WEAKNESS - 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9, 10

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Have you felt faint-hearted, sickly, vulnerable, defenseless, ineffective or inadequate? The world scribbles such nom-de-plumes on anyone they consider weak.  But God sees us differently.  He etched your name and my name on His hands and extends them out as a place of refuge, rest and rejuvenation.  Our feeble strength can’t muster that kind of sacred power, so why try?  Boast in what God has to offer...weakness and all.  Because His power is more than sufficient to see you through any situation!

THE CALL - GALATIANS 5:13

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Freedom really isn’t free. A term we have heard time and again, but as believers in Christ, what does it mean to be free? A paradigm and paradox rolled up in an anomaly as far as the world is concerned. Where the world views freedom as an act of fleshly indulgence, we are called to give of ourselves. The world answers to the axiom, “Be the master of your own destiny.” All who call God Savior, Master, Abba Father and Friend rely on Him to direct, comfort, lead, protect, instruct, rebuke, forgive and love without condition. Freedom does not relinquish us from responsibilities; it calls us to freely serve the least, the last and the lost. Those who answer that call respond with a resounding, “Here am I, Lord! Send me!” Have you answered the call?

REFUGE - PSALM 9:9, 10

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.

Some people spend their whole lives seeking shelter, only to feel protection is as threadbare as a worn-out blanket and mishaps are as brutal as a northern blizzard. When searching for a place of refuge, look no further than the God of all comfort. He will not leave you out in the cold.

ORDERS - 1 CORINTHIANS 16:13, 14

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.

God gives direct orders. Why? Because the world offers vague generalities and confusing instructions. God offers clarity for our steps with love to back them up. When you are unsure, remember to take your direct ORDERS from the only One who knows how to give them...GOD.