Vengeance is His

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." James 4:10

If you are like most human beings, there are some people who you just don't mesh well with, and frankly, that's okay. People come from all walks of life with an array of colorful personalities. It's only natural to bump heads once in a while. Then, there are people who are just plain "enemies." Most of us have a certain person or group of people that come to mind when we hear the word "enemy." Whoever they are, or whatever they did, they hurt you pretty badly. After the pain comes the anguish. That bitterness takes root and you become ravenous for revenge.

Wanting revenge is a natural response to being hurt. It's part of our sinful nature. However, God forbids seeking revenge in Romans 12:19 saying, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, '''Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."'

I know that I have personally tried to get revenge several times just to have it all blow back up in my face. My husband, on the other hand, is the most patient person I have ever met. He really believes in holding God to his promise. I have seen enemy after enemy crushed without him doing a single thing but loving them. God always honors the humble in spirit. The next time you want to lash back out at someone, or even begin to consider seeking revenge, pray for God to help you be patient, and remember to cling to his promise. God could do more damage to an enemy than you ever could. Vengeance is his!

Revival

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

 Make me hear joy and gladness,

That the bones You have broken may rejoice.

 Hide Your face from my sins,

And blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

 Do not cast me away from Your presence,

And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Psalm 51:7-12

Revival. Doesn't everyone love them a good ol' fashioned revival? You know, the ones where EVERYONE comes up to the front to receive prayer, lives are changed, broken hearts are mended, and the lost are saved? Everyone's got a new-found zeal enjoying their new spiritual high; we kiss, we hug, we laugh, and pray together. Then the inevitable happens-- the crash.

As things work themselves back into a routine, the normality of it all becomes rather boring. Somehow the wood to your fire got wet, and you begin to slack in your faith because the emotions you experienced at the revival were addictive and going to church alone just doesn't seem to give you the fix you are looking for anymore. Your relationship with God grows stale and stagnant. At one point you felt so close to God, and now he feels so far away.

I want to let you know that a revival doesn't have to be the only time that you rekindle the flame, nor is it the only time you can ever experience God's incredible joy. I encourage you to take some time tonight and ask God for a spiritual revival in you and those around you.

Be a Light

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

If you're anything like me, sometimes the darkness of this world may at times feel overwhelming. Violent images from the media burn themselves into your mind. Times have never felt darker. You worry for the future of your children and dare I say it-- their children.

The signs are all around us. It's clear to most Christians by now that the prophetic end of days are among us, and when it's spoken of, its almost sort of mystical in a way. You get anxious, wondering about the return of your savior, and then the emotion dwindles away. Whatever child-like wonder you felt looking up at the skies imagining his glorious returning is quickly forgotten, and the worries of this world-- financial stresses, family issues, or relationship problems-- resume their place on your shoulders with the rest of the burdens you carry around.

Sure, his returning is going to give us relief, and surely we should find joy in that, but you know what? What about the lost that are left behind? The rapture isn't exactly a happy ending for them! I challenge the true disciples of Christ to change their perspective waiting for his returning. Don't wait for the rapture to relieve you of your burdens. Give your burdens up to God now so that you can serve the kingdom to the best of your ability BEFORE his returning. Don't go up there alone. Bring someone along with you. Be a light.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

"Birds of a feather flock together."

This popular proverb was first written in the mid 16th century by William Turner in his papist satire, The Rescuing of Romish Fox. Though this phrase was written back in 1545, its ideology has been around since as far back as biblical times. The reason is because these words hold truth! We are who we choose to surround ourselves with. You see, God uses friendship as an instrument of sanctification. That is why it is so important for Christians to wisely choose their friends!

Just like a good parent wants to remove negative influences from their child's life, God also desires to remove negative influences and replace them instead with godly friends. 

A Godly friend will give good council. Proverbs 27:9 says, "Ointments and perfume encourage the heart; in a similar way, a friend’s advice is sweet to the soul."  They will tell you the truth instead of using flattery. Proverbs 27:5 says, "Open criticism is better than hidden love." A good friend will tell it like it is-- not sugarcoat the truth!

Purposefully choosing to hold on to negative influences and toxic people is purposefully choosing to reject God's will for your life. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 we find that it says, '"Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”'

Who are your closest friends? Do you have a circle of people who know you, care for you, and speak truth to you?