Loyalty

In review of 2 Chronicles 13:5 it says, “Don’t you know that the Lord, the God of Israel, has given the kingship of Israel to David and his descendants forever by a covenant of salt?”

Bottom Line:

When God makes a promise He keeps it.

What this means to me:

As God has shown throughout history, what He promises will always be kept and honored by Him.

Today’s verse refers to God’s promises as in a covenant of salt. But what is a salt covenant in this context? From what I can see, the Bible refers to this kind of salt as representing loyalty, a word that is often lost in today’s vocabulary. So therefore, a salt covenant is one of loyalty. God intends for His children (us) to be loyal to Him, to keep His covenants, just as He has been loyal to us. He also intends for us (me) to keep their vows to each other.

Furthermore, “Covenant” is defined as the ability to remain faithful even to your own hurt. This means that once I give my word, no matter how difficult it becomes, I honor it with the party whom I made the covenant. Everything that is permanent or important in the Word of God is sealed by a covenant between two parties. Marriage is an example of a covenant relationship that involves loyalty.

So today I shall consider if I’ve been true to my word? Or am I a covenant breaker? If today some of my relationships are broken and my heart is bruised, I’m encouraged to make them right. Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts heaven has given me, and it’s something that can revolutionize my life in an instant. I should forgive those who have hurt me, so that I can uphold my covenants.

Re-igniting the Fire Of My Life

In review of Revelation 21:5 it says, “Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’”

Bottom Line:

God who sits on the ultimate throne, will make all things new.

What this means to me:

My God who is in control who is true and trustworthy, will make all things new.

In the first part of Revelation 21, I read how the earth as I know it today will not last forever, but after God's great judgment, he will create a new and eternal earth. God and his followers, those who have their names written in the Book Of Life, will be united and live there forever. It will be a place where God will live among his people.

God is the Creator of all. The Bible begins with the majestic story of his creation of the universe, and it concludes with his creation of a new heaven and a new earth. When I'm with God, with my sins forgiven and my future secure, I'll be like Christ. I'll be made perfect like him.

It’s never too late to get a fresh start! God’s word contains many stories of people who failed miserably and were given another chance by God. At some point in our lives, we can all use a fresh start. Its also important to note that problems are a part of life. Challenges are here to stay. I may make mistakes, but God is waiting to give my life the jump-start I need to move in a fresh, new direction! 

God created me in His very own image with an exact purpose in mind. I can ask him to re-ignite the fire of my life and point me in the direction he has for me. Great things are on the way!

The Lord Protects Those Who Love Him

In review of Psalm 145:19 it says, “He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him,He also will hear their cry and save them.

Bottom Line:

Trust and hold him in reverence, for He will fulfill your desires and rescue you.

What this means to me:

When I take God seriously He hears my cries for help and rescues me. He will satisfy all the desires of my heart.

So what does favor look like?

God’s Word says the blessings of the Lord will make you rich and he adds no sorrow to it. There lots of wealthy people who do not possess true joy because they equate happiness with their earthly possessions. But the world can’t supply happiness and peace. And thankfully, it can’t take away true happiness and peace, the kind that comes from the Lord.

When God showers me with blessings, there will be not mistaking the source. His presence saturates the room and satisfies my desires. Yet I often make him my last resort. I should strive to ask Him first the next time I feel empty or discouraged. His word tells me that He longs to commune with me and satisfy me with Himself.

The favor of God surrounds my life each and every day. I should not survey my circumstances to see if my life “looks” favored. My problems were solved, my needs were filled, my enemies were outnumbered, even before the troubles began. I can have confidence that as I trust God, He will provide.

Faith in God brings Peace

In review of Isaiah 26:3 it says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in you.”

Bottom Line:

Faith in Him brings peace.

What this means to me:

When my faith is firm, the Lord’s give me perfect peace.

One thing is sure, I can never avoid strife in the world around me, but when I fix my thoughts on God, I can know perfect peace even in turmoil. As I focus my mind on God and his Word, I become steady and stable. Supported by God's unchanging love and mighty power, we are not shaken by the surrounding chaos. When I keep my thoughts on God and my trust in Him, I receive peace.

I know this is true. It was especially true in the last recent weeks as I worked on the data center relocation. There were so many things that caused strife (timing not coming together, people not following through) in this project. I was able to a maintain enough peace to get me through it.

Being an Example by Learning to Forgive

In review of Matthew 6:14 it says, “If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you.”

Bottom Line:

Forgive and you will be forgiven.

What this means to me:

God has and will forgive me, therefore I will show the same forgiveness to others.

Today’s verse from Matthew tells me to forgive those who has sinned against me, then my heavenly Father will forgive me. The verse just after this says, “But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Jesus is giving me a startling warning about forgiveness. If I refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive me. When I don't forgive, I'm denying our common grounds as sinners in need of God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness of sin is not the direct result of my forgiving others, but it is based on realizing what forgiveness means. While It is easy to ask God for forgiveness, it is often difficult to grant it to others. Whenever I ask God to forgive me, I should consider if I have forgiven those who have wronged me.

What I’m realizing is that my forgiveness and restoration should be a distinguishing mark of my love for the Lord. The world around me will likely always be bent on punishment and further disgrace when someone fails. However I am called to react differently, to forgive as I have been forgiven, and to seek to serve.

I should consider what I’m doing to show that I belong to Christ. Am I leading by example? Am I turning the other cheek when I’m mistreated or am I throwing a fit because of something done to me. If I’m not living as Christ did, God cannot use me. He only uses servants. I am His salt.  

I’m reminded this morning that my forgiving is setting an example. God wants me to mimic his character and He has forgiven me greatly for my wrong doings. I need to remember this and forgive others.

Bringing Joy To God

In review of Psalm 147:5 it says, “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power, his understanding is infinite”

  

Bottom Line:

How great he is! His power is absolute! His understanding is unlimited.

What this means to me:

Great is my God, His power and understanding are unlimited, even beyond comprehension.

Today I’m reminded of the importance of bringing joy to God. So what gives God Joy? Although God created everything, his greatest joy comes from my genuine worship and trust.

Often I feel as if I really don't understand myself; what I want, how I feel, what's wrong with me, or even what I should do about it. But today I’m reminded that God's understanding has no limit, and therefore he understands me fully.

The world will try to tell me what I can and can’t do, what is socially acceptable, what is politically correct. There are rules for what I can say, what I can wear, how I must act in social settings so as not to offend the sensibilities of those around me. There are limitations on the limitations and fine print for the fine print.

But with God there is no limit.. Ever. He is my great supply, faithful to me me right where I am.

When people tell me something cannot be done, I know that they do not set the limits for what I can accomplish by God’s might. Only the Lord sets the parameters for His children, and the Word says no good thing will He withhold from those who diligently seek Him.

Today, I can know that nothing is impossible for me. I can start out today with confidence, and head straight for the finish line, because God will help me trudge through each and every mile if I will hand Him the reins and let Him take control.

Over, when I feel troubled and don't understand, I can keep in mind that God understands me perfectly. My best course of action is to take my mind off of myself and focus it on God. I should strive to become more and more like him. The more I learn about God and his ways, the better I'll understand myself.

Turning It Over To God

In review of Psalm 42:11 it says, “Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God.”

Bottom Line:

Don’t be discouraged and uneasy. Instead praise God, he is your savior. Put your trust in Him for your situation.

What does this mean to me:

When I get discouraged or restless, I will turn my focus and trust toward God. I praise him, for he is my God, savior and source of unending kindness.

Today's verse comes from Psalms 42 which includes a prayer for rescue, a call to worship, a confession of sin, and encouragement to trust God.

When I feel myself getting depressed or lonely, I can meditate on God's unlimited kindness and love in my life. I can also meditate on the record of God's goodness to his people as shown in his word. This can help take my mind off my present situation and help provide hope that it will be improved. It will help to focus my thoughts on God's ability to help me rather than on my inability to help myself.

This is a timely verse, as It helps to emphasize my current project at work and decisions I’ve made. There are so many people in different organizations that I'm counting on to deliver, so that we can execute a timely client data center move. Unfortunately as the deadline approaches, there are area’s popping up that seem to be off-track. I had decided a few weeks ago that I would turn this project over to God and ask him to work out the details. I asked him to help me trust him and allow him to work out the details. I asked him to give me the wisdom to know how to handle the decisions I’m presented with, as I can only do the things I have control over. I asked him to allow me to relax and not get uptight. For I trust him to work out the details. In the end, his will will be done.