HE IS THERE

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“He was there all the time.”

“Always picked the perfect time for me to go to jail.”

“There was so many times GOD stepped in.”

I have a dear friend.

She was a prostitute (she would tell you that), she was a thief, she was abused, narrowly escaped death on several occasions, was adept at fleecing unsuspecting “johns”, and in some circles was known as “Superhooker”. 

To me she is just Joyce.

I have a little nickname for her, but I will keep that unpublished.

She inspires me.

Her story of redemption from the clutches of the enemy is both jaw-dropping and awe inspiring.  If you ever need a “little confirmation” as to the “never leave you or never forsaken you nature” of GOD, call me and I will tell you a little about Joyce.

Her life and testimony embody that little lyric she shared with our FREEDOM FELLOWSHIP the other night… “He (GOD) was there all the time.”

And I share this little about Joyce today to encourage you.

GOD is there all the time my FREEDOM DISPATCH friends. 

We may run and try to hide.  We may stray and do some “less than honorable” things, but GOD doesn’t stray from us and His Word and promises remain STEADFAST even when we are not!

Psalm 118 (ESV)

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper…

One of the things I love about Joyce’s story is her statement that GOD always knew just when to put her in jail.  It was those times in her life she was deeply vulnerable or considering checking out entirely. 

BUT GOD knew better.

And GOD knew that for “such a time as was January 26, 2015” Joyce’s story of redemption, reclamation and hope needed to be shared with a room full of recovering addicts, alcoholics and hopeless folks.  

So I believe GOD continues to keep her for just that; to remind ALL of us of the STEADFAST HOPE of GOD.

Psalm 33:18 (ESV)

Behold, the eye of the Lord is ...on those who hope in his steadfast love…

So the message today is an obvious one.

Never stop hoping.

Never stop believing.

Never believe GOD has checked out or given up on you.

HE IS THERE all the time!

 

I love you all.

Have a BLESSED WEEKEND!

Freedom Church