“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry”   (Habakkuk 2:3). Mercy may seem slow, but it is sure. The LORD in unfailing wisdom has appointed a time for the outgoings of His gracious power, and God’s time is the best time. We are in a hurry; the vision of the blessings excites our desire and hastens our longings; but the LORD will keep His appointments. He never is before His time; He never is behind. God’s word is here spoken of as a living thing which will speak and will come. It is never a dead letter, as we are tempted to fear when we have long watched for its fulfillment. The living word is on the way from the living God, and though it may seem to linger, it is not in reality doing so. God’s train is not behind time. It is only a matter of patience, and we shall soon see for ourselves the faithfulness of the LORD. No promise of His shall fail; “it will not lie.” No promise of His will be lost in silence; “it shall speak.” What comfort it will speak to the believing ear! No promise of His shall need to be renewed like a bill which could not be paid on the day in which it fell due-“it will not tarry.” Come, my soul, canst thou not wait for thy God? Rest in Him and be still in unutterable peacefulness.( From “Faith’s Checkbook”, by Charles Spurgeon)

“No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).

As we converse with one another it is common for us to use the phrase, “Have a good day”. It is only natural that we desire good things for ourselves and those we love. As you face this new day I’m sure you do so with the hope that certain good things will come your way. That being the case this scripture and the following message by Charles Spurgeon should be of great interest to you. Here we find instruction regarding how we can possess the good things we desire.

Many pleasing things the LORD may withhold but “no good thing.” He is the best judge of what is good for us. Some things are assuredly good, and these we may have for the asking through Jesus Christ our LORD.

Holiness is a good thing, and this He will work in us freely. Victory over evil tendencies, strong tempers, and evil habits He will gladly grant, and we ought not to remain without it.

Full assurance He will bestow, and near communion with Himself, and access into all truth, and boldness with prevalence at the mercy seat. If we have not these, it is from want of faith to receive and not from any unwillingness of God to give. A calm, a heavenly frame, great patience, and fervent love–all these will He give to holy diligence.

But note well that we must “walk uprightly.” There must be no cross purposes and crooked dealings; no hypocrisy nor deceit. If we walk foully God cannot give us favors, for that would be a premium upon sin. The way of uprightness is the way of heavenly wealth-wealth so large as to include every good thing.

What a promise to plead in prayer! Let us get to our knees.

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.– Ezra 3:11.

 

As we thank and praise God for His goodness let us not forget to pass it on to those whom the Lord uses. Everyone does a better job when they know their effort is appreciated. Pastor Dr. Paul Chappell does a good job of tying these two things together. He said………

 

 

The famous musician Andor Foldes recalls how praise made all the difference for him early in his career. His first recollection of an affirming word was at age seven when his father kissed him and thanked him for helping in the garden. He remembers it over six decades later, as though it were yesterday.

But the account of another kiss that changed his life says a great deal about our inner need for purpose. At age sixteen, living in Budapest, Foldes was already a skilled pianist. But he was at his personal all-time low because of a conflict with his piano teacher. In the midst of that very troubled year, however, one of the most renowned pianists of the day came to the city to perform. Emil von Sauer was not only famous because of his abilities at the piano, but he could also claim the notoriety of being the last surviving pupil of Franz Liszt.

Sauer requested that young Foldes play for him. Foldes obliged the master with some of the most difficult works of Bach, Beethoven, and Schumann. When he finished, Sauer walked over to him and kissed him on the forehead.

“My son,” he said, “when I was your age I became a student of Liszt. He kissed me on the forehead after my first lesson, saying, ‘Take good care of this kiss—it comes from Beethoven, who gave it me after hearing me play.’ I have waited for years to pass on this sacred heritage, but now I feel you deserve it.”

When was the last time you praised someone for something done well? Do you criticize and become cynical of others’ work? The world has enough cynics. Everything from the newspaper to the news is filled with people’s pessimistic outlook on life. But as Christians we are supposed to be cheerful people!

John 16:33 reinforces this when it says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

People will fail, there will be disappointments in our world, but God says not to let those things get you down! Jesus has overcome the world!

Rather than criticizing others, God wants us to “be of good cheer” and praise others! Tell them they did a good job or compliment them for something they are wearing. From a heart of love, sincerely point out something good someone did. Let them know you noticed!

How often do you praise someone? Don’t let cynicism rule your speech but find something good to praise in everyone you meet. After all, God loves them just as much as He loves you. Determine today to be a cheerful person who praises others.

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and Savior Jesus Christ.–Titus 2:13

Yesterday was the future on the day before yesterday, but today it is the past. The march of time teaches us that tomorrow is an expectation if not a promise. While we do not know what the future will hold, we have no doubt that it will come. And biblically, there are only two ways to look at the future: in fear or by faith.

Fear and faith obey the law of physics that says two bodies cannot occupy the same space at the same time. If we are consumed with fear of the future, there is no room for faith. But if we have faith that God knows the future then fear shall be absent. Thankfully, our faith is not blind faith–the Bible gives us great details (reasons for faith) about the future. And they all find their culmination and consummation in one event–the return of the Son of God to planet earth: “Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God,even the Father, when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power” (1 Corinthians 15:24).

Thank God for such a certain future! Through Christ every promise of God about the future is “Yea, and in Him Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20).–From “Turning Point”

Faith makes the uplook good, the outlook bright, the inlook favourable, and the future glorious.
V. Raymond Edman