“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” - James 1: 1-4 (NIV).
There is a song, going by the above title, widely sung in many Christian circles. It has some of the most beautiful lyrics, speaking of God’s good plans for us, regardless of circumstances. In some lyrics, it says, “When God’s people humble themselves and pray, He has promised all heaven.”
There has certainly been a lot around us, lately. A lot of the news have not brought good tidings, rather much has been filled with sadness such as deaths from the pandemic. Times such as these might make some lose faith.
But something good is going to happen. This is not just wishful thinking. God’s word says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
There is another lyric to this beautiful song, which goes, “Right there in the dust, he sat by the gate, To listen to footsteps and patiently wait. The blind man just didn't dream that this was the day. That Jesus of Nazareth would pass by his way.” This refers to the blind man Jesus healed in John 9:1-7. For all the years he lived as blind, there was a day that came, when Jesus told this man, “Go!”
So, friend, “Something good is going to happen to you. For Jesus of Nazareth is passing your way.”
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I start the day afresh with a song in my heart, something good is going to happen, to me today, for you are passing by, this I pray in Jesus's name.
Related upcoming events
-
20/04/2024 - 21/04/2024 All day“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Cor 16:13)
Tourists who happen to visit Bukingham palace will be expected to notice the King’s royal guards. Dressed in colorful often red uniforms and adorning tall black helmets they stand on guard and no one dare cross them. Elsewhere in life we find guards in all manner of places quite firm on deterring any intruder wherever they may be.
For us Believers being on constant guard is a calling we must permanently observe. And why? Once in the course of his work, “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Mathew 16:23). Peter had just protested that he would not deny Jesus only to be sported out!
There is something for us to note here. Satan had penetrated the ranks of Jesus and was going through his closest disciple. It is clear that Peter was not even aware that he was being used. Anyway, he found his target, Jesus, was on guard. Immediately Satan was sent packing.
No Believer is immune to attacks from Satan. After all when once the Lord asked Satan his whereabouts: “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Job 1:7). Clearly the guy is out there 24/7 looking for whom to devour. “Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you have warned us to be on “guard” help me ever to be on the watch out for the attacks of the enemy and with your word rebuke Satan, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
