Invitation Accepted

Suppose, you invited someone to dinner at your house. This future guest is an important person to you. They have accepted your invitation. So what steps do you take to get ready for their arrival. Most likely, you would clean your house so that it is spotless. You would prepare the things that you know this person appreciates; things like food that they like, perhaps some photos of you together, and some evidences of your appreciation of their impact upon your life.

Revelation 22:20 says, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” These are the last words, which are recorded in the Scriptures, which Jesus Christ has spoken to His people. It is, therefore, very important to become prepared for His coming by asking God to purify our hearts and give us the strength and power to do all of His will for us.

Vision Statement

At the beginning of a new business, it is a common practice to clearly state the company’s values, mission, and vision. This seemingly boring task helps the company stay on the course for which the owners and leaders designed for it.

Genesis 1:27-28 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” God’s first words to the people that He created were a blessing and a sacred command to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Man was to be God’s representative on earth bringing all things into subjection to Him and making all things beneficial to man and to God. Thus, we are still to bring all things into subjection to God and make all things beneficial to mankind and to God.

Slippery Footing

Lately, we have experienced frequent snowfall and accumulation. My morning walks have been a bit treacherous. Each step must be carefully placed to avoid slips and falls. Beneath a thin layer of snow often lies ice. A fall could ruin my day and beyond.

II Samuel 22:34 says, “He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.” When we don’t know what to do, our steps are swift and secure if we follow God’s wisdom. This happens when we look up and follow in His footsteps instead of looking inside ourselves for wisdom.

Extinguish the Flaming Arrows of the Enemy

Ancient warrior shields were often quite large, necessary to protect their whole bodies. Prior to battle warriors often soaked the shield so that the flaming arrows of the enemy would be extinguished upon impact with the shield.

II Samuel 22:36 says, “You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great.” Trusting the salvation found by faith in Jesus Christ is a shield against fear, anger, worry, and greed. God gently leads in the ways that we should go.

Overwhelmed

Several years ago, I was trekking in Nepal. We came to a rapidly flowing river that we needed to cross. I was very unsure of my footing and pondered how I was going to be able to cross the river. Just then, a Nepali man offered to carry me on his back across the river. They were used to carrying heavy loads in the mountains, so I agreed to hop on his back and he did carry me across the river successfully. Life can be daunting at times and we can often feel overwhelm, unsure of our footing, and needing to jump on somebody’s back to move forward.

In Isaiah 43:1-2 God speaks, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Here, God is making remarkable promises to His people. First, He underscores the truth that He knows us by name and has called us unto Himself. Then He promises to be with us always, no matter what we are going through. And He further promises that He will guide us through trials so that they do not overwhelm or consume us.