16/12/2018 - MORE THAN PERFECT DECISION

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In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame. Psalm 71: 1

Trusting in God is the secret of those who want to be successful in this life and in the hereafter. In his madness King Nebuchadnezzar had a golden statue of his person erected and demanded that all people of his kingdom should bow before it when they heard the sound of musical instruments. Whoever did not bow would be thrown into the fiery furnace. Steadfast in the Lord, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, three young Hebrews, refused to do this, and the fire did not strike them.

The person who says they are faithful to God but does not believe in what He promises, is not happy here nor will they be in eternity. But the Most High always keeps His promises. Many have not yet learned to trust in the Almighty and therefore have not enjoyed of His faithfulness. You prove to believe in the Lord when you put your faith in Him and claim the divine blessings, considering them accomplished even before seeing them fulfilled.

If everyone was taught not to give credit to the sons of men, because there is no salvation in them (Psalm 146:3), the nation would do well. He who trusts in man becomes cursed (Jeremiah 17:5), but he who makes the Most High his Refuge is blessed and will not be abandoned or ashamed. God extends His hand to strengthen our faith and bestow blessing. Therefore, in any situation, pray and believe in the Lord, who is the Truth.

Whoever yields to oppression will be overpowered by it, but those who give their life to the Deliverer will be protected by Him in all battles and will never stumble. When it seems that there is no way out, remember any promise that God gave you and pray putting your hope in it. Then, allow the joy of the Lord to flood your heart. He will be praised for having answered His children.

It is not good to lean on riches, even if they are increasing a lot, nor to put your heart in them, because it will drive you away from your heavenly Father. With little, by believing in God, you will win any battle. Now, with much, but without faith in Him, you will not succeed. Remain unwavering in the Most High, because He has never lied or denied what He has promised. Jacob only got rid of Esau when he fought with God as prince and prevailed.

Upon hearing from God that he should trust in Him to overcome the enemies, David held on to the divine message and declared that he would not be confused. In the 40 years of his rule over Israel, he has won all the battles, making the opposing nations pay taxes to his kingdom. Thus,  the Israelites came to know the peace and prosperity that were promised.

The great mistake of many evangelicals is to turn God’s servants into idols, considering them special. Now, if anyone is standing, they must watch out not to fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). You see, a preacher was brilliantly used because the Father wanted to speak something through him. But remember that your faith must be in the Lord.

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares