4GIVEN

 
As Christians we are commanded to praise God in all things; whether good or bad. The bible says, to give thanks IN all circumstances; for this is the will of God IN Christ Jesus for us. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) So why is it so difficult to praise God when we experience troubles? During stressful times we all have a tendency to focus more on the problem rather than the Problem Solver. Our praise for God becomes more and more obscured! Radical times calls for radical praises!! I have been laid off now for 2 weeks and was told yesterday the job I was hoping for went to an internal employee. What’s my next step? I wrote the hiring manager an email and sent a hand written thank you note because he didn’t make the decision…God did and I am okay with that! I doesn’t what trials we face in this life, God deserves our praise, He desires our praise, and He commands for our praise. So today, remember We can give thanks IN all circumstances because God IS found in each one. Yes, God is found in each and every circumstance, even the most difficult ones, if we just look hard enough.
 

Let’s be honest, sometimes it is difficult to trust God when we experience storms in life. However, storms don’t last forever and trials are an opportunity for a testimony. It gives God so much glory when we know we’re going through a tough trial and we stand strong, trusting in the Lord until He delivers us……without complaining. Complaining is certainly not a fruit of the Spirit and, in fact, is detrimental to the peace, joy, and patience that God offers during times of testing. Paul reminds us in 2 Cor 4:17, that our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So today remember in times of trouble that our character should be stronger than our circumstances, all struggles lead to strength, God’s timing is always perfect, and God will never leave our side.

 Why is having a prayer life is so important to the Christian believer? There are obvious benefits but it is not always about receiving blessings from God more so than it is about building a relationship with God. Prayer is a byproduct of being a dip in blood born again believer. Martin Luther put it this way, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Prayer is important because it was purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. Christ died for this end, it cost Him the shedding of his blood, so that we, through Him, might have entrance to the throne of grace. That’s right we have concierge unlimited access to the God of all creation. So today remember we build a stronger relationship with God by communicating to God. You don’t need to know the 66 books of the bible to communicate to God, just open your heart and talk to Him. Billy Graham nailed it when he said, “Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one bothered to ask.”
#AMEN

Why is it so hard to accept God’s will? Mainly because we are more concerned about ourselves and what will pleases us rather than pleasing God. In Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 Solomon said, “Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked? Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.” Solomon hit the nail on the head!!! Yes Isaiah, God thoughts and ways are higher than ours and He has a path for us, even though it may be difficult for us to see. Beloved, when we recognize it is God’s hands directing and orchestrating the affairs of our lives then we will be able to accept His will for our lives. 

  Change is constant but nothing ever changes until something change! Why do we resist change so intently? You can probably list a gazillion reasons ‘why’ but the top two is fear and stubbornness. These two guys play off each other. Fear drives inaction while stubbornness drives resistance. However, neither scenarios are good for the body. The remedy for these negative emotions is trust. In Isaiah 41:13 God said, “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear [resist]; I will help you.” Today, don’t be committed to convenience rather be obedient to change and remember if God brought it to you, He will also see you through it! Change does the body good! 

Do you need a reason to shout? Has something dampened your spirit. I know it’s HUMP DAY 🐫but I interrupted your newsfeed scrolling to tell you God loves you and that everyday is a PRAISE DAY🙌 and you don’t have to wait till Sunday, you get a clean bill of health, and/ or you land that job; PRAISE HIM in advance of His endless blessings!
“And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes (Jude 1:24-25) 👏👏 

  
We can find peace and rest in God’s presence. 

When Moses questioned who God would send with him to lead His people to the Promised Land; the LORD replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest–everything will be fine for you [peace].” Exodus 33:13-14
#canigetanAMEN

David knew who to run to when he needed refuge. In Psalm 16:8-11 we see David fleeing to God’s protection cheerfully and with unwavering confidence. Check out what he said, “I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” (Sounds like Jesus…..right!!) So if something has shaken you or is trying to shake you do like David; “flee to Jesus” and let nothing detour, deter, nor distract from your trust and confidence in Jesus’ ability to see you through!

The distinct difference between faith and belief is engagement.  James 2 teaches us that faith without works is dead. Faith must always be accompanied by actions. Look at this way, belief is watching from the bleachers while faith is in the game grinding, shaking things up, and making things happen! William Clarke Newton said, “Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see.” God wants us to believe however, He equally wants us to live out our faith. So today, ask God for His Spirit to lead you where your trust is without borders. Ask Him to take you deeper than your feet could ever wander so that your faith will be made stronger in the presence of our Savior. (Hillsong’s Ocean)