Believing the Promises of God - in His Word

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed… Without weakening in his faith… Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. ~ Romans 4 [selected 18-21]



Sunday, July 11, 2010

SHIPWRECKED? Or NOT!

Proverbs
24:21-22
The Message [paraphrase]
Fear God, dear child—respect your leaders; don't be defiant or mutinous.Without warning your life can turn upside down, and who knows how or when it might happen?

Jeremiah 23:35-37 [NLT]
You should keep asking each other, ‘What is the Lord’s answer?’ or ‘What is the Lord saying?’ But stop using this phrase, ‘prophecy from the Lord.’ For people are using it to give authority to their own ideas, turning upside down the words of our God, the living God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
“This is what you should say to the prophets: ‘What is the Lord’s answer?’ or ‘What is the Lord saying?’


Proverbs 10:24-26 [NLT]
24 The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled;

the hopes of the godly will be granted.
25 When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away,

but the godly have a lasting foundation.
________________________


Psalm 107 [selected]
21 Let them praise the Lord for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them. 22 Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about His glorious acts.
23 Some went off to sea in ships,

plying the trade routes of the world.
24 They, too, observed the Lord’s power in action, His impressive works on the deepest seas. 25 He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. 26 Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. 27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end. 28 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. 29 He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. 30 What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into harbor! 31 Let them praise the Lord for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them.

Have you ever felt ship-wrecked during your lifetime? Paul was shipwrecked. In one night Jesus' life was turned upside down by circumstances around Him. No matter what you are facing in your life right now - no matter how difficult the circumstances - pressures or pain - there are two words to cling to....

BUT GOD....

is ever near to those who call upon His Name!

And only He can turn those things right-side up - to be used for His glory and purpose! He is our ANCHOR in the storms of life!


Choosing JOY,
Stephanie




9 comments:

KrippledWarrior said...

I am constantly amazed when people see the wonders of God's creation, and think to themselves "All of this happened because chance and time worked to cause itself."
Thank you for this,
Kurt

Deborah Ann said...

Beautiful! You blog is so pretty and uplifting. Have a blessed week!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

"What is the Lord's answer? What is the Lord saying?"

A good question to ask, always, but especially pertinent to my "now." Thanks for sharing God's truth via your pen. It always seems to fit... God's Word and your heart.

What a current God we serve!

Love you.

peace~elaine

KrippledWarrior said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Denise J. Hughes said...

Loved these verses and the pictures you posted with them. The thread of "turned upside down" among them brought new meaning for me for each one.

BUT GOD.

Indeed. Thanks for this encouraging and uplifting message.

Camille said...

How PRECIOUS He is!! SO true that ALL things work together for GOOD...when we belong to HIM!

Hang in there Stephanie...look to HIM moment by moment and draw all your strength from HIM!

Praying for you...
Camille
(Psalm 138:8)

God Whispers said...

Great post. Thank you for continuing to share the Word. Blessings.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I'm in the middle of Acts right now, and Paul really went through it... BUT GOD...

He IS the difference - the hope is all because of Him... He 'rights' my boat daily.

Thanks for these good words!

Cherie Hill said...

My goodness sister...I just LOVED this post...I'm going to read over it several times and pray...I needed this in my faith walk today!
God bless...
love, hugs, and prayers,
Cherie