The Lord knows them that are His

2Ti 2:19  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

In a time of great confusion as to what it means to be a Christian, the seal, or stamp of God’s ownership remains the same.  First, God knows His own.  He is not confused or deceived by anyone.  Secondly, true children of God depart from iniquity.  True children of God live with a purpose to do right all the time, in every situation.

The great Deliverer

Joe 2:32And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Joel affirms that our God is the great deliverer.  Notice that whosoever calls on the Lord shall be delivered.  God is fair, impartial.  You are not too insignificant to be seen and heard by God.  In the city of God, in the home of His family, there is deliverance. God has promised, and He is faithful.

God will deliver

Psa 62:1  Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. Psa 62:2He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

There is only one source of help.  In all of our problems, in all of our difficulties, there is only one to whom we should look for our deliverance.  Our God is faithful and true.  He is a rock, solid, stable, unmoved by the storms of life.  He is our defender, He is our hope; therefore, we can stay steady, waiting and trusting.  He will deliver.

Sowing and reaping

Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

There is sowing before any reaping can be done.  Sowing involves work, but it also involves risk.  We are investing our lives in sowing for good, without the ability to bring a harvest.  I am thankful that we serve the God of the harvest who is faithful to bring the increase.  It is only after a period of faithful sowing that we will see the faithfulness of God, and our joy will be overflowing.

He satisfies

Psa 107:9For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

There is a longing that only God can fill. Those who hunger and thirst after God and His way will be blessed.  People chase after all kinds of things seeking to be satisfied….it is only those who long for God that really find a place of satisfaction. 

The blessing of obedience

Pro 10:27The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

Satan will always tells us that we are the loser for living right.  The opposite is true.  A reverence and respect for God that results in an obedient life tends to a long and full life.  It tends to happiness, lower anxiety, health and prosperity.  The disobedient, the wicked, are the ones who really lose, both in this life and the life to come.

Don't slack

Ecc_9:10  Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

 We are to give effort to the opportunities that God in His providence provides for us.  This echoes Jesus admonition to work while it is day.  We are to give diligent effort to the affairs of this life, and especially to the work of the kingdom of God.  Discouraging times can cause us to slack in our efforts, but we need reminded to stay diligent in the affairs of this life while we have opportunity.  We only have this life to accomplish these things, and most importantly, we only have this life to accomplish the things which pertain to the kingdom of God. 

The Lord is my helper

Heb 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

There are many fearful things to be faced in life.  Yet, with God as our helper we need not fear.  Who can stand against God?  Who is a match for the mighty Creator of the universe?  We can say boldly, without fear “God is my helper”.

Control your anger

Psa 37:8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Anger is a natural emotion to certain situations.  It is a natural emotion to being done wrong.  However, it is also very dangerous.  Evil is never far away when we are angry.  We should seek to calm our anger, cease and forsake our anger.  Don’t allow your anger to cause you to act or speak in a way that is not becoming of one who claims the name of Christ.

Readily available help

Psa 46:1  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

God is our hiding place, our refuge.  He is our strength and help.  His help is right at hand, never far away.  Let’s find our assurance and safety in Him.  His help is always near and readily available.

He is worthy of praise

Rev 4:11  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Oh how much our Lord is worthy of praise!!  Everything that was created in this world was created by Him and for Him.  We need to keep a proper perspective on this life.  We also were created by Him and for Him.  Let’s allow our hearts to well up in awe to the Creator God.

Finding stability

Psa 16:8I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

An awareness of the presence of God can keep us steady.  The expression “at my right hand” reminds us that He is ever presence, close at hand.  We “set the Lord before” us by staying aware of His presence.  In doing so, we will find the strength to remain steadfast.

Show mercy

Mat 5:7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

It is easy to forget the great mercy and forgiveness we have received. When some does us wrong, it is easy to want to “even the score”, to “make things right”, to take revenge. We are reminded that it is the merciful who will receive the blessing of mercy.  Let us ever keep this in mind as we deal with others.

His presence brings rest

Exo 33:14And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

Another precious promise of rest!  It is the presence of God that brings us peace and rest.  It is the assurance of His care, His love and His mercy that brings us rest.  He has promised that His presence would go with us.

Find rest

Mat 11:28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mat 11:29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Mat 11:30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Jesus extends an invitation to come to Him and find rest.  How much we need peace and rest.  Are you struggling under a heavy burden?  Then this invitation is for you.  Notice the meekness and kindness of Jesus. He is compassionate, He will restore the fire where just smoke remains. He will strengthen when is seems all strength is gone.  He is not a hard task master; His way is not hard and burdensome.  Come to Him and find the rest you long for.

Stay humble

1Pe 5:6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

We are reminded that the proper attitude toward God is humility.  God takes special note of the humble.  This passage alludes to the discipline and correction that God gives His children.  Sometimes we are tempted to lash out at the trials or difficulties that God may use to discipline or correct us. Humility, though, is the right response.  Accept the correction as from a loving heavenly Father.  In due time, God will lift us up.

God fights our battles

Deu 20:4For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

It is a great comfort to know that we are not in life’s battles alone. As God’s children, He is with us, to fight for us.  Were it not for this fact, many of life’s battles would seem terrifying, insurmountably difficult.  But, we are not alone!  The very Creator of the universe is by our side. There is nothing, no battle, no trial, no difficulty, that is too much for our God!   

God will provide

Mat 6:30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

We are so very prone to fret and worry!  Jesus challenges us to consider how well God takes care of His creation.  If God is concerned about the grass and plants, how much more is will He take care of His very own children!  (O we of little faith)  Let us look to the great Creator with the trust and faith that He so richly deserves.   

Trust Him

Psa 9:10And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

The better we know God, the more we will trust Him because He is altogether trustworthy.  God has not, does not and will not forsake those who seek and trust Him.  Determine to know Him better and trust Him more.