with Gladness … words from Deacon Mark
As I was reading Isaiah 43 recently while Mary and I were away, God was speaking to me about the outpouring of His Spirit upon the earth. When we set our eyes on a man, he may look like the power, but all the power comes from God. Man is not the Savior, Jesus is.
Verse 10 of Chapter 43 says: “You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and My servant whom I have chosen so that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me”.
Verse 11 says: “I even am the Lord and apart from Me there is no Savior.” Verse 12 goes on to say: “Whenever you have thrown away your idols, I have shown you My power. With one word I have saved you. You have seen me do it; you are my witnesses that it is true.” We know God is doing all things new.
Isaiah 43:18 says, “Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past.”
Verse 19 says, “See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive (understand) it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”
Men will fail when they take credit for God’s work. And, so, it is important to look on things above and not on the things of this earth. Let us be determined to keep our eyes upon the Lord. Let our minds and hearts, likewise, be fixed upon Him. And, let us always rightfully appropriate the glory, honor and praise that belongs to Him alone. He promises His peace to those who will.
Amen!
MORE Serving with Gladness … words from Deaconess Charleen
Matthew 6:14-15 tells us that if we do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will our Heavenly Father forgive us. We need to adopt the forgiveness of others into our daily prayers. This is part of the Christian discipline (Matthew 6:12). As we examine the things we fear (2 Timothy 1:7) and the secrets we keep, we may find that most have names attached. People who have hurt, betrayed or neglected us in some way have those names. We compound the initial injury by opting for bitterness or anger rather than forgiveness. Pray for a willingness to forgive, speak forgiveness and make a conscious choice to do it with the forgiveness and make a conscious choice to do it with the help of our Lord even if you don't feel it. You don't have to do this alone. The Holy Spirit who dwells in you will comfort and guide you if you ask. Make a list of anyone you have known who hurt or offended you and then pray and SPEAK forgiveness over them. Also, stop and think about it, who is really is being hurt by the unforgiveness? Is it you or the one that hurt you?
When we live the true Christian life in faith, people can't help but notice something different about us. They will be attracted to Jesus by our walk with Him.
Our life is the best witness for Christ so let your light shine for Him. Remember,
Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."