Announcements of Good News

It used to be that when we had good news, the family and close friends would gather together and we would make the announcement. Everyone would rejoice and talk excitedly with each other of the good news of a pregnancy or marriage proposal or some other cause of rejoicing. Nowadays, these announcements come with ceremonies made for posting on social media.

Acts 13:48-49 records what happened on Paul’s first missionary journey and these verses say, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.” God calls us to go and preach good news. By His power, we are then able to see people believe His Word, resulting in people rejoicing and glorifying God, and lives changed.

Raised Up

At my age, I have to call upon all sorts of deliverers to help me. Various doctors serve to help me through my medical concerns. I consult with advisors to assist me with medical and legal issues. Repair services take care of the many devices and possessions I use. My wife is of neverending service to help me in all my day to day concerns. These people are available upon my call to deliver me from my temporary problems.

Judges 3:9-10 says, “But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he judged Israel.” When God’s people were in trouble, they cried out to God for help. God raised up a leader and placed His Spirit upon Him. The leader was then able to rescue God’s people. People are crying out to God for help. God has raised you up to be a leader. If you are His child, His Spirit is upon you. You are called to declare the Lord’s message to the people around you and to rescue them from evil.

Touchscreens

We have them on our phones, in our kitchens, on our computers, and in our cars. We have become so familiar with them that we don’t know how to do things without them. Life doesn’t work that way. We have no touchscreens that will immediately react to our touch and solve our problems.

Isaiah 63:9 says, “In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.” When we face afflictions, the afflictions impact God as well. His presence will save us. When we are overwhelmed, God lifts us up and carries us through our struggles.

Memorable Words

Some people make a living by conducting seminars or giving speeches. Their words are memorable as they help people in their endeavors. I can recall a few times when someone other than my children or grandchildren was actually influenced by words that I said. Words of encouragement tend to stay with people, as do words of criticism, unfortunately. I don’t say many words but I do want my words to encourage people and offer some help.

Malachi 3:16 says, “Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed His name.” God hears when we speak words of faith and encouragement with one another. His attention is clearly drawn to us in those times. He writes down and remembers the occasions when we follow Him and bring praise to Him.

Supply Chain

For many of us, the first time that we ever thought of the supply chain occured during the peak of the pandemic. Suddenly, many of the things we used every day we not available, because the supply chain could not provide them.

Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring the tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and poor down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” All things belong to their creator, our God. He does not “need” our gifts. But when we are generous and give, God promises to open up heaven and pour down blessings upon us. We should remember that we are blessed in order that we may bless others with what we have received and thereby glorify God.