Life Scriptures: Holding onto God’s Promises

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38

Sometimes the Lord will speak a specific scripture during a difficult trial or situation in your life. It’s a promise that’s embedded in your heart that you can retrieve at any time to bring peace, comfort, and encouragement.

The Bible is the living word of God and every part of it is filled with life’s instructions and detailed stories of how people handled challenges and triumphed in victories by holding onto their faith in God.

We can often take our eyes off of Jesus and look to friends, family, co-workers or even the world for answers to our problems. We trust in false promises made in relationships, marriages, corporate institutions, government and political systems. With so much noise in every area of our lives, it’s difficult to be still so we can listen to the voice of God.

By the Still Waters

It’s always beneficial to step back and silence your world. It’s during these quiet moments the Lord will provide a revelation of His promises. We may have heard the same verse over and over again but at a different season in your life, you can have a new experience and the same scripture emerges with a deeper revelation.

The Lord has unlimited ways on how to speak to us. We need to be open and learn how to discern God’s voice and act in obedience.

How can we be sure if it’s the voice of God speaking to us and not our own? We can pray for wisdom and discernment. We also learn by reading the Word of God regularly and setting aside personal prayer time with him.

Here are a few other ways to hear God speak:

  • Does the action or message align with the Bible?
  • Does your conscience, internal spiritual compass, feel at peace with the decision or act?
  • Is there a reoccurring thought, instruction, action or idea that repeatedly tugs at your heart?
  • Do you notice messages or symbols that are delivered to you in several different ways and methods as a vehicle of confirmations?

The Gospel is a solid rock for his children to stand on. Our belly is the deepest part of our soul where the Spirit dwells. Water is often a metaphor in the Bible which means life. A dry, parched soul thirsts for Jesus just like his body thirst for water. Our bodies are even made up of 98% water. We are not able to live without water. Water is of the Spirit. Water is life. The gift of salvation is the gift of eternal life that Jesus provided for all of us to receive. Drink from the fountain of salvation that sustains.

What is your life scripture? Please feel free to share your comments or questions below. Your life scripture will also help encourage someone else who may just need to hear the promises of God today.

 

Scripture References:

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Amos 8:11

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:

Romans 10:17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

Related Scriptures:

I Samuel 3:1-10

Hebrews 1:1-2

Acts 2: 1-4

John 16:13

 

 

 

 

 

Facing Rejection with Humility

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

It seems everyone has dealt with rejection at one time or another in their lives. Rejection comes in many forms. It may be when you tried to make a friend in elementary school, but was teased and laughed at instead. In high school, you may have wanted to go to the prom with a boy or girl that you had a crush on, only to find out that they already had a date or had no interest in you. Even in adulthood, there are all kinds of rejection stemming from interviewing for a job to being declined for a loan for that beautiful home you dreamed of.

No matter how rejection finds you, the emotions that follow are real. The one person who suffered rejection was Jesus Christ. Throughout his ministry, he was taunted, scorned, and rejected. He could not even provide miracles in his hometown of Nazareth because they would not accept him or his teaching. He was kicked out of the synagogue while speaking, yet he did not walk with a scornful heart.

Rejection is a hard pill to swallow and can lead to other issues if you’re constantly rejected by others. It can stripe you from your self-esteem and confidence leaving you to feel like you’re not good enough or it can be the root of jealousy when you start to compare yourself to others. When you have suffered betrayal, insecurity, frustration, and fear, it tends to overwhelm your emotional state.

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Rejection does not feel good, but when you know and understand that there is a process in pain and that the Lord is establishing and guiding your footsteps, as well as shaping your character, it shines a new perspective on such negative feelings.

Here is just a few benefits of rejection:

  • Builds character
  • Develops thicker skin and makes you stronger
  • Provides safety and protection from unseen danger or harm
  • Teaches you how to accept rejection and move on
  • Pushes you to greatness by developing yourself on a personal, spiritual, emotional, mental and physical level
  • Increases patience
  • Motivates and pushes you to try harder

When you feel rejected, understand that there is a loving God who created you and loves you unconditionally. It’s often hard to grasp his love at times because we live in a physical world, but we are made up of spiritual DNA and also battle with things we cannot visually grasp. Our battle is not with flesh and blood but with spiritual things in high places. (Eph 6:10-17)

Don’t allow rejection to destroy who you are. Speak words of encouragement to yourself and to others. Build a support group of positive, nurturing friends who will inspire and motivate you. However, make sure can motivate and encourage yourself. Work on yourself every day.

Learn a new hobby or participate in your community. To attend a conference or seminar to learn something new. Keep growing. Don’t take rejection personally. Stand tall in your abilities, talents, and gifts. Just keep it moving. When you know who you are in Christ, you will not be swayed by the opinions of others and the pressures of the world.

Prayer

Lord, we receive your unconditional love. Heal our hearts from the pain of rejection. Let us not look to the world for our worth, but to you who created us in your image. You hold all the power in your hands. Thank you for your love and the freedom to be me.

In Jesus name, Amen


America is facing an Identity Crisis

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. Matt 12:25

America is on fire and on the brink of eminent change. The gradual breakdown of injustice, inequality, intimidation, fear and unrest is a direct result of consistently sweeping issues under the rug over a period of time. If one does not learn from past lessons, one is destined to repeat the same cycle until the lesson is learned.

Every system and organization is collapsing. It is like throwing water on a grease fire. The political, educational, social, financial, economical, religious structures is facing a definite crisis that we have never experienced before in our lifetime.

When a nation loses its identity, they will fall for anything and stand for nothing. Our country has become complacent in their value and moral systems, they pacify their true identity and characteristics of what it takes to build a strong, healthy and viable society.  Just like a family structure, a family breaks down without unity. The family becomes fragmented resulting in discord, chaos, confusion, disorder and division.

There has been a continuous phase of splintered systems for the past few decades. In 2008, a paradigm shift began.  Lives have been shaken and transformed.

This is a time of great exposure. The Lord is revealing the corruption, greed, bribery and scandals on every level.  Even the use of social media is exposing all levels of chaos and corruption. It is webbing perspectives, viewpoints and communication for a greater understanding and higher purpose. Truth is smacking us in the face in every direction. However, this is not a time to walk in fear.

We must take a hard look at possible solutions to correct the ways of humanity.

When a society continues to live in complacency and ignore or hide behind reality eventually the ultimate issues will surface until they are dealt with.  The act of violence is raging in our communities just like a fire ignites and accelerates.

This shift is inclusive to accepting man’s ways instead of God’s ways. There is an escalation of lawlessness and fraud when good is considered evil and evil is considered good.

When morals, values, justice and integrity starts to breakdown in society, the structure disintegrates as a whole. The moral fabric that knits us together begins to unravel.

Each one of us has a specific function in the Body of Christ and in society. When a body is healthy, it operates in unity. Each part is designed to complete and carry out a specific task or function. One cannot operate without the other to work properly. As a whole, the purpose is manifested.

As an ambassador for Christ, you are called to walk in love and obedience with integrity, respect and honor. We are made in God’s image which is holy and pure.

These occurrences did not happen overnight. It is now midnight in America. As the masses walk in chaos, fear, intimidation, worry and pain, the children of God’s elect must shine His light in the center of darkness. We must speak out for justice. Let us not walk in anger but in love.

Whatever capacity of Godly influence you have, it’s time to occupy that space. It’s long overdue. The Father is unfolding His plans and purposes in our lives. Let us pray for discernment and wisdom to answer the call.

Much like a caterpillar, transformation is an ugly process, however through each stage a beautiful butterfly emerges. Let us focus on the beautiful qualities and characteristics that the Lord possesses which will guide and lead us into our true identity in Christ and let us mirror His image in the world.

Prayer

Lord, I seek your wisdom and discernment to lead others to Christ. Let the fire of the Holy Spirit burn so deep within me that your flames spark the hearts and transform the minds of men.

Lord, let us discern truth and dismantle lies in all areas of our lives. Help us to appoint humble and noble leadership in the decisions we face in our nation and for our future. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture References

Power

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Isaiah 40:29

19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Act 1:8

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power Eph 1:17-19

Emotions

13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. Psalm 94:13

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom 8:8

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:15

Walking in Love

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Col 3:12-14

Wisdom

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

Prov 2:1-5

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Prov 1:5

Courage

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deut 31:6

13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. I Corth 16:13

Integrity

26 Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

Psalm 26:1-5

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. Prov 11:2-3

Submission to Authority

13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Rom 13:1

44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. Psalm 119:44-45

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. I Sam 15:23

Encouragement

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Coth 1:3-4