Tag Archives: Trust in God

What I Learned in 2024: What Time is it?

January 14, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A New Year Begins.

Welcome to 2025! As is my habit with WordBytes in January, I’d like to share with you my key learnings from 2024.

I am a learner by nature. I especially LOVE to read and study God’s Word. Through writing WordBytes and daily journaling, I capture my thoughts and share my emotions with the Lord. I write, scribble, cut and paste; highlight, and redline. I use many symbols to capture what God is revealing to me in our time together. My journal is my personal creative mess!

As I read my quarterly journals for 2024, there emerged several key themes that I’d like to share in this year’s learning. All revolved around the idea of “time”. Not the time we use to calculate intervals of a day (chronos time), but the appointed time in the purpose of God (karios time).

2024 was the “karios time” to receive the message God wanted to share with me, not only for my spiritual growth and development, but also to build my resilience for 21^st century living (Esther 4:14).

A Time for examination.

2024 was a time to examine myself and see if I was still in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Was my heart “divided”? Was I attempting to serve God AND the world? Who and what dominated my time and my resources? Was I being conformed to the image of Christ? (Romans 8:29)

In his book, Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in these Turbulent Times, John Eldredge reminded me of this fact.

Maturity is no longer optional, dear ones; wholeheartedness is no longer something we can go without. Those vulnerabilities in us prove treacherous in this world, like a faulty bridge or a bow that is not properly strung.

With all the distractions and competition for my attention, was I still faithfully following Christ? I needed to daily acknowledge Jesus as Lord of my life and totally commit to follow Him.

A Time to surrender.

Surrender is an unpopular word usually associated with defeat. But with God, surrender takes on a new meaning. Surrendering to God, makes possible, what is impossible without Him.

I foolishly believed that my efforts shaped me into the person God created me to be. It is the Holy Spirit within me that does the work (Philippians 2:13).

In his book, Absolute Surrender, A.W. Tozer, shares this thought about my role in surrendering.

A life of absolute surrender has its difficulties. I do not deny that. Yes, it has something far more than difficulties: it is a life that with man is absolutely impossible. But by the grace of God, by the power of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, it is a life to which we are destined, and a life that is possible for us, praise God!

It is my honor to surrender “everything and everyone” to the Lord. I have come to the reality that without Jesus, I can do nothing (John 15:5). God alone knows where I am, where I need to be, and what it will take to get me to where He wants me to be. It is my job to surrender.

A Time to go deeper into God’s love.

As a child, I was taught the song, “Jesus loves me”. However, I did not fully understand the depth of that love until I experienced the joy and pain of living in this fallen world. Through both good and bad times, I have experienced the love of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:16-20)

As I read W. Phillip Keller’s book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, I was amazed at the uncanny similarities between the work of the shepherd and Jesus’ work in the life of human sheep.

It is a tragic truth, that many people who really have never come under God’s direction and management claim that “The Lord is my shepherd”. They hope that by merely admitting that he is their Shepherd, they might somehow enjoy the benefits of His care and management without paying the price of forfeiting their own fickle and foolish way of life.

Jesus is my Good Shepherd (John 10:14) who loves me and cares for me even in my disobedience, and my foolishness. Jesus makes me lie down, restores my soul, and leads me. His love for me is extraordinary.

MOMENTS OF MINDFULNESS

Time to reflect on today’s session. Feel free to share your remarks at https://www.itwministries.org.

What have you learned in 2024? What things will you leave behind that won’t be helpful in your 2025 journey? What things has God revealed that will help you achieve a richer life in Christ in 2025?

Our Faith Walk

Although and Yet: A Prayer of Faith

October 29, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Wickedness leads to judgment

The Prophet Habakkuk lived and prophesized in the reign of king Manasseh, when wickedness abound. Destruction by the Chaldeans was imminent. God would use them as an instrument of His judgment.

If God were to assess the moral condition of our nation, would we be prepared to receive His punishment? The “sins of Judah” resulted in its fall. Disobedience is a slippery slide that leads to a continuum of sins (James 1:13-15). Where are we as a nation on that slide?

What’s in a name?

Before being taken into captivity, Judah would experience the loss of all its material wealth and property. All the blessings of God (Deut. 28:1-14) would be eliminated because of the wickedness and rebellion of Judah (Deut. 28:15-68).

How was Habakkuk to respond to God’s pending punishment on the nation of Judah? Habakkuk is an unusual name which means “to embrace or cling”. In the final chapter of this book, his name becomes apparent as Habakkuk chooses to cling firmly to God regardless of what happens to his nation.

Although and yet. These two conjunctions reflect how devoted Habakkuk was to his God and the trust he would need to navigate through the dark days that lie ahead.

Habakkuk’s declaration

In the final chapter of the book, Habakkuk concludes with a prayer confessing his continuing trust in the rightness of God’s dealing with Judah (Hab. 3:17-18).

Though the fig tree may not blossom,

Nor fruit be on the vines;

Though the labor of the olive may fail,

And the fields yield no food;

Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,

And there be no herd in the stalls—

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

May I digress and spend a moment on the grammar Habakkuk used in this prayer. Though is a conjunction meaning “in spite of the fact that”. When used at the beginning a phrase, clause, or sentence, it offers a contrast to the main sentence. Yet is also conjunction that means, in this context, “nevertheless.” What are you saying, Habakkuk? Put it in 21^st century language we can understand!

In spite of rising costs and inflation,

And drought burned crops and dying cattle in the fields,

In spite of fires, floods, and ravaging storms,

And our shrinking GNP and personal investment accounts,

In spite of doing more with less

And receiving little in return

Nevertheless, I will rejoice in my Lord!

I will be joyful and trust in God.

He is my salvation!

That is the kind of faith we need today. Our world continues to shift from the familiar to the unrecognizable. These lead to uncertainty and fear. How will we respond? Take a moment and write your own declaration of faith. What is your “in spite of” and your “nevertheless”?

Habakkuk’s faith

Habakkuk concludes his prayer by living up to his name. He praises God’s wisdom even though he doesn’t fully understand God’s way. Habakkuk chooses to cling firmly to God regardless of what happens to his nation.

That faith and trust is captured in his closing statement (Hab. 3:19, NLT):

The Sovereign Lord is my strength!

He makes me as surefooted as a deer,

able to tread upon the heights.

In the King James version of this verse, two different words are used for “make”.

“He will make my feet like hinds’ feet” or “to transform into”.
“He will make me to walk upon my high places” or “tread, bend, or march”.

The deer in this verse was not the domesticated goat we see on farms today but was a wild mountain goat that was equipped the move through the rugged terrain of the mountains. Narrow openings and ledges, crooks, and jagged rocks. This is where the deer lived, yet they moved confidently knowing they were created for that world.

Application for us. Our sovereign God has created us for such a time as this. He is transforming us and bending us so that we will be able to not only survive but thrive. But our ability to walk upon “our high places” is dependent on our faith and trust in God—even if we don’t understand His ways. We must live by faith (Hab. 2:4). If we do, then we too will be able to walk on our high places (Hab. 3:19).

Our Faith Walk

What in the World?

October 22, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What in the world?

What in the world? As I look around our nation and our world, this is my “standard response” to what I see. Everyday there is new chaos, new debauchery, and/or new calamity to add to my already traumatized brain.

Many of you have asked me where is God in all this confusion? And why doesn’t God intervene? Such was the case with the prophet Habakkuk as he looked upon the nation of Judah.

The consequence of sin

The prophetic book of Habakkuk shares the dialogue between a “gracious God” and an “anxious prophet”. As is true with both the major and minor prophets, we are given great insight as to how a holy God deals with an unholy and rebellious nation.

Although the nation of Judah was God’s “covenant people” (Deut. 7:7), God was now prepared to meter punishment on them like they had never experienced. The prophet Habakkuk has been chosen for “such a time as this”—a time when time has runout!

Judah was guilty of extraordinary sins. Habakkuk inquired of God how long He would allow the wickedness of Judah to go unpunished. They would not go unpunished. God would use the nation of Babylon as His “chastening rod”.

We often think that our wrong behavior is not being seen by others. While that may be true for a moment, the fact is, God sees! What is done in the dark, will always come to light (Luke 8:17). Many of our ousted elected officials and fallen religious leaders can attest to that truth. However, there are always consequences for sin and it’s usually not good.

The cost of sin

God lists for Habakkuk the sins of Judah in five (5) “woes”. God “had” indeed taken notice of Judah’s crimes (Hab. 2:5-20). They included:

- - greed and aggression (vv. 5-8)
  - exploitation and extortion (vv. 9-11)
  - violence (vv. 12-14)
  - immorality (vv. 15-17)
  - idolatry (vv. 18-20)

We live in a world like Judah. Look at the woes! We sin both individually and collectively, as a nation. God’s standard for righteous living has not changed (Micah 6:8; Mal. 3:6). Does God see what we’re doing? Of course, He does (Ps. 33:13-14; Ps. 139:8-12). The question is, are we willing to deal with the consequences of our sins? Are we willing to accept the cost?

The cost is being realized as we see the immediate impact sin has on our children, our families, and our communities.

- The hungry. Hunger is a very real issue for 12% or 41 million people in the United States.
- The homeless. Why are people homeless? Because of “lack”! Lack of affordable housing, income, employment opportunities, and healthcare.
- The abused. Domestic violence. Sexual abuse. Human trafficking.

But what do these impacts have to do with sin? Re-read the “five woes” and see how they fit in our 21^st century culture. If we are not guilty by “commission”, perhaps we are culpable by “omission”—by what we don’t do to make life better for others (Prov. 3:27).

The just shall live by faith

Although God’s judgment was hard for Habakkuk to accept, he recognized the only “proper response” in the midst of this dilemma. He was “to live by faith, not by sight” (Hab. 2:4).

As we look at the world we live in, it is easy to be disillusioned and in despair. Just like Habakkuk, we may question how long God will tolerate sinful and evil behavior from both individuals and nations.

Regardless of who sits in the White House or State House, we as believers in Christ are to do our part to speak truth and justice. We are to engage in our world to represent Jesus as He ensures God’s will is accomplished (2 Cor. 5:15). We are to live by faith.

Like Habakkuk, we have an ordained purpose to accomplish (Eph. 2:10). We are to pursue our purpose trusting that God sees and is always in control. He is constantly, through every historic event moving us to His divine plan of salvation for mankind.

Knowing that, our purpose should not focus on our personal agendas. But instead let us join God in His plan. Like Habakkuk and Esther and all those who have gone before us, we were created for such a time as this. Let us not be in despair but let us “go forth” in the strength of the Lord (Ps. 71:16).

[1] Wikipedia

Spiritual Endurance

Recapturing Our Thoughts

October 15, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A penny for your thoughts

Where is your mind leading you? Most biblical teachers and preachers will agree that the battle for our faith begins with the mind. It is here that Satan, the world, and our flesh continually attempt to exercise their influence and control.

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, the Apostle Paul advises believers in Corinth to bring into obedience and compliance every thought that is not in agreement with God’s plan and purpose for their life.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

The J.B. Phillips New Testament paraphrase says it this way:

The truth is that, although of course we lead normal human lives, the battle we are fighting is on the spiritual level. The very weapons we use are not those of human warfare but powerful in God’s warfare for the destruction of the enemy’s strongholds. Our battle is to bring down every deceptive fantasy and every imposing defence that men erect against the true knowledge of God. We even fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ.

Why is Paul’s teaching relevant today?

As we live in this 21^st century, postmodern world, our Christian faith is being challenged daily. In its place are worldviews that discount or exclude the truth of the gospel.

This is especially true in “these days” when we’re living with uncertainty in every area of our life. Is there a better option for those who are desperately seeking answers for living in these tumultuous times? People are seeking security and hope for the issues they face. That can only be found in Jesus (John 14:6).

Believe it or not, we are a “modern day Paul”, who need to be bold in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. “We are not merely human agents but God-appointed ministers.”

What’s capturing our thoughts?

Satan invades our thoughts by planting seeds of doubt which left unchallenged or unchecked, will lead to disbelief and ultimately, disobedience. Remember Eve? “Did God really say that you couldn’t eat that apple?” What began as doubt soon became disbelief. The result was disobedience, shame, and regret. Sound familiar?

The world pervades our thoughts by convincing us to conform to its lifestyles and beliefs. Paul warned the church at Rome not to be conformed to the world but transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2). The world’s beliefs are characterized by the lust of the eyes— “I want what I see”; the lust of the flesh— “I live how I feel”; and the pride of life—“I value only what’s important to me” (1 John 2:16). The result is vanity and emptiness.

Our flesh persuades us by appealing to our physical and emotional desires. Our flesh tempts us with words of deception— “If it feels good, do it.” “You only go this way once, live life to the fullest.” “You deserve whatever you want.” Eve “saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate” (Genesis 3:6). Her flesh deceived her. The result was the introduction of spiritual and physical death, expulsion from Paradise, and alienation from God.

Recapturing our thoughts

Bringing every thought captive to the obedience of God requires that we:

- Accept our identity in Christ. We are no longer obligated to follow the dictates of Satan, the world, and our flesh. We have been set free by the blood of Christ and are no longer slaves to unrighteousness (Romans 6:12-14).

- Believe the truth of God. It is the truth of God that exposes the darkness of sin and its influence in our lives. It is knowledge of this truth, in Him, that keeps Satan, the world, and our flesh at bay. You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).

- Commit to the lordship of Christ. Our obedience is not based on fear of punishment when we sin. Our obedience is our gift to the Lord. We give it in gratitude for His gift of eternal life to us (John 3:16). We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Let us daily use the powerful weapons God has provided for us to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. These weapons are not human but mighty in God. God’s weapons are dunatos (doo-nat-os). They are both powerful and capable.

Spiritual Endurance

Throwback Wednesday: Is God in Control? The God Who Sees.

October 1, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Throwback is back

At the beginning of 2024, we kicked off Throwback Wednesday with, “Living in the Resurrection Power”. It focused on the importance of remembering that we, as believers, have resurrection power as a result of being in Christ. Very appropriate for beginning a new year. The Holy Spirit is the source of resurrection power. It is through His presence that we are empowered for service to the Lord (John 16:13-15).

Resurrection power is the supernatural power God used to raise Jesus from the grave (Ephesians 1:19-20). It is this same power that has delivered us from sin’s power and penalty (Romans 6:14). Unfortunately, we are still left to navigate sin’s presence until Christ’s return, or our transition to heaven.

Living in a fallen world

We are now three months away from celebrating 2025. This year has flown by. Now is a great time to assess how we are doing, considering we live in such tumultuous and perilous times. My question to you is, “How do you feel?” Does God’s presence (through His Holy Spirit) provide the peace and joy promised in His Word? (Romans 15:13)

Remember this, we are navigating our lives in a fallen world which is “sin-bent”. By this I mean, the behavior of those living under the world’s sway are self-directed versus Christ-directed (1 John 2:16, 17). We can neither forget nor ignore that reality. The world’s influence can impact all aspects of our lives especially our spiritual and emotional well-being.

Remember!

Four things I want us to remember. Let us drill them deep into our mind, heart, and soul.

Number 1. We are never alone. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. (1 John 4:4)
Number 2. Remember our position in Christ. We have everything we need. (2 Peter1:2-3)
Number 3. Keep your eyes on God. Focus on His power versus the object of our fear. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Number 4. God is ALWAYS in control. Our God still reigns in all His power (Psalm 125:2)

It is with this fourth faith belief in mind that I introduce our October Throwback Wednesday: “Is God really in control? Knowing the God who Sees.” May this reading bring to our remembrance that regardless of the world around us, we are safe in God, Who sees.

Spiritual Maturity

Practicing Watchfulness: Faithfulness in Prayer

September 17, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Imagine faithfulness

Imagine you with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with your fellow disciples. You have just finished celebrating the Feast of Passover. All of Jesus’ disciples are here except Judas. It’s late but Jesus tells us to wait as He goes ahead by Himself to pray (He does that a lot) especially now.

Unfortunately, when Jesus comes back, He finds many of us have fallen asleep. Fortunately for us, Jesus looks at Peter and asks, “Could you not pray with me for only an hour?” Our scripture for today is found in the next verse. “Watch and pray that you may not enter temptation. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41).

Prayer is the “faith-response and belief” that circumstances can be changed because of our prayers. Jesus instructed His disciples to watch and pray because He understood fully the weakness of our flesh. He knew the disciples would need to “gird up their loins” in preparation for the challenges that lie ahead (1Pet. 1:13). They would need to watch and pray! That is still true for 21^st century disciples!

Christmas in September

If you haven’t noticed, stores are beginning to display Christmas decorations and merchandise. Even online stores such as Amazon are offering special deals for early shoppers. What would happen, if we as believers took that same approach in our prayer life?

Oswald Chambers, an early-twentieth-century evangelist and teacher best known for the daily devotional My Utmost for His Highest, offers these thoughtful “gems” on the importance of prayer.

- - Prayer is not an exercise; it is the life.
  - It is impossible to conduct your life as a disciple without definite times of prayer.
  - Prayer imparts the power to walk and not faint.
  - Jesus Christ carries on intercession for us in heaven; the Holy Ghost carries on intercession in us on earth; and we the saints have to carry on intercession for all men.
  - Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.

Faithfulness in prayer

In his book, “Watchfulness: Recovering a Lost Spiritual Discipline,” Brian G. Hedge shares his thoughts on prayer and how it is cultivated.

Never forget the Savior’s words watch and pray. Watching and praying always go together. To watch without praying is to overestimate our strength and sin through our self-reliance. To pray without watching is to disregard the Lord’s command in presumptuous pride.

Watching acknowledges our attentiveness to prayer. To be prayerless is to be careless and self-centered. It results in our failure to watch for the changes prayer creates. This includes changes that take place in hearts that humbly wait for God to act (Psalm 130:5-6). When we pray, we declare our inherent weakness and our dependence on God.

“Watch and pray…”

Because of the effectiveness of prayer, it is important that we be alert as to when and where to pray. That’s where watchfulness comes into play. Watchfulness requires us to be spiritually alert because our adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to destroy. (1 Pet. 5:8).

As we see the movement of evil across our nation and around the world, we MUST watch and pray. Each day, whether we choose to or not, we are engaged in spiritual battles against the powers of darkness which seek to deceive, distract and destroy us (Eph. 6:12).

Therefore, as 21^st century disciples, it is critical that we heed Jesus’ admonition to watch and pray. While Jesus has physically gone ahead of us, He has instructed 21^st century disciples to faithfully, “watch and pray”. Next week we will close our study with how to cultivate watchfulness.

Our Faith Walk

A New View of Surrender, Part 1

June 5, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What does surrender look like?

To surrender means to give up power, control, or possession of a thing. It is often used in military terms to express a point of “handing over” a town or a fortification to an enemy. It is punitive, in nature, when viewed from this vantage point.

However, from a spiritual standpoint, surrendering offers greater benefit when viewed from our loving God. Spiritual surrender (surrender to God) is based on His grace and love (Eph. 2:4-8). Through His Holy Spirit, we respond with trust and obedience. We learn to surrender to God!

Sin and surrender

Sin and surrender have more in common than their first letter. Sin has at its core the stubborn resistance to surrender oneself to the authority and rule of God. Remember Adam and Eve?

Often, we fail to see the spiritual reality of these two conflicting influences in the world. Each day we, unknowingly or knowingly, choose one we will surrender to. Who will rule, control, and influence our life? This requires that we continually examine our position of surrender. In his letter to the church in Rome, the Apostle Paul makes clear this truth.

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? (Rom. 6:16)

God Expects Our Surrender

Surrendering to God allows the Holy Spirit to accomplish the plans and purpose that God has created for us (2 Tim. 1:9). Through our surrender, we understand and live a life that reflects our prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10).

The perfect example of surrender is seen in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He often proclaimed that His life was focused only on the things of God. God’s will versus His own (John 8:29). Revisit Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and see how the Holy Spirit undergirded our Savior as He agonized between His fleshly will and the will of the Father (Matt. 26:38-42). Strengthened by an angel, Jesus fulfilled the purpose for which He came to earth to save mankind.

Absolute Surrender

In his book, Absolute Surrender, Andrew Murray gives a key as to why we must surrender to God.

You know in daily life what absolute surrender is. You know that everything has to be given up to its special, definite object and service. I have a pen in my pocket, and that pen is absolutely surrendered to the one work of writing, and that pen must be absolutely surrendered to my hand if I am to write properly with it.

If another holds it partly, I cannot write properly. And now, do you expect that in your immortal being, in the divine nature that you have received by regeneration, God can work his work every day and every hour unless you are entirely given up to him? God cannot.[1]

For God to accomplish His purpose in our life, we must be absolutely surrendered to Him.

[1] Absolute Surrender and Other Addresses, Andrew Murray

Our Faith Walk

Our Faith Walk: Keep Your Eye on God

April 30, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Historical trauma

We’ve experienced many horrible events in the tapestry of our nation’s history and in our personal lives. Natural disasters, war, health pandemics, and social upheaval, just to name a few. These events create trauma and fear that must be navigated daily.

But I come today with a message of encouragement and hope from the God who sees and Who is in complete control of what appears to be “out of control.” Keep your eye on God!

Keep Your Eye on God

It is important during these troubling times to keep our eyes on the Lord. As believers, we are aware that in this world we will have tribulation and trials (John 16:33). But we are also reminded to take heart because Jesus has overcome the world. One writer reminded me, “it is the tension between ‘overcome’ and ‘taking heart’ that cause us problems.”

Our trust in the Lord is not the result of positive thinking or some new age approach to stress management. Brian Morykno with Renovaré encourages believers during fearful times to follow King David’s example of magnification.

Imagine David, with the war cry of enemies rising all around, settled of soul and unafraid. How was that possible? It’s not that David was out of touch with reality; he was in touch with it. David understood magnification. He knew that what we dwell upon becomes large in our spiritual field of vision. And David dwelled upon God (Ps. 95:3-5).

Our reality is this. God is sovereign and is moving forward with His plan of salvation. God is not the cause of the terrible events we see in our daily social media feed and news broadcasts. Such events come from “heart issue” of sinful men (James 3:16-18) and the work of Satan (Eph. 6:12; John 10:10).

Where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace (James 3:16).

A Plan for These Times

To help us move through these times, I offer this three-prong approach to help us navigate through these difficult times.

Prayer. This should be our first response to the troubles we face. We are told to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). The reason for this mandate is because our prayers connect us directly to God—the Power Source who can resolve our dilemma. The “only wise God” (Rom. 16:27) is there to guide and direct our steps, comfort our heart, and ease our stress (Phil. 4:6-7).

Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

Practice the Presence of God. We are never alone regardless of the situation we face. He alone can make good on His promise that He will “never leave nor forsake us” (Gen. 28:15). He is ever-present. Regardless of external appearances, God is with us even amid our trouble.

Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. (Ps. 139:7-8)

Praise. Yes, I said praise. Why? Because it is the quickest way to experience the presence of God (Ps. 22:3). Ruth Meyer, author of the book, 31 Days of Praise, offers this insight on the power of praise.

As you praise and pray, you make your circumstances and your life a test tube that demonstrates the existence of a personal God, a God who is present and involved and who controls the natural Universe. It turns your attention to spiritual and eternal values versus the pleasures and success mentality of our age, which resists all pain and discomfort and delay.

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. (Ps. 22:3)

A Message for Trying Times

As we continue our walk of faith, we will be faced with trials and trouble. Although these may be difficult, we have the blessed assurance that we are not in these things alone. Neither are we powerless (Luke 10:19; Eph. 1:19).

I don’t know how these tumultuous times will end but I do know that God has the final word (Ps. 119:89-91). God is and will continue to be the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Col. 1:16).

Eastertide

In Response: Living the Resurrected Life

April 23, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Last week’s teaching on Eastertide and “Living in Resurrection Power” has led to many questions from you with regard to its application for 21st century living.

In response, I invite you to a follow-up WordBytes entitled, “Living the Resurrected Life.” I am pleased that we are continuing to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord (2 Pet. 3:18). His plan of salvation continues even into this present age. Hallelujah!

Victorious Living

Be Still and Know!

February 20, 2024 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Be still!

Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10, NKJV)

This is the closing instruction the Psalmist gives in the 46^th division of Israel’s song book. It was to be remembered and recited as they worshipped Jehovah in the Temple. Perhaps it was read during times when the nation was threatened by foreign nations. It could even be cited as kings prepared to bring a somber message or bad news to their subjects.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Though the waters be therefore roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah

With the latest mass shooting in Kansas City after the Chief’s Super Bowl parade, we ask ourselves the question, “Lord, when will the madness stop?” It seems as if evil is on every hand—locally, nationally, and without a doubt internationally. We may even ask, “is God in control?”

The Answer

Psalm 46 answers those questions in its final verses. Yes, God is still in control. And in response to the problems we face, we are to “be still and know” who God is and His ability to address the issue at hand. To know (yada) means: (1) to know by observing and reflecting, and (2) to know by experiencing. It is to have an intimate knowledge of Him.

As we reflect on our lives, where have we seen God at work? When has God come to our rescue or given us the strength to endure trying times? Have there been situations where we realized that God had gone before us to make a way out of no way (Psa. 50:15)? God is awesome and available and much, much, more.

A Mighty Refuge

As I process the trauma of the senseless shooting, this time, in “my city”, I recall the words from the powerful hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, which is said to be a paraphrase of Psalm 46.

A mighty Fortress is our God

A Bulwark never failing

Our Helper He amid the flood

Of mortal ills prevailing

The concept of fortress appears numerous times throughout the Bible, often carrying deep symbolic meaning beyond just a stronghold or place of defense (Psa. 18:2; 62:6-8). Fortress is most often used metaphorically to represent God as a source of refuge, protection, and salvation for His people. These verses portray God as an unshakable fortress or tower that provides safety and security for those who trust in Him.

This thought continues with the Psalmist’s use of the word, bulwark. A bulwark is a wall meant to provide protection. “Mortal ills” are human sins we must deal with while operating in our “human flesh”. These often result in negative outcomes in our personal life and in society.

Words to Remember

Jesus in His final moments with His Disciples presented a “sobering expectation” of their future: “In this life you will have tribulations.” That message is still true for us in the 21^st century. But Jesus adds the “blessed reality and result” of our relationship with Him. “Be of good cheer (take courage), I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

In other words, Jesus’ victory over death and sin by way of the Cross, would be the same victory we would experience as we encountered life’s trials—individually or collectively. Victory includes our ability to persevere and to succeed regardless of the circumstances we may experience (Eph. 1: 18-19).

As we navigate tragedies and misfortunes, we must remember that we live in a fallen world. And while we have been delivered from the penalty and power of sin, we must still expect and deal with the consequences of its presence. Our knowledge of God assures us that His presence will go with us (Deut. 31:8), His power will protect us (2 Thess. 3:3), and His peace will sustain us (John 14:26-27). Therefore, we can be still (relax).