Day 10 - Hold Fast to The Word
SCRIPTURE:
Write the vision and make it plain, that they may run who read it. Habakkuk 2:2
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Many years ago, as we were building the church and pouring ourselves into the ministry, one of our church members gave me a small, framed picture with the words, "My Friend, thank you for the example you live each day," printed on it. It was very special to me, and an encouragement not to grow weary in well doing because my labor was not in vain. I placed it in a very visible windowsill that I see every day. Its words spoke to me on a daily basis and always lifted me up when I felt down. This morning I just noticed it again! It has grown to be as if Jesus were saying those words to me and it helps me to feel that, regardless of people's gratitude or not, He is glad for my endeavor to be an example of His Kingdom. With His strength, I can do it!
We all need places of remembrance and encouragement to keep pressing toward the mark of the high calling in Christ. Oftentimes, the enemy of our soul wants to speak our past, or words of defeat to us to get us to rehearse the curse instead of speaking words of Spirit and Life. But Jesus said, "My Words are Spirit and they are Life." We are to be imitators of God as dearly loved children and speak words of life. You and I need life-giving words surrounding us wherever we go to keep us focused on His promises and to help us remember that it is worth it to step out in faith in God's Word. This is how we water the seed we sow, which brings the harvest.
Whenever Gary and I step out and sow our seed of faith, we always expect and name our harvest in a certain area of need or a personal goal we have. Jesus said, "Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over." We are focused on a harvest so we can have our need met AND we can continue to be an example to others of His goodness and Word. But how often do we dig up our harvest before it can even sprout by letting words of doubt and discouragement scream into our circumstances rather than holding fast to the Word of God? Without faith it is impossible to please God, or be an example of God.
2 Corinthians 9 encourages me that, as I am generous, others will thank God for my example and that it will result in thanksgiving to God. I want God to get the thanks for making me an example! I believe this is your heart's desire too!
Write the vision and dreams you have down, release your seed, water it with words of faith, and cause it to mature by keeping your eyes on the promise and staying in a place of believing God regardless of the storms you may see or the struggle you face today. Be encouraged! It may be plowing time now but you will come to harvest day and it will be worth it!
ACTION: Write down and post in various strategic locations (in your car, on your mirror, in your wallet, etc.) specific words of encouragement and the goals you have set as you are stepping out in faith into new territory, and sowing seed for a future harvest. Do as God said in Malachi, "Test me in this and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to contain."
Celebrating Freedom Together,
Pastor Drenda Keesee
