All Things Really for Good???

After the events of last week, which I have questioned continuously, I have been setting my mind on the verse notated above. Are you having issues come up in your life that just don't seem to make sense? Are there people getting the promotion you think you deserve? Is someone less qualified or passionate being exalted while you are being overlooked? Does your life and the circumstances surrounding you right now just seem downright unfair?

If so, let's look at Romans 8:28, which states..."And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." But, wait a minute...how can that be possible when I am doing right, but am being "punished" in the decisions that are made around me? I know...aren't you glad you don't have the mind of God? There are times I wish I knew the reasons behind everything that doesn't go according to plan, or at least "my" plan.

But, are we really confident in knowing that God's plan is the right way? It's one of those sayings that we as Christians are programmed to say to others who are going through trying times..."God has a plan in everything"...but what about when that plan affects YOU!?! I can say most assuredly that I know God has a plan, and although I might not understand everything that comes my way, I realize that God's ways and thoughts are far superior to mine.

That obviously leads us to another verse, which is found in Isaiah 55:8..."For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." We must take the things we hand over to God and do just that...let Him handle them. And, at the same time, realize that we aren't able to comprehend or grasp the reasonings behind every decision. Much as when we were children, we thought our parents had "lost it" when they wanted us to do certain things. Now, as adults, do we find our kids thinking the same of us? Amazing how perspective can change with a little growth and maturity, huh?

The next verse I would like to share comes from Psalm 46:10..."Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." We must be careful not to jump out in haste when sometimes we just need to cool off and realize that the Creator has a plan. I am reminded that in this life, I am not the star of the story, but rather a bit player. If we can remember that, we will find it easier to relax and know that God is in control!

And finally, let's look at Hebrews 13:5..."Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Let's be happy with what God has given us...like the old saying goes..."when life hands you lemons, make lemonade"...when God allows things to come into your life, allow it to work and bring praise to His name.

I thank you for allowing me to speak to myself through this post and would love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Maybe you have a verse that comforts you in such a situation...share it with us.

As always, let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf!!!

Am I hitting the mark???

Okay, I am still sulking a bit over the Sooners' loss last night in the BCS Championship. However, I am glad to see Florida's Tim Tebow get some of the spotlight, because of his steadfast walk and testimony for Christ. I found it quite amazing that announcers were touting his mission work and Christian walk last night during the game. So, hats off Gators for a great season!!!

Let's get things going today by looking at our week's memory verse found in Philippians 3:14..."I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

I look at the verse and then reflect upon what my life says in respect to following what it says. I fall so short in the grand scheme of things! Do I really think that I can pull off talking as if my walk is in perfect harmony with my calling? Am I truly striving to hit the mark daily? Not always...point blank!

But, does this mean that God loves me any less on the days I struggle? NO! The end of Hebrews 13:5 tells us plainly..."I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." It is in times that we struggle and are searching for "our" own answers that we should be practicing what Psalm 46:10 says..."Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

If I keep my eyes upon who He is, my life will be kept in the proper perspective...and pressing toward the high calling will be much less difficult, because my eyes are on Him and not me!

I came across a video at Sermonspice.com that shares the thought I am talking about in Psalm 46:10...check the video out here...

I pray that you have a great day...continue going over the memory verse for this week...ask for the chance to share it with someone else...pray that God will speak to you through it...feel free to share how this verse speaks to you by commenting below...

And, as always, please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Christmas Offering

First off, let's look at this week's verse found in Psalm 46:10..."Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Take some time during this Christmas season to simply sit down...take a deep breath...and simply be reminded that the Lord is God. No matter if the gifts are just right or not, He has everything under control!!! Cast all your cares upon Him...

I sent a message out to those of you who follow me on Twitter about this video from worship leader Paul Baloche. This is a Christmas version of his worship anthem "Offering". Check it out and leave any thoughts below. Have a very Merry Christmas season!!!





Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

You Need Some Rest???

What a week it has been!!! This will be the first post of the week, and probably the last, as well. Our annual Christmas musical (cantata) is this Sunday morning, so trying to get all the final touches all ironed out. Plus, my son will be flying in on Saturday morning for Christmas break.

I've been focused the last couple weeks on being more concerned with the reason for the season, rather than worrying about buying gifts. And, as usual, I find myself a bit behind. We never make a huge deal about the gifts, because the Gift that was given for us is what this Christmas season is for.

During the holiday season, we seem to be in such a rush to get this done, that done, call this family member, send these cards out, etc!!! So, the verse that comes to mind for our memory verse of the week is Psalm 46:10..."Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." This verse reminds me, during the Christmas season also, to take a step back, slow down, and remember what the TRUE meaning of this season is. Don't let all the gift buying, decorating and get-togethers bring you down!

I do hope you have a great time with family and friends this year, and pray that this Christmas is one you will remember for years to come! Keep going over the verse...pray that God will speak to you through it...and share it with someone TODAY!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Share some good news!!!

Wednesday night, our pastor was sharing as we continue in our study of Romans. The part of the lesson that stuck out to me began in verse 11 of chapter 1..."For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; (12) That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. (13) Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles."

Here Paul is talking to his Roman brethren (like I really talk with such language, right?), and looking forward to visiting with them, that he could share with them the gifts he has received from the Spirit. Let's look at how the Amplified version states verse 12..."That is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine." Paul is talking about how they could be strengthened, encouraged and comforted by each other's faith...not Paul's, not theirs...but glory in the works that God is doing through them all, corporately.

Too many times, I find myself worn down because of what I perceive as insurmountable tasks in my vocational and personal life. When I hear how someone else is doing, in spite of their hectic schedule and worries of life, I seem to slow down, take a step back, and realize my life isn't quite as mad as I thought it was. I need to slow down sometimes, and as I've stated many times before...look at Psalm 46:10..."Be still and know that I am God"...just give it to Him to handle, instead of carrying the weight myself.

Then, back in Romans, verse 13 states that I should be looking forward to partnering with the believers around me or even far away. Paul says he looks forward to sharing fruit among them, "even as among other Gentiles"...I think he's talking about sharing the testimony with others (partnering). To me, this is the simplest act of missions...partnering together to reach others. I don't have to go it alone...and neither do you!

Let's take another look at this week's memorization verse, found in 1 John 4:10..."Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Keep going over it...ask God to speak though His Word...take the time to share it with someone...and let's continue to seek what God has for us...

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!