(17The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.)
If God closed one chapter of your life, he is working on the next, don't cry over the finished chapter nor should you fear the new one to begin. Prepare for the new chapter of your life believing that God has only good things in his mind for you and you will enjoy whatever comes your way.
(16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.)
Going the wrong way down a one-way street is deadly. It doesn't matter how sincerely intentioned the driver is, or how educated, or how broad-minded, it can still get him killed. Don't try to paint over the one-way signs of Scripture. Just make sure you're going the right way.
| The Story of Saul 1 Samuel 9 to 1 Samuel 10:25 |
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One day the asses of Kish strayed away and were lost; and Kish said to his son, "Take one of the servants with you and arise, go seek the asses." They searched through Mount Ephraim, and through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them. They passed through the land of Shalim, and through the land of the Benjamites, but still they could not find the asses. Then Saul began to think of returning home, for they had been away for a long time, and he feared that his father would be anxious for their safety. The servant suggested that they go to see a wise man who lived in a city near by and who had foretold many things which had come to pass. Together they went to the city to see the seer, and they met some maidens who told them that a sacrifice was being made that day and that the seer, whose name was Samuel, would be there to bless it; so they would be sure to find him. Now, the Lord had told Samuel that he would send him a man from the land of Benjamin to be the captain and king of all the people of Israel. So when Saul appeared, Samuel pointed him out and said to the assembled people, "There is the man." And to Samuel he said, "Come up with me to the high place. You shall eat with me today, and tomorrow I will let you go and you shall tell me everything that is in your heart. As for the asses, do not trouble about them, for they were found three days ago." Saul was puzzled, for he could not understand the honor that was being bestowed upon him, but Samuel gave him no chance to protest. He took Saul and his servant to the feast, and gave Saul the choicest portion to eat. The next morning Samuel anointed Saul, and led him before all the people and proclaimed him the new king. Saul tried to hide, but as he stood head and shoulders above all the other people, it was an easy matter to single him out. Amid the shouts and cheers of the people he was made King of Israel. |
Dear Father, today I release all the cares and burdens that are trying to drag me down. I know that You have a good plan for my life. I will continue in the faith and ask that You breathe Your new life throughout my whole being today.
"If indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard…" - (Colossians 1:23, NAS)
Have you been holding on to a promise or dream in your heart that seems to be taking a long time? When things don't go the way we've planned, it's easy to get discouraged and feel tempted to give up. But God wants to breathe new life into your dreams. He wants to breathe new hope into your heart. But you've got to do your part and shake off any negative, self-defeating thoughts. Instead of saying things like, "I'm never going to get there;" "I'm never going to break this addiction;" "I'm never going to get out of this problem;" your declaration should be, "I am closer than I think;" "I know I can do all things;" "I can overcome this sickness;" "I'm going to continue in the faith!"
I encourage you to get up each day knowing that this could be the day you get the break you need. This could be the day you see your health start to turn around. This could be the day your child comes back home. Don't give up now because God is about to open supernatural doors for you. Continue in the faith; keep your heart and mind focused on Him, and watch what He will do on your behalf!
