abbygail15

Our undivided attention should be on the grace to be given to us when Jesus Christ returns. In our current life we exoerience exoerience struggles and suffering. Christ' second coming inspires hope because our salvation will be made complete, our faith will received its full reward, Crrist' glory will be revealed and we will recive our crown of glory. When we live our lives without a view of this find hopw we become sloppy and revert to a worldly cebtered life.

This joy comes as a result of our faith in Jesus which gives us the ability to experience the things of God. This joy is the working of the Holy Spirit and we know the difference between the filling of the Spirit and what the world describes as happiness. Also when the spirit moves in a corporate setting it is also attested to by other believers.

I could I ever forget. These times of personal trials were the greatest spiritual times of my life. These were the times when I was driven to God through constant reading of His word and prayer. These were the times when I was full of the spirit and close to God. People describe these as mountain top experiences. One can' stay on top forever. The trial ends and it seems that we let go of the closest to God and slide back down into the valley. I assume that is why the bible places so much emphases on suffering

God's part is to secure or protect our salvation until Christ's return.Our part is to continue in our faith until the end. "run the Race."

Forgiveness means that we believe that Jesus is God and gave His life to free us from the curse of sin. If we believe this then we must be willing to follow our king. Obedience is the outward sign of our salvation. We follow and obey His word because we believe.

I often hear the term"backslider"to describe a professed christian who is living more in the world than in Christ. Paul used the term"to run the race" to describe our life with Christ. To run a race you must be in top condition and willingly exert effort. When you don't your human nature takes over and you fall back into the ways of the world. We have all been there. So the question is how do you stay in top spiritual condition? To me it comes from staying in God's word and praying unceasingly.

Why should we ascribe glory and strength to God? These are the qualities that conform to his name, his character, his reputation. Scripture says that all creation gives praise to his name. Because he is God he is due praise from us. When we deny God the glory and strength due him we become very ego-centered, we deny the glory due him and we take it for ourselves. .

When we are weighted down by difficult situations we just don't feel like praising God. Most of the time we want to blame him for our situation. We have to force ourselves to come before God in prayer. When we do this something happens. As we pray our attitude changes and our spirit begins to fill with joy and then we are in God' presence, his safe place.;

Such an easy word to say, "just rest in the Lord" but oh how difficult to do. My human nature wants to be in charge to control the situation. Learning how to rest in God only comes about through a life that is committed to serving God a life that is anchored in God's word and given to prayer for all situations. Then we can enter the safe place.

The image of the river and stream reminds us that no matter what rages around us there is a quite refreshing safe place in God's presence. The only way to have true peace is to rest in the knowledge that God is in control and as God's child I can have the confidence to know that God only wants the best for me. Knowing this gives me the ability to remain clam no matter what is going on in my life. I trust God to deliver me. God's command to be still in the face of difficulties seems to be a request beyond of control. But God knows that to be still is the only way we can focus on him and enter that safe place. If we are not still we are involved in the difficulty around us and we forget to turn to God.

If we say to God into your hands I commit my spirit we are confirming our belief in the promises of God as stated in his word. We are also affirming our salvation. This statement bring peace because we have the assurance that we will send eternity in God's presence. The statement "My times are in your hands" brings peace if we are truly following Christ because we know that God wants the best for us and will always watch over us. We can turn over all the cares of life to him.

How does the Lord quite his sheep and give them confidence? Because the Lord is our shepherd we will never want. He will provide for all of our physical needs; rest, shelter, food, water. The Lord will provide restoration and refreshing when we wonder away from him. The Lord will only lead us on the path of righteousness if we will only follow. When our lives take us through dark places he will protect us and lead us out if we keep following. Finally, the Lord not only provides for his sheep in this life but also in the next life.

David had quietness in his inner person because he knew in his heart that he was walking humbly with God. David was at peace with what God had in store for him, either as king or as shepherd. David was reconciled to whatever condition God would place him. The elements mentioned in this psalm are that Davis was not proud, he was not haughty, he did not worry about things beyond his control.and he fully relied on the Lord.,

Does God protect his people? Yes! Remember that because of sin we live in a broken world and are subject to its imperfections. Can we suffer from cancer because of all the chemicals we ingest? Yes! Is God the cause ? No! God still cares for us and watches over us and good can come from the bad. God has watched over and cared for Israel for over 2,000 years yet there were times when Israel decided to follow over gods and suffering resulted. Through all of these times God was there and his plan was still moving forward. When God's people repented then his favor delivered them. Faith and following God's word is very important to seeing the full favor of God's protection. God has a plan for our lives and that plan may include suffering and death to be a witness to the salvation power through Jesus Christ. God's protection is eternal and we need to see it in that light. God's ultimate protection is eternal salvation. Amen

It is unbelievable to think that God cares about every detail of my life. Everything I experience is of great concern to God. Do I experience trails and hardships, of course. But no matter what happens in my life God is there and I must turn to him and serve Him in all of lifes experiences. We tend to measure everything according to this life on earth but verse 8 of psalm 121 says the God watches over our coming and going both now and FOREVER MORE. God has the entire eternity in mind for us.