I hear this. The world is a stage right now. The enemy has his plan but he does not have God’s playbook. The enemy knows his final destiny. How the plot unfolds will be revealed. The enemy is still plotting and planning even though he has been exposed on so many levels. But God is a God of suddenly. He turned the money changer’s tables suddenly, he turns the storm and the tide with one word. Yet the enemy still believes he can have his way. Keep your eyes open. It will turn suddenly. See what God will do.
copyright Laurie Marks Vincent - please do not copy or reprint without permission
What does it mean to have rivers of living water flowing within you? In John 14:6 it says that Jesus is the truth, the life, and the way and no man can go to the Heavenly Father unless it’s through Jesus. The redemption Jesus brought us when he died on the cross and then rose to life from the grave, is also life for us. When we have the living water that Jesus offers, it means that our thirst for the things of this world is satisfied by the abundant life Jesus gives us. We no longer need the things of this world to bring us happiness. They are only temporary. His living water brings us peace, confidence, and strength when we are weak and joy in the midst of difficult times. We have kingdom benefits because we are Children of the Most High God (Romans 8:17). As a result, this living water flowing within us is also eternal. One day, we will finish our earthly journey and go to live with him forever. If you need this living water, the first thing you must do is ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins. No matter how dark they are, he will take them away. Then, invite him to live in you and through you and to walk with you daily. A relationship with him that grows to know him more is what keeps the living water flowing through you every day. He is the living water.
“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” ~ Matthew 6: 33 (AMP)
This scripture holds so much basic truth! Along life’s road, situations and circumstances no doubt become difficult and overwhelming. When we try to take care of them before really looking to the Lord first, we can really mess things up. It can cause more strife and fill us with anxiety. We need to stay on the road to peace. Everyone worries, but it’s what we do with that worry that makes the difference in the final outcome. We try and work it out, and wonder how we’ll pay that bill, but the Lord God has already given us the answer; “seek first his kingdom and righteousness”.
When we put his plan first, then all these things we worry about will be taken care of. This doesn’t mean that we can just sit back on the side of the road and close our eyes to the situation. In order to seek God’s way, which is perfect, then we must understand that it is important to surrender. Wave the white flag and layout our concern humbly at his feet. We must place them in his care and ask him to lead us. As we surrender then he can begin to put his perfect plan in place to meet your need. So how will God work it out? That’s where trust and walking by faith must be your focus now. Perhaps he will start to motivate you and put an idea in your mind. You’ll begin to take some steps in the right direction. As you do your part, he will lead you. In any case, there is always room for miraculous provision at the final hour. Never put God in a box. He is never too late and he can do anything to get you out of a “jam”. It doesn’t matter that we have messed up. It doesn’t matter how big the situation is. God always has a way to help us through. Even if we find ourselves suffering the consequences, there is always reconciliation, recovery, and healing, for the little and big things in life. God even knows before you ask. While you think you may have delayed God’s plan, he has already calculated the lost time into his perfect plan. It will come together in a divine way if you give it to him and put him first in the situation.
“Give them all, give them all to Jesus”… you may have heard that song? If you make the choice to put God first in everything, “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness”, his promises are true and he will always take care of you. This can be a short or long journey and so don’t forget to praise him along the way.
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7 ESV
A glitter of light bounces off the snow laying on the ground. It’s almost as though it’s on display for everyone to see that it has arrived. Looking out the window, it seems so solemn and peaceful on the ground in all its glory. Oh, that we could encounter the closeness of God’s presence all around us like the snow. How wonderful it would be to encounter the glory of his presence, like the light that reflects in the snow.
As we go through each day, there are circumstances that can distract us. Some circumstances that trouble us, and perhaps even emotions like fear and worry that consume us. An encounter in God’s presence is the only way to bring freedom from those things that weigh us down. The snow will melt and it will leave for a season, yet its very molecular structure exists in the water we use every day. Just like water is always available, God’s presence is with us, he is all around us, he goes before us, and he walks behind us. His Spirit also dwells in us, when we surrender and let him be involved in our lives. We will never be without the presence of God, even when he seems silent, there is no place where you and I cannot find him.
Jesus made it very clear, “if you seek me with all your heart, you will find me” [Jeremiah 29:13] Don’t let your mind be flooded with your circumstances today and the events of the world. Give him your trust. You will see him work out a miracle and reveal his glory through you. He is with you and you will always find him when you look for him. Ask him to reveal himself to you today.
A Prayer for You
Heavenly Father,
I will lift you high my God, O King; and I will bless Your name for ever and ever. [Psalm 145:1] You O God have granted me life and favor, and your care has preserved my spirit. [Job 10:12] You bless me with your righteousness and favor and you surround me like a shield [Psalm 5:12] You redeem my life from destruction and crown me with loving-kindness and tender mercies. You satisfy my mouth with good things, and renew me with strength, like the eagle in his youth [Psalm 103:4] Your thoughts toward me are for my good, my peace, and never for evil. You have given me a future and you are my hope. [Jeremiah 29:11] You call me out as your own, to arise and shine, for your light and glory have rested on me. I call to you and you answer me. You will show me great and mighty things I have never known before and I will speak of the glorious honor of your majesty. I will speak about all your wondrous works and then, every one shall see and speak of your awesome and fearsome power and acts, and I will make known how you have blessed me and how great you are in my life. [Psalm 145:5,6]
In your matchless name, Jesus,
Amen