Life is tough, but it gets easier to understand when we allow God to lead. Let His Word be a light that guides your path.
Psalm 136
For every image my eyes bring into focus… for every sound wave that beats against my eardrums… for every flavor that grazes my taste buds… for every scent that tickles my nostrils… for every texture my hands embrace… for every (good) thought that rests in my mind… for every (good) motive that settles in my heart… for every breath I inhale and exhale… I am grateful.
Various Scriptures
Oftentimes, we pray to God, seek His face, and hope for change in our lives, but we hardly see immediate results. Most of the time, all we have to do is, be who God called us to be, so that He can do what He promised to do for His people.
Love the Lord… and he will preserve you.
-Psalm 31:23
Be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart…
-Psalm 31:24
Delight in the LORD, and will give you the desires of your heart.
-Psalm 37:4
Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land.
-Psalm 37:34
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
-Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
-Matthew 5:3-11
In your daily living, be who you were called to be, so that God can do what He promised He would do.
Joshua 23
Because of you, the Lord fights for you. Because of you, the Lord sustains your wellbeing. Because of you, the Lord stored up an eternal inheritance for you. Because of you, the Lord cuts off all who fight against you. Because of you, the Lord expels and drives your enemies from your sight. Because of you, the Lord keeps His promises. Because of you, the Lord expresses His unfailing grace, everlasting mercy, and unfathomable love toward you. Because of you…
Matthew 14:34-36
Throughout His ministry, Jesus was constantly on the move, traveling from place to place, doing the works of His Father. His purpose was to reach and teach as many as He could, during the time He would spend on the earth.
After revealing another dimension of His power by way of walking on water, and being acknowledged a second time as the Son of God, Jesus and those who followed Him, went to a land called Gennesaret. This fertile land was north of the shore of Galilee, and was known for producing both temperate and tropical fruits. This particular area was also brimming with people who suffered sickness and disease. So, when the men of the land recognized the man among them was Jesus, they quickly spread word to all the country, to bring all who were diseased to Jesus.
The most interesting point in this story seems to relate to the woman who had the issue of blood. I’m not 100 percent certain there’s a relation with the woman and the people of Gennesaret, but all who came to Jesus, sought only to touch the hem of His garment for their healing, so word of the woman’s story may have spread to this land as well. These sick folk had enough faith to believe, only a touch of Jesus’ clothes, would bring their healing. Mercifully, their faith was in the right place, for all who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment were made perfectly whole. Jesus didn’t perform half healings, but His manifestations were total and permanent.
Jesus healed according to the faith of those who came to Him, so all who desired healing, sought total deliverance and restoration. When you come to God, do you seek partial deliverance, or do you want God to give you a total and complete manifestation of those things your heart desires? Reach out in faith, and touch Jesus, so He can make you whole again.
Jeremiah 31:27-30
In our text, the people of God tried to blame His judgment on them, based on the sins of their fathers. Although one person’s sin does indeed affect the lives of others, according to Scripture, everyone is still held responsible for the sin in their own lives. Be mindful of those you keep company with, and monitor their actions, because their errors and mistakes could possibly affect your life, as well as their own. Also, be certain not to blame others for sin’s you committed, and simply own them. Confess your faults to the Lord, turn away from the mistakes of your past, and allow God to continue working through you progressively.
“Dwell not on the sins of yesterday, rather focus on present-day redemption.” – Ell
Zechariah 8:18-23
One of the biggest concerns facing believers today is, knowing how to draw others to God. While living a life of righteousness is a daily process, influencing others to walk after the righteousness of God, is a duty all Saints have been commanded to fulfill as well. Jesus said, in the book of John, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” Some scholars relate this saying to Jesus being lifted up, and hung on a cross, while others mention that it references His ascension into heaven, but either way, when Jesus is the center of attention, His life and sacrifice will be more than enough to draw all men unto Himself.
Many go through life, using methods outside of Scripture, in hopes of reaching lost souls, but all it takes is the message of the Gospel, coupled with a consistent holy lifestyle, to inspire and influence others to consider God’s way. Professional fishermen know, the right bait is necessary for catching certain fish, and without the bait, there’s nothing to attract the fish to his hook. The Word of God is enough on its own, to compel men to come to Jesus, but we must first grasp an understanding of it for ourselves, or we’ll be like an inexperienced fisherman, casting with the wrong bait, or no bait at all.
God is with those who trust Him, and are committed to His will, and when believers realize that all they need is God to make a difference, they’ll be fascinated at what He can do through their very own lives. When God is with you, reaching out to others becomes more of a desire, rather than a simple obligation, because God is love, and that love is potent when used according to His Word.
Psalm 25:1-10
Witnessing this present world continue its steady decline in its morality and sense of humanity, should provoke those who love God to consider their ways, and shift their focus on what’s really important. Time is passing by quickly, as prophetic events continue to manifest, so it’s imperative that the children of God make it their business to do those things that are pleasing to the Father, and not get caught up in carnal living.
Christians must first be sure that their own souls are right with God, and be diligent in obeying His Word. Although the world is full of distractions, which easily pull men’s attention from God, believers must strive to hold up a holy standard, in the midst of a fallen world. Salvation through the Son is free, and all who believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, shall be saved. But, being saved from sin is only the beginning of a new life in Christ. Maintaining a healthy balance of godly living is essential in the development of a man or woman’s spirituality.
Many say they are saved, yet their living aligns more with the world, rather than holiness. For this reason, it’s important for the church to be a light in this dark world, to show those who are lost, salvation is real, and the benefits of living for God far outweigh the temporary rewards this dying world offers.
I admonish all who claim to be sons and daughters of God, to continue in prayer, study and meditate on the Word, and keep your hearts with all diligence. There’s not much time left on the earth, despite how social media and other sources paint the world to be. Judgment is soon coming to the earth, and all who refuse to accept salvation will be lost forever.
After you’ve saved yourself (by accepting Jesus into your heart), go out and save as many more as you can, because he who wins souls is wise in God’s eyes.
Mark 5:21-34
The Bible story of the woman with the issue of blood is one that has inspired many to hold fast to their faith in God, even for their own healing. Suffering with a blood issue for twelve long years, had caused the woman much misery, pain, and grief. What made matters worse for her is, she had spent all that she had on different treatments from physicians. Not only was she miserable and broke, but her issue grew worse. Her cries of help did her no good, until she heard of a man named Jesus, who just so happened to be in close proximity to her one day.
While continuing in His ministry of teaching and healing, Jesus made His way to the other side of the country of the Gadarenes. Mere moments after leaving the ship on which He traveled, Jesus found Himself surrounded by crowds of people. Before He could settle Himself off the ship, Jesus was approached by one of the rulers of the synagogue, who asked for His help to heal his daughter, who was at the point of death. Jesus agreed, then began following the man to his residence.
While on the way to heal the daughter of Jarius, the woman with the issue of blood, heard about Jesus, then fought her way to just touch His garment. Her faith grabbed hold to what she heard about Jesus, and she was certain that her healing would come, from just one touch. After she touched the Savior’s garment, “straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.” (vs. 29).
The woman could have easily ignored what she had heard about Jesus and continued in her issue, but after going through years of pain and disappointment, she literally had nothing else to lose.
What have you heard about Jesus, that excites you to the point you’re willing to go the extra mile to see Him? Do you truly understand who God really is? Or, have you not heard how He healed the sick, raised the dead, opened blind eyes and deaf ears, redeemed mankind from sin, prepared a place beyond this life for the Saints to live forever.
You may be dealing with an issue that seems to have no answer, but continue reaching out toward Jesus, and if your healing doesn’t come in this life, be strong and keep the faith, because God has much better awaiting us when we meet Him face to face.
Ell's Daily Inspirations 