For it is You who blessed the righteous man, O Lord,
You surround him with favor as a shield.
_ Psalm 5:12
I often questioned God where is my blessing, why is life so hard juxtaposed against the promises of "favor as a shield" or Jesus saying "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly". So where is the abundant life in my life? God's words and promises are true so why don't I see it and experience it? What's wrong with this picture? This is not God's way that I am experiencing. This is man's ways "spoiled through philosophy and vain deciet, after the rudiments of the world".
The result - I experienced an amazing breakthrough in Christ. But as believers it begins by knowing God's word reading the scriptures, questioning and challenging what is out of sync with the word and denouncing them. Intentionally speaking and choosing God's ways. Then then your shield will be solid truth, no holes or weak areas for the devil to penetrate. Many believers today have holey shields because they hold on to untruths, ungodly things.
Believe God fully and wholely in all things. Accept every part of the scriptures as God's word. The parts you reject becomes a hole or breach in your shield that the devil uses to harm you and control you.
Discover the favor of God and live abundantly.
18th day of the 7th month under heaven.
Wisdom 1:15 For righteousness is immortal. This is a wonderful nugget to memorize. God credits us with righteousness when we believe in his son Jesus and seek forgiveness; this righteousness is the great reward that gets us eternal life with God.
Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. Who has heard of such a thing? or who has seen such things.
-Isaiah 66:7-9
I include a video discussion for this post. Please watch and listen.
Change, new beginnings, are brought forth after a period of personal travail or suffering...that's God's way. (Anything else is a clear sign of this not being God's work. Fast, pray; dedicate this suffering to God to give you the breakthrough and to reveal what/ who is meddling in God's plan, and how to restore to God's joyous outcome).
As you reflect on the happenings of the past week, I share this passage in video. What fellowship would the wolf have with the lamb? So is the sinner to the godly. Wild donkeys are the prey of lions; likewise, poor men are feeding grounds for the rich. Listen to the video below I am reading from Sirach 13: 15-26.
Today 4th day of the 7th month. Grace of the Lord be with you
Let's look at the second verse.
John 18:36
..My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, the would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews...
AND
JOHN 20:17
..Touch me not for I am not yet ascended to my Father....I ascend into my Father, and your Father, ant to my God, and your God...
My reflections
Stop living in a dream. See the world before you as God tells you it is. Disregard and set aside all other theories. See the world as God tells you it is. The holy Spirit will help you break through those boundaries of lies and deciept for firmly set up in this world. Jesus make it clear his kingdom is not of this world. He will ascend ( into the heavens, where is kingdom is and his servants are) Do not expect the world to be a godly place or lay your faith in people being "good people". Jesus came into this world because our Father who created us would not abandon us or forsake us from his love. Though this world have become wretched, lost, rejecting God, ...
In John18 I am reading the crucifixion of Jesus and these 3 verses stand out to me:
John 18 vs 11.
Put up thy sword into the sheath..the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink?
My reflections: Are we facing challenges - health diagnosis, financial, disappointment, trials - that God has put in our way? When Jesus faced the mob that came to seize him, many wanted to fight back. Jesus says no. He knew beforehand that this would happen and that's the path God set him on. Not all challenges are like, but I pray that in like manner God will let us know through the Spirit of Truth, when we are on a path set by him. How do you persevere in such times? Recall vividly in details the many miracles and wonders of God, how he blessed you and adorn you in his grace. Keep your mind locked on his goodness in saving us from sin and eternal life. Prayerfully proceed through each day. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
The other two verses are John 18 vs 36 and John 20:17.
I will share...
