Tag: resurrection

By Pastor Andrew Farland

We all get discouraged. We lose sight of all that God has already done and we give in to the lie that all our work is for nothing. Even Isaiah penned these oh so familiar words,
Isaiah 49:4a
“But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.”
But God always comes in at just the right time to remind us of the truth, just as He did for Isaiah when he said:
Isaiah 49:6
“You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

When we take our focus off of what we can do, we learn that only God makes us what we are and gives us our purpose.
Today, do as Isaiah learned to do: leave it all in the Lord’s hands.

Isaiah 49:4b
“Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.”

Be encouraged today because God is with you.

By Pastor Andrew Farland

Jesus was in the center of the burning bush, that’s why the flames didn’t consume it. If Jesus is also in the center of your life, you won’t be consumed either, no matter how fiery the trial.

Psalm 91:14-16
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life, I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”

Be encouraged today because God is with you.

By Pastor Andrew Farland

Ever notice how many rules there are?
You can’t drive anywhere without having to pay attention to dozens of rules: there’s always a speed limit, you have to yield to others, and no texting and talking.

The rules weren’t made to hold you back.
The highway department isn’t trying to take away your rights or prevent you from talking with friends and family. The authorities are trying to keep you from getting hurt. They want you to get to your destination and return home each day, safe and sound.

Happy.
God is doing the same thing when He insists we follow the path of righteousness. He is looking out for us, and He’s keeping us safe.
All we have to do is follow God’s rules.
Live right.
God promises to grant peace, protection, and joy to those who seek Him and pursue the right living.
Proverbs 2:20-22 says, “Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it, but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.”
God also promises an alternative for those who are unrighteous.
Today, do what’s most loving for others, even if it sets you back.
The department of transportation can’t guarantee your safety.
God can, and He does.
Remind yourself of God’s character and track record. Declare in Faith how He won’t let you down!

Deuteronomy 5:33
Walk-in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

Be encouraged today because God is with you.

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.