TGIF
Last week’s TGIF message focused on 2 points – (1) we can get through any life challenge better with God at our side, and (2) we should thank God for all our life challenges because they strengthen us and also make us more aware of our need for God to be involved. Comments from Sarah Young in her daily devotionals last week (May 23 and 25) were used to support these points.
So, a logical follow-up topic for this week would be to review and remember the approach we need to take to ensure God is by our side always. The first action item for us comes also from Sarah Young in her May 26 devotional. She said You can find Me richly present in My written Word, the Bible. As more and more Scripture soaks into your inner being, you will experience the delight of My Presence more consistently.
John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
How does God’s Word benefit us? I found an article that provides 6 answers to this question which I think nicely summarize the benefits of His Word. These were given in a message by Charles Stanley, Senior Pastor at First Baptist in Atlanta for 50 years.
God’s word should:
1 – …lead us to salvation (John 3:16)
2 – …guide our steps (Psalm 119:105)
3 – …direct us to wisdom (Psalm 119:130)
4 – …lift our burden (Psalm 119:28)
5 – …bring joy (Psalm 119:111) and
6 – …give us peace (Psalm 119:165).
I would ask you to find each of these scripture verses and to read them. I would also ask you to consider these benefits as stated by Pastor Stanley as life aspects that we strongly desire, and reading His Word is the surest way to finding and keeping them.
The second action item comes to us from Sarah Young in her May 8 devotional. Sarah said I urge you to be alert and always keep on praying. Invite Me to enter into your circumstances – including your thought, feelings, and decisions. Communicating with Me will help you focus less on trivial [worldly] matters and more on glorious [eternal] realities.
Praying establishes our communication chain with God, which is what we need in our lives on a regular basis. Awhile back, I did a TGIF on the book titled 2 Chairs, which explained how we need to regularly communicate with God in focused alone time with Him. A number of you have commented to me since that message about your 2 Chairs time, so I think it struck a chord with some of you.
Ephesians 6:18 – And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
The third and final action item comes from Sarah again in her May 15 devotional. Sarah said As you seek Me, I encourage you to rejoice and be glad in Me. Take time to praise Me in psalms and song. Think about who I am: I dwell in splendor, majesty, and beauty. Then remember how I left the Glory of heaven and came into the world – so I could bring you into my kingdom of everlasting Life and Light. All of this helps you to be joyful in Me, your Savior.
If we truly have God in our hearts, if we believe in Him, if we know His Word, if we pray regularly to Him, how can our lives not be full of joy……. in spite of our current circumstances?
Psalm 70:4 – But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”
There is a very important secondary benefit to our being joyful!!!!!!!
Being joyful blesses not only you but other people. Your family and friends will benefit from your gladness, which can rub off on them. You can also influence many beyond your inner circle. When My followers are joyful, unbelievers are more likely to be drawn to Me. Joy shines in stark contrast to your ever-darkening world, and some people will ask you about it. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you the reason for your hope.
Habakkuk 3:18 – Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Remember always – read His Word, pray, and be joyful in Him!!!!!