Strong men have moments of weakness. Tough rocks can shatter. Diamonds can be shaped. Mighty rivers can be dammed up. Hard hearts can be softened.
However the love of Jesus cannot be moved, changed or taken away. In Jesus we can safely place our trust no matter what comes our way.
Isaiah 26:4 New Living Translation
Trust in the Lord always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.
No matter how high the mountains or deep the oceans God’s loving hand can touch any situation. There is comfort when people gather together to pray. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I will be right there among them.
There is nothing more precious than to feel the presence of our Lord in the midst of uncertainties, pain, hurt or loneliness. No matter what the situation or how desperate things seem, there is God who is not moved by any obstacles. He is forever steadfast. He is our fortress and our rock.
Psalm 37:4
Be delighted with the Lord. Then he will give you all your heart’s desires.
Hardships happen. The closer we get to God the more angry the devil gets. The continuous battle in our hearts to take our focus off God can be intense at times. Giving in to temptations often happen which causes an even bigger battle of guilt. With trials it’s one thing after another but it does not have to be a downward spiral of guilt and feelings of failure.
Jesus understands it all because He has experienced all things. Only God can endure all trials and never fail. That’s why we have been forgiven. That’s why we are loved and understood.
His throne room of grace has an open door at all times. No matter what we have been through or what trial we failed He already knows. The length of time one has entertained habits is no challenge to God. When we approach Him in prayer and leave at His feet all shame and embarrassment we can walk away knowing we have been understood and forgiven.
Hebrews 4:15-16
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testing we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
A person has wronged us in a very serious way yet no justice is served. The person who wronged us continues on business as usual. He or she may have no idea of the suffering caused. It is also possible their actions could have been done in total malice giving them a feeling of power. How do they continue to get by?
Others who do wrong will get punished right away while we still wonder why our justice is not served.
Sometimes it is easy to feel like we have been forgotten or tossed aside.
The same thing happens with recognition. We serve sometimes in ways that go above and beyond what is expected then walk away unnoticed. Another person can do what seems like a very small thing and they get all types of rewards and recognition. Doesn’t anyone care about the hard work we have done? Does anyone even see our labor?
These are all consequences and recognitions from people. There are some things reserved for God to judge and reward. God has counted some hardships and good works worthy of His timing, His rewards and His punishments.
1 Timothy 5:24-25
Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
There are many things people have done that make a positive influence on how we live our lives today. The most beneficial influences are the examples of how people live their lives.
A quiet spirit and a kind attitude creates acceptance. Acceptance is comforting, reassuring and peaceful which creates a trust. Being accepted means letting down walls of defense and a feeling of needing to impress everybody.
There was a school principal who always had a welcoming smile on his face. He never raised his voice nor did he ever look down on a person. He never made a belittling remark when students would challenge him nor did he ever give any false praise. He just welcomed and smiled. If he ever lost the smile and seemed disappointed, the students knew that their schemes were not accepted. The words were still calm yet firm. This principal got rewarded by knowing numerous students achieved their best. When remembering the best instructors, teachers and principals, this man stood out the most by his example. There is a word for all of this called respect.
This is a basic example of how the life of Christ can be passed on to others. Big fancy words may gain a huge crowd, popularity, a following and a great name but those are only things. The big fancy words do not earn respect, only actions. In many cases big words are only big words. The truth comes out later that there never was any truth in the big words. Some continue to follow hoping one day there will be some results because the words are so big. Unfortunately this happens too often in big government, big corporations and even in some big worship facilities. People flock hoping one day the words will come true.
Actions have always spoken louder than words. The actions of the one principal made a positive difference in numerous students one by one. The big words of some politicians have slowly created a distrust in some and false hope in others.
The golden rule that says, do unto others as you would have them do unto you, still applies today. Notice the rule says to “DO” unto others. A kind spirit, kind words and most of all respect will always be an encouragement to people.
1 Peter 4:8-11
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.