Who directs your path???

I was reading through several chapters in Psalms and Proverbs this morning, when this passage jumped out at me. It's in Proverbs 3:5-10...

(5) "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
(6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
(7) Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
(8) It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
(9) Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase:
(10) So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."

This is a call to put all our trust in the Lord and wait for His will to be made evident. This is difficult, especially since we have been taught to do what we feel like doing. It is hard to give up and let God take the reigns of our lives.

There is plenty of reward for those that follow the will of God. When we give the best we have (our first-fruits) to the Lord, we shall be blessed likewise. In my adult years this has been a work in progress. It was always...I have to do this, this, and this with my money, time, talents and what's left over will have to be good enough. God sent His best to sacrifice on the cross so that we could be free of the consequences of sin if we confess. Doesn't that deserve more than our table scraps or left overs?

If we fear the Lord and flee from evil, it also states that it will be health to your body, and marrow to the bones, which is where our life's blood comes from. Seems pretty cut-and-dry when put that way.

It is a daily struggle for me to give my best, turn over authority in my life, and walk in God's will. Everyday, Satan works his hardest to trip us up, but if we've given God the reigns we have nothing to fear. Like the song from Steven Curtis Chapman states..."His strength is perfect when our strength is gone"...

May you let go today and let God lead your feet, mouth, hands, ears and eyes. You'll be amazed at what He can do with a willing soul. Have a great day and let me know how I can pray for you today...

Like a tree planted by the water...

This morning, we had a great time of sharing and Bible reading at our Men's Breakfast. This is a weekly occasion, with the first Wednesday of the month being a chance to go out to eat. We read from Job 38:1-5 and discussed becoming a man. It's not about being bold, strong and mighty like we get taught growing up in school, but rather about discerning the teachings of God. It's about knowing He's in control and letting Him lead our every move.

As I came back to do some reading and came across Psalms 1:1-3, which I would like to share with you..."Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (2) But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (3) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

This passage speaks of a man who walks uprightly in the will of God. We are to shield ourselves from being in the wrong places, wrong company and wrong circumstances. When we separate ourselves from the wrong influences, we keep ourselves from unneedful temptation and allow God's voice to be heard. It's like I mentioned last week...if we are so indwelt by the noise of the world around us, is it any wonder we can't hear God speaking???

When we walk in the Lord and let His will guide us, it says we will be like a tree planted by the water. Not only will a tree by the water bring forth fruit, but it will also have a root system that is strong. If our root is strong in the Word of God, we will not be easily swayed by the sins the earth has to offer. It takes commitment to have an upright walk with the Lord.

I pray that you will make a commitment to see God's will for your life. It may be simply reaching out in kindness to a lost and hurting person at work today. Maybe you can make a meal for a family who's been battling illness and are weary. Or, maybe God is speaking to you about full-time ministry. To find what God wants in your life, you must first ask. It's easy to tell God what we want to do, but that's not necessarily what He has in mind. Take the time to draw closer and pray that His will in your life is seen.

If there is a need in your life, feel free to comment back to me about how I can pray for you...if you want it kept private, I will not post it at your request. If you are searching for answers and don't know where to turn, let me share with you how to find the answers...Have a blessed day!!!

Alltop site inclusion

I know many of you saw that I had put a praise on the site through my Twitter feed about being included in Alltop. It is an all-inclusive blog and news site featuring blogs of all types, from entertainment, music, movies, and politics to support groups,etc. Only a few are selected in each genre and I feel honored to have been chosen.

The guys at Alltop just constructed a new site dedicated to christian blogs at christian.alltop.com. My blog is included with blogs from other religious denominations. This has been an opportunity to share the Bible with several new visitors to the site who have been directed via Alltop.

Pray that the Word will reach out to someone in time of need. Also, pray that I will be open to sharing what God would have me share daily in my writings and not rely on self. Thanks for your support and may we continue in the work we've been called to, regardless of where that may lead us...

Please feel free to leave any comments verbally or by clicking the thumbs up and down icons below the posts on the site. I look forward to hearing from you!!!

A shield for you...

This morning, I was reminded of a song that I was taught when singing with the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma. The song is based upon Psalms 3:3-4. I will begin today in verse 1...

"Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. (2) Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. (3) But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. (4) I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah."

How many times do we look around and wonder why others who are serving the gods of this world are getting increase of fortunes, things, etc. and we are made to struggle? Does it seem like everyone in your workplace or neighborhood points you out as the Bible thumper or crazy Christ-follower? Do they not include you in their fun?

That is a blessing...verse 3 states it plainly that the Lord is our shield. He is our glory and the lifter of our souls. When in turmoils personal or public, He is there to lift your chin and help you face your enemies.

The biggest key comes in verse 4, when he cried out with a loud voice...and was heard!!! Our God does something the idols and gods of this world can never do...He hears and answers. When you feel like hope is lost and everyone's against you...lift up your head and cry with a loud voice...and He will hear...

Renew your strength...

One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 40:31. This evening, I would like to lead up to it starting with verse 29..."He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: (31) But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

This is a passage of great comfort to me. When down and out, burdened, burned out, or just plain lacking spiritually, I know that God will give me strength in time of need.

Many of you have used an energy drink when you need an extra "boost". The problem is that after the initial boost, you end up feeling worse than before you had it. I know from experience...

The strength the Lord provides doesn't wear off and won't leave you wanting for something more. God provides strength for the faint, the youth, young men, and you where you need it.

If you are struggling in your life, simply lift a prayer and ask God for His help. He is there waiting...all you have to do is humble yourself and ask...and "wait upon the Lord"...