Statutes – Brian Friedl

What To Do In Fires And Floods

Brian — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 11:18:19 +0000

Yesterday, it seemed that my back was getting better. My heart and mind were in a positive place and then in one wrong twist and everything changed. The pain increased ten-fold, now flooded both sides of my back and making even breathing a challenge.

Let’s face it, there are days where you feel like life is about to swallow you up. No matter how positive you try to make your attitude, every attempt seems to be met with failure. You might even feel like things are better for a moment and then reality strikes.

David was no stranger to this feeling. He could have justified how he didn’t deserve the Saul’s unrelenting plots to kill him. Afterall, he was the rightful king chosen and anointed by God to rule over God’s people. Instead, he cried out to God. He placed his trust in His Father in heaven to come to his rescue.

What are you facing today? Chronic pain? Enemies that are giants? Emotional distress? Cry out to God. Our Father in heaven will hear your cry and will answer you just as He answered David. He is faithful to walk with you in fire and in rain. You will not be overtaken nor overcome!

#truthtalk4life #knowlivespeaktruthinlove

@brianfriedlf

There Is No Other

Brian — Mon, 02 May 2016 13:05:40 +0000

These are pretty exclusive words. “There is no other”. We live in a world that longs after inclusion rather than truth. We would rather have a false sense of peace than solid fact if it means conflict. God perfectly loves peace and truth but does not compromise either for the sake of temporary peace.

This reminds me of the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18.

“Then they took the ox which was given them and they prepared it and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon saying, “O Baal, answer us.” But there was no voice and no one answered. And they leaped about the altar which they made.”

1 Kings‬ ‭18:26 NASB

Baal did not answer because he is not God. Then it was Elijah’s turn:

Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that You, O LORD, are God, and that You have turned their heart back again.” Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God.””

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭18:37-39‬ ‭NASB‬‬

I love that the sacrifice was surrounded by a trench of water. Clearly shows that nothing is impossible with God and that He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine!

Personal Reflection

One of greatest dangers in this ala carte world is that we take a little tidbit from each religion and put it together to try to find happiness and not ruffle any feathers. God is not a religion. He is God and rightly deserves to be acknowledged as such. Anything taking His place becomes an idol that violates the “There is no other” statement above. This can include other gods, work, self, sex, money…..and the list goes on. Meditate on what your life looks like when you fully place all your trust in The One True Living God.

Prayer Focus

LORD God, you are the only true God. You have formed us from the dust of the ground with your own hands and breathed life from your very breath. You are our God and we are your people. May we never let any other occupy your rightful place in our lives. May we never look to another as lord. Your mighty works have brought us to awe and wonder. Our lips are filled with praise for you for all eternity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

#thereisonlyoneGod #worshipGodalone #truthtalk4life

@brianfriedl

Revive Us According To Your Word

Brian — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 13:19:15 +0000

Have you ever read all of Psalm 119? I memorized close to 1/3 of it once. To me it’s an amazing picture of a relationship with a righteous and holy God. When He reveals Himself to us, we are overwhelmed by His lovingkindness. We are revived by His Word. Delight fills our heart and we seek to honor Him with all we are.

Our minds desire to Know, Live, and Speak the Truth of His Word and are set on His will. The Psalmist understands that He cannot do these things in His own strength but needs the power of God and therefore cries out to Him for help. He is so dependent on God and he delights in God’s faithfulness. Quite counter cultural to our do-it-yourself world. We are not striving for independence but obedient dependence.
Personal Reflection

Do you love the Word of God including everything it asks and commands of You? Do you long for it daily? Set aside some time and read deeply Psalm 119. Make notes of everything the Psalmist is passionate about. Where does His passion come from?

Prayer Focus

Gracious and faithful Father, we come before you with hearts and minds that forget the Truth. We confess that our minds are consumed with the things of this life. Revive us according to you loving kindness that we may seek your word, will, and statutes. Teach us your ways that we may walk blameless and bring Your Name honor and glory. Write your Word on our hearts. May we love you every moment of every day in the power of Christ, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#revival #yourwordistruth #delight #truthtalk4life