Category Archives: Trust

¿Por Qué Tener Fe?

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¿Por qué tener fe? ¿Por qué es tan importante la fe? Tal vez has estado viendo todas estas publicaciones de mi blog y te has preguntado, “¿por qué está haciendo tanto alboroto por la fe?” ¿Es realmente tan importante la fe? ¿No hay toneladas de otros temas más interesantes?

A lo largo de esta serie de blogs, el valor de tener fe se ha revelado tantas veces. Sin embargo, la entrada de hoy se centra en un hombre en particular en la Biblia, cuya fe agradó a Dios tanto que fue recompensado con no experimentar la muerte.

Enoch: Why have Faith?

“Vivió Enoc sesenta y cinco años, y engendró a Matusalén. Y caminó Enoc con Dios, después que engendró a Matusalén, trescientos años, y engendró hijos e hijas. Y fueron todos los días de Enoc trescientos sesenta y cinco años. Caminó, pues, Enoc con Dios, y desapareció, porque le llevó Dios.”- Génesis 5: 21-24 RVR 1960

Note como dos veces, menciona que“ Enoc caminó fielmente ”. Hebreos 11 también hace referencia a la fe de Enoc.

“Por la fe Enoc fue traspuesto para no ver muerte, y no fue hallado, porque lo traspuso Dios; y antes que fuese traspuesto, tuvo testimonio de haber agradado a Dios.“- Hebreos 11: 5 RVR 1960

Tener fe agrada a Dios. De hecho, la palabra de Dios dice que “sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios”. Enoc tenía una gran fe y fue elogiado por eso.

“Pero sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios; porque es necesario que el que se acerca a Dios crea que le hay, y que es galardonador de los que le buscan.” 

– Hebreos 11: 6 RVR 1960

En el Nuevo Testamento, Jesús les dice a sus discípulos que los futuros creyentes serían / ​​serán bendecidos porque creyeron / creerán en Él sin verlo. “Jesús le dijo: Porque me has visto, Tomás, creíste; bienaventurados los que no vieron, y creyeron.” – Juan 20:29 RVR 1960 Tener fe es importante porque agrada a Dios y trae bendiciones de Dios.

Querido Señor Jesucristo, gracias por tus hermosas promesas de bendiciones. Por favor, ayuda la persona que esté luchando con su fe a fortalecer su fe y saber con confianza que está con ellos y que los ama. Por favor, ayúdanos a buscarte fervientemente y caminar en fe todos los días. Amén.

 

Publicado en Ingles el 18 de julio de 2019 

Published in English on  July 18, 2019

Faith in the Fog?

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Have you ever been afraid to trust in God or have faith in Him? Do you have faith in His promise of Salvation and eternal life with Him in Heaven? Do you truly believe God keeps all of His promises written in the Bible? Do you have faith that God will never leave you or forsake you? Or does having faith seem difficult? Have you felt let down in life? Do you feel alone and hopeless? Do you believe the promises of the Bible are not for you? Do you find it challenging to have faith in your daily life?

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“He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”

– Galatians 3:14 NIV

Just as God promised Abraham that he and his descendants would be heirs to the promised land (and hope in the Savior that was to come), God has promised us that we will be heirs to the kingdom of Heaven. Galatians 3:7-14 NIV says, “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. –Galatians 3:7‭-‬14 NIV God sent Jesus Christ, His perfect only Son to pay the penalty we needed to pay for under the law. It is by God’s grace and love that we are given the promise of Salvation and so many other promises.

“And this is what he promised us—eternal life. ”

–1 John 2:25 NIV

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” -2 Corinthians 1:20‭-‬22 NIV Jesus sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our salvation and the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven. Romans 8:16-18 says, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Abraham didn’t know where God was leading Him, but He had faith in God and obeyed Him. “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. “-Hebrews 11:8 NIV No matter how hard things get, we can have faith in God and His plans for us. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for all of Your promises. Please help us to have faith like Abraham. Amen.

 

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Previously published on March 1, 2018

¿Fe en la Niebla?

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¿Alguna vez ha temido confiar en Dios o tener fe en Él? ¿Tienes fe en su promesa de salvación y vida eterna con Él en el cielo? ¿Crees verdaderamente que Dios mantiene todas sus promesas escritas en la Biblia? ¿Tienes fe en que Dios nunca te dejará o te abandonará? ¿O es difícil tener fe? ¿Te has sentido decepcionado en la vida? ¿Te sientes solo y sin esperanza? ¿Crees que las promesas de la Biblia no son para ti? ¿Te resulta difícil tener fe en tu vida diaria?

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“para que en Cristo Jesús la bendición de Abraham alcanzase a los gentiles, a fin de que por la fe recibiésemos la promesa del Espíritu.”

-Gálatas 3:14 RVR 1960

Tal como Dios le prometió a Abraham que él y los descendientes serían herederos de la tierra prometida (y la esperanza en el Salvador que vendría), Dios nos ha prometido que seremos herederos del reino de los cielos. Gálatas 3: 7-14 NVI dice: “Sabed, por tanto, que los que son de fe, éstos son hijos de Abraham. Y la Escritura, previendo que Dios había de justificar por la fe a los gentiles, dio de antemano la buena nueva a Abraham, diciendo: En ti serán benditas todas las naciones. De modo que los de la fe son bendecidos con el creyente Abraham. Porque todos los que dependen de las obras de la ley están bajo maldición, pues escrito está: Maldito todo aquel que no permaneciere en todas las cosas escritas en el libro de la ley, para hacerlas. Y que por la ley ninguno se justifica para con Dios, es evidente, porque: El justo por la fe vivirá; y la ley no es de fe, sino que dice: El que hiciere estas cosas vivirá por ellas. Cristo nos redimió de la maldición de la ley, hecho por nosotros maldición (porque está escrito: Maldito todo el que es colgado en un madero, para que en Cristo Jesús la bendición de Abraham alcanzase a los gentiles, a fin de que por la fe recibiésemos la promesa del Espíritu.”–Galatians 3: 7-14 RVR 1960 Dios envió a Jesucristo, su único y perfecto Hijo para pagar la pena que debíamos pagar conforme a la ley. Es por la gracia y el amor de Dios que recibimos la promesa de Salvación y tantas otras promesas.

“Y esta es la promesa que él nos hizo, la vida eterna.”

–1 Juan 2:25 RVR 1960

“porque todas las promesas de Dios son en él Sí, y en él Amén, por medio de nosotros, para la gloria de Dios.Y el que nos confirma con vosotros en Cristo, y el que nos ungió, es Dios, el cual también nos ha sellado, y nos ha dado las arras del Espíritu en nuestros corazones.”-2 Corintios 1: 20-22 RVR 1960 Jesucristo envió al Consolador, al Espíritu Santo como una garantía de nuestra salvación y la promesa de vida eterna con Él en el cielo. Romanos 8: 16-18 RVR 1960 dice:  “El Espíritu mismo da testimonio a nuestro espíritu, de que somos hijos de Dios. Y si hijos, también herederos; herederos de Dios y coherederos con Cristo, si es que padecemos juntamente con él, para que juntamente con él seamos glorificados.Pues tengo por cierto que las aflicciones del tiempo presente no son comparables con la gloria venidera que en nosotros ha de manifestarse.” Abraham no sabía a dónde lo estaba guiando Dios, pero tenía fe en Dios y lo obedecía. “Por la fe Abraham, siendo llamado, obedeció para salir al lugar que había de recibir como herencia; y salió sin saber a dónde iba.”-Hebrews 11: 8 RVR 1960 No importa cuán difíciles sean las cosas, podemos tener fe en Dios y en sus planes para nosotros. “Y Jehová va delante de ti; él estará contigo, no te dejará, ni te desamparará; no temas ni te intimides.” – Deuteronomio 31: 8 RVR 1960

Querido Señor Jesucristo, gracias por todas Tus promesas. Por favor ayúdanos a tener fe como Abraham. Amén.

Publicado en Ingles el 1 de marzo de 2018

Published in English on March 1, 2018

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¿Cómo Murió la Muerte?

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“El fundamento del Cristiano es la paz eterna; es lo que ningún  tiempo, ningún cambio puede destruir. Permanecerá cuando el cuerpo muera; permanecerá cuando las montañas se vayan y las cerros se quitarán, y cuando los cielos se enrollarán como un pergamino. La fuente de su consuelo nunca disminuirá, y la corriente nunca se secará. Su consuelo y alegría es un manantial vivo en el alma, una fuente de agua que brota de la vida eterna.” -Jonathan Edwards

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 “… Sorbida es la muerte en victoria. ¿Dónde está, oh muerte, tu aguijón? ¿Dónde, oh sepulcro, tu victoria?”

– 1 Corintios 15: 54-55 RVR 1960 

¿Alguna vez has pensado en la muerte? Que es la muerte ¿Y por qué se teme? La Biblia nos dice que la muerte es un enemigo, que nos separa eternamente de Dios. [Lea 1 Corintios 15:26 y 2 Tesalonicenses 1: 9] La muerte vino al mundo después de que se cometió el primer pecado.

“Por tanto, como el pecado entró en el mundo por un hombre, y por el pecado la muerte, así la muerte pasó a todos los hombres, por cuanto todos pecaron.” -Romanos 5:12 RVR 1960

La muerte fue el castigo por el pecado. Pero, Dios amó tanto a la humanidad, que creó un camino para que los humanos se reconciliaran con El.

  • “Porque la paga del pecado es muerte, mas la dádiva de Dios es vida eterna en Cristo Jesús Señor nuestro.” -Romanos 6:23 RVR 1960
  • “para que así como el pecado reinó para muerte, así también la gracia reine por la justicia para vida eterna mediante Jesucristo, Señor nuestro.”-Romanos 5:21 RVR 1960
  • “Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna.” -Juan 3:16 RVR 1960
  • “Jesús le dijo: Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida; nadie viene al Padre, sino por mí.”-Juan 14: 6 RVR 1960
  • “De cierto, de cierto os digo: El que oye mi palabra, y cree al que me envió, tiene vida eterna; y no vendrá a condenación, mas ha pasado de muerte a vida.”-Juan 5: 24 RVR 1960

Pero, no podríamos tener victoria sobre la muerte sin la muerte y resurrección de Cristo. “Porque si no hay resurrección de muertos, tampoco Cristo resucitó. Y si Cristo no resucitó, vana es entonces nuestra predicación, vana es también vuestra fe. Y somos hallados falsos testigos de Dios; porque hemos testificado de Dios que él resucitó a Cristo, al cual no resucitó, si en verdad los muertos no resucitan. Porque si los muertos no resucitan, tampoco Cristo resucitó; y si Cristo no resucitó, vuestra fe es vana; aún estáis en vuestros pecados. Entonces también los que durmieron en Cristo perecieron. Si en esta vida solamente esperamos en Cristo, somos los más dignos de conmiseración de todos los hombres. Mas ahora Cristo ha resucitado de los muertos; primicias de los que durmieron es hecho. Porque por cuanto la muerte entró por un hombre, también por un hombre la resurrección de los muertos. Porque así como en Adán todos mueren, también en Cristo todos serán vivificados.” -1 Corintios 15: 13-22 RVR 1960 Solo por el sacrificio de un Salvador (sin pecado y) inmortal, estamos vestidos de justicia e inmortalidad. Es solo por la resurrección de Cristo, que tenemos la victoria sobre la muerte. 1 Corintios 15: 50-57 RVR 1960 dice: “Pero esto digo, hermanos: que la carne y la sangre no pueden heredar el reino de Dios, ni la corrupción hereda la incorrupción. He aquí, os digo un misterio: No todos dormiremos; pero todos seremos transformados, en un momento, en un abrir y cerrar de ojos, a la final trompeta; porque se tocará la trompeta, y los muertos serán resucitados incorruptibles, y nosotros seremos transformados. Porque es necesario que esto corruptible se vista de incorrupción, y esto mortal se vista de inmortalidad. Y cuando esto corruptible se haya vestido de incorrupción, y esto mortal se haya vestido de inmortalidad, entonces se cumplirá la palabra que está escrita: Sorbida es la muerte en victoria. ¿Dónde está, oh muerte, tu aguijón? ¿Dónde, oh sepulcro, tu victoria? ya que el aguijón de la muerte es el pecado, y el poder del pecado, la ley.  Mas gracias sean dadas a Dios, que nos da la victoria por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.”

Querido Señor Jesucristo, gracias por hacer el sumo sacrificio en la cruz y resucitar de la muerte para que podamos tener victoria en Ti sobre el pecado y la muerte. Amén.

 

Referencia: Kurtbubna.com | http://kurtbubna.com/wpcontent/uploads/2015/03/Cross-Empty-Tomb.jpg

Publicado en Ingles el  16 de abril de 2017

Old Version Published in English on  April 16, 2017

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When the Wait Seems too Long?

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Have you ever prayed and felt like God wasn’t listening? Maybe you prayed for help in a difficult situation or maybe you prayed for guidance in your life or maybe you prayed for something else? A day passes. Still, there are no results. Three days pass. Still, there is no answer. A whole week passes. Still, nothing has happened. People keep telling you to pray. But at this point, you may be starting to wonder if God is listening.

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“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…”

-Psalm 37:7 NIV

In a world where instant gratification is the norm, it can be hard to wait on the Lord. But, oftentimes that is exactly what God is calling us to do. We might get impatient and try to quickly solve the problem ourselves with our own knowledge and strength. When we leave God out of the equation, we don’t get the right solution. Psalm 46:10 NIV says, “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10 NIV This verse reminds us to take a step back, be still, and acknowledge that God is God and we are not. Exodus 14:14 NIV says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Sometimes we get impatient and start fighting battles that aren’t ours to fight. During these times, we need to turn our focus to God. Lamentations 3:25 NIV says, “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”

“Our soul waits for the Lord;

he is our help and our shield.

For our heart is glad in him,

because we trust in his holy name.

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,

even as we hope in you.”

– Psalm 33: 20-22 ESV

Dear Lord Jesus, please help us to be still and know that You are God. Please help us not trust our own knowledge and strength, but instead maintain our focus on You. Amen.

Previously published on February 8, 2018

Cuando la Espera Parece Demasiada Larga?

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¿Alguna vez has orado y has sentido que Dios no te estaba escuchando? ¿Tal vez oraste por ayuda en una situación difícil o quizás oraste por guía en su vida o quizás oraste por algo más? Pasa un día. Aún así, no hay resultados. Tres días pasan. Aún así, no hay respuesta. Pasa una semana entera. Aún así, nada ha sucedido. La gente te sigue diciendo que ores. Pero a este punto, puede que empieces a preguntarte si Dios está escuchando. 

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“Guarda silencio ante Jehová, y espera en él…”

-Salmo 37: 7 RVR 1960  

En un mundo donde la gratificación instantánea es la norma, puede ser difícil esperar al Señor. Pero, muchas veces eso es exactamente lo que Dios nos está pidiendo que hagamos. Podríamos impacientarnos e intentar resolver el problema rápidamente con nuestro propio conocimiento y fortaleza. Cuando dejamos a Dios fuera de la ecuación, no obtenemos la solución correcta. El Salmo 46:10 NVI dice: “Él dice:” Estad quietos, y sabed que yo soy Dios; Seré exaltado entre las naciones, seré exaltado en la tierra. ” Este versículo nos recuerda que debemos retroceder, estar quietos y reconocer que Dios es Dios y nosotros no somos Dios. Éxodo 14:14 RVR 1960 dice: “Jehová peleará por vosotros, y vosotros estaréis tranquilos.” A veces nos impacientamos y empezamos a pelear batallas que no son nuestras para luchar. Durante estos tiempos, tenemos que volver nuestro enfoque a Dios. Lamentaciones 3:25 RVR dice: “Bueno es Jehová a los que en él esperan, al alma que le busca.”   

“Nuestra alma espera a Jehová;

Nuestra ayuda y nuestro escudo es él.

Por tanto, en él se alegrará nuestro corazón,

Porque en su santo nombre hemos confiado.

Sea tu misericordia, oh Jehová, sobre nosotros,

Según esperamos en ti.”  

– Salmo 33: 20-22 RVR 1960

Querido Señor Jesucristo, ayúdanos a estar tranquilos y saber que Tú eres Dios. Por favor, ayúdenos a no confiar en nuestro propio conocimiento y fortaleza, sino a mantener nuestro enfoque en usted. Amén.

 

Publicado en Ingles el  8 de febrero de 2018

Published in English on February 8, 2018

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Will You Walk through the Fog?

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“I have no words to say

Don’t know what I should pray

God, I need You

God, I need You

Oh Lord, my faith is tired

And tears fill up my eyes

But I will trust You, I will trust You”   

– lyrics to “Amen” by I Am They

Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever been afraid to trust in God or have faith in Him and His will for your life? Is your faith tired? Is your faith worn out? Do you have faith in God’s promises? Do you truly believe God keeps all of His promises written in the Bible? Do you have faith that God will never leave you or forsake you? Or does having faith seem difficult when walking through the fog? Have you felt let down in life? Do you feel like your hope is fading?  Do you still believe the promises of the Bible are not for you? Do you find it challenging to have faith at this moment in your life? 

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“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”  

– 2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV

God’s Word is filled with promises for us. I will only list a few:

  • Eternal life (read 1 John 2:25)
  • Christs’ return for us (read John 14: 1-3)
  • A heavenly home (read John 14: 1-3)
  • Spiritual blessings (read Ephesians 1:3)  
  • A new life in Christ (read 2 Corinthians 5:17)
  • Abundant life (read John 10:10)
  • Provisions (read Philippians 4:9)    
  • Comfort in trials (read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
  • Rest (read Matthew 11:28-30)
  • Peace (read Philippians 4:6-7)
  • Strength (read Isaiah 40:28-31)
  • Power of the Holy Spirit (read Acts 17:6)

2 Corinthians 1:2 tells us that all of God’s promises to us are answered “yes” in Christ. It is by the power of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and by his death and resurrection that we are answered “yes” to all of God’s promises.    

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Hebrews 1:3 NIV says, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word…” John 16:33 NIV says,“….In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We can confidently walk through the fog knowing Jesus Christ sustains “all things by his powerful word.” No matter impossible the situation may seem, we can have faith in Christ, knowing that He is in control and that our victory in is in Him.

“Deep within my heart, I know You’ve won

I know You’ve overcome

And even in the dark, when I’m undone

I still believe it

I live by faith, and not by sight  

Sometimes miracles take time….

You’re faithful every day

Your promises remain

You’re faithful every day

Your promises remain”  

– lyrics to “While I Wait” by Lincoln Brewster

Dear Lord Jesus, thank for Your faithfulness. Thank you for being faithful to fulfill God’s promises in our lives. Please help us to have more faith as we walk through the fog. Whatever comes our way, please help us to be able to sing “Amen, let your kingdom come, Amen, let your will be done.” Amen.

Will You Step onto the Bridge?

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Imagine standing at the edge a riverbank. The sound of the whitewater rapids crashing fills the air. You really can’t see what lies on the other side of the river. The fog is dense preventing you from seeing more than two feet ahead of you. This tumultuous river is the only thing separating you from the other side. You need to get to the other side. This river seems to be the only thing that is separating you from the answer to what you’ve been hoping and praying for.

Bridge fogYou have been praying for sometime when you see it. A narrow makeshift bridge swaying a couple feet above the rushing rapids comes into view. You have two choices. Either you will remain at the edge of the riverbank or you step onto the bridge. What will you do?

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”   

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Deep down, you know your prayers have led you here. A million thoughts race through your mind. How could this be a rational decision? The bridge looks old and flimsy. Who knows if it doesn’t have holes and the ropes you hold onto with your hands aren’t broken? You know very well you could slip through a hole at any moment or lose your balance and fall into the raging waters below. What will you do?  Will you wait for the mist to clear or will muster the courage to take a step of faith onto that bridge?

This seems to be where God brought you. You trusted Him to bring you this far. Will you trust Him to take you to the next destination? What will you do? Will you remain crippled by the fear of the unknown or will you step out in faith?

Psalm 16:8 NIV says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Sometimes we are going to face scary situations. Sometimes we will feel like God is leading us to step onto a debilitated makeshift bridge, but we don’t have to be afraid to take that step because we know that He will hold us up with His “righteous right hand.” Proverbs 3:5-7 NKJV says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” If we trust completely in God and surrender our lives to Him, we can be confident that He will direct us into the path He wants us to take.

“In a real sense faith is total surrender to God .”

— Martin Luther King Jr.   

We don’t always understand why God is leading us where He is leading us, but we can rest assured knowing that He is with us and He knows what He is doing. We can’t see through the mist, but He can. Maybe God brought you to the fog, so you would grow in faith by walking through the fog? Maybe God brought you to the dilapidated bridge, so you wouldn’t rely on the strength of the bridge, but instead on His strength.

  “… for we walk by faith, not by sight.” 

 -2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

Where has God led you? Has He led you to a place where you can’t see what lies ahead? Has He led you to an old dilapidated bridge? What will you do? The choice is up to you. Will you wait for the fog to clear or will you step out in faith?

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for always being with us. Thank You for Your guidance. Please help us to know when you want us to take the next step. And, when You want us to take action, please give us the strength to take the first step in faith. Amen.

Searching?

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Have you been searching for something? Have you been looking for something? Have you been hoping for something? Have you been yearning for something? How far would you go to find it?

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“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,  are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”

 -Matthew 2:1-12 NIV

The magi, also known as wise men, were educated men from the east. They traveled many miles from the east in search of a King. They could have easily given up and turned back half way there, but they didn’t. Perhaps, they persevered because they had spent many years studying and had never given up searching for answers.  Perhaps, they had read the prophecy of the Old Testament, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel…” – Numbers 24:17 They just had to find the Messiah. They just had to find the King, who would save the world. One of the most valuable and unanticipated results of many years of study is perseverance. It is something that is not usually sought after, but comes unexpectedly when in the pursuit of something else (e.g. knowledge or wealth). Similarly, when the wise men arrived at the home simple people they may have been confused and wondered: How could this infant King we searched for, for so long belong to parents of such humble origin? Where’s his crown and scepter?  They could have turned back when they got there, but they didn’t.

“Follow the star to a place unexpected 

Would you believe, after all we’ve projected,

A child in a manger?

Lowly and small, the weakest of all

Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother’s shawl 

Just a child 

Is this who we’ve waited for? 

‘Cause how many kings step down from their thrones

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

And how many gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that is torn all apart

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?” (lyrics by Downhere)  

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

– John 3:16 NIV

God gave the magi the wisdom to know that they had found what they been seeking for all of their lives. They had finally found what there hearts had been yearning for.  

They bowed down and worshipped the King.

The wise men had found the King who loved them so much He would die on a cross to satisfy their longing, heal their broken hearts, liberate them from the chains of sin, and give them the gift of eternal life. 

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us so much you that You were willing to step down from Your throne in heaven to take the form a human, dwell among us, die on a cross for our sins, be separated from God, and ultimately be raised again. We worship and adore You alone. Please give us perseverance not to give up in our pursuit of You and Your will for our lives. Please give us the wisdom to know when gifts are from You (even when they  come as unexpected blessings in disguise). Amen.

 

 

Is There Something Missing?

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Do you feel like your life is missing something? Are you happy? Do you feel satisfied? Or, are you looking for something? Do you feel empty? Do you feel sad? Do you feel anxious? Do you feel worried about the future? 

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With world news at the tips of our fingers, it is easy to become anxious and/or depressed about all of the negative things happening in the world around us. Recently, we have seen so many people undergo the tragic loss of their loved ones and/or homes. It is natural to feel very sad and concerned about all that has/is happening around us. Needless to say, we don’t live in a perfect world where nothing bad ever happens and everything always goes as planned. Sometimes, we try to fill our broken hearts and restless minds with things that don’t heal or satisfy.

This may be because we live in a world of instant gratification. Entertainment is available at the touch of a button or at the command of Siri. Fast food is available within minutes. If we feel sad, anxious, or dissatisfied, we might find ourselves turning our eyes to physical possessions or human relationships. But, are holiday foods, black friday deals, a new car, new designer bags, new friends, a new significant other, or a new career the answer to this dilemma? Or are they just a futile attempt to fill an empty space?

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”   

-Philippians 4:4-7 NIV

Philippians 4:4-7 provides the answer to this dilemma. First, it reminds us that our joy is found in the Lord. Our joy is not found in our circumstances or what we have. If we look anywhere else, we will turn up empty and dissatisfied. No physical possessions, foods, or relationships can fill the God shaped hole within us. This scripture also reminds us not to allow the situations around us to make us anxious, but instead pray. But, how do we pray? “Our prayers must express gratitude. It is good to be watchful and to pray, but if our prayers are only lists of requests in which we pray for favors, our approach is wrong. We have so much to be thankful for that we won’t have much time for other topics once we start giving thanks.” ((Solly Ozrovech, A Season of Hope, p. June 14) And, thankfulness gives us confidence to present our request to God because it reminds us of what He has already done for us. Lastly, this scripture reminds us that we can only find the peace we desperately need in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.  

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

– Colossians 4:2 NIV

Dear Lord Jesus, please help us to devote ourselves to prayer so that we can develop a closer relationship with You. Please help us to share your love with those who are broken and in need. When life seems difficult, please remind us of Your unconditional love and fill our hearts with gratitude. Amen.

I invite you to start practicing thankfulness daily with the 21 Days of Thanksgiving. If you haven’t already started this challenge, it’s not too late! You can do it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or via text message. Don’t miss out on the fun!