Our place
2 Timothy chapter 1 verses 6 and 7.
I want to remind you to stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you, that entered into you when I laid my hands upon your head and blessed you. For the Holy Spirit, God's gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them. If you will stir up this inner power, you will never be afraid to tell others about our Lord.
Do you know your place in this world? Or are you just drifting along, biding your time from day to day. You are aware that your time here is short and you want to make the best of every minute, but are you happy and satisfied with the way things are going?
In 2 Corinthians chapter 4 Paul talks about our confidence in what we believe. He says it is a gift from God, who in His mercy and grace has given us the privilege to tell our story. The story that He has sent Jesus into our lives. It is our story and nothing can change that, we are not trying to fabricate anything to trick or fool people into coming to Christ. Verse 2 says, "We never try to get anyone to believe that the Bible teaches what it doesn't. All such shameful methods we forego. We stand in the presence of God as we speak and so we tell the truth, as all who know us will agree."
Verses 7-10 say, "But this precious treasure---this light and power that now shine within us---is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we do not know why things happen as they do, but we do not give up and quit. We are hunted down but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the living Christ within, who keeps us safe."
We all have troubles and face temptation. Our desires tease us and taunt us to do things that we know are not right. We speak words that are harsh and startling to those who hear them. We are human and it is only by the power of Jesus Christ that we can receive the gift of God's love and forgiveness.
Romans chapter 10 verses 8 and 9 say, "For salvation that comes from trusting Christ----which is what we preach---is already within easy reach of each of us; in fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord, and believe in your own heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
We face the issues that others face each day, the difference is our faith in God to deliver us through Jesus Christ. The knowledge and wisdom that help us understand and reason are a gift from God who knows our love for Him and is there to care for His children.
In John chapter 15 Jesus talks about our love for others. Verse 19 says, "The world would love you if you belonged to it; but you don't---for I chose you to come out of the world, and so it hates you." The mixed up emotions that you felt before coming to Christ led you in all sorts of directions to silence them or find answers for them. Failed relationships, fear of no work or income, the hard work put into holding onto what you have, they all build on us and can cause us to do things we will regret.
Thank God that we knew of Jesus and took the steps to come to Him. Boy, do we wish we had done that before and not wasted so much time in life without Him. Maybe someone will listen to your story and come to Christ just as you did. Maybe they need to hear the "Good News" of Christ and how He can welcome them into life with Him. Maybe no one has told them before or maybe they have been stubborn and closed to any such help. Your words may be just what they need to hear.
Are you forcing others to hear what you want so bad to tell everyone? No, you go about you day, getting along with everyone, filled with God's Holy Spirit. Trusting in Him to reflect through you and to provide you with the right way to fit in, the right way to guard against old temptations and to be at peace, content with the place you are at.
Matthew chapter 6 tells us to not be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time. You know your place with God, and that means speaking to Him about everything. That means you trust in Him as your heavenly Father, to watch over you and guide you. Don't be miss led, and find yourself back where you were before, caught up in the worldly arguments. Your place is with Jesus who has brought you into life with God. Focus on very word of God, praise Him for each moment and never lose faith in His love for you.
Your place is with Him!
Thank you Father for Jesus. Thank You for being there when we called out. You have lifted us up and into life with You. 😊
Psalms chapter 20 verse 1.
In your day of trouble, may the Lord be with you!
Malachi chapter 4 verse 2.
God talking through the prophet Malachi said, "But for you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture."
2 Corinthians chapter 9 verses 11-15.
Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much, and when we take Your gifts to those who need them they will break out into thanksgiving and praise to God for your help. So, two good things happen as a result of your gifts---those in need are helped, and they overflow with thanks to God. Those you help will be glad not only because of your generous gifts to themselves and to others, but they will praise God for this proof that your deeds are as good as your doctrine. And they will pray for you with deep fervor and feeling because of the wonderful grace of God shown through you. Thank God for His Son---His Gift too wonderful for words."
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