Chapter 31: Declarations

My Soul Waits For Thee Silently

Have you ever find yourself in great silence that allows you to experience such sweet rest in God which brings forth divine peace? I have and let me tell you, it’s one of the best experience ever. It’s one where the cares of this world or those repeated struggles doesn’t become a bother anymore. It’s one where we respond by faith rather than fear, we worship rather than worry, we pray consistently rather than complain, we rejoice in the small things rather than becoming depressed, we see God’s mighty hands at work rather than becoming overwhelmed and throw in the towel. I could go on and on. I do want us to remember though, our response is what will lead to our outcome whether it be victorious or we in despair. Resting in God creates an avenue for deep trust that establishes a strong connection with Him where nothing can break such bond. It also allows us to give up control and develop a heart posture that surrenders everything to God knowing that He is the one who can fix our problems or cater to our everyday needs. God is our refuge and strength. God is our rock. God is our salvation. No matter what goes on in our lives, may we know that sitting in His presence will ease the chaos or unnecessary worries.

The Beauty Of Abiding In Christ

The love of Christ is so rich and pure. It wraps arounds us just like the vine on the tree. Christ reminds us in John 15 that He is the true vine and we are the branches therefore it’s essential for us to abide in Him. Abiding in Christ is establishing a deep intimate relationship with Him that ignites our passion to stay connected in His presence which will fuel our purpose. Once we are continuously secured in God’s presence there’s nothing that can take away our peace, joy, strength, grace and trust in the almighty God. Being connected to the true vine (Jesus Christ) helps us to rest in God’s grace and continuous love. Pastor John Piper shared an analogy in his message on abiding in Christ that “ if a branch abides or remains attached to the vine in such a way that it is receiving all that it has to give it illustrates believing or trusting Jesus and resting in Him to meet all our needs. Without Christ we can do nothing. He always wants a relationship with us. Not one when it’s convenient to us or let’s say we need a breakthrough or healing right now so we try to connect with Him for that moment. No, abiding in Christ means we puts Him first at all times.

What Prison Walls Are You Cage Into

A prison as we know it is a secure state or fest facility used to confine individuals who have been convicted of a crime or are awaiting trial. Did you know many times we place ourselves in prison without even knowing it? This could look like becoming depressed, battling with anxiety, battling with suicidal ideation, battling with sexual immorality, battling with addiction, battling with unforgiveness, negative thoughts, emotional distress, anger, low self esteem, and the list goes on. Those things only come to steal our joy, peace and love as well as cause us to loose our identity in Christ. When we become trapped in that mental prison, daily we wake up feeling as though this life has nothing to offer us and it’s like our lives suddenly comes to a halt. Choosing to live in the shadow of darkness and not stepping into light puts us further into captivity which makes us limits God’s power, authority and lacks faith in knowing that we can break free from the bondage we are in. You see quite to the contrary how we tend to say oh it’s hard to break free from those things, I am here to remind us that It will take great discipline in the word and a made up mind to be set free.

Finish Strong With God By Your Side

Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you. Many of us can attest that there are some situations that resurface in our lives which cause us to waver in our faith. May we hold on to this truth that when we pass through all that we face, they will not harm us. God is always with us. In your spare time read this scripture and personalize it to your situation and pray to God for Him to give you the strength as you navigate this life

After The Suffering Comes The Blessings

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you. Whatever God allows us to go through, it is to stretch us. It is not God’s will for us to perish rather have eternal life. God teaches discipline and whatever it is we are faced with currently, know that our rejoicing is near. So hold on a little longer, seek God earnestly, trust God with all your heart and stand firm on the solid rock which is Jesus Christ.