July 18, 2021 Standing Firm In Difficult Times

S. Isaiah 33:6 (NIV) “He (The Lord) will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge, the far of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”

O. Isaiah writes to Israel and Judah in this time of crises - first the invading Assyrian army and soon an invasion of the Babylonians. The Lord, through the prophet Isaiah reminds Israel that the Lord is a sure foundation - you can depend upon Him. You can stand firm and not lose your footing. You have security with Him. You can build your faith and your life upon Him. He is also a “rich store”.. there is no limit to how and what He can supply us with, if His people will simply look to Him, to Worship and hold Him in the highest regard.

A. What a wonderful word of reassurance for any time and in particular during difficult times. We can stand firm upon the Lord as our foundation. Also, in Him we have this vast supply of whatever we need - salvation’s blessings, wisdom, knowledge and more. We are greatly supplied to live a truly blessed and effective life for the Lord when we look to Him in wonder and faith.

P. Thank you Father for this word of encouragement today. Thank you for being a sure foundation and for being a vast store of supply for every need. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to live and grow in faith and to enjoy and effective blessed life advancing your Kingdom in awe, wonder and faith in who You are. In Jesus’ name!

Experience Perseverance's Perfecting Work

S. James 1:4 “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

O. Trials and tests are a part of our lives. Our faith is tested and it can produce perseverance. James write that perseverance has a purpose - to bring us to a state of spiritual maturity and completeness. If we allow it to do its work, we will not be lacking in anything.

A. I have a history of not allowing perseverance to do its work. When I go through painful trials, I have a habit of “ejecting” myself from it. I may feel less pressure afterwards, but I also believe I am missing out on what that persevering perfecting work of God’s could be or do in my life.

As future trials and tests come my way (they do and will come), I will pray for endurance to allow perseverance to do it’s work. I will not remove myself from that situation and trust God to perfect His work in and through me.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me. Give me strength and endurance to persevere and allow the Lord to perfect His working in and through my life. In Jesus’ name!

The Positive Example of Godly Leaders

S. Hebrews 13:7-8 (NIV)

7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

O. The writer of Hebrews tells us to give some thought about those who have taught us God’s word. We are to think about their life and imitate their faith.

A mentor or teacher of God’s word is an incredible opportunity of privilege. Our lives may not be “sinless” but we should strive (seek) for “blameless integrity” and consistent faith in God and His word as others watch and learn from us.

A. I remember some who have taught me in the Word and by example. Pastor Tim Hall taught me structure and faithfulness into some basic disciplines of the faith (prayer, bible reading, etc.). Pastor and Evangelist Lee Homoki taught me about soul winning and exposed me to other effective soul winners. Pastor Lew VanderMeer taught me about faithfully leading others with non judgmentalism. Pastor Chris Hodges has been a mentor and distance friend teaching me also about leadership, acceptance and of course prayer. Jesus of course is our ultimate example as He remains constant and consistent. I pray that I too may be that also.

P. Thank you Father for spiritual leaders and teachers who have developed me and had a hand in my spiritual formation. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to imitate their faith, particularly to be more like Jesus Christ in constancy and consistency.