Every
one of us was created with a free will to think and choose; my belief is that
we are ALL created in the image of Holy God. Sometimes I can and sometimes I
cannot change my circumstances, but I can ALWAYS change my way of thinking or
my focus in the circumstance. In this blog, I would like to share a few of my
survival strategies learned in my 80+ years. Where do I try to focus? What am I
learning?
Since
January 1, 2020, I have been reading the LifePrinciples Daily Bible by Charles F. Stanley. This devotional combines a
growing knowledge and understanding of God through His Word. Every reading
combines something from the Old Testament, Psalms, Proverbs and the New Testament.
Only by example can I hopefully explain how the four separate readings connect
with knowledge and understanding. The first reading is Genesis 1-2, creation,
Life Principle “Our Intimacy with God—His highest priority for our lives—determines
the impact of our lives.” In Psalm 1, I learn “…in His law he meditates day and
night…” In Proverbs 1, I learn “to receive instruction is wise behavior…” In Matthew
1, I read the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah.
A
few examples of recent scriptures that have encouraged me:
Proverbs
21:2 “People think they are doing what is right, but the Lord knows the heart.”
:10 “Evil people love to harm others; their neighbors get no mercy from them.”
:30 “Human plans, no matter how wise or well advised, cannot stand against the
LORD.” :31 “The horses are prepared for battle, but the victory belongs to the
LORD.”
John
13: 24-25 “A new commandment I give you that you love one another, even as I
have loved you that you also love one another. By this all men will know that
you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John
17:20-26, especially “…that they all be one…” The following excerpt is from The Tony Evans Bible Commentary page
1057.
He [Jesus] prayed that all believers would all be one —that is, experience unity.
Legitimate unity is not uniformity or sameness. Rather, Jesus was talking about
being unified in God and his purposes. That’s why he prayed, May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.
A football team consists of different
players filling different positions with different roles. But the entire team
has one purpose: reaching the goal line. Their unity consists of pursuing that
one goal according to the rules of the game. The church of Jesus Christ is
composed of people from every race, ethnicity, gender, and walk of life. But we
have the common purpose of proclaiming the gospel and pursuing God’s kingdom
agenda. Our effectiveness is determined by our unity. That’s why Satan works so
hard at causing division among Christians and within churches. Please read the rest of this commentary.
1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for
he careth for you.” KJ biblegateway.com
Please
listen to “Does Jesus Care?” by Frank E. Graeff recorded by Gaither Music.
United
by the Gospel; how has the good news of Jesus Christ comforted you? I have
written about how I am comforted during difficult circumstances. How do you
find comfort in a time of turmoil? Please share your thoughts, where do you go
for encouragement? The Gospel will unite us in prayer and action. Thank you.
