Dwight L. Moody

A beautiful fall painting by our neighbor, Norma.

“God doesn’t expect the impossible from us. He wants us to expect the impossible from Him.”

Dwight L. Moody

Impossible. How many times have you seen the impossible be possible? Does a particular time in your life stick out and you know it was God who did the impossible?

Yet, how many times have we not believed God could or would change the impossible to possible? We know He is able. We know He can do anything He wants. But we get stuck in a situation and can’t see any good coming out of it.

Luke 18:27

“Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’”

Biblerepository.com: “Jesus shares a profound truth about the nature of God versus humans, which we find incredible comfort in. When we examine this verse closely, we realize that it speaks to the limitations of human strength and the boundless possibilities within divine power. This distinction is essential for us as we navigate life. As humans, it’s easy to become discouraged by our limitations, especially when faced with overwhelming challenges. However, Jesus reassures us that what seems impossible to us is not a barrier to what God can accomplish. This verse encourages us to place our faith in Him, knowing that no situation is beyond His reach.”

God has complete control in everything that happens to each of us. He is able to intervene whenever it is a part of His plan. He wants us to believe and trust Him to do the best for our lives. If it means the impossible is done, we will witness it. If He knows the situation will turn out for our best, He will choose not to intervene. But He still wants us to trust Him.

Just to know our life is in His Hands and He will care for us and help us should bring calm and comfort during difficult times. Sometimes He works a miracle. Sometimes He doesn’t. But He wants us to believe He is watching and working in each situation.

Yes, “He wants us to expect the impossible from Him.” But above that, He wants us to trust Him in all things. Now that’s not impossible!

By His Grace . . .

 

Hudson Taylor

 

“All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God

because they reckoned in His being with them.”

Hudson Taylor

There are very few of us who believe we are able to do great things because of the knowledge and strength God gives us. Most of us struggle with doing what we believe God has called us to do.

The Bible is filled with examples from beginning to end of men and women who question God because of what He asked them to do. Whether we are afraid, unqualified or just simply say no, the majority of us have trouble saying yes.

But as these words by Taylor says, the giants of our faith did great things because they knew God would be with them. That’s all it took. God is with me. I can do it.

Matthew 28:20

“And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Biblerepository.com: “A vital aspect of this verse is Jesus’ promise that He will be with us ‘always.’ This assurance is not just a comforting statement but a profound truth that speaks to His everlasting presence in every situation we face. No matter where life takes us or what challenges we encounter, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is by our side . . . This is a profound promise that helps eliminate fear and doubt. Sometimes we may feel that the task before us is too great, but knowing Jesus is by our side gives us the courage and inspiration we need to move forward.”

If God calls you to do something, you can be confident that He will be with you and equip you to do it.

Believing God will be with us enables us to do good work. As another quote says: “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”

Colossians 1:12

“And giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light.”

Scripturesavvy.com: “’Qualified you’ emphasizes God’s role in our lives. We understand that our worth is God-given. It’s important to remember that God sees us through the eyes of love and grace, making us suitable to receive His abundant gifts. This eliminates any chance for boasting about personal achievements. Realizing that God alone qualifies us should fill us with humility and gratitude."

Two truths. God is with you, and God will qualify you to do it. Let’s be like the saints of old that trusted God to be with them.

By His Grace . . .

Oswald Chambers

“The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else,

whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.”

Oswald Chambers

Fear. Being afraid. It happens often. Especially in our younger years. It’s an unpleasant emotion. Thankfully, the fear of God has a completely different meaning. The fear of the Lord is not a fear that drives us away, it draws us closer. It awakens us to the weight of God’s holiness and the seriousness of sin.

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Most of us are familiar with this Scripture verse that says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.” Psalm 111:10

Godsbless.ing: “This verse emphasizes the importance of revering and respecting God as the foundation of acquiring true wisdom. It suggests that possessing a deep and profound awe for the Lord is the starting point for gaining insight, knowledge, and understanding in life. The fear mentioned here is not about being afraid of God in a negative sense, but rather about holding Him in high esteem, recognizing His power, sovereignty, and holiness. It is about approaching Him with humility, reverence, and obedience.”

Fearing God definitely makes everything else a non-issue. Things that happen in this world are all under God’s control, so if we fear God and trust Him in all things, nothing else will hurt us.

If we let ourselves get caught up being afraid or frightened of things that happen, it can make a mess of us. Destroying our self-confidence. Keeping us from doing things that are beneficial to us. Not trusting when we should trust God.

Christianitypath.com: “Fearing God not only transforms our perception but also brings countless blessings into our lives. When we approach Him with reverence and awe, we unlock the potential for His blessings to flow freely. This is more than just receiving gifts; it is about the profound joy and peace that come from living in harmony with God’s will. As we reflect on how these blessings manifest, we can see how they encourage us to deepen our faith and remain steadfast in our spiritual journey.”

biblicalchronology.com: “Embracing the biblical meaning of fearing God can truly transform your life. It’s about building a deep respect and reverence that guides your actions and decisions. By prioritizing your relationship with God you open the door to wisdom and peace.”

“When you fear God, you fear nothing else.” Fearing God is one of the best things you can do in your life. Fear Him, and your walk with God will be the beginning of His best for you!

By His Grace . . . 

F. B. Meyer

  

“I used to think that God’s gifts were on the shelves one above the other; and that the taller we grow in Christian character the easier we could reach them. I now find that God’s gifts are on shelves one beneath the other; and that it is not a question of growing taller but of stooping lower, and that we have to go down always to get His best gift.”

F. B. Meyer

Christian author and preacher

These words provide plenty of material to consider. The first word that comes to mind is humility. For in being humble you grow. In growing, you are lifted up. When you’re lifted up by God, it brings you low in yourself and lifts Christ up.

Stooping lower. There’s certainly much to be said about humility in Scripture. In James 4, verse 10, the words are simple: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” In Biblehub.com, I like these words: “The tree, to grow upwards, must strike its roots deep downwards; so man, to be exalted, must have his mind deep-rooted in humility.”

A dictionary definition of “humble” says: “Not proud or haughty; not arrogant; reflecting in a spirit of submission.” Humbleness in today’s world is looked upon poorly. Humbleness in God’s world is look upon as a great gift.

Go down. Going down before the Lord represents surrender and acknowledgment of His authority. We lose ourselves and gain more of Him. Bibleoutlined.com says: “All must bow before the Lord, including the powerful . . . Kneeling represents surrender and acknowledgment of His authority. In doing this, God is allowed to do powerful work in our lives, and powerful work promotes victory in our faith.”

We gain much when we bow before God. We are strengthened in our walk with Him. He opens our minds so we can understand Scripture clearer. Our faith becomes deeply rooted because we have trusted and accepted God’s way over ours.

God works in mysterious ways to the man or women who humbles and bows before Him. James 4:6 says: “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” Biblerepository.com says: "The phrase, 'But he gives us more grace' emphasizes God’s boundless mercy and favor towards us, particularly those who choose humility over pride . . . God honors our humility and responds with a generous outpouring of grace . . . Humility acts like a bridge to connection with others as well as with God. When we admit our shortcomings, we open the door to deeper relationships and shared experiences. It’s an important truth to recognize: the more we embrace humility, the closer we draw to one another and to God."

Stooping lower. Go Down. It’s not hard to do. Once you realize all you gain by being humble before God, your choice of being first will slowly disappear. His gifts are so much greater than anything we can do for ourselves.  His are the best gifts. 

By His Grace . . .

John Donne

 

“Of all commentaries on the Scriptures, good examples are the best.”

John Donne,  1572 - 1631

English poet, Scholar, Cleric

I use a commentary most days as I read the Bible. I found one that is easy for me to understand and helps me know the truth and meaning of what I’m reading. I highly recommend using a commentary when reading God’s Word.

But when it comes to basic ways to live our life and live what we believe, I think this quote is true. A good example from a man or women living their life for Christ can have a powerful impact on you.

I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Christian men and women and seeing their faith played out in many different situations. Their influence has allowed me to grow in my faith and be a stronger Christian.

Good examples bring so many valuable assets to the lives of others. And you know when you’ve found one. The evidence is clear. They have a positive attitude and admirable qualities.

People who are good examples have bad days too. They don’t always have the answers or understanding they need to accomplish or change something. But they don’t get bent out of shape or angry or frustrated when they don’t understand. They put one foot in front of the other and determine what needs to change.

A good example is the best sermon come to life. The way one walks is more important than the way they talk, although a talking Christian is noticed for their sound and moral ways.

Be a teacher of good. Be an example that causes others to evaluate the way you do and say things because they are impressed with how you do it. People don’t want to copy bad attitudes and vocabulary. They want to be remembered because of the good others saw in them.

Be a good example. The best way to do that? Read the Bible. Have friends that are stimulating and live for Christ. Let your example cause someone else to choose the narrow path of faith because they saw you live out your faith.

“Good examples are the best.”

By His Grace . . . 

Warren Wiersbe

 

“Have you examined the throne room inside lately?”

Warren Wiersbe, Clergyman, Bible teacher, speaker

The throne room inside. That’s our heart. That’s where God’s Spirit resides. Inside our body. What is your throne room like?

Is it open to God’s perusal? Does He feel at home there? Can Jesus rest there and know He is in charge? Does the Holy Spirit have access to work there and bring you closer to God?

Every member of the Trinity has an interest in our heart. In Proverbs 4:23 it says: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Everything you do. Every act. Every comment. Every thought. It all matters. What you think is what you do.

Scripturesavvy.com: “When we look at Proverbs 4:23, we see a powerful statement about the importance of our heart. To guard our heart means to protect it from negative influences that can lead us away from God. The heart is often viewed as the center of our emotions, thoughts, and motivations. It is where our true character resides and where we make decisions that define who we are.”

Our heart is so important to everything we do. Knowing that God’s Spirit resides there should cause us to actively be aware of everything we do and think. It should be in the forefront of every thought, every action and every word.

1 Corinthians 3:16

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”

Godsbless.ing: “This verse speaks to the profound and comforting truth that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, is a constant and abiding presence within those who believe in God. This presence is not temporary or fleeting; it is eternal and enduring. This means that as believers, we are never alone or abandoned, for the Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us in our journey of faith . . The Holy Spirit is like a steadfast companion, walking alongside us in every moment, leading us towards a deeper relationship with God and a life filled with purpose and meaning.”

In the March 29^th devotion of “Walking With God” by Martyn Lloyd-Jones: “When you wake up, the first thing you should do is to say to yourself: ‘I am a child of God. Christ is in me. That old self is gone; I died with Christ. I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Everything I do today must be in the light of this knowledge.’”

Make examining your heart a normal part of your day. With the Holy Spirit inside, you have everything you need to help you make choices that will bring good to your life. And that’s just what God hopes you will do. For it’s the throne room where the Holy Spirit resides and God lives.

By His Grace . . . 

P. J. Wolz

 

“How wonderful, at evening, to be able to say,

“What a day, Lord! What a day! Because I could pray.”

P. J. Wolz

Years ago I was typing words that a friend’s grandfather wrote, making a book for her. The above words caused me to pause then and continue to have me pause every time I see them. A saint filled with God’s Spirit who was thankful He could pray.

Do I feel that way? At the end of the day, am I thankful I had the chance to talk with God? Her grandfather’s words continue to make me shiver in excitement. In possibility. In desire.

I want to catch the joy this man had. The relationship He shared with God. The happiness that filled His heart because He could talk to God.

I am thankful I can talk with God, but I haven’t realized it in this way. To come to the end of my day and be thankful that I can talk with God.

I see a simple life. Doing simple things. Regular work each day. A home to come to and rest. And thankfulness to God.

We can talk with God any time and know He hears and guides us. But our lives are so crowded with “things” that we miss the simplicity of talking with God any time we want too.

 Ephesians 6:18

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Biblerepository.com: “Ephesians 6:18 provides insight into the vital role of prayer in the lives of believers . . . This isn’t just about a one-time prayer; it speaks to a continuous, active communication with God. This ongoing dialogue with our Creator is our lifeline, helping us stand firm in our faith . . . The phrase ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication’ indicates that we should be in constant communication with God. This means both thankfulness and asking for guidance or help. Throughout scripture, prayer is presented as a way to deepen the relationship we have with God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul urges believers to ‘pray without ceasing,’ which captures the essence of this ongoing conversation.”

“How wonderful, at evening, to be able to say,

“What a day, Lord! What a day! Because I could pray.”

I need to make these words into a sign so that I see them each day. I want to feel this in my heart each evening and thank God as this man did. What a day indeed!

By His Grace . . .