Fantastic Friday #934 - Deceivers

Deceivers

3 My mouth will speak words of wisdom;
the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.
4 I will turn my ear to a proverb;
with the harp I will expound my riddle:

5 Why should I fear when evil days come,
when wicked deceivers surround me—
6 those who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches? Psalm 49:3-6



Do you deal with deception, maybe someone is deceiving you to obtain something they want or need? The tactic of a deceiver can be subtle or outright blatant. The enemy is the true deceiver and one we need to keep an eye out for daily, but how do we handle those around us who decieve. These kinds of actions by others can create an atmosphere of misunderstanding and can lead to pain and frustration. God is very clear about not fearing this type of individual, but turning an ear to the word of God that guides us, as well as the Holy Spirit. If we look at the deceptive tactics of people as one way the enemy can attack, we know that God is there to provide the necessary support and love. When you feel deceived, frustrated, or angry, calm yourself and acknowledge that the Lord is the one who has defeated the enemy and can lift you up. We always have someplace to turn.

Have a great weekend.

Matt

Fantastic Friday #933 - Feeding

Feeding

7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

How are you feeding yourself with the Lord and His teachings? It's something we probably don't think about much, especially the Trust in the Lord to provide for your needs. I love the picture that is painted above that shows if we root ourselves where we need to be fed, that we will be strong and bear much fruit. What keeps us from these locations is the world of distractions that tell us we don't need to trust in anything but ourselves. I know personally that the times I have not focused on God in my life, I have become weak and unable to stand against the enemy. I am finding that the more I root myself in God's teachings, that I am stronger to stand up against anything the enemy throws at me. We need to focus on our roots and bearing much fruit, because the impact on others will provide you clarity in your path.

Have a great weekend.

Matt

Fantastic Friday #932 - Majestic

Majestic

The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

2 Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. Psalm 93:1

When I think of things that are majestic, I think of the amazing Rocky Mountains, the oceans and beaches I have visited, the Carlsbad Caverns and so many other places in this world that are beautiful and wonderful to experience. I sometimes forget to think of who created all these things and can easily take them for granted. I also find sometimes during my challenging times, that I am the only one that can change my circumstances or my attitude. We need to remember that God who created all the majestic sights in this world, also created us. While he is clothed with majesty and strength, so can we be clothed in strength if we turn to Him in our daily walk, not just when we are struggling. Don't forget how majestic our Father-in-Heaven is, for He loves us and will protect us from the things of this world and will remind us to view His majestic world in a positive way and not look at our circumstances so negatively. Find the majesty in our Lord.

Have a great weekend.

Matt

Fantastic Friday #931 - Grace

Grace


15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16


This weekend our oldest son gets married to a wonderful young lady named Grace. Earlier this week in my readings and church, the term Grace was quite prominent. It made me start to think about God's Grace in a more personal way. We all have many weaknesses in our lives, and it is possible that we can have periods where we slip or separate ourselves from God and His teachings. The wonderful thing about God's Grace is the forgiveness that comes from Him. The fact that God gave His one and only Son as a sacrifice for us is a truly magnificent gift to each and every one of us. We need to remember the scripture that just because we have Grace, doesn't mean we keep on sinning. We need to live our lives in a way that honors God. As my son Gaven and Grace honor God this weekend through their marriage, I will be thinking about the Grace God has given us. Be confident in our lives and give God the thanks for the opportunity for Grace.


Have a great weekend.


Matt

Fantastic Friday #930 - Asking

Asking


6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound. Psalm 4:6-7


Do you find yourself asking for things that probably lean towards the worldly view of happiness? Maybe it is a new car, a new house, or your debt to be erased. I have a friend who related a story of a former staff member. This friend was really frustrated with something that the former employee had not done while they were employed with them. By not doing this thing, it was creating much hardship for them and was taking them away from their normal duties. My friend made the comment internally that they would be ok if they never heard from this former employee again. That same night they received a message from that former employee, and the main thing they were asking for was prayer. I find that when we ask for things that are unreasonable in God's plan, He will place a road bump reminder of who He is and what He wants for us to do. Don't wait for the road bump that God places, but follow His plan by waiting on Him to present your path when you ask for reasonable things. He will bring prosperity and will fill your heart if you ask for the right things.


Have a great weekend.


Matt