1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. This is sometimes referred to as "the offense of the cross". Which is in line with Christ's teaching, that quite contrary to the world's view; "The one who is the least among you, he shall be the greatest in heaven".

Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." This command is right up there with the hardest commands to follow in our culture today. One that glorifies   profanity.  Funny thing the early Puritans were the ones who invented the term profanity. It started out as meaning any talking done outside of the church on Sundays as the people used to remain silent on the way, as they walked to church. Anyone talking in that progression of people was said to be profane. In modern times, the term has a much narrower scope of meaning. Now the focus is on the words themselves and not on the activity they are associated with. Not withstanding, the meaning of profanity still is speech that is out of place or inappropriate. Which is precisely what makes it so desirable to the natural man, or "human nature", as we like to call it today.

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. He gives beauty for ashes and just as He made light shine out of darkness, He can make good come from what seems like a dead, hopeless situation. So long as there is God, there is hope.

The Lord Will Fight For You

Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Such a reassuring verse! To know that the Ruler of The universe cares about you, little, insignificant you,
(compared to His majesty and the universe).

Take heart! The King of kings and Lord of Lords has taken up your cause! But you must keep an open mind, and especially and open time frame. God is in not subject to time, but He knows you are and the only waiting you will do is that which is good for you and all others affected by your circumstances.

Even though it is about your circumstances, to God, it isn't all about you.

Be blessed beloved!

Trusting God is often easier said than done

Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

There is so much we do not know, compared to God's knowledge. He can see the past, present and future all at the same time. When He allows certain unpleasant circumstances, a denial of a request made for a job, financial help, even health matters, we tend to think that it is because He is either displeased with us or doesn't  care.

The truth is, nothing could be further than the truth. He is saying, " I have something better for you, and everyone else it will effect", or " I don't want you to hurt yourself", or "I am preparing you for something that requires you to go through this pain for a season". OR, "This is for My glory". Sometimes it will be a combination 2 or more of these basic reasons for a negative response to a prayer.

But even though we do not understand, we know that God never waists our pain and He even feels the pain along with us. It's good to remember that He is walking through our trials, disappointments, and failures with us.

We just need to resolve to "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. And He will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:3-5. You will need to lean on this verse many times to come through difficult times and resist the temptation to be angry with God.

After all, we are His, bought with a price. The blood of His precious Son, Jesus Christ. So we know He is not taking our troubles lightly.

We can go about it our way and get God's second best for us or we can trust Him and obey and leave all the consequences to Him.

John 15:13, Luke 23:34

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that He lay down His life for His friends. Often our family life, work life, will call for us to put the needs of others first. Many times when we have unmet needs.  But to lay down your own life for a friend? While many of us might consider it for someone who is innocent and cannot do for themselves, such as our own child. But Christ died for the unrighteous. While we were still His enemies, while the very people He was dying for were insulting Him, beating Him, spitting on His face and pulling His beard out. His response was truly amazing grace! "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do". Luke 23:34