The Introverted Evangelist

Conversing with the Creator: "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3) What a privilege prayer is. What a gift to be able to approach the Lord's throne with boldness and confidence. Prayer is a marvellous mystery, yet a splendid blessing. "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving" (Colossians 4:2) Prayer is more than just a cry for help or plea for mercy. Prayer is also an opportunity to pour out your heart on God. Let the abundance of gratitude in your heart overflow at His throne. "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." (Luke 18:1) "Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King." (Psalms 149:1-2) Prayer regenerates hope, peace, and abounding joy. Jesus desire...

God's Love is Enough: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." (John 15:13) There is no greater love than the love of our Lord. Nothing compares to His love, and nothing satisfies like His love. His love is all we need. His love has covered over all our filth, and has set us free. His love has made us clean, and now we are called redeemed. "Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8) This Sabbath day I'm breathing a sigh of resting rejoicing, knowing that His love has paved the way. No matter how far we may stray, He will never ever betray. Oh the glorious joy of knowing this freedom! Oh the comfort in calling on Your love, O God! "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5) ...

Salvation is a Symphony: Slow down, and listen to the rhythm of God's heart. It beats to the tempo of never ending grace. Sometimes it's hard to hear, because the racket of the world clamours so deafeningly. But when you slow down to truly feel the notes dancing over your heart strings, peace and joy rain in glorious harmony. "The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17) I found myself wondering today, if people who are recurrently down and depressed have tried listening to music to help alleviate the haze of sorrows. Of course, the number one best and only true way to become forever freed from depression or anxiety is to give it all to God - our Heavenly Father and great Healer. There are some factors that bring some extra joy though, such as music. Whenever I turn on some praise and worship, immediately my spirits are uplif...

You are Strong: "So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength)." (2 Corinthians 12:10) This world is thoroughly saturated with consternating afflictions. Often times I find myself breaking under the unbearable weight of such burdens. My own human strength is futile, but the divinely glorious strength of my Lord is more than sufficient for every need. "And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9) When I surrender my inadequacy, God miraculously takes over and carries every one of my troubles for me. On my own, you see, I am destined for tragedy. The worries that deepen in my mind leave hopes of joy...

No Fear in Love: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18) God's perfect love wipes away our every fear and every tear. When fear strikes our hearts and penetrates our thoughts, it causes us to doubt His love. We may wonder inside, "Does God really love me? Is there any way He will forgive me, even after how badly I've messed up? Can God pull me out of a pit this deep and defiled?" Of course! Not only does He possess the strength to pull us out of our messes, but He longs to do so! Nothing, and that means absolutely nothing, could ever separate us from His unfailing love. It doesn't matter what we've done or how many times we've done it, God's patient and persistent love continues steadfastly. "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, no...

Walk By Faith: "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7) This day, yes this very day today, I must recall all of God's marvellous faithfulness. I mustn't forget the countless ways He's shown Himself faithful, the mind-blowing confirmations that always make me giddy with gratitude, and His pure and unfailing love. I must recall His lovingkindness for me which knows no end. "the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah)...is meant] for all who believe." (Romans 3:22) Personal trust is available through walking in constant communion with a personal Lord. Our God does not play the "one size fits all" game; He gets deep into our hearts and speaks specific words for specific needs. He cares, and therefore, He takes action to ensure we have a solid faith foundation. What a marvellous Lord He is indeed! "And my God shall supply all your need according to Hi...

Live in Faith: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23) What does it means to live in faith? How can I give God my thanks and praise? By honouring Him with obedience and trusting faith! "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." (Luke 16:10) God blesses obedience and delights in our trusting surrender, therefore we ought to be vigilant and excited to obey Him. This means we take the leap into the unknown territory of reckless obedience. This formula of faith says NO to fear and YES to living a life of dependence on God's faithfulness and not our own understandings or strengths. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5) "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Psalms ...

Everlasting Love: "the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you." (Jeremiah 31:3) Lord, Your promises are true and trustworthy. Your love for me never runs out, and Your mercies never run dry. Your continual faithfulness gives me faith to continue. "For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations." (Psalms 100:5) Your arms are spread wide to embrace me, faults and all. You take care of me, and all of my concerns are held in Your mighty hands. You carry me through, and You relieve my wearied soul from trudging the weight of these brutal burdens. "Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7) Your love, O Lord, is watching over me at all times and for all time. You'll never leav...

Today is a Beautiful Day: "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalms 118:24) "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (James 1:17) Awake, oh wearied soul within me, awake. Rise up and take hold of the hands stretched out before you. The Lord your God is watching over you. The Mighty One who is strong and merciful is clearing the path ahead. His grace is sweeping over everything this day. Everyday contains inexpressibly forgiving compassion. The future is unknown to us, but one thing is for sure, it's all completely in His care. He knows the plan, He makes a way, and His goodness adorns the entire route. "For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) "For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to o...

Nothing I Could do to Lose You: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you." (Jeremiah 31:3) Everlasting love graces the waves of mercy which crash over my troubled soul. Your love is never ending. From the first moment of conception, You called me out by name and flooded me with love. You'll never stop or withhold Your love. Your love is a relentless rushing river that cannot be tamed or cut off. "God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!" (Jeremiah 31:3 MSG) In the course of my life, many people have walked out on me. Time and time again, humans become angry and perturbed, building up walls of bitter resentment and strife. The fallen condition of our flesh creates fickle feelings of frustration and friction. But You, O Lord, You are patient, pure, and persevering. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not prou...

The Beauty and Wonder of Grace: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9) "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1) Before I came to You, I was lost and empty. Before Your miraculous mercy remade me, I was drowning in sinful darkness. You came to me in all my filthy shame, and Your grace has made me alive - anew. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) Newness, complete newness. This is how You have reformed me; You have transformed me. I stand here with lifted hands, surrendering my all to Your loving, caring, and trustworthy arms. "Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." (Psalms 55:22) "casting all your care upon Him, for...

Taking the First Step: "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" (Psalms 34:8) You're calling me, O Heavenly Father, to run full speed ahead into the fullness of Your goodness. What is there for me to fear? That You've lured me into treacherous trickery? That You've promised things You won't deliver? Certainly not! You are not a man of feeble flesh and bones. You are the the Great I AM, and You will never deceive me. "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19) When You speak to me, I can take hold of Your words and tuck them away into my heart. But don't let me just shove them into the corner of my heart, Lord, but do draw me out of the fear-cushioned comfort zone and into the remarkable realm of Your promises. I want to jump free of these chains of doubt. I don't want to ...

Fear Has to Leave: "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”" (Romans 8:15) Abba, Father! My spirit within me wails to be consoled. I plead for peace. My heart is overwhelmed, but I confess that fear must leave. Anxiety tries to overthrow me, but I whisper, "The Lord is with me wherever I go." "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) You are upholding me, Lord. You won't allow the destructive distresses to destroy me. Though I am exhausted and beat, You come to me and carry me through the raging seas. I'm choosing to trust. I'm trusting You and all You've revealed to me this day. I'm choosing to rest. I'm resting in the truth of Your promises today. There's nothing to fear, because Your love has come ne...

Be Still and Know: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalms 46:10) "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) Some days, there's not much you can say. Some days, most days, the only things you need are His Word, His Presence, and His promises. When the world around me is out of my control, it's my weakness to turn to my own ideas to restore peace into the situation. However, I am not able. I am not strong enough to carry the burdens that weigh me down and thieve my joy. I must surrender; I must hand over the fear to the Father. He whispers to me, "Be still. Be at rest. Hold your peace, not in your own feeble and frail two hands, but by transferring the troubles into My hands. I am strong, and I will strengthen your soul. I am for you, and I will never forsake you. I am fighting for y...

Today is the Day: "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalms 118:24) This day, this Monday morning, I will choose to look upon His goodness and grace. Though the entropy of another busy day threatens to corrode on my joy, I know I am safe and secure in the arms of my Father. "Also with the lute I will praise You— And Your faithfulness, O my God! To You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long" (Psalms 71:22-24) Your righteousness overwhelms me with reverence. Your faithfulness invites me into surrender. I know that You're for me and not against me, and I'll boldly confess this truth day and night. "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) So faith is a choice, and I'm choosing to make the leap in...

It Is Written: "As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus," (Romans 3:10, 20, 23-24) Not one of us is righteous. Not a single one is capable of earning forgiveness and redemption. ALL have sinned and fallen short of God's magnificent glory. It is only through the power of God's grace that we find freedom from our fleshly binds. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) He is faithful and just, and we have been justified through faith in Christ the Messiah. If we confess our sins, that is, if we contritely repent of our unrighteousness and admit to our helplessness in that we are incapable of saving ourselves...

Forever: "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3) True life is knowing You, Father. Living life to the full is only achievable when my life is lived in fellowship with You. You're my constant Companion, my Friend forever, and my joyous Lover. I'm only truly alive when I'm living in Your Presence. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) This gift You have given amazes me. I lower my head and raise my hands. With heart surrendered, I hand You my life and plea, "Create in me, O Lord, a heart that's pure. Make me alive in You forevermore." This is what it's like to be truly alive - living each day with the God of the universe by my side. He is with me, yes He is with me in this disorderly day. With tomorrow looming up ahead, I can safely and confidently declare that He will too be there. Yesterd...

Fear Not: "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) Fear... not? In a world where everything appears to be falling apart at its seams, the Lord commands me to have no fear? But Lord, I plead, where is there peace when all is erupting with violent fear flames? "Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff — they comfort me." (Psalms 23:4) Because You are with me, Lord, that is how I'll discover peace. Because Your hand leads me beside the still waters, my soul shall daily be refreshed. You are my Comforter, my Shelter in every storm, and my Divine Helper. "And we know that the Son of God has come and ha...

Joy: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13) "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11) From day one, You've beckoned me on. From the start, You have cheered for me, rooted for me, and fought victoriously for me. This is Who You are. You are Sovereign, yet intimate to me. You are more than my words could ever write, for my understanding and comprehension is simply too elementary and limited to grasp and behold the entirety of Your wonder. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) The mystery of Your majesty makes me complete. My spirit is filled and my soul satisfied in You, oh only You. "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:4) I'm never missi...

When Fear Attacks, I Take it to Him: "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) Fear not, He consoles us. Fear not, He is with us. He will strengthen and embolden our hearts to anchor onto Him in these wild and raging seas. When fear attacks, we can be sheltered and protected securely in Him. "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’" (Psalm 91:1-2) This week is shrouded in fear threats. When plans become obstructed and strewn off their original course, the all too familiar foe of fear comes fatally fierce in battle. But I have a choice to make. Trust. I will choose to trust. I will take all of these sorrows and fears, and lay them at the Throne of Mercy. O Lord, how blessed it is to lay down every care, kno...

Just Breathe: "Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows" (Isaiah 53:4) "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) I carried your sorrows and your pain, now let Me carry your frail and fragile body through this rough terrain. I'm here for you, dear child of Mine, I am always near. "The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17) Hush, precious one, for I long to soothe your strained soul. Cease your striving, for My love has accomplished all you need. Rest in Me. Come and let yourself be refreshed by the Living Waters of grace and favour which flow freely from My heart and over you. "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall...

Have Faith: "Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, extend to the skies, and Your faithfulness to the clouds." (Psalm 36:5) As my eyes open on this Monday morning, it's easy for my focus to be fiercely fixed on fearfulness. Instead, I choose to fix my focus on all His faithfulness. I know this week will have its challenges and difficulties, but if I'll just draw back, back into this moment right NOW, I can see that He is here in the midst of me. His Presence hasn't left my side. Now, if I look back, not to see regret or shame, but to see that He has been faithful in EVERYTHING, then I'll find courage and hope. Ever since the start of this journey, He's been nothing but faithful, loving, and filled with mercy. "He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield." (Psalms 91:4) You covered me in gracious faithfulness then, and I feel it now, You're still protecting me. What a...

Alive With Hope: "Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed." (Isaiah 49:23) "Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame." (Isaiah 50:7) I rise, early in the morning, and turn my face towards Thee. I lift up empty hands, and wait for You to fill me. This day I will obey Your trustworthy commands, for I know that I'm safe in Your loving hands. "Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness And has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord And rely upon his God." (Isaiah 50:10) Lord, this lovely morning I pray to You. I ask of You, Heavenly Father, to be with me in all circumstances. Lord, lead me into the way in which You're calling me. Light the path that is stretched ahead, and help me not to fear the steps that must be taken. I know with You, I won't be sha...