Faith comes by hearing

One of the most powerful Scriptures that  I have learned is found in Romans. "So faith comes from hearing the message, and the message that is heard is what Christ spoke." --Romans 10:17. This is a powerful Scripture because this lesson of faith is built upon reading and studying and learning about the  LORD. It does not say how long it will take; rather, it merely states that it (faith) comes when it is heard. This means that the continuous hearing helps to ward off the illness of this humanity--doubt. It is the battle in which we wage upon ourselves--we are to continue to hear and develop our faith. Get to church; listen to those powerful lessons from other preachers and teacher; and, finally, share your faith with others. This builds more faith. This builds upon what the adversary wants to take away from us. The greatest war has been waged and we can fight it with all that we have--the WORD of GOD which is found through the spoken and written WORD. And we know that  this is GOD breathed--it is used to teach, rebuke, encourage and to heal. 2 Timothy 3:16 is the teacher for this. All Scripture is GOD breathed and so we know that it is meant for our benefit and for our help in times of trouble. Remember and do not allow your heart to grow weary. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the WORD that is GOD breathed for our sake. It is the adversary's anti-venom. This WORD, breathed by GOD is steeped in love. Love cannot be defeated.

I am consoled

If for nothing else, I am consoled. I know that the unfailing love of my LORD will comfort me when I am deep in emotion. I know that I have strength from the LORD. I know that I have riches in the LORD. But, things still pull me down. I know that I am consoled by HIS love and by HIS ways. Sometimes my hurt runs so deep and I cannot express my words; but, I know that I am comforted. HIS words comfort me all the days of my life. This is not something that is just garble. When I choose to get into the WORD, pray, and listen to HIM, I know that I can find peace and comfort. I know that HIS rod and staff comfort me. But, when I have believed upon the WORD and have taken a righteous stand and the winds of torment do not stop, I know that I am comforted. What does it take to comfort? What words can possibly be said that could comfort me? How can the healing balm reach to such depths that it is healing to my soul? It is only the comfort that the LORD can bring to me in the days that are so difficult. I am consoled. I know that my LORD has not left me or abandoned me. I know that HE attunes HIS ear to me and inclines HIS heart to mine. HE keeps track of my breathes and my tears and allows me to express my deepest thoughts. But, even more importantly, HE comforts me. The presence of the LORD is my consolation; but, HE does even more. HE speaks to me; HE touches me; HE listens when no one else listens; HE gives me dreams; HE gives me visions; HE gives me hope. I am consoled. (Psalm 119:76). 

Comforted. Promised. Understood. 

Count it all joy

I am reminded about many things today. Always. I am reminded because of how things have been for such a long time. When the trials of this life make me challenged and I want to lash out and return insult for injury, I must say, "count it all joy!". I am to consider this all great and have high esteem in the LORD when I fall into diverse trials and tribulations when I am faced with what I need to do. When I have this confidence that the esteem of the LORD is with me, then I can face all things. This esteem is with me BEFORE I am to experience all trials and temptations so that in that moment, I am able to be victorious. I need to be victorious; not that I need anything out of vain regard, but that in order to be successful through the difficult times, I must understand WHO is beside me at all times. I understand that the event or hardship is meant not to tear me apart; rather, it is meant to create strength in me. This strength is what I can count as all joy and know that it "worketh" for my good. I am to count "it" and meditate upon "it" just as much as I am to meditate upon the WORD. If I do not "count" or "meditate" upon the trial and tribulation in which I am experiencing, then I will not know what to do in the moment that I need to do it. When I look back, the trail and tribulation seems to be smaller and less menacing. So, when the hint of the same comes again, I know through experience that I have gained more than just strength. I have gained wisdom and insight. So, when another trial or tribulation comes, I know that I am not alone. I know that I am more than able to accomplish this. I may not like it; but, I know where my help comes from. (James 1:2; Romans 8:37; Col. 2:3; Romans 11:33; Psalm 121:1-2).

Looking up. Seeking quietly. Knowing more.