‘We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord , about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them— even the children not yet born— and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors— stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.’ Psalms 78:4-8(NLT)
‘Teach me your ways, O Lord , that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.’ Psalms 86:11(NLT)
‘My enemies did their best to kill me, but the Lord rescued me. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.’ Psalms 118:13-14(NLT)
‘I pray with all my heart; answer me, Lord ! I will obey your decrees. I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws. I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.’ Psalms 119:145-147(NLT)
‘Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10(NLT)
‘But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. ‘ 2 Corinthians 2:14-15(NLT)
‘And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest. ‘ Hebrews 3:1(NLT)
‘From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. ‘ John 1:16(NLT)
How do we rise above the chaos of life and live in the freedom of His light and love?
Here’s what I’ve discovered: The battle we fight in pushing back darkness is not won through hours of deep prayer and fasting, though there are times when that type of warfare may be needed.
Our fight is won in doing the next right thing. This is our advancement toward victory!
Doing the next right thing, choosing to stand firm to the Truth of God will take us to the next opportunity to choose the next right thing. Fighting spiritual battles is deciding to keep our mouths shut against the harsh, angry, self-justifying words that want to spill out. It is keeping our emotions under control rather than freaking out, no matter the circumstances. We are pushing back darkness when we take a deep breath and choose patience rather than slamming that door in frustration or shutting down in self-pity.
The battle is won in the next moment as we keep our eyes on Him rather than the mess on our living room floor, our disconnected relationships, or our broken life. We are overcoming the enemy when we choose to reject the loud lies of our mind that are so easily triggered by others’ words and actions. The fight is won by believing that our mighty God of abundance never diminishes us and by knowing that He still sees us when we feel forgotten. We press on by remembering that He chose us and we are extremely important to Him. We are winning the battle when we choose to keep our eyes on the promise of what is to come rather than the disappointments of today and yesterday. Doing the next right thing makes us better moms, better friends, better wives.
Our faith in Him is not about acquiring things and getting what we want. Faith is our obedience to do the next hard right thing. Even if our faith is as small as a mustard seed, it is enough to get us to the next right choice for Him, because our faith is in Him! His mighty power living in us gives us the ability to do that next right thing. And the next. And the next, which all add up to a life of great faith lived in Him!
Choose the next right thought. Do the next right thing!
Father, in my spirit, I know this is true. It’s simply choosing to do the next right thing. But, I find myself getting in the way, allowing my emotions to lead me, my circumstances to set the tone. Today, I choose to break it down simply: knowing You are with me each step, and all I have to do is make it from one right thing to the next. And when I slip up, to dust off, repent, and try again. Help me set this example for my children. Thank You for Your love that will carry me moment by moment, right thing to right thing, grace to grace. You are my confidence.
from Overwhelmed By My Blessings (Part 9)