“An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest” - Luke 9:46 (NIV)
Uganda’s third President, Idi Amin, had a special liking or rather craving for titles. Official state announcements went like this: His Excellency Field Marshall, Al Hajji, Dr Idi Amin Dada, Life President, CBE etc. The full list had to be pronounced or else one could get into some serious trouble.
Yet Amin was not the only person ever demanding of titles. Around the world titles greet world leaders and mention is expected at state ceremonies. In many work places if one is not addressed by their title you may not get a reply from some people. At ceremonies many people expect their titles to be publicly announced.
All well. But what of our spiritual titles? Idi Amin is no longer around to hear the sweet sound of his titles being read aloud. Likewise there comes a time for everyone of us when titles cannot give us life and our destiny is in the hands of God. Whatever titles we may have here or garner, may we not be so sucked into them. Titles are temporal and not eternal. Only the titles we have from God matter the most.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that for all the titles here on earth what I value most is the titles of being a saint in your kingdom
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
