Eph 5:15-16 (NIV) Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Everyone is looking for opportunity, while the Bible tells us this is actually redeeming time for the purpose of overcoming evil. In other words we must watch for the opportunity to be “Children of The Light”. — Prov 21:21 (KJV) He that followeth after righteousness & mercy findeth life, righteousness, & honour. John 10:10 (ESV) The thief comes only to steal & kill & destroy. I came that they may have life & have it abundantly. This opportunity is the abundant life. Be Light in this dark world. Love Mel. Reminds me of the childhood song, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”
Prayer and Faith
Jeremiah 29:12 (ESV)Then you will call upon me & come & pray to me, & I will hear you 1 John 5:14(KJV) This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us Matthew 21:22 (ESV) Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. Hebr 11:6 (KJV) Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, & that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Romans 12:12(NIV) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. —Remember the power of a prayer from the righteous availeth much, & since we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, we then have the power to move mountains! Pray! Pray! Pray! Love Mel
The Thorn in the Flesh Strengthens Our Faith If We Pray
2 Cor 12:9 (KJV) He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. — Matt Henry Commentary, “If God loves us, he will keep us from being exalted above measure; & spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, & overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; & when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; & are continued, to teach us to continue in prayer.”
The Lord Protects Us
Isaiah 45:5-6 (KJV) I am the LORD, & there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, & from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, & there is none else. — No matter what, our God is Bigger! There is no other God like Him. He is alive! We must remember what Jesus told us in Matt 19:26 Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. —We must always remember this by casting out all fear & focusing in on Him! —Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.— Always remember we are protected by Hi Righteousness. Love Mel
The Gifts of the Spirit
Rom 12:3-8 (KJV) For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, & all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, & every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. — God has given each of us gifts, for which we are to cherish & use according to the grace we have been given. The seven gifts are prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, & mercy. We are to grow our gifts for good, thru His strength! He has ordered our steps, so it only makes sense that we must develop our gifts thru Him! The proper development will only result in our continuous delight in the journey! That is from faith to faith. Love Mel
