Hosanna Restoration Church

I think the title of this devotion says it all! If we have troubles, Jesus is better. If we have rewards, Jesus is better. The more we know Jesus, the better and more important He becomes to us. We will come to many turns in the road of faith. There will be temptations and limitations and intersections that will challenge us, but if we just keep Jesus at the top, we will make it through.

We can overcome temptations when we stand them beside Jesus. Jesus is the obvious choice! We can overcome selfishness just offering it to Jesus. The same is true with anger, depression, covetousness and all the other things that the enemy might present to us. No weapon can stand or be successful against us when we declare that Jesus is better.

We sing and declare that our desire is to honor Jesus. Lord help us to do what we sing! Help us to stand in and on your promises. Help us to know you and to know the truth. How great is our God. We know a little and then we know a little more. With each little more we become more confident. A man recently told me he was trying like he has never tried before. God was drawing him, so I suggested that stop trying and just go. It is like when someone says they are trying to forgive but they just can’t. I would suggest the same thing. Stop trying and just go. Declare the truth and the truth will make you free. That freedom may only last a moment but do it again until His truth is your truth. It is by faith, and not of works or trying. If Jesus gives us a plan, His plan is better.

When we make Jesus our treasure, no other treasure can control us. All other treasures become simple additions that are part of us but not in control of us. I want as many treasures as I can store up, so that I have them to share when I see the need. Treasures come in many forms. God gives us gifts that are stored for sharing. If we have understanding that can help someone stand, we must give it. We need to be available to tell someone how great Jesus is.

How often do you lift up the name of Jesus? An old chorus that we will sing today is “Lift Jesus Higher.” Lift Him up for the world to see. He said, if I be lifted up for the world, I will draw all people unto me. I read something this week encouraging people, me, to release the name of Jesus and His word into the atmosphere. I hear people frequently speaking Jesus’s name in what seems improper to me, and they do not hesitate at all. I often follow their declaration with praise and thanksgiving instead. Jesus is worthy to be praised and honored and adored. Jesus is better! There is just nothing that compares to Jesus. Another song that is familiar to many, is “IN THE GARDEN.” It came to me this morning that the garden in that song was quite possibly the garden when man started. The same garden God has always wanted us to dwell. A garden when we walk with Him and talk with Him and we hear Him say that we are His own. A garden where we share such personal joy with God that is our special Joy. That is the joy of the Lord that is our strength. Rejoice in the Lord dear brothers and sisters. Jesus just keeps getting better.