July 9th

JULY 9th

Psalm 103:19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

He rules over ALL, not some. SO when things in this world and things in our lives seem to be out of control or sidetracked or going in the wrong direction, we must remember that God is still in control. We have to see the big picture and remember that He has an overall plan that will accomplish His purpose! Remember Judas, -everything about him goes against the grain. He got into the initial group of followers, he went along with things, then started stealing and eventually betrayed Jesus. God knew all of that and didn’t stop him. Why didn’t God stop Judas? Because He determined He would use Judas’s betrayal to bring about the most important part of His rescue plan! And He determined every detail of that plan before Judas was born and before He created the universe! He knew before He created Judas that Judas would choose evil instead of Him. That’s a lot to wrap your mind around, but someday we will see it more clearly.

So when things seem really bad or don’t make sense to you, don’t count God out, He has a plan that is bigger than yours (and better.) 

Isaiah 55:8-9 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

And in the long run, you can count on the fact that all of those who do not choose Jesus will face the consequences! -Even the enemy himself and all of his minions. All of those in this world that are persecuting Christ followers or trying to make a mockery of God will have to face judgement. When you face adversity praise Him because soon He will crush satan under your feet!

Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

God has thought of everything, even the things that you and I will totally overlook. He also sees the consequences of things much farther downstream than we can. He is trustworthy, He is sovereign, He is perfect, and He is loving. And yes, His heart breaks for those who choose evil instead of Him which is why He gives them abundant chances to receive mercy instead of wrath and judgement. Those who receive wrath and judgement will do so because they choose so. That means that in actuality they will be getting what they want.

Jesus, thank you for having all of the details of your plan in place ahead of time. Help me to remember that you are over ALL and I don’t have to worry that the enemy will get away with anything. Help me also to remember that you will use for good what the enemy means for evil. Help me to rest in the fact that your thoughts and ways are so much higher and better than mine. I really need your help starting to do that today. Thank you for your patience and your incredible love for me.

THURSDAY: NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME WILL PROSPER!

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.