Blog
NowByFaith
Romans 5 NKJV
Faith Triumphs in Trouble
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Deuteronomy 28:1-3 NKJV
1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: 3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.
Proverbs 27:19 NKJV
19 As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man.
Matthew 7:15-20 NKJV
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV
4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not [a]puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, [b]thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Genesis 37:5-8 NKJV
Joseph Dreams of Greatness
5 Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. 6 So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: 7 There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.”
8 And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
Matthew 5:16 NKJK
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Luke 11: 1-4 NKJV
7The Model Prayer
11 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”
2 So He said to them, “When you pray, say:
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
[c]Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
[d]But deliver us from the evil one.”
1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV
6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was [a]grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
Philippians 4:8
Meditate on These Things
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
23 PSALM
God's Grace
The 23 Psalm has been on my mind. Why this Psalm, who wrote it and what purpose does it serve?
David was the author, King David that is. He was a Shepherd, a Musician, a Poet, a Fugitive, a Warrior, an Adulterer, he defeated Goliath. But more importantly, he was anointed by God, and was sure of God’s grace.
David was first a shepherd and therefore clearly understood the relationship between God and Man. Sheep get distracted and wander off, so they need guidance, somebody who will keep them on the right path. Sheep are helpless and defenseless without their shepherd and find comfort when the shepherd is around. So being a good Shepherd means you provide provisions, guidance, comfort, protection, hope and joy.
Why this Psalm? Imagine Us as sheep, and the Shepherd God. The why becomes clear. No matter what we have done and despite all we have done God still provides an abundance of overflowing grace and blessings. Whatever difficult circumstances, struggles, challenges or heartbreaking sorrows confronting us, the 23 Psalm is a reminder that God accompanies, provides, restores, guides, protects and comforts us, forever.
Today, my prayer is simple.
Dear Father. The Giver of grace and joy. The Provider of comfort, healing and peace. Lord have mercy. Thank you Jesus.
Amen
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.
Hebrews 11:30 NKJV