Worldly politics, threats and rumors of war, gang violence and unprecedented surprise, mass shootings are causing emotional instability. At any given moment we see or experience unrest and confusion. We must put on the whole armor of God to stand firm in faith.
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another… as Christ forgave you… But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” (Colossians 3:12-15, KJV)
At any given moment, I may not be tender and kind toward those who do not love or please me. Yes, on our individual journey to perfection, each of us experiences the daily need for dying to flesh… giving up selfishness and taking on a melting process to allow heart changes and attitudes. More than ever before I must ask Holy Spirit to give me strength and willingness to change. We must ask the Holy Spirit to help us “wake up and strengthen what I still have before it dies completely; for I find that what I have done is not yet perfect in the sight of God.” (Revelation, 3:2)
God knows everything, sees everything, is the same yesterday, today and forever. Father God wants us to wake up and stop making excuses to avoid serving Him. Serving Him is our choice. The flooding, tornadoes and destruction that happened in Oklahoma are bringing Oklahomans together.
We are praying without ceasing. In the scriptures, Timothy urges that “petitions, prayer requests and thanksgiving be offered to God for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct. This is good and pleases God our Savior who wants everyone to be saved and come to know the truth.” (I Timothy 2:1-3) This is God’s perfect will for each of us and is His required daily service.
My heart is rejoicing for what I’m seeing. Oklahoma is praising God for life and “hands on” help by neighbors—even children. Amidst struggle and loss, there is genuine love.
“Helpers who do their work well” are winning “for themselves good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.” (I Timothy 3:12-13) “This is how we should conduct ourselves in God’s household…” (I Timothy 3:15) “Everything God has created is good; nothing is to be rejected, but everything is to be received with a prayer of thanks, because the word of God and prayer make it acceptable to God.” ( I Timothy 4: 4-5)
I am praising God with fellow Oklahomans. We are standing firm together so that this, too, is part of His perfection process. Here in middle USA others are being drawn to help but when they come, they see us doing His word. We are told, “Until Jesus comes…to give our time and effort to public reading of the scriptures and to preaching and teaching… not neglecting the spiritual gift that is in you.” (I Tim. 4:13-14)
Oklahomans, thank you for living out His word uncompromisingly. So that “…the path of (uncompromisingly) just and righteous is like the light of dawn and shines more and more (bright and clear)… until it reaches its full strength and glory in the perfect day.” (Proverbs 4:18, Amp)
Last thought: Jesus wept. (John 11:35) Grieving is a part of life and must be walked out (done fully) to be healthy and whole. We can share this aspect of loss and know His word is true… the best is yet to come! Keep sharing His love and caring for one another… and love yourself