Tag: Jesus Christ

By Pastor Andrew Farland

You’ve probably heard about turning the other cheek.
Matthew 5:39 advises, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”

Let’s be honest here. That’s pretty hard to do. But that’s what God expects from me – and from you. We have to turn the other cheek and walk away, even when someone hurt us on purpose.
Without getting even.
Without extracting revenge.
We’re not even supposed to get in the last word.
Hmpf!
God knows how much energy and effort it takes to go after the other person. Plotting and planning revenge takes a lot of time – precious moments we could be spending lifting up others rather than tearing them down. That’s why God’s got our backs.

He’s going to take care of it.
Psalm 7:16 says, “The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads.” God promises that HE will see to it that “every pit-digger who works to trap and harm others will be trapped and harmed by their own treachery”
When wronged intentionally, take all the energy you would typically use in getting even, and pour it into prayer instead!
Our response to this promise . . . Walk away. Recite Psalm 7:17. Trust the Lord.
Let God handle the rest.
“But I will give thanks to you, Lord, for you make everything right in the end.”

Psalm 7:17
Leave it with God and let Him take care of it!

Be encouraged today because God is with you.

By Pastor Andrew Farland

Are you one of those people who knows how to step in and help others?
Maybe you’re the friend everyone comes to for advice. The people who know you admire you for your savviness, and they appreciate how you can show them what to do next.

Here’s a tip…
Ask yourself, “What is it that I tell every other Christian THEY are supposed to do more of?”
A worshipper will tell others to worship more. Worshippers give the gift of themselves by offering their time and loyalty to God.
A preacher will tell others to get in the Word more. They look for the ways that Scripture applies to life.
An intercessor will tell others to pray more. Prayer warriors take on the burdens of others, but more importantly, they ask for God’s will to be done.

Does any of that advice resonate with you?
If it does, you’re not alone.
The truth is, what you tell OTHERS they are supposed to do more of, is ACTUALLY what God has called YOU to do.
That is your calling in God!

Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Be encouraged today because God is with you.

By Pastor Andrew Farland

There’s an old song from back in the day, and it’s called “My Way.” The lyrics go on about taking matters into your hands and doing everything yourself. Every chorus ends with the refrain, “I did it my way.”

So often though, “our way” isn’t the better choice. We manage to run into bumps and snags, take on too much, and even run amuck. We end frazzled, exhausted, and under-whelmed.
That’s not God’s plan for you.

If you’ll take the time to acknowledge God and lay out the pieces of your life on His altar, God will see your sacrifice of prayer and smooth out the road in front of you.
He will overshadow you with His presence, and then you’ll burst forth with endless joy; one that permeates to the deepest recesses of your heart.
Proverbs 3:5-06 tells us,
“Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend upon your own ideas and inventions. Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish, and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead.”

You don’t have to do it your way do it in God’s way, and you will be blessed with abundance.

2 Samuel 7:28
Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.

Be encouraged today because God is with you.

By Pastor Andrew Farland

Remember those pop quizzes from school?
The teachers always seemed to know when you hadn’t studied, or when you weren’t paying attention.
Then, BAM! A pop quiz!

There’s nothing like a test to make you sit up and take notice. You may have even figured out that it’s a lot easier to stay focused along the way instead of cramming at the last minute.
God knows that, too.
Some of the things you are going through right now are God’s test!
God wants to see how you will react under pressure so He knows if He can trust you with more.
He wants to see if you’ve matured before He gives you the next assignment because He doesn’t want it to break you. He’s patient, and He can wait until you’re ready to move ahead.

God also wants you to know that if you’re willing to lean on Him, you’ll be ready for anything.
3 KEYS will help you PASS the test you are going through today:
Be patient and watch what you say.
Do what’s most loving for others, even if it sets you back.
Remind yourself of God’s character and track record. Declare in Faith how He won’t let you down!
Stay focused. Pay attention. Be ready.
God is trying to help you grow and mature into the person He knows you can become.

Psalm 139:23
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts.”

Be encouraged today because God is with you.