Leastmost: The Most Important ~ Michael James Stone

Saturday, September 12, 2009

-excerpt from "Utmost with the Leastmost"

"The Most Important"

You know the most important thing I learned is this :

Nobody knows me like You
You put Your arms around me
You bring me through
And there's many times I don’t know what to do
Though some know me well
Still nobody knows me like You


As a young person I always thought my mother knew me so well, I could talk to her and I always so wanted to make her proud. She listened, and when she disagreed with me, I thought most of the time she was right, till I found out she was wrong.

Wrong about me in some ways, especially when I got saved. She really thought I would be "over it" one day. She got saved instead.

My sisters thought they knew me and sometimes they remind me of Jesus and His brethren with Mary his mother when they came to Jesus to stop him from going to Jerusalem. Because He had become famous, to them in some ways he was infamous since he made really bold statements they didn't believe in, but they let Jesus be himself and contrary to what He told them, They "knew" him.

That particular time Jesus went on to be Crucified, rise from the dead and they discovered they really did not know Him as well as they thought.

People will always be telling you they know you. Your friends, your family, your doctor, even your wife, or your kids, maybe an ex-boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, doctor, or pastor. Sometimes they may know a little about you, sometimes you might know a little about yourself.

I have found more important than what people "know me as" is a fact I hang my hat on:

Nobody knows me like You
You put Your arms around me
You bring me through
And there's many times I don’t know what to do
Though some know me well
Still nobody knows me like You

I have had nights of tears when scriptures failed me, consolation or comfort was gone, no one was there but a song as a cry from my heart when I couldn't even voice the words but listen to my sobbing as words rang out to my ears to hear :


In the beginning I never knew
Just how much I really needed You
More than a friend, someone I could talk to
You’ve changed me in so many ways.

I have found out over the years that I am changing. Besides getting older, God is changing me in ways I can't see and often didn't realize, Sins once so easy to attract me are less interesting, people see someone I would never describe myself to be.

Years have rolled by and I realize, even I don't know me and I like that.

Nobody really knows me and I am surprised pleasantly most of the time by what God has done and how he has remade me into someone different than who I used to be. I never saw it coming, but I know it is happening.

God loves you. The most important thing is God loves you and knows you better than you know yourself. He loves you in such a way that once you are his, He doesn't leave you the way you are, he continues to make you into a person you always wanted to be.

Sometimes you help him, sometimes you hinder him but you know what else in so important about Him knowing you?

All of those nights that I was afraid
I stood on the promises You have made
The way that I act sometimes l am ashamed
But You’ve never turned me away, no, no, no

In all of your failings, in all of your success, in all the times you turned your head and pretended you did not know Him, the one thing that is a blessing to you beyond measure or price is the fact that nobody knows you like Jesus does and He will never, ever, leave you. Never.

In the beginning I never knew
Just how much I really needed You
More than a friend, someone I could talk to
You’ve changed me in so many ways.

Nobody knows me like You
You put Your arms around me
You bring me through
And there's many times I don’t know what to do
Though some know me well
Still nobody knows me like You

All of my secrets to You I tell
You saw each time that I slipped and fell
And all of my faults yes, You know them well
But You’ve never turned me away, no, no, no

Nobody knows me like You
You put Your arms around me
You bring me through
And there's many times I don’t know what to do
Though some know me well
Still nobody knows me like You

Walkin’ in your presence is where I wanna be
You said in Your Word, You said that You would lead me
Yes I love You, oh, I really love You
I’II go anywhere
As long as I know you’ll be there

All of those nights that I was afraid
I stood on the promises You have made
The way that I act sometimes l am ashamed
But You’ve never turned me away, no, no, no

Nobody knows me like You
You put Your arms around me
You bring me through
And there's many times I don’t know what to do
Though some know me well
Still nobody knows me like You

Words & Music by Benny Hester

Living by grace involves looking to the Lord ~ Bob Hoekstra

David Confessing the Lord as His God

I hear the slander of many; Fear is on every side; While they take counsel together against me, They scheme to take away my life. But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." (Psalm 31:13-14)

Living by grace involves looking to the Lord as the one who must work His ways in and through our lives. Another distinctive indication that David lived in this manner was his habit of confessing the Lord as his God. "I say, 'You are my God'."

Such confessions by David were not mere religious ceremony, given in settings of ease and security. Rather, he made such confessions in times of threat and impossibility. When David voiced this particular confession, more than a few people were coming against him with a barrage of slanderous attacks. "I hear the slander of many." The situation was so bad that fearful circumstances surrounded him. "Fearis on every side." His slanderers were conspiring against him. "They take counsel together against me." Their goal was a total victory. They were plotting in order to completely destroy him. "They scheme to take away my life."

David (like many of God's children) found himself in such embattled situations frequently. One of these many conflicts included cruel taunts that even accused David of being cast off by the Lord. "My enemiesspeak against me; And those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together, Saying, 'God has forsaken him; Pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him'" (Psalm 71:10-11).

Another encounter was accompanied by a very distinct type of pain. David was under threat of death from the hand of Saul, the king he had faithfully served. The superscription from Psalm 59 documents this painful opposition. "A Michtam of David when Saul sent men, and they watched the house in order to kill him."

One opposition brought David a unique measure of personal agony. This occurred when David's own son came to usurp his father's throne."LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me" (Psalm 3:1-2). The superscription above this Psalm indicates that Absalom led this army of insurrectionists. "A Psalm ofDavid when he fled Absalom his son."

In each of these cruel and painful betrayals, David confessed the Lord to be his God. "But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God'…O my God, make haste to help me!…Deliver me from my enemies, O my God…Arise, O LORD; Save me, O my God!" (Psalm 31:13; 71:12; 59:1; and 3:7).

Dear Lord, I also want to confess You as my God when I face opposition or attack. Even when my heart is aching from the most painful betrayals, I want to confess You as the sovereign Master, Who is in control of every aspect of my life, Amen.

Should ministry and marketplace leaders be partners? (85-3) ~ Barry Werner

Should ministry and marketplace leaders be partners? (85-3)

A large portion of my working life was spent working in the film industry creating films that delivered a godly message. Sometimes it is uncomfortable being a ministry leader among marketplace leaders. The life of Samuel gives some insight to those living in this situation. Read 1 Samuel 9:1-15:31.

God has a role for the ministry leader (priest) and the marketplace leader (king). In order to be effective the priest (ministry leader) must settle the issue of personal security while the king (marketplace leader) must settle their position before God concerning personal submission. Ministry leaders will fail in their role if they feel intimidated and marketplace leaders will fail if they feel independent of God or the ministry leaders He appoints.

Samuel anointed Saul king over Israel. Saul became Samuel’s king and Saul could be very intimidating. Some lessons godly leaders can learn from Samuel as he handled his ministry leadership role:

• Even though God was appointing Saul as King, Samuel never considered Saul to be a celebrity. He never placed his security or emotional health in a man but only in God.
• Although Samuel had been the visible leader of Israel, at God’s command, he gave away his status by publicly honoring Saul. According to 9:21-24, Samuel gave Saul a special place at the table and a reserved meal so no one could question whom they were to follow. This took great personal security in his relationship with God.
• Samuel didn’t feel competition or envy over this new king. Samuel knew that both he and Saul would serve as complementary leaders as they partnered to serve God.
• Samuel did not resist helping Saul to develop into the spiritual leader God had called him to be. See 10:6-9.
• Samuel faithfully brought God’s word to Saul. He prepared Saul to receive his spiritual gifts by explaining what would happen and when to look for it.
• While Samuel affirmed the king, he also understood his own role in Israel and in the king’s life. Samuel never allowed Saul’s position or success to intimidate him. Samuel confronted Saul’s disobedience and continued to clarify their roles.
• Even after confronting Saul’s disobedience, Samuel was able to provide direction for the king and affirm his work on the battlefield. He did not shrink back from playing his role as a ministry leader in Saul’s life.
• Samuel hurt for the king when he failed. Samuel grieved when God rejected the disobedient Saul. The king’s failure broke Samuel’s heart.
• Samuel continually provided the big-picture perspective to Saul and consistently reminded him of his roots and God’s mission. See 15:12-23.
• Samuel fulfilled his role as ministry leader by using a combination of grace and truth when dealing with Saul. Samuel spoke the truth in love, never out of spite or superiority.

Some of the most effective leadership partnerships are between marketplace leaders and ministry leaders. Determine at least one more way that Samuel worked in partnership with Saul.

• 

Tags: Ministry Leader, Partnership, Submission

« Are you the real leader or just the person in charge? (85-2)

What are you doing to improve your communication skills? (85-4)

Twitter proverbs from Rick Warren

Another proof of our fallen nature is our uncanny ability to clearly see the faults of everyone except ourselves. Rom2:1-3about 11 hours ago from web

@challies Tim,would love to see you.Follow my tweets & talk to friendsTim Keller,John Piper,Randy Alcorn,Ligon Duncan,about 11 hours ago from web

It's easy 2know what God is REALLY like-just take a long look at Jesus."He's the visible image of the invisible God'Col1:15about 11 hours ago from web

A proof of fallen nature is our abillty 2lie 2ourselves &believe it!To"rationalize"is 2 tell yourself Rational Lies.Jer17:9about 12 hours ago from web

I've waited on God 7 years to write it.about 18 hours ago from web

Since U follow me,U HEAR IT 1ST! Nov17 I release the followup to Purpose Driven Life-"THE HOPE YOU NEED" on Lord's Prayer!about 18 hours ago from web

MY HOPE:-"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us,so that in him we might become the righteousness of God"2Cor5:21about 22 hours ago from web

4 TESTS OF YOUR FAITH:HEB11 A major change-v8, A delayed promise-v9-10, An impossible problem-v11-12, A senseless loss-v173:43 PM Sep 10th from web

If u follow the crowd you'll be lost in it. Your choice:Cool or Christlike?"They loved praise of men more than God"Jn12:431:35 PM Sep 10th from web

Kept #theNINES on all day.I'm SO proud of u dear friends! All of u hit home runs! "YOU are my joy." Ph4:1 I can die happy!5:06 PM Sep 9th from web

"You have rejected me, but my anger is gone; I will heal you and love you without limit." Hosea 14:4 (CEV)4:51 PM Sep 9th from web

For me,the miracle of Communion isnt a transformation of bread&juice but a transformation in me when I obey in faith&love4:50 PM Sep 9th from web

RT @caseycockerham Rick, @JohnMaxwell copied ur tweet.Casey,as I noted, MaxGarrott said it 1st in his oft-quoted '63 book!4:32 PM Sep 9th from web

Max Garrott' '62 book:Jesus' way:1 I do it & u watch 2 I do it & u help 3 U do it & I help 4 U do it & I'm out of here!8:11 AM Sep 9th from web

S.H.A.R.E weekly w a new believer:STUDY the Word together;HELP w a need;ASSIGN homework;REVIEW verses;ENCOURAGE w prayer7:57 AM Sep 9th from web

In the presence of a psychiatrist, I can only be a sick man; In the presence of a Christian brother, I can dare to be a sinner." -Bonhoeffer11:06 PM Sep 8th from web

U cant defeat a sin Uwont admit.My hurdle to holiness is a desire to look good.What do u pretend isnt your problem? Ps19:122:05 PM Sep 8th from web

http://twitpic.com/gyr7y - Next Gen is hungry 4 PURPOSE!Seeing huge crowds @ universities like Harvard &Cambridge.Oxford gave me this:6:41 AM Sep 8th from TwitPic

Warren's Law: A celebrity's insecurity is measured by the length of their limo. Service,not status,creates self-worth.3:49 AM Sep 8th from web

Never let ego slights,petty jealousy,or prideful bickering,keep u from the great work God gives u.Its not about u.Ph3:13-152:41 AM Sep 8th from web

Jesus called His followers to carry on ~ Mark Balmer

Your Heart, His Home

Posted:

Based on “Under HIS Influence-The Overflowing Lifestyle”

by Pastor Mark Balmer;

9/5-6/09, Message #MB388; Daily Devotional #5 -

“Your Heart, His Home”

Preparing the Soil (Introduction):

On the beach where my husband and I walk, there is a beautiful 2-story house that has been for sale for at least a year and a half.

No one has lived in that house in all that time. We have often commented on how sad it is that no one is enjoying its spacious rooms, screened-in pool area, and gorgeous view. The halls don’t ring with the sound of laughter, the appliances sit idle.

As lovely as it is, that house is not fulfilling the potential for which it was built.

Without people living in it, it is just a house. As Christ followers, our divine purpose is so much more than that empty house. Scripture tells us that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, bought with a price for the purpose of honoring God (I Corinthians 6:19-20), but if we do not let the Holy Spirit live through us, are we of any more value to God than that empty house?

Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Jesus called His followers to carry on the work He started when He was on this earth. He promised us the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

He gave us a purpose and the power to fulfill it.

As we seek to come under His influence, we recognize the need to empty ourselves of the things that hinder that power from flowing through us—doubt, fear, apathy, pride, carnality, self-ambition—and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with Himself.

Instead of doubt and fear, He fills us with a new confidence (in His power) and boldness that empowers us to witness to those around us. This doesn’t just mean telling someone about salvation. Just as Jesus and the disciples reached out to touch the physical needs of others, we are witnessing to others by helping to meet their physical needs as well. We may witness to those closest to us by our speech, our attitudes, and the way we relate to them.

Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): We must realize that, even though we are filled with the Spirit, we still have a sinful nature that causes us to leak spiritually.

We have the tendency to move back under our old influence.

We need to be diligent in seeking and living under His influence, or we may just end up like that empty house. The disciples’ pattern was prayer, instruction, and fellowship (Acts 2:42). As we devote ourselves to prayer and study of the Scriptures, both privately and with other believers, we will gain wisdom and understanding of the nature of God (Proverbs 9:10). The more we are under His influence, the more we can influence the world around us.

Cultivating (Additional Reading): Acts 1-3; Philippians 2:13

klw

Talk about Jesus and salvation through Him ~ David McGee

Acts 22:17-18

Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance and saw Him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.'
NKJV

Life Lesson

When sharing, always keep Jesus the focus. Keep the main thing, the main thing.

In Acts chapter 22 Paul is sharing his testimony with an enraged group of Jews who were seeking to kill him. Notice, however, what Paul does NOT share in his testimony to these groups of men. Paul isn't saying anything about how difficult his life has been since he became a Christian. Certainly, he could have. Paul endured incredible hardships during his ministry.

He was beaten many times; he was stoned with rocks, shipwrecked and imprisoned. Paul could easily have said, "Well, life's been pretty hard since Jesus saved me. I've been beaten, shipwrecked and imprisoned and now, once again, people are trying to kill me." Instead, Paul puts the focus on Jesus...and so should we. Brothers and sisters, when sharing your testimony, don't talk about the difficulties in your life. Jesus told us that in this world we would have tribulation, but He didn't stop there.

Jesus said, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33b NKJV

To talk about trials will only push people away. Talk about Jesus and salvation through Him. Keep the main thing the main thing.

Dear Father,
Thank You for the life you have given me. Lord, when you bring me the opportunity to speak to someone about my testimony help me to always keep Jesus the main thing. Please do not let my words get in the way but let the Holy Spirit speak through me so that Jesus will be seen. Thank You for giving us Your Word to learn and obey. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Go ahead – be heavenly minded ~ Greg Laurie

When you have had someone close to you die, especially a child, everything changes. You see life much differently. Although it has been one year now since my son Christopher's departure to heaven, the sadness lingers. His absence is very pronounced, perhaps even more so. Like a blanket, it covers everything.

While there are things still very, very hard to deal with, there are blessings as well. I have a much better perspective on life and what really matters. It has made me long for heaven more, and that cannot be a bad thing, because Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21 nkjv). Thinking deeply about heaven helps a lot, and more than ever, I have a great interest in knowing and talking about heaven.

Although heaven is more personal, real and nearer than it has ever been before, I still have questions about heaven. I want to know more about heaven, because it is the future dwelling place of every follower of Christ. In fact, the Bible tells us to give some serious thought to the topic: "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth" (Colossians 3:1-2 nlt). Another way to put it is, "Think heaven!" Our feet must be on Earth, but our minds must be in heaven.

Yet sadly, many of us go through an entire day, even a week, without one thought of heaven. As writer and Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe observes in his book, "Be Victorious," "Heaven is more than a destination; it is a motivation."

But how can we be thinking about and seeking heaven? Answer: from the careful study of Scripture. We have heard it said that a person can be so heavenly minded, they are no earthly good. But I would suggest that many people today are so earthly minded, they are no heavenly good. Those who are truly heavenly minded always have done the most for Earth. Think of the relief agencies, universities and schools that have been founded by Christians. In contrast, how many atheist relief agencies are in existence today? Those who think the most of the next world do the most for this one.

Heaven can be hard to wrap our minds around. People can think of heaven in a mystical way, with clouds, more clouds and people floating around. To some, like the science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov, heaven even sounded boring. He said, "I don't believe in an afterlife, so I don't have to spend my whole life fearing hell, or fearing heaven even more. For whatever the tortures of hell, I think the boredom of heaven would be even worse." But that is not a statement a person who knows something about heaven would make.

Heaven is a real place for real people. It helps me to think of heaven in this way, because I live in a place now, and the Bible tells me I will live in another place later. Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2 nkjv).

The Bible uses many images, ideas and words to describe heaven. One of those words is "paradise." Jesus told the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43 nkjv). The apostle Paul, who died, went to heaven, and then came back to life, described heaven using the same word: paradise (see 2 Corinthians 12:4).

Heaven is also described in the Bible as a city: "For [Abraham] waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:10 nkjv); and "Here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come" (Hebrews 13:14 nkjv). Cities have buildings, culture, art, music, goods, services and events. So instead of trying to imagine some weird city that is situated on a cloud, think about a city you have visited. Certain cities, like Jerusalem, Rome, Paris and New York City, have unique qualities to them. Heaven will be the best of the best cities you have ever visited, yet so much better.

Another way the Bible describes heaven is as a country: "But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them" (Hebrews 11:16 nkjv).

So heaven is like a paradise, a city and a country. We tend to think of Earth as the real thing and heaven as the surreal thing. But as C. S. Lewis put it, Earth is "The Shadowlands." Lewis was speaking of heaven as the real thing. So Earth is a pale version of heaven, not the other way around. It is all just a taste of better things to come. Heaven is the real deal, the eternal dwelling place, while Earth is the copy, the temporary dwelling place. We start with Earth and reason up toward heaven, when we ought to start with heaven and reason down toward Earth.

Heaven is real, and it is a prepared place for prepared people. Are you prepared? If you want to go to heaven, it is a deliberate decision. It is a choice you make to accept the forgiveness of God and put your faith in Jesus Christ, and him alone, to give you eternal life.

The last thing God wants is for you to spend eternity separated from him. And that is why he paid such a great price by sending his son to die in your place. You can know today, and know with certainty, that you are going to heaven by putting your faith in Jesus Christ. The choice is yours.

The very nature of sin is to grow and spread ~ Bob Coy

SIN IS PROLIFIC AND PROGRESSIVE

" . . . sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." -Genesis 4:7 (NKJV)

Sin is not passive; it is prolific. Scripture describes it as crouching just outside the door of our hearts, waiting for an opportune time to attack and subdue us. The very nature of sin is to grow and spread itself in as many lives and situations as possible. And whether we like it or not, our relationships can serve as channels through which our own sin can pass and infect others.

Here's one example of how this works. Let's pretend that you know something really juicy about a man with an addiction. A Christian is supposed to cover over another person's shame (Proverbs 17:9), but your flesh is having a difficult time keeping this quiet. So, in a moment of weakness, you find yourself picking up the phone and dialing the number of one of your friends. It's just a matter of time before you start to discuss this man's dirt.

That's bad enough, but it doesn't stop there. Now your friend feels the need to pick up the phone and call one of his friends, and on and on it goes until word gets back to the one with the addiction. Imagine how he must be devastated! What happened? Not only did you sin, but there's now a trail of sin winding its way through many hearts.

Again, sin is not passive; it is prolific. And when it isn't dealt with in your heart by the power of the Holy Spirit, it will seize the opportunity to infect others via your relationship with your spouse, parents, children, employers, and friends. Our relationships should serve as channels for blessing, not sin. If we're guilty of letting a relationship be used for sin, let's ask God's Spirit to change our hearts and help us change the channel.

So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. (Galatians 5:16 NLT)

Discuss, Dig, Decide

Discuss with your group the infectious spreading of sin. Why do you think our response to someone else’s sin can be just as sinful as their actions?

What does slanderous sin cost those involved?

Dig into Genesis 4. What impression does this story make on you? How does it remind you of your own struggle with sin? How does Galatians 5:16 offer you the hope you need?

Decide to take action against the spreading of sin in your life. Take time as a group to pray and ask God to help you in that area of temptation that keeps creeping in.

Meditate on Psalm 119:11 and obey it!

People have lots of ideas about what God is like ~ Jon Courson

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God ...
	Colossians 1:14-15
People have lots of ideas about what God is like ... The Hindu says, ‘God must be loving, benevloent, and gentle. Therefore, He must be a cow.’ The American Indian, watching an eagle soar effortlessly and majestically upon the wind currents says, ‘God is an eagle.’ The ancient Egyptian sees the awesome power of the sun and says, ‘God is Ra. God is the sun.’ Each culture speaks a partial truth, but all miss the total picture because all of humanity is blind. So what did God do? He came and dwelt among us in the Person of Jesus Christ. Therefore, when I want to know what God is like, I don’t have to try and figure out His nature. I can study the life of Jesus, for He alone reveals God in totality. He alone is the ‘image of the invisible God.’

"Live a life worthy of [our] calling" ~ Charles Stanley

Getting Rid of Anger

Ephesians 4:26-32

The apostle Paul wrote extensively about the character and conduct of believers. He urged Christians to "live a life worthy of [our] calling" (Eph. 4:1) and to be "imitators of God" (Eph. 5:1). In his letters to the churches, he explained what it meant to live a godly life.

First of all, we must curtail some of our habits and behaviors and replace them with new ones that are acceptable to God. The acts of the "flesh" are no longer to be a part of us. We now have a new nature and must conduct ourselves accordingly. Galatians 5:19-21 lists 15 specific behaviors that have to cease. These include enmities, strife, outbursts of anger, disputes, and dissensions. Notice the role anger plays in each of these. It fuels disagreements and inflames antagonism. And second, if we get angry, we need to apologize quickly (Eph. 4:26).

The fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) is to replace ungodly thoughts and actions. If we have been quick-tempered, then we need to gain patience. If our anger runs hot, then we are to become peaceful people. Foolishness in speech must give way to the wisdom of Christ. Change is possible because sin's power over us has been permanently broken. We have been set free to live in a way pleasing to God.

We all struggle with some form of ungodly behavior, but happily, we don't have to continue in it. As new creations, we no longer have to be defined by who we were before salvation (2 Cor. 5:17). To exhibit the righteousness that is yours, cooperate with the Holy Spirit's transforming work.

Joy and peace are found in belief ~ Joyce Meyer

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope. —Romans 15:13

Romans 15:13 is one of my favorite scriptures.

It says that joy and peace are found in believing. I remember when I was going through a period of time in which I had lost my joy and my peace.

I didn't know what was wrong with me, but I knew something was wrong. One night I was pretty desperate, so I went over to the little "promise box" full of scriptures and began flipping through it. I pulled out one of the little cards in it, and immediately the Lord spoke to me through it.

It simply said, "Romans 15:13: Joy and peace are found in belief." As soon as I got back to believing, my joy and peace came back. And the same is true for you. As soon as you start doubting, you lose your joy and peace; but as soon as you start believing again, your joy and peace come back to you. God has given us a tool to keep ourselves radically happy and peaceful. All we have to do is believe. Of course, as soon as we start believing, the devil starts screaming in our ears, "That's stupid! What if you believe and you don't get what you are believing?"

That's when we have to answer back, "No, it's not stupid. What if I believe and get what I am believing? But even if I never get it, I am still happier and more peaceful by believing than I am by doubting." So it is a win-win situation. There is no way to lose when we believe; because if we believe, we are liable to get what we are believing for. But even if we don't, we will stay happy and peaceful.

So it is vital that we keep a believing heart.