Our cry.

All around you are trials, temptation and desires. Jesus has brought you before God. 

1 John chapter 3 verses 1-3.

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be called His children---think of it---and we really are! But since most people do not know God, naturally they do not understand that we are His children. Yes, dear friends, we are already God's children, right now, and we can't even imagine what it is going to be like later on. But we do know this, that when He comes we will be like Him, as a result of seeing Him as He really is. And everyone who believes this will try to stay pure because Christ is pure. 

In Hosea chapter 11, God, speaking through the prophet Hosea is talking about us as His children. 

   It talks about how much He loves us and cares about us. He talks about how we rebel against Him, as we live life the way we want to, doing as we think is right. He talks about watching us grow through our infancy, training us to walk and how He held us in His arms. But, we have gone from Him, not even giving Him a thought or what He has done for us. 

   It continues to talk about the troubles we blindly face on our own. Not even thinking of asking Him for help. It talks about His love for us. "My heart cries out within Me; how I long to help you! No, I will not punish you as much as My fierce anger tells Me to." 

   It is so easy to be influenced by this world. Love is something we all seek after, but are easily misguided by it. We quickly learn what jealousy and envy are. We quickly learn what it is to fail and not get our own way. We learn what it means to have a broken heart. We also learn that life goes on. And that we must face whatever the day brings. 

   Our innocent thoughts have learned new things. We are filled with emotions and learning to deal with others attitudes. We turn to others for advice. Maybe our parents, maybe friends or co-workers. Maybe those at the pub or gym have the answers you seek. 

   I like 2 Chronicles chapter 20 verse 27. It says, "Then they returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, full of joy that the Lord had given them this marvelous rescue from their enemies."

   We have no idea how much power God has. Maybe you have heard about Jesus. God raised Him from the dead. How about taking a moment to think about the world you are living in. Someone created it or somehow it just happens to be here and you are here in it. Maybe these are things you would rather not think about and just get on with whatever it is that takes you from day to day. The days go by and they can never be given back.

   Maybe you have thought as God as the Creator of everything. Maybe, you wonder, if He can do for Jesus, maybe, just maybe, He can do for you. Wow, these are deep thoughts that seem to be fleeting moments of hope. Or are they? You can't see or touch God, but you do see the world and the people in it. With hope as your wish, you cry out to God. You are fed up and want a saving hand to lift you up and give you new direction, strength and joy. 

   Earlier in 2 Chronicles chapter 20, the enemies had become overwhelming numbers. There seemed to be nothing left but fear and confusion. In verse 15, King Jehoshaphat told them God's response to his prayers, "The Lord says, Do not be afraid! Do not be paralyzed by this mighty army! For the battle is not yours, but God's!"

   You have no idea what will come from your prayer, but you can know that God is there listening and ready to help. Your joy is just beginning and you will find yourself whistling, smiling, amazed and awed at God's touch upon you. Psalms chapter 98 says, "Sing a new song to the Lord telling about His mighty deeds! For He has won a mighty victory by His power and holiness."

   You are the feather in His cap. You were lost to the world and you called out to Him and He is the one who by His power has given you a new life. You are His victory, and you get to praise Him and bask in the victory He has given you. 

   Proverbs chapter 3 says, "Have two goals: wisdom---that is, knowing and doing right---and common sense. Do not let them slip away, for they fill you with living energy, and are a feather in your cap. They keep you safe from defeat and disaster and from stumbling off the trail. With them on guard you can sleep without fear; you need not be afraid of disaster or the plots of wicked men, for the Lord is with you; He protects you."

   Wow, a life of peace. It does not mean you will not have worry, but when worry comes upon you, you take it to God, who has brought you peace through Jesus. It's crazy to think that your friends and family may not understand your new found life. Maybe they want what you have but do not see as you do causing them to be confused and unable to agree with the way you think, they may try to pull you back into your old ways and habits, they may say things that try to confuse you, but all their efforts cannot replace the fact of the changes that Jesus has brought to you. God is real and you are the proof of that.

   Philippians chapter 1 says, "God who has begun the good work within you, will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns." 

   We are to love others as God loves us. And filled with His Holy Spirit we have the strength, the wisdom and understanding needed to overcome any and all challenges put in front of us. Jesus faced way worse than we ever will and He is our example of God, who by His love has made Himself known in your life.

   Hebrews chapter 12 talks about our place with God. Physically we are here on earth, alive and walking with God, attending a church, where we gather with others to sing songs of praise and to be encouraged by His word. Chapter 12 says, "You have come right up into Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to gathering of countless happy angels; and to the church, composed of all those registered in heaven; and to God who is Judge of all; and to the spirits of the redeemed in heaven, already made perfect; and to Jesus Himself, who has brought us His wonderful new agreement; and to the sprinkled blood which graciously forgives instead of crying out for vengeance as the blood of Abel did."

   We have been touched by God's love and are already in our new home. Where we will always be, standing in front of God singing, "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty---the One who was, and is, and is to come." (Revelations chapter 5.) 

   Our cry is to know peace and happiness. It is our cry for others to know that same peace and love. Jesus has made it happen for you and hears your unending prayers for others to know the truth. You are the example of forever joy, given to you by God through Jesus.

   Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You for being with us in whatever we may face today. 😊    

   

1 Corinthians chapter 1 verses 3 and 4. 

The apostle Paul said, "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you all the blessings, and great peace of heart and mind. I can never stop thanking God for all the wonderful gifts He has given you, now that you are Christ's: He has enriched your whole life. He has helped you speak out for Him  and has given you a full understanding of the truth." 

Philippians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7.

Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and do not forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

Philippians chapter 4 verses 11-13.

The apostle Paul said, "Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power."