God is ALWAYS faithful!!!

Last week I wrote about how the hits will keep coming.  No matter how good or great life becomes, the hits of the enemy will keep coming.  Each situation that arises is an opportunity for God to show his majesty.  It is an opportunity for us to realize that no matter what our make-up is, it is all an infinite distant second to the omnipotence of God's power and grace.

This week has been one of those weeks for me.  I won't burden any of you with the particulars of my struggles this week, but please allow me to share some of God's grace as He has shown me this past week.

As I struggled down and down to some of the lowest depths that I have experienced in many, many years, God sent messages to me.  Those messages came in many forms.  It took me about three days, but finally the Son was able to shine through into my darkness. 

Romans 8:24-27 - " 24 For in this hope we were saved.  But hope that is seen is no hope at all.  Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.  26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  27 And he who searches our hearts, knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saint in accordance with God's will." (NIV)

In today's world, the joy that is found in Christ can often be swallowed by the world.  The pressures of life, the need to keep up with the neighbors, the need to have more, get more, be better, look better, be cool, dress well, and the willingness to step on anyone to get it can drastically impact the joy that is placed in Jesus. I recently was at a function where a comedian asked the crowd to choose which would make them happier - going to heaven or something else.  I was saddened that only a few of us clapped loudly for going to meet our maker.  But, some being glad for Jesus is a way to get others excited for the Lord.  Because He is always faithful and he waits for all to come to him until his appointed time.

God is always faithful to a point that he not only sent his one and only son (John 3:16-17) to save the world but he also sent the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf.  To speak for us when the words fail us, when we do not know what to say.

Have you ever fallen on your knees crying?  Have you ever done so to the Lord?  Have you ever felt so totally inadequate that you did not even know what to say?  THAT is God's faithfulness coming through.  Because even we can't - God can and does.  God knows the needs of your heart. 

The enemy attempts to undermine everything that God does.

Revelation 3:8 says "I know your deeds.  See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.  I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." (NIV)

Many times we spend a good portion of our time wondering what could be.  That is one of the traps.  God knows the plans that he has for us (Jeremiah 29:11).  And God will make those plans apparent to us when His time is right.  Remember the serpent is crafty (Genesis 3:1).  The enemy lives to create a wider divide between man and God.

The enemy uses our past against us. If you have asked for God's forgiveness, He no longer remembers our past.  Once you have stepped closer to God, He stepped closer to you.  Philippians 1:6 says "God has begun a good work in me, and He is well able to bring it to full completion."

Surround yourselves with like-minded people and things.  Positive in = positive out.  Negative in = negative out.  Those who are stronger in this moment can be your line to a forgiving Father.  Life tosses many waves at us.  You will get the opportunity to be the same for them at the same time.

Let me leave you with James 1:2-4 which says "2 Consider it pure joy, by brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything."

When God's word got through to me this week, the change was automatic and drastic.  The old me was gone and the new had returned (2 Corinthians 5:17).  God is great and glorious.  He may not take away your situation (because it can be used to develop perseverance), but he can and will change your circumstance and outlook.  PRAISE GOD!!!!

No matter what comes, God is remaining faithful to you.  And to my friends who were with me in my struggles this week...Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Angela, Megan, and Todd - you are truly angels sent from heaven.

Blessings to each of you this day.  God loves you and so do I.

Pastor Jim