Take Him at His Word

(Originally published January 25, 2018)

“Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at His word and went home. (John 4:50).

Greetings,

Last night Hormone had a softball game, and I texted him that I would bring a sandwich.  He didn’t respond with, “Are you sure?” or, “Don’t forget.” Nor did he text or call to remind me.  Why? Because I have demonstrated that I am pretty much reliable in always taking him a sandwich when I say I will.  In other words, Hormone takes me at my word.

Taking someone at their word takes the pressure off.  No need to worry or doubt.  It diminishes stress and invites peace.  Just ask the man in the verse above.  

How might the quality of our life and faith improve if we just took Jesus at His word?

Jesus said so many necessary and powerful things; here are three:

Matthew 11:24 Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Matthew 19:26 With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you…Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.

Let’s take Him at His word today. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, we desperately want to believe You and take You at Your word.  Sometimes, however, we get so focused on our problems that we lose sight of You.  Help us to take a step of faith in Your direction.  We want to be like that man in the verse above – simply believe and go on with our lives. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Become Proactive!

Greetings in the powerful name of the Lord!

This past week we all watched with horror as the tragic events unfolded in Paris.  I was shocked, as I am sure you all were too.  And all that is happening brings me back to the DEVO I published a week ago today.  The verse for that DEVO was Proverbs 12:25 “Worry weighs down the heart…”

It is easy to worry when watching the news.  In fact, it’s always easier to worry then to have peace unless we become proactive.

I invite you to check out this website, which has over 20 Bible verses about worry: 

http://www.openbible.info/topics/worry_and_stress

A running theme throughout those verses is that we have to take an active stance or worry will overtake us.  These verses encourage us to make requests of God, cast our cares on Him, trust in Him, lean on Him, come to Him, learn from Him, and seek the Kingdom.

When we want to lose weight in our physical bodies, we have to make wise choices, like clean out the pantry of all junk food.  The same applies to losing the weight of worry in our lives.  We have to be wise and crowd out the junk that seeks to crush us by filling up on Him!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We come to You now in obedience to Your word and seek You and the peace that only You can give.  Remove all worry and anxiety from us and fill us with Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen!