Weakest Link

The decisions that we make on a moment-by-moment basis influence our thoughts and actions in the future. We can purchase a chain at a hardware store. Chain strength is graded and depends on the weakest link in the chain. If a chain has a particularly weak link that the strength of the whole chain is considered weak. Our lives can be viewed in the same way. If we make a bad decision, then that decision will negatively impact our lives, making us weaker.

Judges 1:19 says, “And the Lord was with Judah, and he took possession of the hill country, but he could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain because they had chariots of iron.” When he trusted in the Lord, Judah was successful. But when Judah tried to move forward in his own strength, he was overwhelmed and failed. We must make consistent conscientious decisions to trust God moment-by-moment. Doing so strengthens us and keeps weak chains from negatively impacting us.

What I Want To Do

I see a spreading movement in our culture that people do whatever they want to do. They feel like no limitations should be placed on them and their actions, but at the same time, they seek to put limitations on the actions of others. These people may claim to be “sovereign citizens” for whom the laws of this land do not apply. Or they may just think that their ways are better than others so that the thoughts and actions of others should conform to their wishes.

Peter and John were arrested by the religious authorities after they had healed a man in Jesus name. When told to stop speaking in this name, they said, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20) They were not disobeying authority, nor claiming to be able to do whatever they wanted to do. Instead, they were submitting to God’s will for their lives and speaking the message that God had given them to speak.

Power Tools

I grew up in a time when power tools were not as available as they are today. Now, I am of the opinion that I would always use a power tool if one is available to me. Why? For me the work becomes more precise and easier at the same time. The same is true in life. If power to resolve problems and overcome obstacles is available, why would I neglect to use this power.

In I Samuel 17:47, David tells Goliath, “And that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” When the enemy comes against God’s people, the Lord promises to fight for them against the enemy. No matter what obstacle we may face in our walk with God, we can trust God to be our defense and wage war against the enemy.

Libraries and Athletic Clubs

Libraries and athletic clubs are two entirely different places. You go to one to sharpen your mind and gain intellectual power. You go to the other to gain physical strength. In both places, you put in the effort and expect certain results. You are relying on others, however, to supply what you need for those results. What if there was a place you could go to get results, where the benefits are given freely and bountifully?

Daniel 2:20-21 says, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” Our God is the sovereign Almighty God, with power and authority over both nature and all peoples. He is the one who establishes all kingdoms and rules over the seasons. He is the source of all wisdom and knowledge and He gives freely and bountifully to those who come to Him.

Thunder

A couple of days ago, we had a lot of thunder and lightning through the night and until midday. Every few minutes the sky would light up and then we would hear the roar of thunder. These events are always spectacular and aweinspiring in many ways. If you have ever been to Niagara Falls, you will remember the sound as much as the beauty. The roaring waters make a powerful sound that seems to reach into the soul. These sights and sounds are impressive, but they do not compare to the mighty strength of God.

Psalm 93:4 says, “Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!” God has more than sufficient strength to do all that we need Him to do. Beyond that, it is His desire to provide all that we need so that we can be fruitful and glorify His name. Nothing can prevent Him from accomplishing His purposes in heaven, on earth, and among His people.