If you are all that is on your mind, then your thinking is very small! When you place your hurts in the hands of Jesus, then you’re free to heal the hurts of others. What He has done for you is now your privilege to do for others.
Christ followers should be the top politicians, administrators, educators, doctors—the top in every area there is. Why? Because our teacher reveals things to us that the average person can’t receive. It is vitally important for us to learn to be sensitive to His voice and expect His guidance!
Many believers are asking God to do what He already told THEM to do. “Lord, send Your Spirit! Lord, send your angels to save my family! Lord, send…” But Jesus told us in the gospels, “As I have been sent so I send YOU….Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (John 20:21; Mark 16:15 author’s emphasis).
God is FOR you! He gave you the gift of eternal life so you would have peace of mind about your future. He breathed into you part of Himself so you would have awareness of His presence. He gave you the name of Jesus so you would have authority over all evil spirits. He gave you His promises for every area of your life so you would know His best for you. God is not hard, He is benevolent!
When you go outside the church walls with a clear proclamation of the gospel, the devil’s not going to roll over and say, “Welcome! Have your way!” But we know that the God we serve is bigger, He is far greater, He is mighty, and HE IS ALIVE IN US!
In Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the ruler over the servants expected increase, so he took the money from the non-producer and gave it to the producer. This might change your thinking about staying in a welfare system. Apparently God, who is love, does not expect His people to live a lifestyle that is content to rely on free handouts!
If you are depressed—take hope in God! He promises to strengthen you with His righteous right arm! If you are jobless—dare to declare that He WILL connect you with the job you require! If you are in debt—dare to declare you are debt free! Trust Him to guide you to the victories you need!
When Jesus was training His followers He sent them out to the villages, towns and cities, telling them to take no extra clothing, money or food. Go and preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick, demonstrating God’s plan and God’s love (Luke 10:1-9, author’s paraphrase). They obeyed, and discovered that God could be trusted to take care of them. I believe that when we practice His simple “road rules” in our own lives, we will always see His hand of provision!
God has revealed Himself as Jehovah-Shalom, which means the Lord is our Peace. Shalom means nothing broken, nothing missing. It means completeness (in number); safety, soundness (in body), welfare, health, prosperity, peace, quiet, tranquility, and contentment. He wants to be all these things to you! Receive His peace!
The ungodly are those who have no moral code or fear of God. Their only guidance is what pleases them and gives them advantage. They offer you shortcuts that will look good but leave a bitter taste in your mouth, like biting into a shiny apple only to spit out a rotten core. You may prosper but it will be short lived and at the expense of others. It will cost your reputation; and in the long run all you really have is your reputation, so guard it with all your heart!
