all my trust.

Anxiety-Work-Rest

Psalm 127:2 (NLT) It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.

Anxiety over the affairs of this life can drive anyone to become a workaholic. What profit is there when at the end of the day you are exhausted in body, mind, and spirit? Better to prayerfully plan and manage your time to include sufficient rest. In this your mind will be sharper, your body stronger, and your spirit refreshed.

“He gives his beloved sleep, that is, quietness and contentment of mind, and comfortable enjoyment of what is present and a comfortable expectation of what is to come. Our care must be to keep ourselves in the love of God, and then we may be easy whether we have little or much of this world.” –Matthew Henry

Matthew 6:25- (NLT) 25-27, 34  “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?26Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? . . . 34“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Philippians 4:6-7 (AMPC) Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Father God, how foolish it is for me to worry or be anxious about tomorrow! Your word is true. You know my needs and You have promised to meet them. I trust You to hear my prayers, to bless my labor, and to bless my rest.

Men of war must honor God with their spoils

01/08/2019

1 Chronicles 26:27 (NLT) These men dedicated some of the plunder they had gained in battle to maintain the house of the Lord. 

Look at your life and consider all that you have by the hand of the Lord. Do not think all you possess is only the result of your determination and effort. Have I not given you the ability to think, the strength to work, and the will to achieve? Remember me in your gifts and offerings, generously and with joy.

“The more God bestows upon us, the more he expects from us in works of piety and charity. Great successes call for proportionable returns. When we look over our estates we should consider, "Here are convenient things, rich things, it may be, and fine things; but where are the dedicated things?' Men of war must honor God with their spoils.”

--Matthew Henry

Father God, thank you for all you have given to my family and me. You have exceeded our highest expectations. I love you and count it a privilege to share what I have with others. Freely I have received, freely I give.