For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Many clamor for something that might give them relief from the knot in their nerves and the emptiness that fills their heart and soul.  People are willing to go to great extremes to calm such storms, even if it is at the cost and sacrifice of their own wellbeing or dignity.  The problem is that man is looking for relief from a source that only adds to the loneliness and pain they are already enduring-SIN

Sin does not provide Satisfaction.
Sin does not provide Stability.
Sin does not provide Security.

People, from all walks of life, are thirsting for a cool and refreshing drink of soul satisfying water.  Man comes time and again and dips his cup into the well of the world and forces down another drink of salt laden water.  It neither comforts nor quenches the longing in their soul. They do not know peace.

Man’s thirst can be traced back to the Garden of Eden.  At the very moment that Adam sinned, man’s relationship with God was broken.  That moment in time has had an effect on everyone who has been born since.  Sin left its indelible mark on man.   The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a.) But the good news is the rest of the verse, “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  On a glorious night years ago, the angel of the Lord made this announcement, “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11.) The Lord Jesus is The Prince of Peace.

The Lord Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6.) Christ has bridged the gap between man and God and by doing so, has made it possible for there to be true peace between God and man.

Spiritually speaking our nation has driven a wedge between its self and Almighty God.  We have not simply drifted we have made a conscious decision to steer away from God.  We should not be surprised by what we see in the days we are living in. 

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

We live in an ever changing world that seems to be built more upon sand than anything that has any substance to it.  Everything seems to be disposable and not built to last for any length of time; whether it’s a razor blade, a microwave oven, or an air conditioner.  The philosophy seems to be, make it cheap, get it out the door, and soon they’ll be back for more.  People change and often come and go, but my friend there is one who does not change, the Lord Jesus Christ. Take a hold of this and don’t let go.

Always and forever, we can count on Him!  In darkness and defeat, we can count on Christ Jesus.  When all seems lost and others let us down, Christ Jesus does not change.  Our Saviour; our anchor; our rock is the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the provider and our sustainer, the light of our lives that fades not away.  The Prince of Peace is our shelter when the wicked winds blow and dark clouds boil.

Before I was saved the only hope that I had was in the things of this world.  It was a lonely life built upon that which is fleeting and fading away. Here today and gone tomorrow.  Christian, be strengthened and encouraged that hope is certain, hope is a reality.  Hope is real- Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).  The Bible says, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).  Always and forever we can trust our Saviour and His Word. At this very moment! If you are struggling on the street of discouragement merge on over to the Super Highway of the King of kings and the King of GLORY!  Get yourself up shake the dust of discouragement off and walk in victory that is rightfully yours in Christ Jesus.

“And I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 2:1-5                           
 
If we aren’t careful, we can allow ourselves to place mere men on the throne and look past the Lord Jesus Christ.  We will make an idol out of anything or anyone.  The Apostle Paul communicates to the church at Corinth a wonderful lesson that we should apply today when it comes to men and the power they seem to have in their preaching.  Paul lets them know it did not originate from him.  As we break down today’s verses, I believe you will see for yourself just what Paul was getting at.
I. The Power wasn’t in Paul’s Wisdom- (Verses 1-2) When our wisdom is determined by God’s Word, it will never be earthly wisdom, but heavenly truth.  The preaching of the Cross and Christ certainly is a heavenly truth.
2. The Power wasn’t because of Paul’s Strength- (Verse 3) It was not Paul’s strength he depended on.  All through Paul’s ministry he depended on the strength of God in any and every situation.
3. The Power wasn’t found in Paul’s Words- (Verse 4) It wasn’t Paul’s enticing words- It was the Power of the Holy Spirit.  Paul’s preaching was a demonstration not a performance or show.  When God’s man shares God’s Word, God’s power and God’s authority will flow from that Word when God’s man preaches it and  the message will stir, convict and comfort God’s people and those who are unsaved who hear it.  The glory does not belong to the man, but to God.

Beware not to put too much stock in a man.  The Bible says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8). Look beyond the Man and to the true source of power- GOD!

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil.  Proverbs 3:5-7

I would suggest that you carry this powerful section from the Word of God close to you.  Allow it to be your anchor and your comfort.  Run it through your mind and saturate it in your heart.  Meditate on it and in doing so God will do a great work in you. God and His Word will be your strength and a great source of peace as you go about your time God has given.  Listen-We will trust the One we love and we will love the One we trust. Whatever it is that is happening or going on in your life at this very moment re-read the scripture above and by simple faith do what it says.

Get yourself up, shake yourself off and live victoriously in Christ Jesus.  Don't allow yourself to be consumed by all that is happening around you. "Set your affections on things above, not on the earth" (Colossians 3:2.)  Take time to praise the Lord.  Take time to pray for many. Take time to seek His face. Take time to thank the Lord. Take time to look back and recall all that the Living God has done for you. Let's not simply endure, let’s live!

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. Psalm 70:4

Oh my this is a Powerhouse of a verse! Let's take this verse with us in the weeks to come. Let's apply it to our hearts and allow it to be lived out in our lives. Let's allow the Holy Spirit to do a work in us. Simply read it and allow the Spirit of truth to ignite a fire within us. We don't need sad faced, broken down and lip dragging believers. If you are saved and you are in a season of sufferings and trials bring it all to the Lord and ask Him for the strength and power to rise above that which is your circumstance and camp out in our verse and watch the God of Heaven move in your life. "Let God be magnified"

Thanks for visiting and thanks for praying,
Bro. Tracy

 1. The Position- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
 
2. The Prayer- Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (Psalm 119:18)
 
3. The Provision- The entrance of thy words giveth light it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130)
 
4. The Potential- Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm (119:105)

I have a burden for my family who are having a tough time with the passing of my Dad. Yes our comfort is in the fact that my Dad was saved and he is with the Lord, but we will still be grieved and saddened because we miss him. For the child of God you can be encouraged and helped by the following verses. Perhaps there are others who are going through a tough time- I pray that you will also be encouraged in a mighty way through God’s Word.

The Plea and the Prayer
1.Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. Psalm 5:2-3

Bring your hurt and pain to the Lord. Call on Him in the midst of your trials and troubles.

The Proclamation and the Provision
1. I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. 2. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:1-2

I have been blessed many times over by these powerful words from Psalm 18. They are a blessed reminder of who the Lord is to His children.

Consider these words:
The Lord is:
1. My Rock
2. My Fortress
3. My Deliverer
4. My God
5. My Strength

The Lord's comfort is real and His care is immeasurable.

"The only way to learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm in severe testing." George Mueller

My wife and I are neck deep in such a place at this very moment. Most Christians would not dare admit such a thing for fear of looking weak. I find that to be foolish. I am not proposing that we air out every happening in our lives, but come on, faith is built in the current of everyday living it is in such a place that God often builds the faith of His children.

Oh to have Christians who continue to stand firm in the teeth of the storm knowing that the Living God is over the storm and up to something that will in His time benefit and grow them. If you find yourself in such a place don't just simply hold on with white knuckles- "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart." (Proverbs3:5a) Don't give up! We have a race to run and a course to finish- Run and finish strong in the Lord.

Thanks for visiting and thanks for praying,
Bro.Tracy

The covenant is made binding through the Blood of Jesus not through the duty and discipline of man’s good deeds. A transaction took place upon a violent hill. “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22b). “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29b). Consider the importance of “Taketh away.” He that knew know sin became sin for us. Jesus took upon Him the sin of man and thus became the substitute of the wrath of God that man rightly deserved (See Romans 5:6-8) because of his (Man’s) sin. I believe three of the greatest words ever strung together are “It is finished.” Through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God there is now and never will be any separation from God and no condemnation towards the redeemed in the heart of God. THE TRANSACTION IS COMPLETE!! Through the sacrifice of Jesus salvation is sure and there is no cause to ever consider being separated from God!!

A transaction is only made complete by the authenticity of that which is used to pay the debt! What if you went to pay off a debt and they said, "your money is no good here" and it literally wasn’t? Many have tried to pay off their sin debt with counterfeit currency.
1. The currency of good words.
2. The currency of good works.
3. The currency of good ways.

It will never work- “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29b). Jesus is, "The way."
Note:
Binding-(of an obligation or promise) involving an obligation that cannot be broken. Synonyms- irrevocable, unalterable, inescapable, unbreakable.

 "Near the cross! O Lamb of God, Bring its scenes before me
Help me walk from day to day, With its shadows o'er me
In the cross, in the cross, Be my glory ever
Till my raptured soul shall find Rest beyond the river."
Near the Cross-Fanny Crosby

This is one of my favorite hymns. This third verse especially speaks to my heart. Those who are saved have nothing to glory in- There is no boasting, there is no bragging and there is no bellowing out "Look at what I have accomplished in the saving of my soul." Grace and mercy are of and from Almighty God. What a glorious shadow the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christs casts over us.

The shadow of the cross can be a reminder of:

1, The Lamb of God- "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29 (The Provision of God)

2. The Love of God- "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 (The Power of God)

3. The Long Suffering of God- "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" Isaiah 1:18 (The Patience of God) Whether it is with His rebellious people or the lost sinner God is long suffering.