I recently had someone ask me how I feel about all of our countries current economic strains. It was interesting. The person looked at me as if they anticipated a complaint rolling off my lips. It didn't. Instead, my answer was simple: "God is good." See, it could be worse. I could not have a car to put gas in. It could be me overseas fighting a war with no visible signs of resolve. It could be me buried under piles of debris in China, holding on in hopes that someone will find me. I could've even been that one gunned down by multiple police bullets in that major city.
But God.
I know it sounds churchy, but God's Word is still true. Amen somebody! See, it's not that I'm so solvent that the issues of life don't tug at my heart too. I see them and I don't make light of them. Real talk, I fill my tank just like everyone else. My obligations are no different than yours. I have to pay bills, and run a company while still working another man's vision. And anyone who's a business owner will tell you that often times you may find yourself enduring what seems like endless seasons of sowing prior to reaping any type of harvest. So, I know what it's like to have concerns. We all have concerns. But here's where the men separate from the boys: belief.
The question: whose report will you believe?
See, we can listen to CNN give the economic forecast. We can watch gas prices rise $12,435.29 a gallon. We can even listen to people as they attempt to dictate how we should feel about the state of our economics…but then what? I don't know about you, but I've just always considered myself above the influence. You should too. I mean really, do you know who you serve? Do you know that God has all of the authority over the ability of the enemy? No, now is not the time to be punk'd by life. Church, don't let life handle you, you handle it. Remember, YOU'RE the one with dominion, not devils.
The question is, do you believe it? Is there anybody out there crazy enough to trust God? Where are the people of God willing to stand and speak faith? Anybody out there refuse to cower to the look of things? Okay push pause right here! You know what the church needs right now?
Testimony service.
Yeah, a good old-fashioned testimony service. Anybody want to tune-up the organ and testify? Hold, up! I think my brother David has something he wants to share. King David what do you want to share with the people about the God we serve? "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Psalms 37:25.
Hallelujah! Now, that's what I'm talking about "D". Finally someone willing to give an account. Church, aren't you glad that David reminds us that God will never forsake us? You ought to give him praise for that! I'm so glad to know that although people may leave, God is always there. And not only that but He won't leave us without. Not if we're righteous He won't.
Where all my right standing folks at? Go ahead, with your sanctified, Holy Ghost filled, righteous self (smile)!
Okay, who wants to testify next? Is that Moses I see making his way to the Hammond B? Alright, this is going to be good. Now take your time brother Moses. Don't worry about your stutter either. Speak slowly, we'll wait for you (smile). What can you share to encourage the people Moses? "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.
" Deuteronomy 7:9
My God! Now that's a Word! Thank you Moses for reminding us of His faithfulness. See saints, even in times of famine God is faithful throughout generations. Even when we can't see Him, He's still there. Even when it seems like all hope is gone, He is still true to His Word. Thank you Lord! God I thank you for your faithfulness. God I take time out to bless you today. My God, I feel a praise stirring. Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well? Don't just sit there! Go ahead and bless God wherever you are! I am so for real right now! Don't let fear box you in. I dare you right now wherever you are to let out a loud, unorthodox, radical this-may-be-my-last-time praise! And don't worry about people around you thinking you're crazy. I mean really. You're in front of a computer. Praising God. While reading a Myspace blog. You don't think they know you're crazy yet (smile)? Oh, whatever.
C'mon, let's just bless Him anyway!
Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whew, Lord. Okay, let's bring this thing home.
Is there anyone else that can share with us some final words of encouragement? Can anyone speak to that one that still hasn't caught a hold of what's going on here? Can anyone share for that one who is reading this right now and wondering 'How can you tell me to be encouraged when you don't know what's in my bank account? When's the last time you lived paycheck to paycheck? And how can I see tomorrow, if I can't even get passed today?'
Oh my is that who I think it is coming toward the front? Is that the King of kings? The Lord, of lords? Wow! Ladies and gentlemen the ultimate Propitiation Himself, Jesus the Christ. JC, what do you have to share in response to all of this? "The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. 24) Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? 25) And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? 26) If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27) Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28) If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 29) And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30) For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31) But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you." Luke 12:23-31.
My God with a Word like that, there's only one place to go from here. The doors of the church are now open (smile). The invitation is extended. Now is the time to lay it all on the altar. Lack? Lay it down. Worry? Lay it down. Fear? Lay it down. God knows my sister. He sees my brother. He has not forgotten you. He's standing right in the midst of your situation with arms wide open waiting to show Himself as Jehovah-jireh, the God that provides.
He just has one question:
Won't you come?
Nikki Washington
http://www.glowmagazineonline.com
Wasn't that awesome, now visit Glow online and give Ms. Nikki a shout!
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