Providing

We all need certain things to move forward in life, and sometimes, to just make it through the day. The variety of things that we can need makes it challenging to provide for these needs without help. Most often that help should come from our families. Unfortunately, we often fail to provide what it needed, even to our family members.

I Timothy 5:8 says, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” On this day when we celebrate our freedom, let us also remember our responsibility to take care of our families. No matter what stage of life we are at, God has called us to take care of our families and failure to do so is a denial of our faith. We should be alert to the needs of each family member and seek ways to provide for the financial, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our family members.

Ignoring Heart Issues

I suppose that we are all guilty at times of saying one thing and doing quite a different thing. In these cases, our actions do not match our values. Hypocrisy brings out judgment from other people, but also is of great concern to God.

In Matthew 22:23 Jesus condemns the religious leaders and says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” Always be careful to consider the condition of your heart more important than any religious activity. In particular, grow in justice, mercy, and faithfulness while serving and worshipping God.

Trail Map

Sometimes, I am familiar with the trail that I am hiking, but many times, I am not. On those occasions, it is very helpful to have a trail map. The map informs me of my position and helps guide me to the finish. Without a trail map, I have gotten lost and put myself in danger.

Philippians 2:16 says, “holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” Many times, we do not know which way to turn, and we can’t see the finish line.  Fortunately,  God has given us the map to show us the way that we should go, that is, the word of life, the Bible.

Life Insurance

We may buy life insurance, but it does nothing to protect our lives. It just pays our beneficiaries in the event of our death. Other insurance works the same way.  Auto insurance doesn’t protect the car but only pays for repairs. Health insurance doesn’t protect our health but pays for the services when we are ill.

And finally, Jesus instructs us to pray, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:13) God is our protector from evil.   In the Bible, He is referred to as a shield about us, our rock, our refuge, a fortress, a stronghold, and our deliverer. Ask Him to protect you from evil and trust Him to surround you with His protection.

Preparation for Power

After the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the false arrest of Peter and John, the disciples were gathered together and they were praying. They praised God for the miracles that He had performed and asked God to grant them boldness in proclaiming the gospel.

Acts 4:30-31 says, “while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” God still eagerly desires to do marvelous works and to heal His people.   For our part, we should humbly pray and believe. His power has not diminished, and He will do mighty works for us and through us. Our unity in prayer unlocks and releases the power of the Holy Spirit.