kingdom travelin'

During these times (and at all times) we need strength.

We need the physical strength to do whatever the task before us. Thus we must take care of the body. Remember, Scripture calls it a temple for the living God who is in the believer. Getting some kind of exercise, rest and some sleep are key every day.

We need mental/emotional strength to think, plan and discern next steps in those given tasks.

The mind and emotions have a direct connection to the body. Getting inadequate rest and failing to get any exercise will actually prevent clear thinking upon which good discernment and planning depend. And our emotions (whether under control or not) are the fruit of the above.

But as followers of God through Jesus’ work, at the very core of who we are, is our reliance on HIM.

Our real strength, at its very root, comes from abiding in Jesus. If the hectic, panicked world around us is not approached from the solid ground of sitting with God in his Bible and talking to him in prayer, we are as helpless as a person in a boat on a raging river in with no rudder and no paddles.

Thus, we MUST run to him. Daily. The more dire the circumstances, the more pressing the need, the deeper we must go into HIM. This is where our strength comes from. This is where our shield is strong.

Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, who exult in your name all the day and in your righteousness are exalted. For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭89:15-18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Let us begin each day with God, looking to HIM for our strength and wisdom to discern the day ahead.

Glory to God alone.

Thanks be to God!!!

In today’s report I’ve learned that 1000 meals a day are being produced by our partners and being taken to Ukrainians in dire circumstances as well as those fleeing those circumstances. THANK YOU for being part of the solution as you pray, stay informed and give!

GIVE: http://www.ceokids.org/give

🇺🇦 Ukrainian pianist Iryna Manuykina Plays a Final Rendition of Chopin in the ruins of her house in Bila Tserkva.

Source: Telegram

“Ukraine NOW” message feed

Too much attention to circumstances and even to well meaning people, can discourage us.

Humans will often fail us, whether wars, famines, bankruptcy, or professional or personal interactions. Our response must be to love those who bring us pain and discourage us. But we can not do this on our own. We need God to help us. We press on, trusting him and love one another.

I’ve found that trust in God grows as we marinate in Scripture and remember the greatness of God.

The psalmist begins Psalm 71 with trust in God as refuge.

“In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.”
‭‭(Psalm‬ ‭71:1-3‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

A little later, the writer recalls the greatness of God and moves into trust.

“Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens. You who have done great things, O God, who is like you? You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. You will increase my greatness and comfort me again. I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long, for they have been put to shame and disappointed who sought to do me hurt.” (Psalm‬ ‭71:19-24‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

So, when you find yourself discouraged or feel attacked, turn to Him, soak for a few moments in Scripture and remember the greatness of God. Then decide to love. Don’t let bitterness gain a foothold. Let’s love God, our neighbor, one another, and our enemies (whether real or perceived).

Soli Deo Gloria!

YOU can be a part of this great endeavor! Your $30 gift will help us provide 10 of these substantial meals.

http://www.ceokids.org/give

I’ve been a student of the letter to the Hebrews for a really long time. If I could only take one letter the proverbial island, this might be it, not least because of this paragraph:

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
‭‭(Hebrews‬ ‭4:14-16‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

He understands.

Abide in him.