Simple Thoughts On Promises

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But now bring me a harpist." While the harpist was playing, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha and he said, "This is what the LORD says: Make this valley full of ditches. For this is what the LORD says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. (2 Kings 3:15-17)

3 kings were in search for water for themselves and their animals and when they couldn't find any, they consulted Elisha for a word from the Lord and the words that we read above are what he said.

When Elisha asked them to make the valley full of ditches, they must have thought that they would find water when they dug. But that was not how God had decided to give them water. It's true that they dug ditches, but this is how God gave them water.
The next morning, about the time for offering the sacrifice, there it was - water flowing from the direction of Edom! And the land was filled with water. (2 Kings 3:20)

So if God has promised to do a miracle, he can do it in any way that he chooses. The Bible says,
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. Give thanks to the God of gods. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: to him who alone does great wonders. (Psalm 136:1-4)

The last verse says, "who alone does great wonders."

The 3 kings dug ditches and the water came flowing into them. The ditches were important, for they could hold the blessing (water) that God sent. We have to obey what God says and he will do miracles his way in answer to our prayers. God bless you.
 
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The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11)

Satisfaction is what we all desire in our lives; be it in our spiritual, material or in our family lives. And God promised Israel that he would satisfy their needs even in a sun-scorched land. Wherever we live in this world, we can find satisfaction in Jesus Christ. God wants to be our guide, he wants to satisfy our needs and he wants to strengthen our frame. He promised his chosen ones that they would be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Many times God expressed his desire to bring satisfaction to his people.
I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 31:14)

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." (Jeremiah 31:25)

I am sending you grain, new wine and oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations. (Joel 2:19)

Spiritual satisfaction is so very important. Often believers neglect their spiritual lives in quest for material gain and finally they are neither satisfied spiritually nor materially. Spiritual satisfaction gives great peace of mind even when the material needs are not met immediately. But Jesus has promised to meet out material needs too. He said,
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

God loves us because we have trusted in him through faith in the atoning sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ. He will provide us with what we need to live satisfied lives while we live here on earth too. He is able to fulfill our needs like no one else can. So we can confidently say the following along with the psalmist;
I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1, 2)
Praise the Lord.
 
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But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD, 'because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.' (Jeremiah 30:17)

Israel was a diseased nation because of the many sins that it had committed, but God here was promising them restoration. He was going to bring them health and healing.

God is our healer. He always was and always will be. Leading his children through the wilderness enroute to Canaan, God gave them a promise of healing.
He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." (Exodus 15:26)

Yes our Lord is Jehovah Rapha or Ropheka, God our Healer. He promised healing to the Israelites many a times. The psalmist David sang,
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. (Psalm 103:2, 3)

Once when 2 blind men followed Jesus seeking healing for their blindness, Jesus asked them; "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied.
Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you" and their sight was restored.

Jesus can heal you too. He can still do a miracle. Will you believe despite the arguments against your healing from a scientifical/medical point of view?

Will the following be your testimony?
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. (Psalm 107:19, 20)
God bless you.
 
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But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13)

Everyone needs a guide, especially in unfamiliar terrain and what better guide can one have other than the Spirit of God. He is not just another guide, he is the guide who guides believer's in all the truth.

After being a believer for a while, we sometimes tend to think that we have learnt it all and some do behave as they are "know it all's." But we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit each day of our lives until the moment we step into eternity.

God was with the Israelites continually from the time they left Egypt and travelled to Canaan.
By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. (Exodus 13:21)

Nehemiah commented: "Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. (Nehemiah 9:19)

And even now God desires to guide his children. That's why he's given us the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, to guide us in the truth continually. Each day, we can pray these prayers that the psalmist's prayed and recieve divine guidance and counsel in our lives.
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:5)

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. (Psalm 31:3)

Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. (Psalm 43:3)

As we pray and receive guidance each day, we too can confidently say what the sons of Korah said: For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Psalm 48:14)
Praise the Lord.
 
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And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." (Romans 15:12)

In the fullness of God's time, part of this prophesy came into being and the Savior came into the world to save sinners. Peter the apostle writes of what our true condition was without Christ and with Christ how dramatic a change has come about.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9, 10)

The Apostle Paul shares his views in this manner:
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:1-5)

And the prophesy written above will soon be brought into completion, for the Bible says,
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11-16)

Your Savior is coming back...very soon...Are you ready to meet him?
Escape the wrath of God's judgement by living a holy life, obeying the Word of God and obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit. God bless.
 
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I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. (Revelation 3:8)

Can't preach as effectively as others do? Can't sing as well as others do? Can't pray as mightily as others do? You would if asked, describe yourself as one with "little strength". Well then, what you read above, is a wonderful promise for you that was once given to the church at Philadelphia in Asia Minor.

Faithfulness is what counts on the long run. Jesus knows our deeds. Keeping his word and not denying his name were a couple of important factors that Jesus saw in the church at Philadelphia, so he gave them a wonderful promise..."See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut."

Mind you, the promise was given by Jesus Christ, of whom the Bible says,
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. (Revelation 3:7)

Sustained faithfulness is what Jesus desires, so he exhorted the believer's in the church at Philadelphia saying,
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (Revelation 3:11)

Jesus knows how much strength each one of us has and even if our strength may same little compared to others, keeping his Word and not denying his name always brings wonderful blessings from the Lord.

Praise the Lord.
 
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Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)

So what have you been giving? And does the above promise on giving work as Jesus said? It does, but the dividends come back to us only as heaven decides.
Not only money-wise, even in other ways things can be measured back to us as we give. Talking about love, can you expect it from others without giving any? Of course God gives his love to us without us having given any, but speaking in terms of our relationship with our family members or others, nearly everyone expects us to give as we wish to receive.

Jesus also said,
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Matthew 7:1, 2)

That means whatever you measure out to others, the same will be measured back to you in one way or the other. A very good example of this is Jacob (from the book of Genesis) who happened to deceive his father Isaac and his brother Esau and then went away from home fearing that Esau would kill him. He landed up in his uncle's house where he laboured for 20 years and was deceived by his uncle continually. With the measure he used, it was measured back to him.

If we measure out love, peace, joy and the other wonderful fruit of the Holy Spirit to others; in due time, these will also be measured out to us. And when we give, Jesus says,
A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. And the golden rule that Jesus taught is so very right. He said,
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

Shall we then be doers of the Word rather than just listeners or readers? If we do, then surely this promise of Jesus will come true in our lives too. God bless you.
 
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And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain." (1 Kings 18:41)

This is what the Lord must have spoken to Elijah and as the Lord said, so Elijah proclaimed to king Ahab. Mind you there was no trace of rain, not even a small rain cloud or even a distant thunder. The sound of heavy rain first sounded in the spiritual realm but Elijah was sure that it would happen physically soon enough. But instead of just waiting, he chose to pray and see the miracle being birthed.

So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. (1 Kings 18:42)

Amidst praying we read of Elijah searching for signs of the impending miracle.
"Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," he said. Seven times Elijah said, "Go back." (1 Kings 18:43)

And finally....The seventh time the servant reported, "A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea." So Elijah said, "Go and tell Ahab, 'Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.'" (1 Kings 18:44)

A sign that his prayers had been answered was sent from God- A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea. A sign, not very prominent, nevertheless a sign to indicate the miracle will happen immediately.

And then the miracle itself...after 3 and a 1/2 years of drought....
Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. (1 Kings 18:45)

Hallelujah! The drought was finally over. Promised by God. Birthed by Elijah's prayer.
God will end the drought in your life too. Meanwhile get into the birthing mode..prayer, prayer and more prayer...and don't forget to look for the signs..even small ones..for they signify a soon happenning miracle.
Praise the Lord.
 
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The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)(NIV)
The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. (Exodus 14:14)(KJV)
The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent. (Exodus 14:14)(NAS)

Be still; hold your peace; keep silent.
The message is clear; whatever be the translation you use. Don't get fidgety; don't mess around; don't do something against God's plan. The Lord will fight for you.

But how does one stand still when the enemy is close on the heels? Especially with a huge sea in front and mountains on either side. The enemy is no stranger to you. You've just escaped from him with the skin of your teeth. Now he's back again to haunt you as a bad dream.

But Moses says, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever."

Can we believe Moses? Must we believe him?
There's no other go. So better believe.

And when they held their peace, God revealed his plan to Moses:
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. "As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. "As for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. "Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen." (Exodus 14:15-18)

And it happened exactly as God said it would.

Are you being pursued by the enemy? Hold still. Don't murmur. Listen to what God has to say to you. He has a plan for your deliverance. Follow that plan and God will destroy the satanic forces that are troubling you. Remember,
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, 'Destroy him!' (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Praise the Lord.
 
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Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." (Psalm 50:14, 15)

In this promise from Psalms 50, God speaks and tells the Israelites of what pleases him and how they can get deliverance when they are in trouble. God made it clear that he was not so much interested in the outward expressions of their faith as he was in their inner purity and faithfulness, which he was always looking for in their lives.

God spoke through his servant Asaph and said,
"Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice." (Psalm 50:5)

God told them that he was not rebuking them for their sacrifices or burnt offerings, but he also wanted them to know some facts. So he said:
I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? (Psalm 50:9-13)

Outward expressions of our faith are good, but what God desires in our lives is inner purity. If we can give that to the Lord, he would be very pleased with us and answer our prayers. Jesus said,
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)

May the Holy Spirit help each one of us to purify ourselves with the Word of God so that we may continually experience the deliverance of God in our lives. God bless you.
 
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Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18, 19)

Magicians rely on tricks to deliver their goods; the Lord of the heavens, he who created the heaven and the earth does not depend on such trivialities. He is neither limited by time or space or season. He is Almighty God and he can do miracles that have never happened before.

Would the splitting of the Red Sea rank as the greatest miracle on our list? Or would it be the parting of the Jordan? The change of bitter waters to sweet at Marah? Water gushing forth from the rock at Horeb? The fall of the walls of Jericho? The virgin birth? The feeding of the 5000? Turning of water into wine?
The dead being raised up?

It's an infinite list considering the fact that God is still doing new things even today and many of us are recepients of the same. So what's in it for me? you may ask.
That's what Martha, the sister of dead and buried Lazarus must have thought when Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25,26)
Her brother was already dead; sure, he would rise at the resurrection, but what about her grief now?; if Jesus had come when they had called him to see sick Lazarus, perhaps he would have been alive today.

She didn't argue but gave Jesus the hard facts when they reached the tomb of Lazarus.
"But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." (John 11:39)
But Jesus thoughts were far from what she was thinking.
Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)

She did see the glory of God because when Jesus commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb, to everyones' amazement, he did come out...not dead but fully alive.

So will you believe that God can still do the impossible? Something new? Like it has never happened before? Just for you?

Believe and see the glory of God. God bless you.
 
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For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

We all desire commitment in our relationships and so does God. He wanted his first human creations Adam and Eve to be committed to him, but they fell short of his asking. Even in our lives God desires commitment on our part because he is committed to us totally from the time we acknowledge his sovereignty and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

In the above promise we see that God’s eyes range throughout the earth for the purpose of strengthening those whose hearts are fully committed to him. Not only committed at prayer time or in church, not only while we are at home, not only at certain hours of the day; but always. Does seem like a tall order, doesn’t it? Yet, it’s possible, if we rearrange our priorities to please the Savior in all things. Everything matters right from the thoughts of our mind to our words and actions and dealings. It’s a difficult task and we all fall sometimes in one way or the other.

But God knows whether the intents of our hearts are sincere; sincere to bring joy and glory to him. No one else may possibly know the intents of our hearts as a Christian; neither the spouse nor the minister nor anyone else; but God knows all. And if he sees that out hearts are fully committed to him, he will strengthen us at all times.
 
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Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." (1 Samuel 1:17)

More of a blessing rather than a promise; yet a promise to which Hannah held onto till she received what she had asked of God. She had spent years in mental anguish because the LORD had closed her womb and her rival (Elkanah's other wife Peninnah) kept provoking her in order to irritate her. Even the priest Eli thought she was drunk, when actually she was praying in her heart and only her lips were moving and her voice was not heard.

A blessing or a promise can change a depressed person's outlook fast. As soon as she heard Eli's reassuring words, she was filled with new hope, for the Bible says,
Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. (1 Samuel 1:18)

In her misery Hannah had made a vow to the Lord:
"O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head." (1 Samuel 1:11)

God blessed Hannah with a son whom she named Samuel. She kept her vow to the Lord and gave Samuel to the Lord's work as soon as he was weaned.

Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, "May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD." Then they would go home. And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD. (1 Samuel 2:20, 21)

Hannah's womb was closed by the Lord, but when he opened it, Hannah had 6 children. Our God is an awesome God. Praise be to his holy name.
 
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Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 31:20)

Why did God often speak against Ephraim? Ephraim (the ten tribes) gives the answer to that.
'You disciplined me like an unruly calf, and I have been disciplined. Restore me, and I will return, because you are the LORD my God. After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.' (Jeremiah 31:18, 19)

They were like an unruly calf; without any self-control. They did as they pleased and God disciplined them. Like Ephraim, many believer's stray away from the Lord and then they fall prey to satanic attacks. Pain, shame and humiliation are what follows.

God has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us in the paths of righteousness. God says,
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. (Psalm 32:8, 9)

The bit and bridle treatment is often painful to endure but God uses it so that we may not be eternally lost. God is merciful and the promise for today vouches for that.
"Is not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him," declares the LORD.

Yes, God remembers us in our low estate and wants to renew his relationship with us even after we stray. He is always compassionate. He loves us with an everlasting love. May his name be glorified.
 
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A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)

Are you as a believer, in the habit of refreshing others or are you in the habit of putting others off and bringing despair and grief to them? The promise for today states that he/she who refreshes others will himself/herself be refreshed. The book of Proverbs is a good guide on day to day righteous living and this is one of the promises that pertains to the generous. Another promise for the generous states that A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)

How generous can one be? The Apostle Paul cites an example when he wrote to the church at Corinth. He said,
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)

Out of the most severe trial......they gave even beyond their ability. That's really admirable.

Not only with finances, we can be generous with our words and actions which will portray the love of Christ that we should have as Christians. Kind and encouraging words, a helping hand, a pat on the back, just sitting with someone who is suffering, listening to the woes of someone who is suffering and so many other things that may seem trivial but are of great value to the recepient, are of paramount importance in the eyes of the Lord.

Jesus calls us to refresh others with our words and actions and the promise "he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" will come true to whoever obeys. Praise the Lord.
 
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And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

In simple words, God honors faith. The question that God asks them who seek him earnestly for their difficulties/problems is, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" "Yes, Lord," they replied.
Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; and their sight was restored.....(Matthew 9:27-30)

Jesus always had a word of praise for them who showed their faith to him with their words and actions. About the Roman centurion, he said,
"I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. (Matthew 8:10)

To the woman who had been suffering from bleeding for 12 years, he said,
"Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment. (Matthew 9:22)

To the Canaanite woman who pleaded with Jesus for her daughter, Jesus said,
"Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. (Matthew 15:28)

Do you believe that Jesus is able to do the miracle that you are seeking from him this day? If yes, then start praising him as if he has done it already, because he himself said,
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24)

And when your miracle happens, Jesus will have a word of praise for you too, because you showed him your faith. God bless you.
 
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"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7, 8)

Where does our confidence lie? Is it in our acquired knowledge, acquired strength or acquired money? These can help us to an extent but people who rely on only these often tend to fail miserably after a while. God has some advice regarding this for all. He says,
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches." (Jeremiah 9:23)
Our breath is in the hands of the Almighty. He can give and he can take back this breath at his own discretion, so we do not have anything to glory in except in the Lord who has given us life breath.

Instead God advices us to boast about this: "let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,". (Jeremiah 9:24)

If your confidence is in Jesus, you will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:31) Praise the Lord.
 
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I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." (Matthew 26:13)

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. (Matthew 26:6-12)

Whatever we do for the Lord Jesus and his kingdom with love in our hearts is like beautiful fragrance in his presence. Here, the woman brought very expensive perfume which she poured on his head. What we offer for the expansion of God's kingdom here on earth may not be as costly as what the woman brought, but it has great value in the eyes of the Lord.

And Jesus' promise that "wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her." has been proved true. It has been read & it has been preached about countless times.

So do not consider the work that you are doing for the Lord to be trivial. Do it with all your heart. You will be rewarded in the Lord's good time.
The Bible says,
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
God bless you.
 
Simple Thoughts On Promises- 232

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."(John 8:12)

Do you have the light of life? If you are following the light of the world ‘Jesus’, you will be the light of the world. Jesus said,
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.(Matthew 5:14-16)

Darkness will have no dominion over you because the light of the “Son of God” will always shine upon you.
After Moses was in God’s presence for 40 days, his face was radiant because he was in the presence of eternal light.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.

In Psalms 4, David prayed,
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. (Psalms 4:6)

In Psalms 31, he again prays,
Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. (Psalms 31:16)

Asaph prays thrice in Psalms 80 for God’s face to shine upon the Israelites. (3,7,19)

It should be our prayer each day that God’s face which is brighter than the sun shines upon us, our families, our nation and the whole world so that darkness be dispelled continually. One of the blessings that God asked Aaron and his sons to bless the Israelites with was this:
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

And may God’s face shine upon all you who read this. God bless you.
 
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