a better hope

Self-sufficiency, independence, and self-reliance are things God has been dealing with me about. Imagine God taking away the thing that has driven you and guided you your whole life. Imagine where that puts you and how you feel about yourself and the world. It's quite a shock. But, we are the sheep of His pasture, and He is the One who guides. He knows best. That's something it took me many years to learn. I'm learning it now. Self-sufficiency leads to ruin. I'm glad I'm no longer on that path. If anyone actually reads here, please pray for me, as this is very difficult. God is telling me to rest in Him and let Him take the wheel. That doesn't sound so bad, but for someone like me it's scary. Pray I learn to trust. I've been through so many storms. I've been in many battles. But this is what makes me tick. This is at the very heart of me. God knows what He's doing. This is for the best. God, do what You have to do. I trust you. Remove whatever in...

  "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."  (Proverbs 18:10) The above proverb relates to a recent post about the names of God. The very name of God is a strong tower or defense. According to Philippians 2:9-11 ( Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of  things  in heaven, and  things  in earth, and  things  under the earth;  And  that  every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ  is  Lord, to the glory of God the Father), there is nothing higher than the name of Jesus Christ (nor more powerful!). And, as Christians are supposed to point the way to Jesus Christ, Jesus points the way to the Father. In Him is found everything we need or want. In these present times, which are more than a little uncertain, some things remain certain. Those things are found in my Bible, from whic...

  Recently I felt God convicted me of something. I'll mention that in a little bit. But first, I want to talk about the names of God. During these strange and troubling times, it is important to keep our eyes on God because "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." (Isaiah 26:3)  For those who are sick (or afraid they will get sick), claim this promise: " Bless the  Lord , O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:   Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;  who healeth all thy diseases;   Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;   Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." (Psalm 103:2-5) Recently, I came across the photo below which lists 17 names of God.  Names are very important to God. How many times did he dictate what His people should name something or someone? I don't know, but it's ...