Category: God

Let God Choose

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Vance Havnerby Vance Havner

After Lot “chose him all the plain of Jordan” (Genesis 13:11), God told Abram to look in all directions, for all that he saw was to be his. Lot chose for himself; Abram chose to let God choose for him. The greatest choice a man ever makes is to let God make his choice. God’s people can afford to let Lot choose first; we are going to inherit the whole earth anyway. God is our Rewarder but He is also our Reward, even as He said to Abram, “I am…thy exceeding great reward” (Genesis 15:1). Blessed is the man who stops making a Santa Claus out of the Lord, forever asking for this and that, and comes to that better place where he can sing: Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest; Now Thee alone I seek, Give what is best.

by Vance Havner

The Lord Is Present for You

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David Wilkersonby David Wilkerson

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear” (Psalm 46:1).

What a marvelous word — it’s just overwhelming. God is telling us, “Because of my Word, you will never have to fear. You can have peace like a river and a heart filled with gladness.”

The Lord knows we all face deep needs and troubles. We all encounter turmoil, temptations, times of confusion that cause our souls to quake. God’s message for us here in Psalm 46 is meant for just such times. Of all his wonderful promises, Psalm 46 is the one word we need to obtain his peace like a river.

God has promised us, “In your time of trouble — when you face a persistent, ever-present evil — I will be your very present help.” The phrase “very present” means “always here, always available, with unlimited access.” In short, the abiding presence of the Lord is always with us. And if he is present in us, then he wants continual conversation with us. He wants us to talk with him no matter where we are: on the job, with family, with friends, even with non-believers.

Scripture says, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19). It does not matter what the devil brings against us, God’s power in his people will always be greater than Satan’s assaults.

This verse from Isaiah actually refers to the flag-bearer who rode ahead of Israel’s army. The Lord always led his people into battle behind his own mighty standard. Likewise today, God has a glorious army of heavenly hosts who ride forth under his banner, ready to execute his battle plans on our behalf.

How does God bring us help in our troubles? His help comes in the gift of his Holy Spirit, who dwells in us and works the Father’s will in our lives. Paul tells us again and again that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are the Lord’s dwelling place on earth.

You don’t have to work up some emotion in order to hear from God. The Lord says, “I abide in you; I am present for you, night and day.”

by David Wilkerson