Are we prepared and ready to share the hope we have in Christ Jesus to others? We can’t and shouldn’t expect “someone else” to do it! God is calling US to be His witness!
Forgive me, Lord, when I only do those things for You that I am comfortable in doing! I want to be ready at all times to be able to share YOU with those that don’t have the “hope” that I have. May I be a worker in your harvest!
“…sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…” ( 1 Peter 3:15)
“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,”. (2 Corinthians 10:5 )
I want to be transparent with you about my weak moments. I know this scripture in 2 Corinthians and have even taught it. But, just because we know God’s truth does not mean it is easy to walk it out in our lives.
I have to admit that the isolation and social distancing during COVID-19 has been hard for me. There are some days that I wake up and I can feel the heavy blanket of depression trying to take over my thoughts. And that is not a good place to be! Not only does it affect me but it affects those closest to me.
Brothers and Sisters! We all have times when we may feel despair, doubt, fear, frustration, anger, and hopelessness. But, we need to make sure that we have the right response when and if it happens.
We are told in God’s word that we are to TAKE EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE to the obedience of Jesus! We are to DESTROY speculations and every lofty thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God.
In other words, are our thoughts in alignment with our knowledge of who God is and in alignment with who God says we are?
We don’t have to act upon every thought! We don’t have to allow our thoughts to dictate how we feel about ourselves or others. We don’t have to allow our thoughts to be the “rudder” of our lives!
WE are in control of what thoughts we allow to take hold in our lives! If the thoughts we are having are causing us to fear, to hate, to be judgmental, or to feel depressed and unworthy —then we are to TAKE AUTHORITY over our thoughts and replace them with GOD’S TRUTH!!
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
LORD, thank You for being the Giver of Truth! Thank You for empowering us through Your Holy Spirit to control our thoughts and to not be ruled by them. We bring our thoughts into obedience to YOU!! Thank You, Jesus, for being the way, and the truth, and the life! It is in Your Name that we pray. AMEN!!
“Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We spend time remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflecting on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today. We might consider how we can support and safeguard their grieving families and loved ones who are left behind.” (almanac.com)
I have never personally known someone who died while fighting in wartime or serving overseas. So, I know that I can never truly know the pain and suffering of those that have lost loved ones who “made the ultimate sacrifice.”
But, I do want to take the time to REMEMBER and HONOR all of our fallen heroes. Your sacrifice will forever be woven into the history, the now, and the future of our country.
I see your sacrifice as golden threads woven into the tapestry of the United States. Those threads allow our country to shine, allow us to stand proudly, and allow us to walk into the future carrying the flag of freedom. May we never take it for granted! May we never forget! ~Tina Roach
“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” ~Franklin D.Roosevelt
Reflection of Glory! 