The Arkansas Traveler

    Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding
us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily
entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before
us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.
   ----- Hebrews 12:1-2a (NASB)
    "O our god, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before
this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to
do, but our eyes are on You."
   -----  2 Chronicles 20:12 (NASB)
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    These two passages refer to facing life. The first concerns dealing
with sin, the second concerns facing an enemy army. The solution in each
case is to turn their eyes on God/Jesus. that seems to be a good pattern
in whatever we do! Keep looking to Him! And seek His glory!

Exodus 3:7-8 (NASB)
7  The LORD said, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people who
are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their
taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.
8  "So I have come down to deliver them ...."
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    As I read this today, I noticed that the words "I have .... seen" 
are underlined. The setting is Moses' call at the burning bush. God has
seen the sufferings of His people and has come down to send Moses to
lead them to deliverance.
    As I reflect on this, I am mindful that whatever trouble we go
through, God sees us and He desires to deliver us. Two ideas follow.
First, in this case God chose to use Moses as the agent of deliverance.
Even so, in our troubles, often God sends a friend to minister to us.
And just as often, in our troubles, we absent ourselves from places
where that friend might be. So, lets not isolate ourselves in trouble.
God sees and wants to deliver us.
   The second thought: I may be the one who God sends to a friend. So
as we seek to know God's will for us, lets not miss the opportunity to
be the agent of deliverance!
    Just remember: God sees your trouble, hears your cry for help, and
sends a deliverer

Colossians 1:16-17 (NASB)
16  For by Him (Jesus) all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -- all things have been created through Him and for Him.
17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
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    As I read this morning, the phrase "and for Him" jumped out to me. Think about that a while. You and I were created for Him! And then let your thoughts go out to those you have problems with. They too were created for Him, since all things were created for Him.

Peter 1:3-6 (NASB)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according
to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4  to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will
not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5  who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation
ready to be revealed in the last time.
6  In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if
necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
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    As I share various verses, each passage has a context (verses
before and after). Read the context to get a better understanding of the
verses I share.

    Read the rest of this chapter to be reminded of God's promises.
Peter was writing to a people who were facing various trials (i.e.
persecutions). He reminded them of the promises of God. They will
sustain us today as they did then!

Psalm 84:11-12 (NASB)
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You!

For You are my hope;
O Lord GOD, You are my
confidence from my youth.
              Psalm 71:5