Don’t give up! Do this instead.

Part of the the training that the Lord Jesus gave the Apostles was the importance of never giving up and losing heart in the midst of any crises or issues. Luke 18:1 says: “Now Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart “. Jesus never said anything without an important reason. He knew that we would encounter great difficulties in life and because of this, we need to know that we have powerful weapons of warfare: Prayer and standing on His promises! John 16:33 says: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding]. Today, be encouraged. God reminds you that He already won the battle for you. Stand strong in the faith. Put on the whole armor of God. Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7). Stand in the victory that Jesus already won for us!

A gift for you, and make haste to do this!

Psalm 119:60 says: “I made haste, and delayed not to keep Thy commandments”. The ERV translation says it this way: “Without wasting any time, I hurried back to obey your commands”. David never delayed to keep God’s commandments. He was quick to listen and obey. And when he would sin and miss the mark, he was quick to repent. He made “haste” to obey. The word Haste means: “rapidity of motion, to urge on, to move or act swiftly”. In a negative way, being hasty without first doing the needed research can be destructive. However, what David was saying was that he didn’t hesitate to do God’s will and obey His commandments. He wouldn’t allow anything to cause him to delay in obeying his commandments. Delay is good when one is considering investing in something important, when one is considering getting married, when one is considering what job or business they are going to dedicate their lives to. Things like that go better when we take our time and dedicate the necessary research or training. However, when you read and obey His word, you are on sure footing! David knew that obeying God’s wisdom and commandments kept him in the righteous environment that provided life, health, provision, protection, wisdom, grace and favor. In most things, think and get research before you act.  However, never delay in obeying God’s commands. This is life and health to you!