Opening Hearts and Doors: Lessons from Macedonia

"Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them." - Acts 16:10

"The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul." - Acts 16:14

The gospel came to Europe through a supernatural experience. The Holy Spirit prevented the Word from being preached in Asia because the time had come for the Gospel to reach Europe. It was God's plan for the conversion of Lydia and her family, as well as the jailer and his family. There was the vision, the willingness among the servants of God to obey His Word, and the assurance that going to Macedonia was according to God's will.

The Lord not only opened the way but also opened the heart of the first convert, Lydia, who immediately accepted the Lord and welcomed the servants of God into her home.

There was opposition; Paul and Silas were imprisoned, but because of this a family was freed from the prison of sin.

When there is willingness to work for God, God opens the way, makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him, for the realization of His will, His plan.

From my diary,

August 20, 2024

Hezekiah’s Secret: A Heart Seeking God

 "And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered." - 2 Chronicles 31:21

Success in any endeavor does not depend on exceptional talent, abilities, or resources, but on seeking the Lord. If I seek God’s glory, His power, His presence, and the wonders of His Word, I will find success in the service of the house of God. I must seek Him with all my heart, just as Hezekiah did. When is the work considered successful? When it brings glory to God, draws me closer to Him, and edifies His children. True success in my work depends not on my ability, but on seeking the Lord with all my heart.

From my diary,

August 19, 2024

But God was with Him

 "And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him." - Acts 7:9

Despite the great tribulations and difficulties that Joseph suffered, he was not discouraged, nor did his faith weaken, and he did not harbor hatred towards those who wronged him. The man unjustly imprisoned rose to become a ruler; the one betrayed by his brothers ultimately provided for them.This was not due to luck, but because God was with him.

The solution to every problem resides in God's presence. Just as with Joseph, this assurance is available to anyone who knows God. Our troubles and challenges may differ, but there is a blessed "but" for all of us: but God is with us.

From my diary,

August 18, 2024

The Key to True Power: Preparing Your Ways Before God

 So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God. 2 Chronicles 27:6

Here is a wonderful summary of King Jotham's biography. His reign did not last long, 16 years, but it was effective. What stands out is that Jotham was one of the few kings who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, like his father, yet he did not repeat his father’s mistake. (2 Chronicles 27:2). The people acted corruptly, but he was walking rightly before the Lord. Despite his short reign, Jotham accomplished many significant things: հe built the high gate of the house of the Lord, cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers, fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them.

He became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God. This is the secret of true power for every Christian.

From my diary,

August 17, 2024

The Pursuit of Holiness: Preparing for the Lord’s Return

 "Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?" - 2 Peter 3:11

Those preparing for the coming of the Lord should be holy. The enemies of holiness are many, and the danger is great, so they must be watchful. Holiness is wonderful and desirable; therefore, sin must be hated. Holiness brings the greatest happiness, so it must be earnestly sought, and those who possess it are the happiest. Only God can grant holiness, so those who desire it must be prayerful. Holiness is possible, so they must be full of faith. Holiness is a precious gift, so they must be thankful.

He who bestows holiness is holy, so we should worship Him. There is never too much holiness, so we must pursue sanctification daily. The dwelling place of the saints is eternal, so we must seek it above all else.

From my diary,

August 16, 2024

No Time to Delay: The Call to Act Quickly in God’s Service

 "… see that you do it quickly.” However, the Levites did not do it quickly.'' -2 Chronicles 24:5

In the work of God, there is often a need to hurry; working quickly is a necessity. The Levites were tasked with repairing God’s house, but their mistake was not doing it promptly. The Bible commands us to wait and not to hurry in many matters, but not in the work of God. Procrastination, indifference, and lack of enthusiasm are unacceptable.

Procrastination can become a bad habit. Laziness is not always the cause; sometimes, the reason is poor planning, taking on too many tasks at once, misplaced priorities, or setting unrealistic goals. I often find myself doing that. Tasks should be divided into manageable parts, but we must never procrastinate in completing them.

From my diary,

August 15, 2024

The Mark of the King’s Children: Love for All

"If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you do well." (James 2:8)

The law of love is the royal law, and the apostle affirms that those who fulfill it do well. They do well because they obey the command given by the King of Kings. They do well because they live according to the law of the Kingdom, to which they belong. They do well because their love for others reveals their identity as children of the King, reflecting their Father’s heart by loving even the undeserving.

From my diary,

August 14, 2024

 

The Balance of Rebuke and Praise

"Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land and have prepared your heart to seek God." - 2 Chronicles 19:3

Jehu, the seer, after rightly rebuking King Jehoshaphat, did not neglect to acknowledge the good in him. Jehoshaphat had erred by allying himself with someone who hated the Lord. Consequently, Jehu rebuked him: “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Therefore, the wrath of the LORD is upon you.” (2 Chronicles 19:2)
Yet, Jehu also recognized and commended Jehoshaphat's positive actions: he had removed the wooden images from the land and prepared his heart to seek God. When words of praise are from God’s man, they are true, so they are from God.
Receiving God's commendation brings comfort, encouragement, and humility. It also teaches us to recognize and affirm the good in others.

From my diary,

August 13, 2024

 

Never Forsaken by the Almighty

 "For the LORD will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance." - Psalm 94:14

How wonderful it is to be part of a people who are not forsaken by the Almighty, the Omniscient, the Most Holy.

What a blessing it is to belong to a holy nation, a chosen people, saved by the blood of Christ, justified by faith, and sanctified by His Spirit. Though this people may be forsaken by many, they are never forsaken by the Creator of the universe.

What a comfort to know that He will not abandon the inheritance purchased with His blood. If He will not leave me, then what more could I need?

From my diary,

August 12, 2024

God Sees Everything: Seen and secure

"Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, 'Have I also here seen Him who sees me?'" (Genesis 16:13)

The fact that God sees everything may disturb the wicked, but it brings peace, comfort, courage, and a sense of security to God's children.

Because God sees me, I should strive to ensure that what He sees is pleasing to Him, not something that grieves His heart He sees me and the work I have to do; therefore, I should ask Him for the strength to do it faithfully. He sees me and the snares and temptations in my path; I should pray that I will not fall into those snares and that I will overcome temptations. He sees me and my concerns; I should cast them upon Him.

Topical meditation 2024

August 11

 

God Sees Everything: God, the Inspector of Hearts

 "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:10)

"O LORD, You have searched me and known me." (Psalm 139:1)

"Shall not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." (Psalm 44:21)

The realization that the Lord sees not only the deeds we do and hears the words we speak, but also perceives the secret desires and intentions of the heart, and hears the unsaid words, compels us to be sincere. We are not only to do the right things but also to do them with the right motives, not only to say the right words but also to think the right thoughts. Since His tape recorder captures the sound of our thoughts, I will strive to keep my thoughts aligned with Philippians 4:8.

The Lord examines our hearts and knows all our secrets. Believing this truth leaves no room for hypocrisy.

Topical meditation 2024

August 10

God Sees Everything:Divine Step Counter and Scales

"Does He not see my ways and count all my steps?" (Job 31:4)

"Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed." (1 Samuel 2:3)

God has a step counter that not only tracks every step I take but also knows where I walk, why I walk, and where I will end up. He sees my ways, and I desire them to be paths of holiness. He counts my steps; I want them to be on the narrow road leading to my heavenly home.

God has scales with which He weighs our actions. His scale reveals the purpose and motive behind what we do. Both Barnabas and Ananias, along with Sapphira, performed the same outward act: they sold property and gave the proceeds to the apostles. But after weighing their actions, it was revealed that Barnabas acted with generosity and charity, while Ananias and Sapphira were motivated by a desire for praise and hypocritical show.

Arrogance will disappear when we remain aware that God is weighing our actions.

Topical meditation 2024

August 9

 

God Sees Everything:The Maker of senses hears and sees

"He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see?" Psalm 94:9

These are sobering words, a powerful remedy against secret sins, sinful thoughts, and wrong desires. If a person always remembers that God sees the actions that no man sees, they will make every effort to put to death the works of the flesh and sinful desires, fleeing from every appearance of evil. If a person realizes that there is someone listening to all their words, they will surely watch on every word they speak to ensure that no sin is found in them.

Every morning, before I see anyone, let me remember that the Almighty sees me from heaven and desires to see me doing things that please Him. Let me remember that there is someone listening to my words, and I will speak only what my Lord will be pleased to hear.

Topical meditation 2024

August 8

 

God Sees Everything: The Record of Our Deeds

"And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face." Hosea 7:2

This verse is a sobering reminder to examine ourselves and turn away from sin. God has promised the repentant that He will remember their sins no more (Isaiah 43:25, Hebrews 8:12). However, this promise does not apply to those who commit sins and do not repent of them. Since God maintains a record of our deeds, words, and thoughts, we must diligently examine our lives and abandon anything that is not in accordance with God's will.

Topical meditation 2024

August 7

 

God Sees Everything:Every Step Observed

"Does He not see my ways, and count all my steps?" Job 31:4

"For His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps." Job 34:21

"For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths." Proverbs 5:21

This truth is both comforting and convicting. Comforting because it assures me that He is watching over me and knows all my worries, problems, concerns, and fears. Convicting because my actions and thoughts are always before Him.

It motivates me to live a holy life, knowing that the Lord sees all my works. The realization that my ways are before the eyes of the Lord prompts me to carefully examine my ways, to watch over every word, deed, and thought. Knowing that He observes all my steps gives me peace and a sense of security, because there is someone watching over me, someone who cares about me, someone who protects me.

Topical meditation 2024

August 6

 

God Sees Everything: The Omnipresence of God

 “Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him?” says the LORD. “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the LORD. Jeremiah 23:24

Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him? This question from the Lord prompts us to engage in careful and reverent self-examination, recognizing that the Lord judges not only our actions but also our thoughts, motives, desires, and intentions. He sees both our public and hidden sins: secret pride, envy, and neglect of duty.

The awareness of God's omniscience encourages us to be extremely cautious and to foster a deep-seated aversion and relentless battle against even the smallest sin. Blessed are those who hide in God instead of hiding from God.

I choose to hide in God.

Topical meditation 2024

August 5

Guarding Against Unbelief

So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Hebrews 3:19

The bad example of others serves as a warning to us. When we remember that Israel could not enter the promised land, it is a reminder to beware of the sin that prevented them from entering: unbelief. Unbelief is a sin that begets other sins. We are saved by faith and condemned by unbelief. Our hearts are purified by faith and hardened by unbelief.

We approach God with faith and turn away because of unbelief. By faith, we please God; by unbelief, we displease Him.

Let me root out every seed of unbelief, so that these words will never be said about me: "Because of unbelief Hripsime could not..."

From my diary,

August 4, 2024

Trusting God in Desperation

"And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. " -2 Chronicles 13:14

"Thus the children of Israel were subdued at that time; and the children of Judah prevailed because they relied on the LORD God of their fathers. "- 2 Chronicles 13:18

True faith grows stronger in desperate situations, not weaker. God's people, seeing that they were surrounded by enemies on all sides, cried out to the Lord. Weak faith would say, "The Lord has left us; there is no way out; we will lose." But they were aware not only of their own weakness but also of God's power.

Awareness of danger strengthens faith and leads us to God. God’s people won not because of their strength or military skills but because they relied on God. People rely on someone who is stronger than they are and can save them. God does not disappoint those who trust in Him. If the forces of the enemy surround me, whether they be temptations to sin or the servants of the devil who want to hinder God's work, I must trust in the Lord alone.

From my diary,

August 3, 2024

 

The Privileges of Serving the Lord

 Nevertheless, they will become his servants, so that they may learn the difference between serving Me and serving the kings of other lands. – 2 Chronicles 12:8

A true servant of God understands the difference between serving God and serving man. Knowing this difference, he serves with joy and does not desire to serve another master.

God does not require anything of His servant that will harm him. He will not withhold any blessing that is good for him. God does not place His servant in danger. He provides the necessary strength and wisdom to serve. Those who serve God experience joy and peace sent from Him. They will never lose their reward.

Those who serve God are a privileged people, enjoying benefits that others do not. They partake of God's table. Blessed are those who serve the Lord.

From my diary,

August 2, 2024

The Father's Heart of Compassion

"It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found." Luke 15:32

The return of the prodigal son caused different reactions and emotions: the father was happy, while the older brother was angry. We see the selfishness of the older brother and the kindness of the father. The older son remembered his brother's past, but the father forgave and forgot. Such is our Heavenly Father; He welcomes the repentant, erases their sins, and rejoices in their return.

From my diary,

August 1, 2024