Psalm 125;1 ‘Those who trust in the LORD Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever’

DAILY READING • Revelation 8; Nehemiah 11; Psalm 103

As a boy John Wesley assumed he was a Christian, because he was born in a Christian home, tried to keep the commandments, read his Bible, prayed, attended church faithfully — and was not as bad as others.
As John grew into young adulthood he still thought of himself as a Christian, because he was doing so much and living a good life. He set apart an hour or two a day for religious devotions. He took communion every week.
John began to study for the ministry and became a student of theology at Oxford. While at Oxford he visited prisons, the sick and impoverished, doing as many good works as he could fit into his schedule.
After his years of study at Oxford, John was ordained to the ministry.
He decided to become a missionary and was ordained an Anglican minister. Yet, despite this impressive regimen, his education at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and his ordination, John’s religion became a burden. It only made him miserable. He had no joy in his heart, no real faith or peace in his soul.
In 1735, John Wesley, was invited to serve as a pastor to British colonists in Savannah, Georgia. When he boarded a ship in England to head to his new station, he also found that on the same ship were a group of German Moravian Christians, who were on their way to preach to American Indians.
However, as they sailed on the high sea, the weather became very stormy and their ship was caught in serious turbulence. The situation became so bad that Wesley feared for his life. However, while he was worried and afraid, he noticed that the group of German Moravian Christians were not afraid at all. In fact, throughout the storm, they sang praises to God.
John Wesley was astounded by their calm demeanor and approached one of their leaders. “Weren’t you afraid?” he asked. But the Moravian responded with a question, asking Wesley if he had faith in Christ.
Later when Wesley reflected on the man’s question, he realized that if indeed he truly had faith he would not have been afraid. And so this experience led Wesley to a period of soul searching that resulted in a fresh encounter with Christ. Through seeking God earnestly, his life was totally revolutionized and he emerged as a new and better preacher who made profound impact in Church history and founded the Methodist Church whose membership numbers in millions today.

We do not just assume faith, rather we consciously build it through a life of diligent study of God’s Word.
When we succeed in acquiring faith, we will have unwavering confidence in God that makes us immovable despite any negative circumstance.
Such steadfast faith in God is what will keep you calm in the midst of any storm. When you have taken the time to build a strong anchor in God’s Word, you will not be moved or shaken by happenings around you.

Today, the world is full of troubling news and anxieties as fear seems to lurk at every corner. In the News there are often diverse tales of evil occurrence and in the society, the sense of insecurity runs high.
However, those that put their trust in God will have strong confidence in His power of deliverance and will not be moved by circumstances.
Psalm 125;1 says ‘Those who trust in the LORD Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever’
No matter the stormy situation in the world, our strong confidence at all times is in our God, who is our constant shield and defense.
Unwavering confidence in God is what makes us victorious in any contest. What defeated Goliath was the confidence David had in God. It was this confidence that made David to run towards Goliath whom the whole army of Israel was running away from. (1 Samuel 17:32-37)
The Bible said concerning Abraham: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (Romans 4:20-21).

Indeed when you truly trust God, your confidence in Him will be expressed through the praise coming from your mouth. Praise is giving verbal expression to your faith.
The Lord’s promise of protection is to those who maintain fellowship with Him, who dwell in His secret place and abide under His shadow.
In Psalm 61: 2-4 David says, ‘In the midst of this storm I will cry out to You, “when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings”
Indeed under the shadow of God’s wings we have a safe place, a refuge, a shelter. And thanksgiving and praise are covenant platforms through which we can access this hiding place in God. Let us therefore maintain a lifestyle of diligent study of the Word, prayer and praise. By so doing we will be continually preserved from every trouble and kept safe in every storm.

PRAYER: Lord, please grant me the grace to build up strong faith and confidence in You through committing to a lifestyle of diligent study of Your Word, and praise. Thank You Lord for always persevering me by Your Presence in Jesus Name.
QUOTE :
Praise is proof that you believe God to do what He said He would do in your life, WORDBITE 222