November 19, 2021
Christ is sufficient. In every way, in every circumstance, in every location, Christ takes care of his own and provides what is needed for the moment.
We may not be in a position to receive it. Our spiritual receiver may be tuned to the wrong channel, but if we are listening and dependent, we will find all we need in Him.
Paul was in trouble in Acts 23. It was a kind of trouble that would have overwhelmed the best of us. Obviously, Paul was fearful because the Lord knew that Paul needed an extra reassurance. We do not read that Paul asked God for this, but Christ provided for his deepest needs to face the series of trials he was about to face.
And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks. But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” (Acts 23:10-11)
Notice that this was no angel that appeared, but the Lord Himself! He gave Him a command: "Take courage." "Take" means to "lay hold of, grasp" and courage is not a stoic quality, but a quality of life based on faith in the present Christ" as one commentator says.
But then Jesus gives him the rationale for this kind of courageous faith by telling him where this was headed. He was to witness in Rome, and nothing would stop this. No scheme of man would abort God's will for Paul. In fact, man's schemes would be used by God to get Paul exactly where he needed to go.
Sufficient. He gave Paul His presence, His encouragement, and His mission.
If we will be still and listen, Christ will give us what we need when it is needed to be able to walk in faith, be courageous, and accomplish the mission He's ordained for us!
Father, thank You that nothing can abort Your plans for my life. You are there to encourage me, to give Your promises to me, and to reassure me. Your calling and leadership is precise and Your sufficiency is overwhelming.
January 20, 2025
Look back over your life with eyes of faith as much as you can, and realize the magnitude of what God has done for you, the comprehensiveness of His work in and through you … and give Him thanks.
And then rise up and walk in humility today before your God.
January 17, 2025
The one who does what invites the presence of God into the situation has the ultimate reward.
January 16, 2025
Everything in your life and your future depends upon where you place the Lord. Notice the Psalmist David indicateD it is our deliberate choice and no one else’s. No one can do this for you. “I have SET … I PLACE the Lord in front of me.”
