Remember: God Wants Us to Live!

Live: To have a life rich in experience; to exhibit vigor, gusto, or enthusiasm in

Jesus said in His word, "I am come that they (we) might have life, and that they (we) might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).  The Lord doesn’t want us to simply exist - He wants us to LIVE!  There are so many people out there that are simply existing - they're murmuring and complaining and blaming others for their misfortunes. What those folks don't realize is that, in all actuality God is the head. He wants us to come into agreement with Him and confess that where we are is His master plan; we are exactly where He put us and He’s the one that can deliver us because He’s the one that has it all in control.

Jeremiah 29:4 tells us, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon." As the scripture continues, verses 5 and 6 reminds us that God is telling us to live - regardless of what our situation may be, we must live; "build houses... plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them.... take wives, have children, give your daughters to husbands, and your sons to wives that they might have children that we may increased and not diminished." Whatever your case (or situation) may be, don't forget that the Lord has allowed it. He allows things to bring us down just so He can take us higher -- but we must be mindful to praise Him and be thankful in all those situations.... after all, there is always something to be thankful for even when it doesn’t appear to be!

Verse 7 of Jeremiah 29 says, "and seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace." Your city could be your job or things going on in your home or with your kids or co-workers; but when those things come up to interrupt your day, you should immediately start praying that the Lord would give them peace, because in that peace you will have peace.

Jeremiah 29:10 and 11 reminds us, "....I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you... for I know the thoughts (plans) that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil to give you an expected end (future). The Lord will come and visit us a whole lot quicker if we allow that joy on the inside of us to work on the outside. 

My friends, remember that God is the head over all things and all situations. You and I might not be planting gardens or getting married; but we are here doing something and whatever it is, God wants us to LIVE right here where we are!

With all that said, let the church say amen... and AMEN!