A few months ago, the city of Philadelphia issued a parking ticket to my late father and billed my Mom $90! They claimed he parked a car in a crosswalk. The license plates in question had been turned in a full year before the alleged offense, a couple of months after his death. A call to the parking authority’s office brought only frustration. I sent a copy of Dad’s death certificate to them, but still they insisted on payment. Two more calls accomplished nothing. Then a friend connected me to his friend in the mayor’s office. That man asked for the documents that proved my Dad couldn’t have been in Philly. One phone call from him took care of it all. Without his intervention, we would likely have just paid the ticket to avoid a trip to Philly and a long sit in a municipal court to get the summons dismissed.
Do you know that you have a Friend in high places, One who is your Advocate?
Do you rely on Him, call on Him, trust His goodness?
The Bible reminds us that He understands our needs because He was incarnate - ‘in the flesh.’ He willingly set aside His Heavenly splendor and "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." (Philippians 2:7, NIV) That is why He knows exactly how you feel today. Does that inspire you to reach out to Him? "Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help." (Hebrews 4:14-16, The Message)
Let’s not trivialize this amazing promise. Let’s not diminish Jesus’ incredible ministry of intercession. To think only that He is a great “Mr. Fix-it” that is on call 24/7 to arrange parking spaces for us, to get us through traffic, and to make our car run smoothly – well, that’s just sad! He does care about the small things, but He administers even greater grace to us that allows us to overcome the Tempter so that we may live a holy life. He provides joy and peace for the roughest moments when we rely on Him. He comforts us with hope even when death is near. He is our Provider and our Healer, the One who makes a way for us. The Scripture is filled with promises of His goodness. "Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. … For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." (Psalm 5:1,12, NIV)
If we want the richest experience of His gracious Friendship, we must live as His friend! Don’t ignore Him for days and days when things are going smoothly, only to run and cry on His shoulders when you get yourself into a jam. David teaches us by his example. "Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." (Psalm 5:3, NLT) When we awaken to prayer, when we turn our heart towards Heaven at the first light, it changes our expectations. It sets the tone for the day causing us to realize that we have One on whom we can rely.
What’s weighing on you right now? Have you presented it to Him in faith?
Read this amazing passage, which comes from one of the most amazing letters of Paul. There’s hope here, not because we are great, but because God is good.
"Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:17-21, NLT)
___________________
Be Still And Know
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is holy
Be still oh restless soul of mine
Bow before the Prince of Peace
Let the noise and clamor cease
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that He has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change
Be still
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is God
Be still
Be speechless
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know He is our Father
Come rest your head upon His breast
Listen to the rhythm of
His unfailing heart of love
Beating for His little ones
Calling each of us to come
Be still
Be still
© 1999 Sparrow Song
Primary Wave Brian (Chapman Sp Acct) (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing)
(Admin. by Wixen Music Publishing, Inc.)
Steven Curtis Chapman
CCLI License No. 810055
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