“No matter how big or how bad the problem, the solution is getting into God’s presence.”

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2015-10-06) from his book, If: Trading Your If Only Regrets for God's What If Possibilities (Kindle Location 2102-2103). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

No matter what the problem is there is a solution. Do you believe that or do you think there is no way out of your situation? If you believe that then you feel hopeless don’t you? So this thought could bring you a slimmer of hope which could be the start of a solution. But the next problem would be how to get into God’s presence.

Marks says, “The quickest way to get into God’s presence is by getting into God’s Word.”

He then says, “It’s unlike any other book in my library. As inspiring as many of those books are, they are made of dead trees. The Word is living and active. And when the Holy Spirit quickens the Word, it becomes a life-giving force. It’s like a shot of adrenaline.”

He goes on, “A few years ago, I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. When we got to Dead Woman’s Pass, with an elevation over 13,000 feet, I got a headache because I wasn’t getting enough oxygen to my brain. At that elevation, the atmosphere has 43 percent less oxygen. Fortunately, our guide pulled out a can of pure oxygen. Yes, I inhaled.”

“God’s presence is pure oxygen. Nothing shifts barometric pressure like worship— it changes and charges the atmosphere. And when you acclimatize, you have far more faith.”

There is always hope in God’s presence. A Psalm would be a good place to start. Today is the 12^th day of this month so go and read Psalm 12 or 42 or 72 or 102 or 132. And then see what happens. As you get into his presence he can give you insight into a solution and strengthen your faith.

So what insight did you get from his Word?

Comments

“Hurry and love are incompatible.”

A thought by John Mark Comer from his book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (p. 23). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Wow, pretty strong thought isn’t it? John says, “All my worst moments as a father, a husband, and a pastor, even as a human being, are when I’m in a hurry—late for an appointment, behind on my unrealistic to-do list, trying to cram too much into my day. I ooze anger, tension, a critical nagging—the antitheses of love. If you don’t believe me, next time you’re trying to get your type B wife and three young, easily distracted children out of the house and you’re running late (a subject on which I have a wealth of experience), just pay attention to how you relate to them. Does it look and feel like love? Or is it far more in the vein of agitation, anger, a biting comment, a rough glare? Hurry and love are oil and water: they simply do not mix.” He goes on, “Hence, in the apostle P...

"Lie 2: The more you worry about it, the better your odds of avoiding it."

A thought by Louie Giglio in his book, Winning the War on Worry (p. 5). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.) Here is another lie that the Enemy uses with us. And Louie says, "This is a tricky lie. Yes, we often have cause for concern and preparation. But the Enemy wants you to believe that if you worry or fret over a certain outcome long enough, you can keep something bad from happening." But this is so important to realize. He says, "The reality is worrying has never once prevented something negative from happening. Planning might. Prayer has. But worry never will." He continues, "The Enemy tells you that by worrying about a situation (or every situation) you can make your tomorrow better. Really, worry just robs you of today. Jesus implored us: 'I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body mor...

“The gospel is good news, not good advice.”

A thought by Timothy Keller (2016-10-25) from his book, Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ (p. 21). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) I’m glad you stopped to catch a glimpse of what this thought really means. Tim says, “Advice is counsel about what you must do. News is a report about what has already been done. Advice urges you to make something happen. News urges you to recognize something that has already happened and to respond to it. Advice says it is all up to you to act. News says someone else has acted.” He then gives an illustration, “Let’s say there is an invading army coming toward a town. What that town needs is military advisers; it needs advice. Someone should explain that the earthworks and trenches should go over there, the marksmen go up there, and the tanks must go down there.” That’s advice He goes on, “However, if a great king has intercepted and ...

Just Continue That Thought...

Search This Blog