Don't Let the World Intimidate You

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

I John 4:4 

First, a few thoughts on the greatness of God...

I know that the Lord is great,
   that our Lord is greater than all gods.
The Lord does whatever pleases him,
   in the heavens and on the earth,
   in the seas and all their depths.
Psalms 135:5-6 (NIV) 
God does what he wants, as he sees fit. Some people think they will call God to account for the evil and injustice in the world. According to the Bible God is the Judge and we will all answer to him. The evil and injustice in the world is the result of mankind's rejection of God and rebellion to his Sovereignty. 

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 
John 10:29 (NIV)
God is greater than all. All what? All everything, all anything. No person, no government, no belief will overpower or out think God. Every knee will bow, even those who impetuously deny and blame him.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.
2 Chronicles 32:7-8 (NIV)
Sometimes all we will be able to see is the vastness of those who oppose us and our God. It may, at this time, look like the God haters are winning, but remember that the devil thought he won a great victory when Christ was crucified. But when Christ rose from the dead, conquering both sin and death, God forever revealed that he is greater than sin, it's sting which is death and Satan the accuser.  

  
The time we live in is definitely anti-Christ. One political party wanted to take the name of God of their platform during the last election. That can be intimidating, but greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.

Father, reveal yourself and your greatness to us as we seek to trust in you in this wicked world. May we shine like lights in the darkness! Praise be to you in us today!

KNOWING GOD IS WITH YOU

"Then my enemies will turn back 
     when I call for help.
     By this I will know that God is with me.
 In God, whose word I praise, 
     in the LORD, whose word I praise - 
 in God I trust; I will not be afraid. 
     What can man do to me?"
 Psalm 56:9-11

What or who is your enemy? Are you calling on God to help? Do you know how you will know if God is answering your prayers?

I have had a few prayers answered lately where I noticed I prayed about them for quite a long time. But, he answered. 

Sometimes I meet the enemy, and it is me. God needs to change me before he can answer some of my prayers. I need to be willing to be changed. 

So, keep praying, keep humble and don't be afraid to trust in God.

Father, open our eyes to see you working in our lives! Answer our prayers and may our enemies turn back before us! Praise be to you in us today!

VICTORY IS OURS!/ Psalm 44:4-5

"You are my King and my God,
     who decrees victories for Jacob.
 Through you we push back our enemies;
     through your name we trample our foes."
 Psalm 44:4-5

If there is going to be any victory in our lives it is because of our Kind and God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Just as the Psalmist realized the victories were all about God, we too must realize, only God can bring the victory.

"Through your name" we trample down our foes. I was just reading I Samuel 7 this morning and few things apply. First of all Israel repented (verse 2), and while they were seeking the Lord their enemy, the Philistines, decided to attack (verses 7). Isn't that the way it goes? We start to seek God in earnest and the trials start to come. The Israelites sought God and he gave them the victory (verses 14). 

Here's the deal: There will be battles. We will seek God and he will give us the victory. 

Father, help us to seek you. We look to you for the victories we need in our marriages, children, jobs and finances. Praise be to you in us today!