Psalm 55:22

 

"Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved."

Psalm 55:22 (NKJ)

    "He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." There's something really powerful about that line. It's got a dramatic tone about it that makes what the verse proclaims even more encouraging! Because it's simple enough to know that the Lord protects us and cares about us, but the wording ("He shall never permit") seems to show something very personal and determined. An unwavering will to ensure that His redeemed stand strong in the face of opposition.
    Isn't that awesome? :D

Assumptions

    If you've ever read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, you know how assumptions can really mess a lot of things up.
    At its very basis, making an assumption is coming to a conclusion without sound evidence, going off what someone else claims about a person/place/activity, or just making guesses about it based on immediate impressions. Making assumptions means looking at a skydiving brochure and thinking, "death trap," without looking into all the safety mechanisms and careful planning that's put into the sport. In a less dramatic (but probably more everyday) example, making assumptions can be looking at a newcomer to a group who doesn't talk to anybody and thinking, "kind of rude how that person ignores the rest of us," without even walking up to say hello and figuring out whether or not the person's just really shy.
    That's the most common form of harmful assumptions, I think; the ones that smudge the reputations of others.  But then there's another kind of assumption that can do that kind of harm to the person making the assumption. Like thinking that an instructor hates you since they always seem irritated when you go up to ask them about something. The teacher isn't really being put down in any way, but it can still make a person a lot more stressed, upset, and hurt--and it'd be needlessly if the assumption is absolutely wrong! There are few other things more stressful than having the idea that one's being judged harshly by others; it can be so easy to assume that's exactly what's happening though. And having those kind of assumptions on a regular basis gets painful.
    The only good kind of assumptions I can honestly think of are the kinds that involve common knowledge and don't involve people. Like assuming that if a lightbulb's not shining, it's out of juice and needs to be replaced; or that when a library book that you know is in the collection isn't on the shelves, it's been checked out. Guessing on those matters rarely gives a person headaches.
   Releasing a lot of these assumptions, deciding to just not assume things about people, is such a relief! And it can actually be done since we know that God is in complete control of situations in life. Knowing that He's not going to let the worst happen (at least, not without an immensely good reason), there's a freedom to not have to try to keep tabs on everything. We don't have to try to figure out what everyone's thinking and doing; we don't have to make assumptions and worry about whether or not they're true. We can just rely on God, and keep living life without that burden.
    Which is an awesome way to live; don't you agree? :)

Martin Luther King Jr.: "Faith is Taking the First Step"

"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase."

~Martin Luther King Jr.

    Life is a lot like a staircase. A long staircase, with a lot of twists and turns (maybe one of those fancy spiral staircases), and a staircase that you can't see the end of until you're actually there.
    I think certain things we do in life are also like a staircase. A ministry that one commits to, for example, or a career path, or a new relationship. Like a spiral staircase, it's a journey that one can't see the end of from the bottom; one actually has to embark on a trek without knowing what exactly is going to happen, or how long it'll take. When we start a new project or plan, we don't know for sure how it'll turn out, or if it'll even turn out at all! That can make it seem a lot like a risk.
    But it isn't really an unreliable risk with the Lord in our lives, is it? Since we've given ourselves to God, He's placed a purpose in and a diligent plan for our lives, which means that He's got everything figured out step by step, all the way. When He places a "staircase" in our lives to climb, He'll give us the strength and endurance to make it to the top, to a good and fruitful end.
     But to make it up to that good and fruitful end, one actually has to take the first step, which requires faith, as Dr. King states in this quote. To live out God's wonderful plan, one has to believe that He has a plan, a whole set of stairs for us to climb, and that He'll guide us through each one to the end. It takes faith throughout the whole way, but faith is especially needed at the beginning; it ignites the action that starts the whole thing.
    A staircase is a pretty interesting way to picture this, don't you think? :)

Proverbs 1:33

 

"'But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.'"

Proverbs 1:33 (NKJ)

    The speaker of this quote in Proverbs is a personification of wisdom; which I've heard, though the personification's female, can also be viewed as a representation of Christ, the wisest of all.
    Which gives yet another context to this comforting verse. Viewing the speaker as a personification of wisdom, it would be an exhortation to act wisely, which would keep one out of the troubles that unwise actions provoke. But in addition, if one were to look at this verse as Christ speaking, they would hear the encouraging fact that hearing and believing His words will keep us from having to be afraid of the inevitable problems in life. That absolutely trusting in God gives absolute peace.
    Have you ever thought of Proverbs's personification of wisdom as an analogy of the Lord? Do you think that's what the Father had in mind when this was written?

Some Thoughts on the Book of Jeremiah

    I've been reading the book of Jeremiah in the Bible lately. Fifty-two chapters seemed like a lot at first, but it's gone by surprisingly quickly.
    And man, is it an interesting read! A divine call, prophecies about an invasion, prophecies about the Messiah, various reigns of kings, betrayal, promises of redemption. These are just a few major things about the book, and there are lots of others as well.
    -Jeremiah himself is an interesting factor to begin with. Sometimes called "the weeping prophet," we get to see other shades of his personality and his emotions as he goes through a 20+ year-long ministry. He grieves for his nation, yearns for his people to turn back to the true God, but he also gets really angry once or twice when persecutors seriously wound him. But even when he seems to be seething with humiliation and pain, he doesn't lose his temper at the people or yell at God. Instead, when he goes to the Lord with his problems and pain, he respects Him and asks for help (Jeremiah 18:18-20 and Chapter 20 are some instances of this). It's a nice example to follow, taking our problems calmly and faithfully to the Lord, "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7 NKJ).
    -The way God protects Jeremiah and the few people who help him is also a really cool thing to consider. Basically everyone in the country had him in their crosshairs; rulers, religious leaders, even his own neighbors. Jeremiah's life was threatened numerous times, he was thrown into prison for a crime he didn't commit, and he almost starved to death there. But throughout it all, he lived. And so did Jeremiah's scribe Baruch (Jeremiah 45:5), and Ebed-Melech, the man who saved Jeremiah's life by getting him out of a waterless cistern (Jeremiah 39:18), because God was protecting each of them. I just think it's a really great reminder of how He protects and guides us through whatever craziness we might face in life.
    -It was also very enlightening how the book of Jeremiah talks about what happened after the Babylonian invasion. It explains why the remnant that was left behind and their descendants weren't around when Zerubbabel and the people he led came back to the land. The after-invasion chapters also show what happened to Jeremiah after his immediate prophecies came to pass, which answers a couple other questions.
    -And of course, there are a lot of good verses in this book. Personally, Jeremiah 1:5, 1:8, and 20:9 in particular stuck out to me. They're beautiful statements that comfort and inspire, and encourage us to keep witnessing for the Lord.
    What do you think of the book of Jeremiah? Is it your favorite of the prophecy books in the Bible?

C.S. Lewis: Peace In Difficulties

 

"Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties."

~C.S. Lewis

    Isn't this the truth? No one's life is absolutely problem-free. Everyone faces the same sort of difficulties at some point; financial problems, loneliness, worry about the near future . . . it's a long list. Being a Christian doesn't make us immune from the causes of these things, but our relationship with God does give us a way out of being constantly stressed and worrying ourselves sick.
   God cares about us (1 Peter 5:7) and He has a plan for our entire life (Jeremiah 29:11).  The fact that God can create an intricate world in six days and part a sea within minutes (or moments!) is enough to prove that He's capable of turning the tables of a situation quickly. And even when the tables aren't turned, we can still have peace in God; Christ Himself is said to be our peace (Ephesians 2:14). He is our living hope; His grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9).
    So we don't have to freak out or wring ourselves emotionally dry. The peace of God is perfect (Isaiah 26:3), and He gives it to us freely.
    C.S. Lewis has so many fantastic quotes! Do you know any off the top of your head?

James 1:2-3

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."

James 1:2-3 (NKJ)

    Some trials aren't dangerous problems with high stakes. Many are, but others can be less important . . . and far more annoying.
    Those can be the ones that really stretch a person's patience. They prompt irritation, frustration, anger, and bitterness; and all those emotions are poisonous. But this Bible verse is a good safeguard against building up those feelings. Remembering over and over again that trials strengthen patience can be extremely helpful, and can make a person feel calmer, more peaceful. Which is definitely better than feeling annoyed, right?
    Hope you all have a wonderful week! :)

Waiting . . .

    Well, waiting happens a bit in life, doesn't it? Waiting for a phone call or an E-mail, usually.
    And waiting for a while--waiting for something important to happen--leaves a lot of  time for thinking. Typically, as a Christian, I've noticed there are two ways to think while a very pressing matter is being worked out slowly: waiting with harrowed, worried considerations flitting around in the mind; or waiting simply trusting in God, not worrying at all about the pressing issue because of promises that He has made. It sounds easy to do, to just remember that God's in control. But it really can be difficult. Doubts and misconceptions about God's forgiveness can make a person opt for worry more often.
    But remembering what God has actually said can help though. He has numerous comforting promises in His Word. That He's got a plan for our lives that's good and perfect in the end (Jeremiah 29:11), that He's  willing to help us through problems (Isaiah 41:13), that He can give us strength to accomplish anything (Philippians 4:13), and that having faith in Him is infinitely better than judging our chances based off what we see (2 Corinthians 5:7).
    Being assured of all these promises really eases the burden of waiting. Do you think of any of these often when you're stressed?

John 10:9

"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."

John 10:9 (NKJ)

Because He Is

    In Matthew 14, by Jesus's command, the disciples went out in a boat to cross the sea they were by. For a while, things were hunky-dory. They were making progress, and things were good. But about halfway across the sea, they got into some trouble--that trouble being a massive storm that frightened even the tough, experienced fishermen.
    Can you imagine it? Being in a boat that was being rocked around like a leaf in a fountain, trying to splash as much water out as possible, half-sure that you were going to drown . . . when you suddenly see something out on the water. Something that impossibly looks just like a person.
    Of course, that figure was Christ--though the disciples thought that He was a ghost, which terrified them even more. What did Jesus say in response? In the NKJ version, His words were: "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." The footnote, however, says that the phrase "it is I" can be translated as "I am."
    I AM is one of the names of God; one of the most amazing ones. He was in the past, He is presently, and He will always be forever. He'll always be the same strong, loving, able, awesome God who rescues us. Which means that He can help us through storms now just like He has in the past, like when He parted the Red Sea, and when He stilled the waters of this chapter in Matthew.
    Storms come and go, but the Lord has always been and will never leave us alone. Whatever serious issue we go through today, the Lord is able to handle it. That's a comfort, isn't it?

Out Of The Comfort Zone

 

    No one would voluntarily slap the palm of their hand onto a burner they know is piping hot, right? Of course not; because it would hurt--a lot. And not a lot of people would agree to walk across a tightrope over a canyon unless they're incredibly daring and well trained. It's a proven fact of life that most people do not do things that cause them discomfort unless they absolutely have to. It's not often that someone voluntarily chooses to leave their comfort zone.
    We're safe in the comfort zone. A person is in their element there, and can usually predict what's going to happen. There are no unpleasant surprises and no serious risks. Outside of the comfort zone is the unknown--which can sometimes be really frightening.
    But there are also adventures out there. Thrilling ones well worth having. Often in life, God beckons us out of the comfort zone to take us on journeys like these. To help us grow and to do awesome things. Sure, there might be some unpleasant dips in the road, but as long as God is guiding you, there's going to be a good end.
    It could be small or something huge. Reciting a speech in front of a group of people, or going on a mission trip. But whatever it is, as long as the Lord is by your side, things are sure to be great!

Psalm 23:4

 

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Psalm 23:4 (NKJ)

Crash And Burn

    Life is not a smooth road. It has bumps, it has sharp turns . . . and sometimes it flips the car upside-down. Completely upside-down, and everything's broken, and there's pain, and one is worried sick about everything.
    It's bound to happen at least once. It's very unpleasant when it does. Sometimes it seems to just be random, and other times it's because of a bad decision. Things are especially unpleasant when it's the latter.
    But God is here for us. When we crash in life, He's by our side. And He's promised us that whatever happens--even when we crash and burn--He has a plan that works for our good. Yes, things are broken around us. Yes, there's pain. But we can have faith that even in that, God is faithful. He will make things work out for our good.

Psalm 46:1-3

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah."

Psalm 46:1-3 (NKJ)

Having Christian Friends

    Friends. Are. Awesome. The time you spend with them can give you wonderful memories you'll keep all of your life. You may have a friend you've known for years; a friend who's like a sister or brother to you. You might have friends you've gone on adventures with, have laughed with, and have done projects with. When you're with a friend, things can be great for everybody--especially if that friend is a Christian like you, because that makes you siblings in Christ!
    Another wonderful thing about that besides having wonderful times together is that you can also get through tough times with each other. When you're discouraged or afraid or downhearted, a friend who's also a follower of Christ can comfort you, encourage you, and pray for you!

Jeremiah 1:8

"'Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,' says the LORD."

Jeremiah 1:8

    I can't be the only one who's afraid of making people angry with my words, right?
    Surely it's understandable. People are not pleasant when they're angry, and when that unpleasantness is directed towards you, it's not fun. At all.
    As Christians, we want to talk about God, tell people how wonderful it is to have a relationship with Him, and show them how to get saved. But when we do that, there's a real risk of being mocked, branded as narrow-minded, or of making that person really ticked off at us. Of course no one wants that to happen--so a lot of people are scared of mentioning God at all.
    But God encourages us and tells us not to be afraid. He is with us all the time, and He'll give us the right words to say. Sure, you might be put down or made fun of. But if someone listens and becomes interested in God as a result, isn't it totally worth it?

Psalm 27:14

   

"Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!"

Psalm 27:14 (NKJ)

    These days, long waits are not common. People can get things in moments with the flick of a switch, the push of a button, even the snapping of fingers. If you want to know something, you Google it. If you want to see a certain movie, there's Netflix. If you have an idea that you want to jot down in seconds rather than minutes, you can type it on a computer or a phone.
    But in this case--getting strength from the Lord--it takes faithful patience. And patience can be difficult to hold when you have a serious problem. It can even be painful, frightening. With high stakes, waiting seems to take a very, very, very long time.
    The psalmist says to be of good courage because God will give us the strength we need. He will help us. And He knows when it's the best time to act. We need to be patient.
    The Lord will come through for us. Just have faith in Him.

1 Samuel 3:21

". . . For the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."

1 Samuel 3:21 (NKJ)

    He revealed Himself to Samuel--one of the greatest prophets in history--by His word.
    That's one of the ways God speaks to us as well--through His Word, the Bible. Seriously, you can be reading through the Word and suddenly--wham! You see a passage that speaks right to you, a passage that completely answers a question you've had on your mind, or a passage that gives you peace when you're having a rough time.
    God really does talk to us through the Bible--it's His love letter to us, His instructions on how to live life in the best possible way, a medium through which He speaks to us.
   It's definitely worth reading over and over again. :)

Hebrews 11:6

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJ)

    God adores it when we put our faith in Him, when we not only trust Him but trust in Him.
    To have faith in someone is to believe that they are telling the truth and that they can accomplish what they say they can. When we put our faith in the Lord, we're trusting that He will work everything out perfectly--which He will. When we put our faith in God, we aren't afraid at all--which can be difficult, but it's possible to do. Plus, God appreciates it--He loves it when we believe in Him.
    Put your faith in the Lord. You can count on Him to solve the problem--He's never failed before. The Lord has a great plan that will be worth any trouble--just trust Him and trust in Him. :)

One Truth

    The other day, I got in a discussion with a non-Christian friend that didn't go very well.
    We were talking about God and the theory of evolution, and that conversation took a turn towards the topic of truth. What it is. The Bible clearly says that there's one truth, but my friend and a bystander who happened to be listening in seemed comfortable with the notion that truth could be something or something else, but it was okay to get it wrong. They didn't seem concerned at all about believing a theory concerning our origin and our eternity that's not true.
    This is sad and dangerous, regarding truth like a flavor of ice cream--as if it's alright to guess on or even make believe what reality is. Believing that it doesn't matter whether or not you believe in God or the devil or heaven or you-know-where.
    But it does matter!  If there's no solid foundational truth, anything--including something very wrong--would and could be considered right. Mainly, if someone chooses to disregard God's Word, if they choose to think of Jesus Christ as an option they could pass on, they'd literally be condemning themselves.
    The truth is this: we mess up. We need a Savior to redeem us in order for us to get to heaven, to have a relationship with God, and to fulfill our purpose. Jesus Christ is that Savior, the Son of God--and God the Son. We need Him. He loves us, and will redeem us the split-second we ask Him to.
    Truth isn't whatever you want it to be. It's singular and real. That's what makes it true. Agree?