Psa 37:1-9 A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
Aren’t these reason enough to give praise and worship to God? And to Jesus, Our living Lord and Savior?
As we watch those who do not believe, or even know God, but live their lives the way they choose, we can see that although they may live long and seem to prosper upon the earth, they will not benefit from the gifts and pleasures God has in store for those who do follow His way: the crowns, the blessings, the joy, the peace, the desires of our heart; good night sleep; and more besides! Those that do not follow Him just don’t get these things!
Read John 5 (all) carefully.
It is my opinion that the only reason these men were accusing Jesus was because they were jealous of Him. They wanted everyone to obey THEIR laws, not God’s. They only put on a show of “godliness”, yet disobeyed God’s Word in their lives. As Jesus said, they knew the words Moses spoke about Jesus, but would not believe that the very same man he spoke of was actually standing before them!
The man whom Jesus healed was so excited, that when he saw Jesus later that day in the temple, he recognized Him and went to tell the Jews who questioned him. Maybe he was thinking that they too wished healing.
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James 1: 2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience.
So what about all the problems that come upon us? Are we just supposed to ”take them with a grain of salt?” Yes we pretty much do. Do we have to like it? No, not at all. But these things come to us for one thing and one thing only. Discipline; to teach us. As we go through these divers temptations, and faithfully stand in obedience to God, He teaches us to discipline ourselves, and thus we grow in His grace, in Patience and self control.
For example: We have a choice of what we will watch on television, right? Our discipline directs us as we flip channels to see what is on, and if it does not have God’s approval that we know of, we should not watch that program. Same thing with the internet.
We learn from all our experiences bad and good. When we come through each situation, we can give God all the glory.
Rom 8:28-31 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to purpose – which comforts us and makes our calling sure. For this we can give Him all the glory, and can loudly shout, “Hallelujah anyhow!”
Hab 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
The soul that is lifted up (full of pride) is not upright… not Godly. Those who love God, will live by the faith that God gives them.
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
As we put our faith into practice, we become. We become righteous just and worthy, The just shall walk by the amount of faith God has given them. This is why we must continually and constantly love and trust God.
Matt 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
As tiny as a mustard seed. That is the amount of faith we need. God has measured out to each and every one of His, the exact amount of faith each person needs. No more. No less.
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
We can’t be sarcastic with our faith… wanting more than we can do. That is not God’s way. Our faith gives us exactly what we need, when we need it. No more. No less. It is all according to what God’s will for us is at that time.
Pro 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Pro 3:7-8 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
In all you do, when we acknowledge Him, the reward is, He shall absolutely direct our path; our way of living and again we can shout, “Hallelujah anyhow!”
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Jesus IS the truth. It is He who makes us free!
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. (the word men was added much later.)
I hope this message has been a blessing to you. Our discussion forum is coming soon for comments and questions.