Matthew 25-28

Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.

When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

This passage really spoke to me this morning about how our pride drives us to defend ourselves when others wrong us. We immediately want to fight back and prove the accusers wrong. Often times, we don't say anything back, but we hold the grudge in our hearts.

But we know from experience that everyone else is just as prideful as we are. We cannot change anyone's hearts. Especially in a disagreement.

God himself knows it is not possible for us to humble ourselves like Jesus did. We get upset over small misunderstandings. So how can we possibly be humble when we are blatantly accused of things we never did?

But we know it is possible with the power of the Holy Spirit. To be who we are not by nature. To be able to pray for those that accuse us.

Let us live by the power of the Spirit this day. And know that we do not have to defend ourselves. God knows what we are going through. And he is the one that will protect us:)

Nahum 1-3

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

Amos 4-6

"I gave you empty stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you have not returned to me."

"I also withheld rain from you when the harvest was still three months away. I sent rain on one town, but withheld it from another. One field had rain; another had none and dried up. People staggered from town to town for water but did not get enough to drink, yet you have not returned to me," declares the LORD.

"Many times I struck your gardens and vineyards, I struck them with blight and mildew. Locusts devoured your fig and olive trees, yet you have not returned to me, " declares the LORD.

These verses are a reminder that our God is a sovereign God. Nothing that happens in our lives is an accident. Everything happens in order that we may learn to trust him with our lives. And when we stray from him, he brings circumstances in our lives that causes us to return to himself.

But most times, in my stubbornness, I do not return to him...

Thank God that he never lets us go! It is truly better to live a day in his presence than to live a thousand else where.

Let us always return to God. Every moment of each day, may we always be reminded of our loving Father who wants to bless us.

"For I know that plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jermiah 19:11

Praise God:)

Jeremiah 37-39

Shephatiah son of Mattan, Fedaliah son of Pashhur, Jehucal son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur son of Malkijah heard what Jeremiah was telling all the people when he said, "This is what the LORD says; 'Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague, but whoever goes over to the Babylonians will live. He will escape with his life; he will live.' And this is what the LORD says; 'This city will certainly be handed over to the army of the king of Babylon, who will capture it.'"

Then the officials said to the king, "This man should be put to death. He is discouraging the soldiers who are left in this city, as well as all the people, by the things he is saying to them. This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin."

It is always good to follow God. I know this and have experienced this fact, yet I find myself complaining and following my own desires so often.

I'm so thankful that God never let's me go. And that I am miserable when I stray from him.

Let's make a commitment each day to follow God, even though our circumstance may not make sense. His ways are higher than our ways. Our loving God always has our best interest in mind. Let us praise him and trust him:)

John 3-5

When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come."

We are very familiar with this story, Jesus' very first miracle, turning water into wine. We know and hear enough sermons about how God provides everything we need. Yet I think it's hard to truly believe that he does. Like we talked about before, we really like to worry. We always like to have our own safety net - bank account, insurance, etc. Those things are not bad, but God is challenging us to trust him (isn't it interesting that this took a place in a wedding?)

Today I felt so bad at work because I made mistakes - shipped wrong boxes, made an invoice with wrong price which is already paid. I felt so incompetent and asked myself and God why I am placed at my work. I think God is in the process of humbling me so I will completely trust him and not my own abilities and knowledge.

It was good to hear you say that let's trust God with our future. Yes. God always provides for our needs in his perfect time. Notice how wine Jesus made was very good? He desires to give us what is best for us. Let's continue to trust him!