The Soul Sower

Have you become concerned and worried about many different things lately? What is going on in the world, the violence, strife, unrest, division, and all the hatred people are spewing out? Perhaps it is your job, weather, money, fear of the future, or so many other things. You name it you could worry about it. When all these thoughts come flooding into your mind do you become anxious and say, “what am I going to do?” 

Think about them for a minute. Peer into the possibilities of you having control over any of it. Can you control people, the government, the weather, or most things that cause you to worry and anxiety? Absolutely not! But there is One who does. 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

But Jesus is in control over all things. There is One who holds your future and holds your hand through each and every situation and storm. He is the ruler of the Heavens and the Earth. 

Though the Devil is raging and thinks he has the upper hand in many arenas. God is only allowing him to do what needs to be done to fulfill His purposes before He comes and puts the Devil and all his wicked ones in their place.

God knows exactly what you need, and so much more than you could ever know or understand. He knows what you are going to ask before you even ask it. 

For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Matthew 6:8

He takes care of His children and will not let them go astray, teaching them the right way to go, for that is what is important. It is more important that you follow and obey Him. It is more important to Him that you learn the lessons He has for you than for you to be comfortable.

And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:5-6

Look at the birds, and all of creation, and the works of His hands upon the earth. He takes care of each and every one. Aren’t you so much more important to Him than all of these, oh child of God? Open your heart and open your hands to Him, give Him all your worries, concerns, and anxieties. Give it all to Him, keeping nothing for yourself.

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Matthew 6:25-27

He made all things, He will continue to hold them together. He sustains all things, He will persist and preserve what He has ordained. There is nothing you can do to add or subtract from what He has declared to be done. So give it all up to Him and rest in His arms. 

And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  Matthew 6:28-30

What is worry? “To give way to anxiety or unease; allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles.” What is anxiety? “A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” 

In other words, if you worry you are not trusting God, if you become anxious you doubt His control, and if you fret your faith is small. 

To worry is of no use, it is no good. There is no single situation that it will help to worry, fret, or fear. So lay it all down at the feet of Jesus, do not doubt. Trust Him and have faith. Focus on the task at hand, the work the Lord has given you, and on the goal that is of most importance, the Kingdom of God. 

Put your hands to work, and your mind at ease. He will take care of the rest.

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33

Dear Single,

I pray that you are well and that the Lord is taking good care of you in every aspect of life, not just for the physical and those things that can be seen. But especially to the unseen things, your spiritual health. I know He loves you dearly and will protect His precious children, He cares for you so very much and always wants the best for you, that He will cause what seems at first to be a great pain to bring you to a place of maturity and adulthood in the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in the Lord.

I felt the Lord leading me to write you this letter that you may have a better understanding of what and why He has caused you to be single and kept you single. I pray that God will open your heart and your eyes to see and your ears to hear, that you will understand the great importance of what He is doing, and why He must do it.

He instructed me to tell you that it is a good thing to be single. Yes, it is a very good thing He has done. He is the one who made you single. It is a good and godly place He has put you in. You see He has been teaching me this same thing ever since I became single 7 years ago. 

He pointed out 1 Corinthians 7 shortly after that time to give me insight and instruction of why He did it. It was for His will and purpose, and for very good reason. It will do you well to read and meditate on this entire chapter.

I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he(she) is. Are you bound to a wife(husband)? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife(husband)? Do not seek a wife(husband).But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.  1 Corinthians 7:26-28

And Paul also said, “Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am.” 1 Corinthians 7:6-8

I thought, “NO way Lord, I need a spouse, I need a helper, you know me!” But then the Lord was so good, He showed me that it was His plan for me to remain like this according to His will, He always does what is best for me. It has taken a long time to see that He is in complete control, even those who have been separated from me, or ran from me, it was Him who did it.

I have drawn ever closer to Him because of my singleness because He had afflicted me with this struggle. I am more devoted to Him because of it and I do not regret one single second that I have spent seeking His face and spending time with Him. He was the one who drew me close.

For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 

I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice. Ezekiel 34:11-12,15-16

I also have seen that those I sought out since then, that I thought might be good for me, were not. I always seem to choose the wrong one. You may be able to relate. He wants us to stop worrying about it, stop seeking someone, and seek after Him only and His will for your life. If it is His will He will bring the right one in His time.

I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. 1 Corinthians 7:32-34

What I am saying is if God has caused you to be single, do not go looking for someone to be a partner. Because the Lord has given you the privilege of having Him as your partner and to draw you closer to His side and deeper into His affection and love. He is your spouse. It is a gift.

“Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. 

For the LORD has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God. For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD, your Redeemer. Isaiah 54:4-8

He is the one you should be devoted to, the one you should seek to please, and the one you should desire. It is a special time of spiritual growth and maturity that He wants to accomplish in your life. He wants you to lean only on Him, look to Him, and not to your own understanding.

He also gave me this thought about seeking a partner of my own. “If I go and seek out the whole world for the right one, I will find a million who is the wrong one. But only the Lord knows who the right one is, the one He has chosen for me. Also, if it is His will that I remain single as Paul did, it is for my benefit and for His glory that I must remain this way. I should not work against the Lord in this manner.”

I understand what Paul was saying now. I also completely understand that this is a very hard and difficult struggle to comprehend and to move forward with this understanding at this very moment. But I know what God has planned is so much better than what you want or desire. 

All I have to do is look back for a second and remember all the bad choices and decisions that I made by myself and know that the Lord’s ways, plans, purpose, and will are much better for me. He always has our good in mind. He will always work it out for good. 

May the Lord bless you with His wisdom and understanding on this matter. It may be hard and difficult in so many ways to understand this truth and hard to grasp why He does what He does. But you know that your God is an all-knowing God and He never makes a mistake. You just have to give it all up to the Lord, putting it into His hands, and not take it back. Trusting completely in His plan for your life, follow and obey without question. This is the faith He is looking for.

You are here not for yourselves but to serve Him and to turn others to the Lord. To save souls from the grips of sin, death, and eternity in hell.  There is nothing more important than the destination of the souls of mankind. Go ahead and lean into the Lord and draw closer to Him. Then move forward in the will of the Lord and seek to save the lost. The souls of mankind will be the only thing you will be able to take from this world with you to Heaven.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:7-9

I pray that the Lord takes care of you in every way dear single friend. May He lead, guide, direct, provide, and protect you as you turn your face to Jesus to listen and obey Him in everything that you do. To devote yourself wholly to Him in every aspect of your life. God bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you that you will seek the Lord all the days of your life.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” Matthew 16:24-28

Of all those who have gone before you, of all those that were commended by God as being righteous, of all those who were found acceptable in His sight, of all of those who were found to have pleased God the Father, of all those who the world was not worthy, all of them were characterized by one specific trait. They were found worthy because of their faith in God.

Not a man’s idea of faith. Faith that the sun will come out tomorrow. Faith that the chair will not break under your weight. Faith that after winter comes spring. Faith that the pain will fade away or faith that eventually everything will be ok. No, faith in God is so much more than the things that are predictable, than the things that can be seen or touched.

Those who have true unbreakable, unshakable and unparalleled faith in God go above and beyond the norm. Without shame, they believe without doubting, move forward without delay, and jump without looking when ordered by the Lord.

They have faith in God for who He is, that His words are true and that if He declares it, it will happen. Nothing He declares is impossible. Though all the things mankind thinks are unfeasible, unthinkable, unbelievable, and unimaginable. It is easier than snapping one’s fingers for God and it is done.

Look to the faithful whose testimony has stood the test of time. Examine their faith in the face of opposition, the proof of their faith by what they accomplished, what they overcame, what they suffered and endured, and the unwavering conviction they retained to the very end.

By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, 
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him.
By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son,
By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 
By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 
By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 
By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
By faith the people crossed the Red Sea,
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 
By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient,
Hebrews 11:4,5,7,8,11,17,20-25,29-31

It was their firm faith in God that moved them forward. It was their faith that gave them the strength and confidence to do the unthinkable. When all others would have scoffed and turned away, they set their faces toward the will of the Lord and forged ahead into uncharted waters. 

They did not worry if they would reach their goal or receive the promise. But they looked ahead by faith to the unseen, they forged forward by faith into the unknown, and by faith, they did not doubt the one who is faithful, the one who is true, and to the God who is above all things.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 

Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated, of whom the world was not worthy, wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:32-38

They all walked by faith believing in the all-powerful almighty God. They were described by words that baffle the mind. “Of whom the world was not worthy.” Yes, it was their faith that made them worthy. Yet they didn’t even receive what was promised.

And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Hebrews 11:39-40

But God has promised you so much more than what they ever know was possible. Of Heaven, of glory, of majesty, and of a celestial city prepared for you. Where there is no more night, no scorching sun, no more sorrow, pain, or woe. 

Where you will live forevermore with the one who gave it all for your very soul. To an eternity where you will rule and reign as an heir to the Kingdom of God alongside Jesus Christ the Lord, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

There will be many times and in many ways that Satan and his demons will come and tempt you, or cause you to become offended. He will worm his way in unknowingly and whisper deceitful things to tempt you. Some may be obvious but mostly they will be crafty, slay, and manipulative. The Devil is a liar. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.”

He will use your own sinful ways, desires, and past to cause you to fall to his schemes. Resist him firm in your faith and walk in the Spirit of the Lord as the guard over your mind, mouth, and deeds.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9

The Devil is so very crafty, he has been at this for thousands of years, knowing exactly how to cause mankind to fall, he knows each and every sin you have committed, After all, he is the accuser of the brethren. Do not fall victim to an offense.

He will even take your own sin and project it upon others, causing you to become offended by the sin you think they have committed, thinking they are just like you. You may have superimposed your own attitude in a comment or message, or think they are lying because you have a tendency to lie. When in fact they did not commit that sin at all, or not in the way you perceived it. 

But you fell victim to the Devils trap and you were deceived by your sinful ways. He deceived you into believing a lie and you became offended. An offense can come by actual sin or perceived sin. They are both the bait of Satan and we fall into his trap far too often.

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that He has made to dwell in us”?  James 4:1-5

He will even use scripture mixed with lies to entice you, to try to cause you to fall victim to his lies. But remember who you serve and that the Holy Spirit is your greatest ally. The Devil is a liar and that is all he can do. Not only is he lying, but his promises also fall flat. But he doesn’t even possess what he says he will give you, neither does he care if you get it. 

Take Jesus as your example and cast him away by the truth of God’s Word.

Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command His angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 

Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.’” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to Him. Matthew 4:5-11

Remember the purpose of the Word of God is to convict you of sin, it cuts deep that sin may be rooted out, and then it heals over the wound and pain it caused in your life. 

Its purpose is not primarily to point the finger at others but to point the finger at yourself. God desires to remove those thoughts, words, and behaviors that displease Him, that you may be more like Him. He will discipline those children He loves.

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:11-13

Examine your own heart and your own ways, as you examine and read the Word of God to know what is right and what is wrong. The Word that is Jesus, that which is His Word of instruction, and the Bread of Life that will give you sustenance for your spirit and soul. Ask the Lord to reveal any wrong or grievous ways that still remain in you. 

Then be prepared for God to allow you to fail, to fall to temptation. This is the alarm that He will be sound to show you your own sin. Then ask the Lord to do a work in your heart, mind, and soul, and change you in a way that only He can. It takes determination and work. He is waiting for you to turn to Him to root out your sin, no matter how large or small.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24

The life of a believer will be turbulent, yes, it is just plain hard. If you are to follow and obey the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength you will have great struggle and trouble. The truth is your life will be strenuous, turbulent, yet fulfilling. You will have to come to grips with the fact that the life of a Christian whose focus is solely on the will of Jesus Christ will be difficult, yet in the end, holds a reward that is beyond imagination. 

Jesus said it Himself. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

There will be times of peace and delight, cheerful times of joy so amazing, wonderful, and uplifting, it could only come from the Lord. 

But for the true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ it will be a long journey, an uphill battle against the three enemies you will face in this life, your sinful flesh, the wickedness of this present world, and the devil and his demons. All driven to drag you down and cause you to walk in sin and destruction. 

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:7-15

But praise be to God your Father who rules and reigns not just in Heaven but in your heart, soul, body, mind, and spirit. Yes, He is always with you. The King of kings, Lord of lords, ruler of the nations, and sovereign over all creation from the beginning of time into eternity. 

There is no one or nothing that will ever, ever overrule Him. Never will anyone or anything outwit, out rank, outdo, or out-think your majestic and all-powerful God.

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, 

having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, 

according to the working of His great might that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 

And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1:15-23

The reason it is hard is that it was hard for Jesus. They hated Him because He was good, holy, and pure. The world hated Him because He called out what was evil and unrighteous. He looked to the poor, needy, and humble and wanted to save mankind from sin and death. 

The devil has not changed one bit since he fell. His schemes and wicked ways have not shifted or been altered in any way since he began his evil reign. This is why you are attacked, rejected, persecuted, and hated. It is because they hated Jesus first. Because you love Jesus, love others, and want to honor Him with everything you say and do. Therefore they will hate you, but God loves you. 

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 

Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.” John 15:18-21

“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” John 14:21

Press into your Lord and your savior Jesus Christ, even more, knowing that He is greatly pleased for your faithful work, devotion to Him, and the lost. Love deeply, care completely, give freely, and forgive quickly. Leave the rest in the hands of the Lord, He will judge, He will repay according to His perfect will and plan. 

Many will come against you because of your devotion to your Lord. Many will falsely accuse you of pride, arrogance, hate, and division but Jesus knows the heart of all mankind. He knew them in the past when He walked this earth and He knows them now. It is not up to you to do anything in return for their hate, except to love. Show love without measure, kindness without end, compassion without question, and truth without consequence. 

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 

Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 

Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. James 5:7-11

Do not put your trust in men, not in wealth, a career, or any amount of possessions. None of them will last, but all hope and trust will stand firm in the Lord your God. He is your strength when you are struggling with weakness. He is your power when your spirit is faint. He is your boldness when your courage has failed. He is your place of refuge when the storms rage and the winds batter against the walls. 

He will never lose His grip, never let you down, never will He forget or forsake, and He will never let you go astray or wander away from the path He has laid before you.

Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving might of His right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. Psalm 20:6-8

He knows your ways, He knows your weaknesses, He knows that you are nothing without Him. He knows that you need Him every moment of the day. Though the path is narrow and perilous, though the valleys are dank and dark, and the hills are steep and difficult, the Lord your God is with you every step of the way.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-15

His ways are higher than the heavens. He is more perfect then the finest gems. He is wiser, stronger, bigger, and more incredible than anything, far beyond comparison. His love, mercy, and grace are more limitless than anyone could ever imagine or comprehend.

O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart;  1 Kings 8:23

There is none like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you. They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction of idols is but wood! Jeremiah 10:6-8

So why should you fear? Why should you doubt? Do not be afraid that you may fail. Do not worry if you do not see what is ahead. Do not be in freight about the unknown or falter on your path He has laid at your feet. Step by step, inch by inch, and moment by moment He will lead, guide, protect, and direct your steps. They will be held fast. 

He achieves the unachievable, He sees what is unsearchable, He knows what is unknowable, and He is in control of the uncontrollable.

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion! May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions! Psalm 20:1-5

A God-fearing woman is an absolute treasure from God! She is a rare jewel, a fine gem that only God could have created, and a hidden treasure set aside until the time that the Lord has established for her to be found.  

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:10-12

The very hand of the Lord is upon her to move her to compassion for the less fortunate. A special gift to see past the sinful nature or wrong behavior, to love without measure, to forgive without bound, and to do the dirty work when no one else will. To give her to those who do not deserve her favor, kindness, mercy, and love. 

She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. Proverbs 31:13-15

Yet He has created her to empathize, nurture, care, heal, and comfort. But also with strength, wisdom, and dignity for the benefit of her children, family, husband, and all those who have the honor to meet her! 

She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. Proverbs 31:16-19

She hungers and thirsts after righteousness, holiness, and purity. Though not perfect, she strives in every way to seek the Lord in all their ways, asks for forgiveness and repents when she is wrong, listens patiently to those in need, is quick to hear wise and righteous counsel, and teaches those around her to do the same. All those who know her call her wise.

She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. Proverbs 31:20-23

The whole world is truly blessed because of her! God has truly blessed us above and beyond all measure by the work of her hands, the wisdom upon her lips, and the dignity of her ways.

She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:24-26

I say Thank You to God, first and foremost for creating godly, wise, compassionate women who love and fear the Lord their God. In this world we live in they are few and far between, but if you have the privilege to know one, you are very blessed. They are a marvel to behold. 

She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:27-31

Some day the Lord will make all things right again. It will be as it was before the fall of man, as it was even before the fall of the devil himself. He will rid the land of the wicked. He will lay them low, giving them what they deserve. He will destroy them more completely than at any other time in history, never to rise again. 

Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute? They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. He will bring back on them their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the LORD our God will wipe them out. Psalm 94:20-23

He will give to the righteous what He has long promised. He will sweep in peace, gladness, and joy. Never again will there be tears, sorrow, or pain. He will be the light and warmth of their countenance. Righteousness, holiness, and truth will reign supreme in all the land and no filthiness or evil will ever be found there again.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:3-5

And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.

They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:22-27

What a day that will be! Brothers and Sisters, what an awesome, wonderful, and glorious day that will be to walk with the Lord Jesus Christ on the Heavenly pavement of gold. To never have a single worry, fear, or sorrow ever again. But for now, though you long and grown to be set free from the bonds of sin and sorrow, there is still much to be done. 

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22-23

He has appointed you a worker of the harvest, a fisher of men, and a retriever of lost souls. There are so many more lost and weary souls that the Lord desires to save. Many more He has assigned for you to reach. He gives you this great and awesome duty to seek and save those who are lost, His lost and lonely sheep of His pasture that He longs to have safe in the fold.

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. John 10:14-16

So stay on that right, level, and narrow path and seek to work for the advancement of the Kingdom of God to build up riches in Heaven where neither moth eats or rust destroys. Then on that day that the Lord fulfills His promise to you, all will rejoice for all the good and faithful work you have done for your Lord and King. 

In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; He sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. For He has humbled the inhabitants of the height, the lofty city. He lays it low, lays it low to the ground, casts it to the dust. The foot tramples it, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy.”

The path of the righteous is level; you make level the way of the righteous. In the path of your judgments, O Lord, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul. Isaiah 26:1-8