Paul the apostle, in describing the faith of Abraham, declared, “And being fully persuaded that, what he [God] had promised, he was able also to perform.Romans 4:21
Our God is able! But what often trips me up is the time factor. The time between my hearing God’s promise and God manifesting what He promised me may be longer than 17 seconds.
David was anointed, he was promised the throne, and he was given the throne … twelve years later.
We hold a plethora of promises in our hands and in our hearts, but God very infrequently delivers what He promises us within seconds. We struggle. We strive. We fall down. We rise up. And in faith we are victorious.
Keep on believing. Our God can, and our God will, because our God is able! He is able to do that which is exceedingly greater than all we ask or think—and He fulfills his promises abundantly.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.Ephesians 3:20
Once upon a time there was only ONE on/off knob that was pulled OUT to power UP the TV set and pushed back IN to power that baby DOWN.
There was but ONE channel changer (which turned to the left or right) and it was ATTACHED to the TV console that was positioned with all of the other furniture … on the floor. Had we tried a wall mount back then we’d have brought down half the house! That cabinet was heavy.
But THEN, it HAPPENED: Bang. Slam. Boom. Enter the age of technocracy and PRESTO … the handheld TV remote. Ayup! From our easy chair with a control in hand we could control the TV.
Did you ever visit a home with THREE remotes on the coffee table? Sheesh!
Can you GUESS how many buttons are on just ONE of these hand held devices found in most homes? Dozens! Over 40! That small electronic system has more functions than a Swiss Army knife.
Hello friend and welcome to 5 Minutes of Hope.
Today’s topic is: Unused and Untapped.
Has ANYBODY actually utilized every single button?
This control boasts of a mute button. Numbered buttons from zero to 9. Buttons with letters AND colors on them. Arrows. More arrows. Arrows in every direction. Return. Exit. Guide buttons. Buttons that activate functions that lead us to places we should not visit. I mean, there are selections and features some of us will NEVER figure out … unless we take out the instruction booklet … read it … and … follow … the … directions.
HELLO somebody.
Unused and untapped.
Kinda like the closed, unread Bible lying on the shelf. There is, within the pages of this eternal, inspired, God-breathed Word, tons … TONS OF TONS … of encouragement, help, instruction, direction, guidance, wisdom, strength, blessing, wander, truth, light …
Are you fearful? The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. Psalm 118:6
Are you anxious? When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19
Feeling helpless and alone? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. Psalm 118:7
Have you been abandoned or betrayed? But I will never, no never, lift my faithful love from off their lives. My kindness will prevail and I will never disown them. Psalm 89:33
Are you down, distressed, disappointed, or depressed? Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why are you so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11
🎹 Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord, Bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord, Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword, Standing on the promises of God. – Russell Kelso Carter
Honestly, let’s pick up that remote LESS and open up His Word MORE!
Let’s not ignore or stay unfamiliar with ALL that God‘s Word has for us, dear friend. May we press EVERY button and experience the fullness of our heavenly Father.
Mighty God, we thank you for the incomparable blessings found in Your Word. Help us read it, cherish it, store it up in our hearts, and share it. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we pray. Amen
Friend, may you be FILLED with hope today and share it with others.
Serving the Lord with eternity in mind brings the greatest satisfaction.
I Corinthians 15:58 says, “ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Life can be hard, tiring and discouraging, especially if we want people to constantly tell us what a good job we’re doing. Instead, we need to dedicate our time, strength and effort to the Lord, and trust in him with the results. When we work with eternity in view, our hearts will be encouraged here on earth. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!
Feeling a tad weary, worn and sad with all the depressing news and the goings-on? Might you be in the mood for some good news? NOW we’re talking!
I want to encourage you to pick up a Bible and commence reading it TODAY.
The Word of God reveals the God of the Word. It brightens our day and lightens our path. It replaces our panic with peace. It will bring faith to conquer our fears. The Word of God will cause our worship to triumph over our worries. It will straight away refocus our heart and mind to that which truly matters.
Christ is STILL King and Christ is STILL in control.
5 Minutes of Hope 