“Because I said so.” Those four words were about the most abrupt –yet most profound– explanation I would receive as a child, when instructed by my parents or grandparents to do something. As a matter of fact, usually by the time I heard those words, it was because I had exhausted their patience with my “why-ning” (smile) and was skating mighty close to some disciplinary action!
Aren’t we a lot like that with our Heavenly Father sometimes too? The evidence is everywhere as we see common breakdowns in our Christian faith: church splits, confusion, moral plummeting, folks going rogue, and perhaps the saddest of all, believers in general living less than victorious, effective, forward-moving lives. Why? Because instead of heeding God’s instructions the first time around, we often instead go on a geocaching expedition in hopes of unearthing some exemption clause from having to be obedient. Whew…that was a mouthful. But it’s true. Why can’t we just do what He says? After all, He IS God…
Our whole lives, we wrestle with that all-important inquiry, “Why am I here? Why do I exist?” And the answer is just as matter-of-fact as the “Because I said so” we heard from our parents. We are here to achieve God’s purposes, pure and simple. No one is born without a reason. No one is without a Divine purpose. When we sidestep God’s plan, however, and go after our own agenda, is when we see every defining trait we’ve been given turn into something angry, corrupt, vile, perverse. Example? A man of ingenuity and powerful leadership skills becomes a Jim Jones or an Adolf Hitler. I realize that these are the absolute worst-case scenarios, but imagine what could have been if these men would have surrendered their hearts and gifts to God instead of to the enemy.
The Apostle Peter was a loudmouthed hothead whose aggressive nature got him into more than one pickle. Yet when his outspoken passion got sanctified by the Holy Ghost, he became the emboldened herald of Pentecost, who preached like he was on fire…because he was! This is what happens when we allow God to harness the best and worst of our nature and guide us in HIS direction.
Oh, that we would just save ourselves years of setbacks and heartache, and just surrender to His will for our lives. We waste so much time trying to become important, trying to gain respect by earning our pea-sized merit badges for the world to admire. Hay and stubble on that Great Day when our works are tried in the fire. Poof! Burned up in a split second. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t get college degrees, promotions on the job, work hard and save up for retirement—BUT! What if, in order to get those things, we have systematically tuned out God’s voice when He tried to lead us another way? I believe with all my heart that anything we gain by disobedience to God will only result in failure and bitter disappointment in the end.
We’re so afraid that if we say “yes” to Him, He’ll make us do something we hate for the rest of our lives. Not so! Whatever was birthed in you to do, when you do it under the covering of His authority, will just “click” into place. It will be the most natural thing, the most satisfying thing you’ve ever done. He may indeed be leading you to go after that 8th consecutive college degree, and He may have even led you to tenaciously pursue the CEO’s chair or a career in professional sports, but if He’s really instructed you to pour all of your heart and soul into an endeavor, it’s still for His glory and a Divine purpose…not to have other people ooh-ing and ahh-ing at all YOU’VE done. Just check your motives, and begin to listen for His instruction.
How do we know whether we’re in His will or not? Sometimes we’ve ignored His voice so long that it’s hard to remember the sound of it. But I challenge you to ask yourself three things:
1. Did God specifically tell me to do this with my life; or, have I heard His call to another purpose and decided to do it later, after I do my own thing first?
2. Is what I’m doing in violation of any part of His Word?
3. If He asked me to sacrifice it on the altar of obedience, would I or could I do it?
Our prayer: “Heavenly Father, thank You first of all for creating me in Your image. I can’t begin to understand why and how You deliberately planned for me a hope and a future, but I want to fulfill that purpose and ultimately to please You and make You glad You willed for me to be born. Take my life and use it fully for your good pleasure. Weed out all the ugly, unproductive things growing in my character, and straighten whatever I may have warped by my disobedience. Every talent, every gift, every ability You’ve instilled within me, I surrender to Your Divine will. Don’t allow me to be satisfied with anything less —and don’t allow me to aspire to be anything more— than exactly what You want for me. I say yes to Your will now, just BECAUSE YOU SAID SO, and I do it in Jesus’ name.”
Scripture of the Day: Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” - Luke 11:28
Showing posts with label God's guidance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's guidance. Show all posts
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Ready, Aim, Shoot!
During my early years as a nurse I worked nightshift at a local hospital in Nashville. I have very fond memories of the time I spent there and of the patients I cared for. In the wee hours of the morning during those long nightshifts, I’d sneak into my patient’s room to check on them. Sometimes I’d find them awake reading or watching television and sometimes I find them asleep with the television watching them. One night as tipped around my patient’s room, I noticed a television program that caught my attention. It was an Outdoor Sportsman’s Competition. I stood there in the quiet of the room watching as the contestants participated in a variety of outdoor sporting activities like Tree Chopping, Sport Fishing, Bow and Arrow Shooting and High House Eight Skeet Shooting.
As I stood there watching, I was most intrigued by the Skeet Shooting. I watched as the marksmen aimed and fired their rifles at disks being shot into the air at top speed from various directions. When the shooter hit the disks, they would shatter into a million pieces in mid-air! The contestant able to shoot and demolish the most disks in the fastest amount of time won the competition. Okay, so skeet shooting has never been my idea of a fun activity. Actually, I think shopping should be an Olympic Sport. It’s been a long time since I left that tiny hospital but from time to time I’d find myself thinking about that competition, skeet shooting and the object of that sport. But why, what does skeet shooting have to do with me? Then one day the Lord gave me a powerful revelation about skeet shooting and how we as believers can use that same concept to combat negative thoughts! As believers the enemy’s goal is to flood our minds with negative thoughts about ourselves and the situations in our lives in hopes that we will literally think ourselves to death. Maybe you’re like me and feel like negative thoughts seem to fly around in your head as if someone were firing those thoughts like disks in the air.
And maybe you too have wondered, what are thoughts and where do negative thoughts come from?
Thoughts are past events stored as memories. Our mind conditioning and beliefs are also stored as memories. Thoughts can be positive or negative depending on what we have conditioned ourselves to meditate on. The enemy definitely prefers to manipulate us with the latter. When negative thoughts enter our minds we have less than 30-seconds to either demolish/destroy those thoughts or allow them to fester producing a chain reaction of negative thoughts.
Just like the skeet shooter we must demolish every negative thought that exalts itself against what God says about us. Just like the skilled marksman we must be armed and ready to shoot every negative thought using the Word of God as our ammunition. We must shatter every thought like. “No one loves me”. Shoot that thought with Romans 5:8 but God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us! “My past is so bad, God will never forgive me”. Shoot that thought with Phil. 3:13-14. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of. But one thing I do. Forgetting those things that are behind me and I press towards the mark of the prize and high calling of Jesus Christ! “I am never going to get well”. Shoot that thought with Ps. 107:20 God sent his word to heal me and he will deliver me from destruction! You get the picture, right?
So beloved, with the speed, precision and accuracy of a skilled marksman, let’s demolish and destroy the enemy and every thought that exalts itself against the Word of God and what it says about us. We can do what He says we can do, be who He says we can be and have what He says we can have. Ready, Aim, Shoot!
Scripture of the Day: "We demolish every thought that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." - 2 Corinthians 10:5
As I stood there watching, I was most intrigued by the Skeet Shooting. I watched as the marksmen aimed and fired their rifles at disks being shot into the air at top speed from various directions. When the shooter hit the disks, they would shatter into a million pieces in mid-air! The contestant able to shoot and demolish the most disks in the fastest amount of time won the competition. Okay, so skeet shooting has never been my idea of a fun activity. Actually, I think shopping should be an Olympic Sport. It’s been a long time since I left that tiny hospital but from time to time I’d find myself thinking about that competition, skeet shooting and the object of that sport. But why, what does skeet shooting have to do with me? Then one day the Lord gave me a powerful revelation about skeet shooting and how we as believers can use that same concept to combat negative thoughts! As believers the enemy’s goal is to flood our minds with negative thoughts about ourselves and the situations in our lives in hopes that we will literally think ourselves to death. Maybe you’re like me and feel like negative thoughts seem to fly around in your head as if someone were firing those thoughts like disks in the air.
And maybe you too have wondered, what are thoughts and where do negative thoughts come from?
Thoughts are past events stored as memories. Our mind conditioning and beliefs are also stored as memories. Thoughts can be positive or negative depending on what we have conditioned ourselves to meditate on. The enemy definitely prefers to manipulate us with the latter. When negative thoughts enter our minds we have less than 30-seconds to either demolish/destroy those thoughts or allow them to fester producing a chain reaction of negative thoughts.
Just like the skeet shooter we must demolish every negative thought that exalts itself against what God says about us. Just like the skilled marksman we must be armed and ready to shoot every negative thought using the Word of God as our ammunition. We must shatter every thought like. “No one loves me”. Shoot that thought with Romans 5:8 but God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us! “My past is so bad, God will never forgive me”. Shoot that thought with Phil. 3:13-14. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of. But one thing I do. Forgetting those things that are behind me and I press towards the mark of the prize and high calling of Jesus Christ! “I am never going to get well”. Shoot that thought with Ps. 107:20 God sent his word to heal me and he will deliver me from destruction! You get the picture, right?
So beloved, with the speed, precision and accuracy of a skilled marksman, let’s demolish and destroy the enemy and every thought that exalts itself against the Word of God and what it says about us. We can do what He says we can do, be who He says we can be and have what He says we can have. Ready, Aim, Shoot!
Scripture of the Day: "We demolish every thought that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." - 2 Corinthians 10:5
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Let The Word Speak
How do you live by the word of God? How can you live by the Word of someone you cannot see? We all know the answer, Faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1
The trials and tribulations of life will come but our faith is what sustains us, encourages us and brings us out of whatever oppressive situation we are going thru. We serve a God who is always there. As we mature in Christ, we had to arrive at a point to know that He is right there alongside us throughout our life and will show His face when we least expect it and on time. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” Hebrew 11:6
How many times have you went through something tough and you felt that it was just too much? Or you could not go on? It is times like these that the word of God in you is revealed and a ferocious spark is ignited within. We serve a God who specializes in the impossible. His word pours out of your mouth and is loud and clear in your head. It is important for you to know the word for yourself. You must become familiar with the word of God, and share the word of God with others. You get stronger in the Word when you hear it, study it and apply it to your daily life. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17”
Therefore, when others try to speak a negative word over your situation, you have already spoken the word of life to yourself. You have read it and have a front row seat to the masterful work of our Lord in your life. Just look back over your life and see how the word of the Lord has kept you from quitting, staying in sin, failing or giving up. Many times the Lord uses situations to lead and bring us to His Word. The word of God reminds us that we are His sheep and His sheep hear His voice. “Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge” Proverbs 22:17
When you read the word, believe it and obey it daily, the Lord is pleased. Who said it would be easy? One thing we do know is that we cannot survive without the His word. It is necessary for our growth in this life. So strive to live by the Word today and every day.
Scripture of the Day: “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." - Luke 4:4”
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Sharper Than The Sharpest
During the Bible days, the swords the soldiers used in battle were large, heavy, and sharp with two edges. Some other weapons they had in their possession were spears, bows, arrows, and battleaxes. But it seems that the one they treasured the most, was the sword. We as Christians have a sword too that we are to use, and it's sharper than the sharpest, and that's “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 tells us that it’s one of our weapons. How are you going to fight in a battle or war and not have a weapon to use? We are to have this sword in our heart, in our mind, and in our life. But we don't always use this weapon, the Word of God.
Our spiritual battles can be fought on a daily basis with the Lord's help, by claiming and using his powerful word. I have realized and learned that if I just pick up my word at least once a day to read, it makes me stronger. Times when we're provoked to be unconcerned in our words or actions and our patience is almost gone, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27), is what we can use. Times when we find ourselves walking in dark hours of discouragement and dismay, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105), is right there for us to claim. If we ever find ourselves in a dangerous situation or around some dangerous folks, we can whisper out quietly “For the angel of the LORD guards all who fear Him, and He rescues them.” (Psalm 34:7). In a hospital while tests are being taken, in our mind we can quote, "And by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5).
Have you ever found yourself reading the word of God and it becomes so powerful and alive to you? Your eyes become wide open and it becomes so real to you? It becomes a part of you? The word of God can and will change your life, if you choose to let it. God has given us the weapon of His Word. Let's make more time to pick it up and open it every day, and read it for ourselves. If we don’t, we will be soldiers without swords.
Scripture of the Day: "For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are." - Hebrews 4:12
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Left Foot Braking
In tenth grade, I won the Drivers Ed award. Now, I don’t think I won because I was necessarily the superior driver in our class…I’m pretty sure that it was because of the notebook. Mr. Harold Jude was our teacher, and much to our disappointment, the greater part of our time wasn’t spent actually driving; it was reading about driving. No, the driving part would come later on—but for right now, he was going to drill us over and over again on the rules of the road.
Part of that process was that we had to do a notebook, and it would count as a significant percentage of our grade. At the end of each chapter was a long set of questions. He would make us write the question and then write the answer in our notebook. Well, Little Miss Perfectionist decided to go the extra mile, typewriting and color-coding my notebook on my old manual Remington typewriter (a dumpster dive rescue)…black for the questions, red for the answers. I wore holes in the typewriter ribbon, but it got me an “A!”
At the time, I thought the notebook was a bit unreasonable. But, an impatient teenager just wants to cut to the chase and hit the highway! I realized down the road, however, that he was aiming for something other than eating up my free time with his homework assignment: he was making sure that when we did actually get out there, those rules would be tattooed on our brains!
Among the things he drilled into our heads, Mr. Jude repeatedly said, “No left-foot braking.” Now, I can’t remember whether it’s an actual code in the WV Drivers Manual, but I think the reasoning behind it was that in order to hit the brake, one would have to take the right foot off the gas pedal to engage the brake, thus preventing an engine surge when the car needed to stop. It was a hard habit to learn, but all this came to my mind yesterday as I glanced down and noticed that my left foot was tucked back against the car seat—something I had begun doing 29 years earlier to prevent that foot from creeping up to that brake pedal…just to keep my teacher from scolding me! In trying to prevent being told I was doing it wrong, I inadvertently began doing it right!
So why all this elaboration on driving instruction? It’s a lot like the rest of life. If we don’t learn the rules of engagement, we’ll almost certainly try to do the right thing the wrong way. Somewhere along the way, while going over those questions and answers over and over in this assignment, I became a better driver. Not on the road, but in the classroom. During the homework assignment. Interesting, huh? Going over and over the Scriptures throughout my life has sure helped me live a lot better, too. Oh that I’d followed them in every situation I’ve encountered!
Sometimes when I read the Bible, particularly the Old Testament when God was setting forth His laws, I marvel that He would even have to tell us not to do some things. In fact, some acts seemed to violate common sense even before they hit the sin category…such as God telling us we shouldn’t commit bestiality or murder. Yet, the Lord has always known that we humans, when left to our own devices, will go and do what defies even common sense. Romans 1 is a good New Testament example. Was He trying to insult our intelligence when He was so specific about the do’s and don’ts? Of course not. He just knew that man’s tendency is to let soul override spirit in the decision-making process. An unsanctified soul will always pair up with its cohort, the unsanctified body, unless the Word is alive in our spirit man and drawing our head knowledge toward the spiritual rather than the carnal.
Sex within marriage? Not a sin. Sex outside marriage? Sin. Left-foot braking…taking something which is right and going about it all wrong. The right foot’s still on the gas and the left foot’s trying to hit the brake, and we slam into the guardrail…assuming of course that there even is a guardrail. The curve may be steep and cliff may be high…if all we get are a few dings and dents, we’ll be getting off easy. We may wind up, however, with an unplanned pregnancy, a soul tie with someone we can no longer stand, AIDS or some other dreaded disease. And worst of all, we’ve just sinned against God and against our own bodies.
That’s just one instance of left-foot braking. What about our other appetites? One cookie turns into a whole pack. A craving for momentary satisfaction turns into a violent addiction. A few dollars from the cash drawer, with an intent to pay it back, later becomes a regular practice of “borrowing” followed by a jail sentence for embezzlement. Why? Because the flesh will never say, “No.” The flesh will never say, “Deny yourself. Do the right thing.” The flesh-driven soul reasons that although it may have happened to someone else, it won’t happen to you. You can control it. You can quit any time you want. Right? Wrong.
The truth is, we need a rule book. We need God’s Word to tell us what to do, how to respond, how to pray. Personally, I’m glad that God has made life an open Book test, with all the answers where we can freely access them. When we regularly talk about them, write them, rehearse them, they become ingrained in our thought pattern. We may have temptations, but when we choose to use our spirit—our right foot if you will—to accelerate and to do the braking too, we’re so much more likely to please our Teacher. And when we’re trying to do the right thing, grace is that second brake pedal on His side of the car. He is well able to keep us from falling, or in this case, crashing.
I sure want to pass His test…don’t you?
Scripture of the Day: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” - Deut 6:5-9
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Order my Steps and Guide my Socks!
Some prayers I pray daily, without fail. One of them is this: “Lord, please establish my thoughts and order my steps this day.” Such promises are in His word, and I believe that every day when I pray this prayer, God does just what it asks.
One recent morning, I put on some warm, fuzzy purple socks to pounce around the house in. I wore slip on heels to work that day and totally forgot to take off the socks. About halfway to work, I happened to glance down, and I almost stopped the car as I noticed my purple socks—glaring. So I thought, “I’ll just stop by Walgreen’s and get some knee-highs.” Driving down the street rocking my praise, I hastily turned into what I thought was the driveway for Walgreen’s. Instead, it was a closed restaurant. Just as I was about to drive out of the parking lot, I noticed a homeless woman, who seemed to come out of nowhere, and she and I both just stopped and stared at each other. I knew in that instant this was a meeting God had gently guided me to. She slowly walked over to the car as I rolled down the window.
I immediately asked her if she was hungry, and as she nodded I proceeded to give her most of what I had packed for my lunch. She was so excited and asked if I were a “God person.” I said, “Yes Ma’am, I am.” I asked if she knew that God loved her. “Oh yea; I’m still alive.” I then steered the conversation to the Bible, specifically Romans 10:9. She said, “Oh I know all about that,” and she kept mentioning her “brother” who was really beat up and bruised and suffered a lot. It was almost as if this brother she spoke about was Jesus Himself—whom we know suffered greatly on the cross as payment for our sins. Since she “knew all about Romans 10:9,” I asked had she actually done what it said. Her response: “H--- yea!” We had a good laugh.
“I’m thirsty,” she said. I had two water bottles, both less than half empty. I poured one into the other and gave it to her. Her grin widened. “You got a lot of clothes," she stated emphatically. "Don’t you? I need some clothes; I’m freezing.” I remembered I had packed some workout clothes for later that evening, so I handed her the bag and informed her that she now had a new T-shirt, pants and socks. At the word “pants” she lit up like a 5-year-old, which made my heart smile. With the biggest grin, she declared that God had blessed her that day. I responded by asking if I could read some of His word to her. So we read a little. She asked me for the third time if I had any (Christian) literature. She seemed just as eager to have the literature about God as much as the food, water and clothing. I was so enjoying meeting Gigi.
As a parting word, I told her that Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25: 40). I explained to her that in other words, everything I had given her this day, I was really giving to Jesus ... He was the one who used me to bless her that day. At those words, she closed her eyes, and she had the most peaceful countenance. She asked for a hug and I obliged. Yes, she was dirty, and her hair needed a wash badly, but that didn’t matter in that moment. I knew that Jesus would have given her a hug, too. In fact, He did—through me.
I knew that the Holy Spirit didn’t want me to change my purple socks that morning; He knew I would want to change them and attempt to stop at Walgreen’s; and He knew I would make the mistake I did—and find Gigi. He needed to bless one of His children. When you find yourself in a strange place, don’t always be in such a hurry to leave. Stop, assess your surroundings, and consider the possibility that you may be just where God wants you. He may be using you to give Him food, something to drink, and clothing for His journey ... that He takes every day and distributes as needed … as He walks with—and sometimes carries—His precious children. I’m so grateful that He guides our footsteps, even when we’re wearing purple socks.
Scripture of the Day: "For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me." - Matthew 25:35-36
One recent morning, I put on some warm, fuzzy purple socks to pounce around the house in. I wore slip on heels to work that day and totally forgot to take off the socks. About halfway to work, I happened to glance down, and I almost stopped the car as I noticed my purple socks—glaring. So I thought, “I’ll just stop by Walgreen’s and get some knee-highs.” Driving down the street rocking my praise, I hastily turned into what I thought was the driveway for Walgreen’s. Instead, it was a closed restaurant. Just as I was about to drive out of the parking lot, I noticed a homeless woman, who seemed to come out of nowhere, and she and I both just stopped and stared at each other. I knew in that instant this was a meeting God had gently guided me to. She slowly walked over to the car as I rolled down the window.
I immediately asked her if she was hungry, and as she nodded I proceeded to give her most of what I had packed for my lunch. She was so excited and asked if I were a “God person.” I said, “Yes Ma’am, I am.” I asked if she knew that God loved her. “Oh yea; I’m still alive.” I then steered the conversation to the Bible, specifically Romans 10:9. She said, “Oh I know all about that,” and she kept mentioning her “brother” who was really beat up and bruised and suffered a lot. It was almost as if this brother she spoke about was Jesus Himself—whom we know suffered greatly on the cross as payment for our sins. Since she “knew all about Romans 10:9,” I asked had she actually done what it said. Her response: “H--- yea!” We had a good laugh.
“I’m thirsty,” she said. I had two water bottles, both less than half empty. I poured one into the other and gave it to her. Her grin widened. “You got a lot of clothes," she stated emphatically. "Don’t you? I need some clothes; I’m freezing.” I remembered I had packed some workout clothes for later that evening, so I handed her the bag and informed her that she now had a new T-shirt, pants and socks. At the word “pants” she lit up like a 5-year-old, which made my heart smile. With the biggest grin, she declared that God had blessed her that day. I responded by asking if I could read some of His word to her. So we read a little. She asked me for the third time if I had any (Christian) literature. She seemed just as eager to have the literature about God as much as the food, water and clothing. I was so enjoying meeting Gigi.
As a parting word, I told her that Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25: 40). I explained to her that in other words, everything I had given her this day, I was really giving to Jesus ... He was the one who used me to bless her that day. At those words, she closed her eyes, and she had the most peaceful countenance. She asked for a hug and I obliged. Yes, she was dirty, and her hair needed a wash badly, but that didn’t matter in that moment. I knew that Jesus would have given her a hug, too. In fact, He did—through me.
I knew that the Holy Spirit didn’t want me to change my purple socks that morning; He knew I would want to change them and attempt to stop at Walgreen’s; and He knew I would make the mistake I did—and find Gigi. He needed to bless one of His children. When you find yourself in a strange place, don’t always be in such a hurry to leave. Stop, assess your surroundings, and consider the possibility that you may be just where God wants you. He may be using you to give Him food, something to drink, and clothing for His journey ... that He takes every day and distributes as needed … as He walks with—and sometimes carries—His precious children. I’m so grateful that He guides our footsteps, even when we’re wearing purple socks.
Scripture of the Day: "For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me." - Matthew 25:35-36
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Not My Way But Your Way
Lean not to your own understanding, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6). This scripture is very valuable to every believer. I know when this was written, God had given us important instructions to help us win. We have to practice this Word from the Lord daily to achieve the best He has for us. When He tells us, that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). Both scriptures tie in together to say, we cannot trust in or rely on our fleshly intellect. We have to call on Him for the wisdom when we need to make daily decisions.
Solomon knew best, when He said He wanted the wisdom of God first, before he asked for anything else (2 Chronicles 1:7-12). Pride is the very thing that will keep us from moving ahead in the will of God. Wanting to control every situation based on your own understanding will keep you from receiving better. Trusting in the Lord with all you got will get you to the higher levels you desire.
Most importantly what He desires for you. Leaning not to your own understanding, but trusting Him instead, will take you to levels you never dreamed of. I will do exceedingly and abundantly above all you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). God has “AMAZING” in store for you. It’s up to us to trust Him, lean on Him, stand still and see the salvation of The Lord. Doing it our way will cause weariness. If we grow not weary in well doing, then we will receive our blessings in the due season (Galatians 6:9). Doing well is doing it the way God has instructed. I believe our season has come and God is ready to release. Stand under His covering and trust. He will direct your path to success.
Scripture of the Day: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
Following and Worshiping the Leader
What is your preference - to follow or lead? Take a moment and think about it, a lot of us are just not satisfied in doing the following, we like to do the leading! We’re human and at times we do want things to go our way. But we have to realize and accept that as children of the Most High God, it's always about his way.
On this daily spiritual journey, we are not the leader, but the follower. ”The LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good and leads you along the paths you should follow." (Isaiah 48:17, NLT). God is always in front, preparing the way. He wants to do the leading, guiding, and directing of his children to where he wants them to go and what he wants them to do. For someone reading this, God knows what is best for you.
The path may not always look very clear to us. All we have to do is rely and depend on his vision and guidance, listen to and obey his word. When we are willing to be led by his word and Spirit, we get to know him in a more intimate way. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise again: I will obey your wonderful laws. (Psalm 119:105-106, NLT). See, following the leader is also worshiping him, obedience.
Do you need guidance concerning any issues, questions, or concerns in your life? Put aside your way, ask for his, receive it and then continue to follow and worship him. He already has it planned and mapped out for you. There's a hymn chorus I remember the saints singing when I was growing up. Now, I know the true meaning of it for myself. "Lead me, guide me along the way. For if you lead me I cannot not stray. Lord let me walk each day with Thee. Lead me oh Lord, lead me.”
Scripture of the Day: ”The LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good and leads you along the paths you should follow." - Isaiah 48:17 (NLT)
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Warning Lights
Our cars have warning lights on the dashboard that tell us when something is wrong that needs attention. They say things like "Check gauges," "Door ajar," "Tire pressure," "Battery level," etc. The lights are there to protect us, and to protect the car from being damaged.
When one of those lights comes on, we can do the wise thing and stop to find out what the problem is, and get it fixed. Or we could just carry around a little hammer and smash the light.
That sounds silly, but it's just what we sometimes do in our spiritual lives. We are doing something wrong, engaging in some sin, and we get a warning light from our conscience. We might ignore the sign--smash the light, so to speak--and go on. But a car will stall if we ignore the warning lights, and our spiritual lives will stall if we ignore the prompting of our conscience.
In 2 Samuel 11-12, we see the result of ignoring the warning lights. King David has taken the wife of one of his soldiers, Uriah the Hittite, and now she is pregnant with David's child. David tries to cover what he has done by getting Uriah to go and sleep with his wife. When that doesn't work, David engineers his death. So now David is guilty of adultery, deception, murder.
The warning lights, the "guilt lights," have come on, and David has chosen to smash them. He hasn't dealt with the guilt properly, and he is miserable. Psalm 32, written after David committed these sins, says, "When I refused to confess my sin I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long" (v. 3).
As 2 Samuel 12 opens, God has been patient for a long time, perhaps a year. God doesn't rearrange the stars to spell out "I KNOW" and He doesn't hang two-trillion-watt speakers from the moon and say, "David, you're in big trouble." Instead, He waits to see if David will come and "'fess up." But he doesn't. So God sends Nathan the prophet to tell David about a wealthy man who steals a neighbor's only lamb to feed to a guest. And when David angrily sentences the man to death, Nathan says, "You are the man." This third-person story works because, although David was miserable inside, he didn't truly understand how bad his sin was. Our sin often looks much worse on others than it does on us. And although God forgave David, there were still consequences--violence and sexual sin in his family, the overthrow of his throne, etc. Sin always has consequences.
But here's my point: We all have a will; we all make choices. If, as believers, we say, "I'm going my own way," it may seem smooth at first, like we've gotten away with it. But God has creative ways to get our attention if we don't listen to him. God knows we are restless apart from him, apart from obedience to him. And until we are ready to be honest about our sin, we'll never experience God's forgiveness.
Maybe you're guilty of some sin right now. Maybe it's gossip, or lust, or pride. But whatever the sin, you've seen the warning light of your conscience come on. If so, you need to pay heed to it and take care of it, not just smash it with a hammer. Admit your sin--right now. Then immediately turn from it, and receive God's forgiveness.
Scripture Of The Day: "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 (NKJV)
In 2 Samuel 11-12, we see the result of ignoring the warning lights. King David has taken the wife of one of his soldiers, Uriah the Hittite, and now she is pregnant with David's child. David tries to cover what he has done by getting Uriah to go and sleep with his wife. When that doesn't work, David engineers his death. So now David is guilty of adultery, deception, murder.
The warning lights, the "guilt lights," have come on, and David has chosen to smash them. He hasn't dealt with the guilt properly, and he is miserable. Psalm 32, written after David committed these sins, says, "When I refused to confess my sin I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long" (v. 3).
As 2 Samuel 12 opens, God has been patient for a long time, perhaps a year. God doesn't rearrange the stars to spell out "I KNOW" and He doesn't hang two-trillion-watt speakers from the moon and say, "David, you're in big trouble." Instead, He waits to see if David will come and "'fess up." But he doesn't. So God sends Nathan the prophet to tell David about a wealthy man who steals a neighbor's only lamb to feed to a guest. And when David angrily sentences the man to death, Nathan says, "You are the man." This third-person story works because, although David was miserable inside, he didn't truly understand how bad his sin was. Our sin often looks much worse on others than it does on us. And although God forgave David, there were still consequences--violence and sexual sin in his family, the overthrow of his throne, etc. Sin always has consequences.
But here's my point: We all have a will; we all make choices. If, as believers, we say, "I'm going my own way," it may seem smooth at first, like we've gotten away with it. But God has creative ways to get our attention if we don't listen to him. God knows we are restless apart from him, apart from obedience to him. And until we are ready to be honest about our sin, we'll never experience God's forgiveness.
Maybe you're guilty of some sin right now. Maybe it's gossip, or lust, or pride. But whatever the sin, you've seen the warning light of your conscience come on. If so, you need to pay heed to it and take care of it, not just smash it with a hammer. Admit your sin--right now. Then immediately turn from it, and receive God's forgiveness.
Scripture Of The Day: "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 (NKJV)
Thursday, June 2, 2011
I Love My GPS
I’m in love with my global positioning satellite system! It provides me with the exact location of my car, gives me instruction on how to get somewhere and tells me when I have strayed from a designated journey. If I continue on the wrong track, it will reprogram itself to get me where I want or need to go in spite of the errors of my ways.
As much as I love the GPS in my car, I love my divine GPS in my heart a whole lot better.
In Psalm 32, David gets onto the wrong track and finally sees the error of his ways. He is now a happy man because God has forgiven his disobedience and covered his sin. The heavy hand of God no longer rests upon this psalmist and he rejoices in the afterglow.
The psalmist is on a journey from confession to repentance, from prayer to praise and from pardon to the best pathway. In order to gain victory over the life of sin God’s guidance is offered. God will tell the way, teach the way and watch over the process. However, along the way there is time to stop, think, and ponder the moment.
There are three cues to contemplate: “For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.” Selah (V. 4) I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah (V.5) You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah (V.7)
After that then the Lord says “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (V.8)
In Psalm 32, David gets onto the wrong track and finally sees the error of his ways. He is now a happy man because God has forgiven his disobedience and covered his sin. The heavy hand of God no longer rests upon this psalmist and he rejoices in the afterglow.
The psalmist is on a journey from confession to repentance, from prayer to praise and from pardon to the best pathway. In order to gain victory over the life of sin God’s guidance is offered. God will tell the way, teach the way and watch over the process. However, along the way there is time to stop, think, and ponder the moment.
There are three cues to contemplate: “For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.” Selah (V. 4) I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah (V.5) You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah (V.7)
After that then the Lord says “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (V.8)
In the Old Testament, especially in the Book of Psalms, the Hebrew word “Selah” appears at the end of a few verses. Selah is considered to be an unspoken Hebrew directive to the musicians or singers to stop, pause, and consider this, measure carefully the meaning of what has been said before moving forward. There may be a deeper meaning and you won’t get it unless you stop.
The tempo of life can move from andante, using music terminology or a moderate pace to the fast pace of allegro or to the loud strength of forte. In order to handle the daily tempos of life we must adjust our pace, which is often driven by the demands of the day.
Life can become a song out of control or a symphony, harmonizing the diverse sounds of life led by our divine guidance conductor, our God. The temptation is to segue or move into the next stanza of living without pausing to reflex, renew, restore or revive. There is always so much to do with little time to get it done. We tend to rush from one thing to the next skimming along the surface because we don’t have enough time to dig in.
In order to get the most out of the GPS, you first must confess that you’re headed in the wrong direction and surrender the guidance to the satellite system. In our faith journey, you first must confess like David that you’re headed in the wrong direction and surrender yourself to the Lord’s instruction.
Your Selah comes when you stop long enough to measure, weigh, and consider this before moving forward. There may be a deeper meaning to what is going on in your life and a deeper relationship available with God. You may miss it because you insist on going your own way or you’re moving too fast.
Step back from the melody. Listen to the psalms you’ve been singing. Recalibrate and reset your course. Love your divine GPS and allow God to guide you the rest of the way!
The tempo of life can move from andante, using music terminology or a moderate pace to the fast pace of allegro or to the loud strength of forte. In order to handle the daily tempos of life we must adjust our pace, which is often driven by the demands of the day.
Life can become a song out of control or a symphony, harmonizing the diverse sounds of life led by our divine guidance conductor, our God. The temptation is to segue or move into the next stanza of living without pausing to reflex, renew, restore or revive. There is always so much to do with little time to get it done. We tend to rush from one thing to the next skimming along the surface because we don’t have enough time to dig in.
In order to get the most out of the GPS, you first must confess that you’re headed in the wrong direction and surrender the guidance to the satellite system. In our faith journey, you first must confess like David that you’re headed in the wrong direction and surrender yourself to the Lord’s instruction.
Your Selah comes when you stop long enough to measure, weigh, and consider this before moving forward. There may be a deeper meaning to what is going on in your life and a deeper relationship available with God. You may miss it because you insist on going your own way or you’re moving too fast.
Step back from the melody. Listen to the psalms you’ve been singing. Recalibrate and reset your course. Love your divine GPS and allow God to guide you the rest of the way!
Scripture Of The Day: “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” - Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Stuck In The Middle
Gen. 11:31–12:3 holds some important spiritual truths to help those of us who are stuck in the middle. God is calling for us to come out of that place that has us stuck.
We may be stuck in sin, stuck in a sad sorrowful situation, stuck in the middle. We know that we have to make a choice, but that choice threatens to take away everything that we have, put us in a place that might be uncomfortable, require more of us than we’re willing to give.
Some of us are dealing with mid-life crises or middle age; we’re living our lives in the middle of road. It’s time to choose a lane; it’s time to choose which side of the fence on which we’re going to live; it’s time to no longer be lukewarm, but it’s time to get out of the middle and get on the Lord’s side.
The text prophetically peers into the life of Abram. Abram was told by God to leave his country, his relatives, and his father’s house, and go to the land that God would show him. The Bible says that God goes on to tell Abram that he would become the father of a great nation.
But we see in chapter 11 that Abram’s dad Terah had taken his son Abram, his daughter-in-law Sarai, and his grandson Lot and left Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan. But they stopped instead at a village of Haran and settled there. The destination was Canaan. Terah stopped in Haran. Geographically Haran represented the halfway point between Ur of the Chaldeans and Canaan, the final destination.
They left home on their way to the land of milk and honey, but they stopped in Haran because Terah, Abram’s father, said stop.
Abram had to submit to his father. The Bible says that despite his wealth, despite all that he thought, Abram had to be in a state of submission. Some of us are stuck in the middle because we will not submit to God.
God is calling you to pray, but because it doesn’t make sense to pray at that particular moment, we don’t pray.
God is calling us to open the Bible, but because it doesn’t make sense to open the bible at that moment, we don’t open the Bible.
Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in the middle when we suffer great loss. Not just the death of a loved one, but a dying family situation, a dying financial situation, a dying relationship. We’re stuck in the middle. What do I do? Do I go on, or do I get out? In the middle, we have choices to make.
You can choose to lie down, or sit down or bow down. If you lay down, the world will not stop. If you sit down, people will continue to walk by or walk over you. But if you bow, if you bow down, you position yourself right in the middle of whatever to seek God.
When you seek God while stuck in the middle, God speaks to you, God moves you, and God comforts you. When you’re stuck in the middle if you submit to the will of God, you will not have to surrender to the conditions around you.
Terah, Abram’s father, died while still in Haran. Then in chapter 12, the Lord calls out to Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s house and go to the land that I will show you.” The Bible says that Abram was 75 years old when he heard God’s call and left Haran.
75 years is a long time. Somebody has been stuck in the middle for a long time, and today is the day that God said you’re coming out.
You’ve come too far to turn back.
You’re not far enough to see victory, but you’re too far to turn back.
You’re in the middle, but you can make it!
You’ve been in Haran long enough!
It’s time to celebrate coming out!
Submit, seek and celebrate!
You don’t have to be stuck in the middle anymore!
Scripture Of The Day: "Then the Lord told Abram, 'leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s house and go to the land that I will show you.'" - Gen 12:1 (NLT)
Some of us are dealing with mid-life crises or middle age; we’re living our lives in the middle of road. It’s time to choose a lane; it’s time to choose which side of the fence on which we’re going to live; it’s time to no longer be lukewarm, but it’s time to get out of the middle and get on the Lord’s side.
The text prophetically peers into the life of Abram. Abram was told by God to leave his country, his relatives, and his father’s house, and go to the land that God would show him. The Bible says that God goes on to tell Abram that he would become the father of a great nation.
But we see in chapter 11 that Abram’s dad Terah had taken his son Abram, his daughter-in-law Sarai, and his grandson Lot and left Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan. But they stopped instead at a village of Haran and settled there. The destination was Canaan. Terah stopped in Haran. Geographically Haran represented the halfway point between Ur of the Chaldeans and Canaan, the final destination.
They left home on their way to the land of milk and honey, but they stopped in Haran because Terah, Abram’s father, said stop.
Abram had to submit to his father. The Bible says that despite his wealth, despite all that he thought, Abram had to be in a state of submission. Some of us are stuck in the middle because we will not submit to God.
God is calling you to pray, but because it doesn’t make sense to pray at that particular moment, we don’t pray.
God is calling us to open the Bible, but because it doesn’t make sense to open the bible at that moment, we don’t open the Bible.
Sometimes we find ourselves stuck in the middle when we suffer great loss. Not just the death of a loved one, but a dying family situation, a dying financial situation, a dying relationship. We’re stuck in the middle. What do I do? Do I go on, or do I get out? In the middle, we have choices to make.
You can choose to lie down, or sit down or bow down. If you lay down, the world will not stop. If you sit down, people will continue to walk by or walk over you. But if you bow, if you bow down, you position yourself right in the middle of whatever to seek God.
When you seek God while stuck in the middle, God speaks to you, God moves you, and God comforts you. When you’re stuck in the middle if you submit to the will of God, you will not have to surrender to the conditions around you.
Terah, Abram’s father, died while still in Haran. Then in chapter 12, the Lord calls out to Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s house and go to the land that I will show you.” The Bible says that Abram was 75 years old when he heard God’s call and left Haran.
75 years is a long time. Somebody has been stuck in the middle for a long time, and today is the day that God said you’re coming out.
You’ve come too far to turn back.
You’re not far enough to see victory, but you’re too far to turn back.
You’re in the middle, but you can make it!
You’ve been in Haran long enough!
It’s time to celebrate coming out!
Submit, seek and celebrate!
You don’t have to be stuck in the middle anymore!
Scripture Of The Day: "Then the Lord told Abram, 'leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s house and go to the land that I will show you.'" - Gen 12:1 (NLT)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
If God Before
James Augustine Joyce, one of the most influential writers of the early 20th century, once wrote these words: “Mistakes are portals of great discovery.”
This quote rang true when browsing online just a few months ago. I ran across a note that a dear friend wrote on her Facebook page as a source of encouragement and inspiration to those who followed and ‘befriended’ her online. In the note, she referenced a very familiar passage of scripture, yet while doing so, accidentally made a mistake with one particular word.
And although she quickly corrected it after a few of her friends had pointed it out, I believe the ‘mistake’ she made may serve as a great discovery for many of us as believers. Let’s see if you can find the word she wrote down in error:
“…if God before us, who can be against us?”
Did you find it? I can give you another moment if you need one. That’s right; the word BEFORE, according to Romans 8:31, should have actually been the words BE FOR. A simple mistake, but perhaps, not as incorrect as one may want to believe.
As believers, we must understand that our faith journey should not be dependent on what is PRESENTLY going on around us, nor should it be subject to what we fear is just AHEAD of us, but rather it should be rooted and grounded in the ONE who has gone BEFORE us.
A God who was there in the very BEGINNING…(John 1:1v)
A God who knew us BEFORE we were formed…(Jeremiah 1:5v)
A God who is BEFORE all things…(1 Colossians 1:17v)
And lastly, a God who BEFORE the very foundation of the world, chose to adopt you and I as His sons and daughters…(Ephesians 1:4-5v)
When we as believers truly understand that God is BEFORE us, we can take confidence in knowing that he will BE FOR anything we stand in need of. There is nothing in this world that can stand against those who serve a God who loves to go BEFORE.
I dare you to take a moment today and repeat these words:
If God BEFORE me, then He will BE FOR me.
If God BEFORE me, then He will BE FOR me.
If God BEFORE me, then He will BE FOR me.
Sounds correct to me.
And although she quickly corrected it after a few of her friends had pointed it out, I believe the ‘mistake’ she made may serve as a great discovery for many of us as believers. Let’s see if you can find the word she wrote down in error:
“…if God before us, who can be against us?”
Did you find it? I can give you another moment if you need one. That’s right; the word BEFORE, according to Romans 8:31, should have actually been the words BE FOR. A simple mistake, but perhaps, not as incorrect as one may want to believe.
As believers, we must understand that our faith journey should not be dependent on what is PRESENTLY going on around us, nor should it be subject to what we fear is just AHEAD of us, but rather it should be rooted and grounded in the ONE who has gone BEFORE us.
A God who was there in the very BEGINNING…(John 1:1v)
A God who knew us BEFORE we were formed…(Jeremiah 1:5v)
A God who is BEFORE all things…(1 Colossians 1:17v)
And lastly, a God who BEFORE the very foundation of the world, chose to adopt you and I as His sons and daughters…(Ephesians 1:4-5v)
When we as believers truly understand that God is BEFORE us, we can take confidence in knowing that he will BE FOR anything we stand in need of. There is nothing in this world that can stand against those who serve a God who loves to go BEFORE.
I dare you to take a moment today and repeat these words:
If God BEFORE me, then He will BE FOR me.
If God BEFORE me, then He will BE FOR me.
If God BEFORE me, then He will BE FOR me.
Sounds correct to me.
Scripture Of The Day: "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." - Colossians 1:17 (NIV)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The Guidance Of God
Our society seems to take one misstep after another. People around us are wandering aimlessly through life, not knowing what they truly believe or whom they should follow. Politicians and community leaders have strayed off course as they have ignored the divine wisdom and guidance of God in order to follow their own human principles.
God wants to show us how to live abundant and joyful lives. He desires to lead the way for us through life, steering us away from temptation and sheltering us in the storms. He wants to give us guidance in our decisions. We are not to live as the world does, chasing after every new philosophical trend. Instead we are to live confidently knowing that the only One we need to follow is God.
Sometimes as Christians we allow ourselves to become obsessed with discerning God's will. We pour over the fine details, examining every possible option, worried that one wrong step will send us out of God's favor. We doubt past decisions that did not turn out the way we had hoped. We doubt our ability to discern God's will. We waste time regretting and worrying.
Instead of obsessing over our choices, we should focus on our complete willingness to obey the will of God when He shows it to us. We need to first be in a place of submission before God, willing to follow wherever He leads. We build that type of obedience by spending regular time with God in prayer and in His Word.
The psalmist declared, "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way" (Psalm 25:9). If we focus on humbly obeying God, we can trust that He will guide us on the right paths. For many Christians, this is easier said than done. In theory, we all claim to want to be obedient to God, but in reality we hold on to our own plans. We are willing to accept God's will for us when it suits us, but we balk when He points in a direction outside of our comfort zones. We pray for Him to show us His will, secretly hoping it will be something we desire. We claim obedience, but remain latched on to our own wants.
Sometimes God's plans for us do not make sense. Sometimes they are uncomfortable or even painful. But if we truly walk in obedience to God, we will find contentment whatever circumstances He may bring. We can rejoice even in the times of teaching, training, and testing. We can trust that even if we make a misstep, our sovereign God can lead us back into His will.
The psalmist discovered the joys and benefits of obedience to God: "Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.…I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:97, 100-105).
Unlike the worldly culture around us, we are not rudderless. We have God's guiding Holy Spirit to show us the best course. But first we must surrender completely to following His will and His commandments, even when they do not match our personal desires. We must spend regular time in prayer learning His voice and His heart. The more we know God, the easier it will be to discern His voice from our own self-serving thoughts. If you are resistant to giving God full control of your life, confess this to Him in prayer. Pray for His help in developing a humble and obedient heart in you. Pray that He will awaken the hearts of Christians across the country so they will also seek to obey His guidance.
Scripture Of The Day: "We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands." - 1 John 2:3 (NIV)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
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Environmental Graffiti
America's Best Dude Ranches
TravelandLeisure.com
Point of View
Gluing, hacking, and the realities of corporate programming
Cardus: equipping and connecting the next generation of Christian leaders
Cityscape View of World’s 30 Largest Cities
SmashingUSA.com
Get Around in Style – Great Metro Maps of the World
NileGuide
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Where Does Your Faith Lie
By Tanya James
If you have been keeping up with current events, you know that the story told by the media is very bleak. Unemployment numbers are at an all time high, crime is on the rise, marital relationships are deteriorating, the financial institutions and auto companies are failing, and life threatening diseases are killing millions of people...
One could find themselves depressed, panicky, stressed and overwhelmed if they allowed these reports to rule their lives. And what’s unfortunate is that the church sometimes seems to be just as scared right now as the world. Which brings me to the question of where or in whom does your faith lay?
If your faith is built on worldly institutions – than yes, you should be running to the hills fearing for your life. But if you have built your faith in God than your head should still be hung high as you confidently go through each day knowing God is in control.
Now I am not foolish enough to think that we won’t sometimes get discouraged and that worry may not creep up and rear its ugly head – but when those times come – we must seek God maybe like we have never done before to get through those times. God knows that our faith will sometimes be shaken up...He just wants you to take that first baby step...
“If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
Have you seen the size of a mustard seed? It’s super tiny! So don’t throw in the towel because you can’t seem to muster up an overwhelming amount of faith...walk in the little bit you may have...and as you continue to seek God’s face and direction – your faith will continue to grow.
It’s just like a flower, you have to water it and nurture it in order to cultivate it. And there is no better time than the present to start (or continue) that process. Do it and watch God honor your commitment.
Scripture Of The Day: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
If you have been keeping up with current events, you know that the story told by the media is very bleak. Unemployment numbers are at an all time high, crime is on the rise, marital relationships are deteriorating, the financial institutions and auto companies are failing, and life threatening diseases are killing millions of people...
One could find themselves depressed, panicky, stressed and overwhelmed if they allowed these reports to rule their lives. And what’s unfortunate is that the church sometimes seems to be just as scared right now as the world. Which brings me to the question of where or in whom does your faith lay?
If your faith is built on worldly institutions – than yes, you should be running to the hills fearing for your life. But if you have built your faith in God than your head should still be hung high as you confidently go through each day knowing God is in control.
Now I am not foolish enough to think that we won’t sometimes get discouraged and that worry may not creep up and rear its ugly head – but when those times come – we must seek God maybe like we have never done before to get through those times. God knows that our faith will sometimes be shaken up...He just wants you to take that first baby step...
“If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
Have you seen the size of a mustard seed? It’s super tiny! So don’t throw in the towel because you can’t seem to muster up an overwhelming amount of faith...walk in the little bit you may have...and as you continue to seek God’s face and direction – your faith will continue to grow.
It’s just like a flower, you have to water it and nurture it in order to cultivate it. And there is no better time than the present to start (or continue) that process. Do it and watch God honor your commitment.
Scripture Of The Day: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
Friday, June 11, 2010
We Have An Inheritance!
By Brenda Gittens
Every ten years, a census is conducted to count the population of the United States. Information is collected from many of us describing the nature of our families, households, and communities. I recently took time out to look back at the census that was taken in the book of Numbers, the results of it, and what the descendants from the twelve tribes of Israel were granted by God. They received an inheritance back then, and we as His people today have received one, because we're counted in "God's Census."
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Divide the land among the tribes in proportion to their populations, as indicated by the census." (Numbers 26:52-53).
God required that every man in Israel be counted, because each family was entitled to an inheritance. And when they died, it would only go to their sons. Take notice, a female receiving it was unheard of until these five. Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, were the daughters of a man who died in the wilderness named Zelophehad who was a son, grandson, and three-time great-grandson, but he had no sons of his own.
These sisters called a meeting with Moses, Elezar the priest, the tribal leaders, and the entire community to say that they should receive their father's inheritance. "Why should the name of our father disappear just because he had no sons? Give us property along with the rest of our relatives." (Numbers 27:4). So Moses took the sisters case before the Lord and it was granted for them!
This was a decision of the Lord, and what a breakthrough for women also! And the LORD replied to Moses, "The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You must give them an inheritance of land along with their father's relatives. Assign them the property that would have been given to their father." (Numbers 27:6-7).
The Lord's granting of the allotments of land as an inheritance, showed His goodness and justice to His people. Today, He still demonstrates His goodness to believers, by granting us eternal life. And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (1 John 5:11). And Paul lets us know that God has qualified us for our share.
”May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light." (Colossians 1:11-12). This right here ought to be enough for all of us to rejoice in, no matter what the economy looks like, or who backs the stimulus package!
WE HAVE AN INHERITANCE!
Scripture Of The Day: "Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light" - Colossians 1:12 (NKJV)
Brenda Gittens is a worship evangelist who travels throughout the California Bay Area ministering in song to churches, prisons, and various outreach events. A devoted mother and wife, Brenda is a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, located in Fairfield, CA. For more information about Brenda, log onto http://www.brendagittensministries.com.
Every ten years, a census is conducted to count the population of the United States. Information is collected from many of us describing the nature of our families, households, and communities. I recently took time out to look back at the census that was taken in the book of Numbers, the results of it, and what the descendants from the twelve tribes of Israel were granted by God. They received an inheritance back then, and we as His people today have received one, because we're counted in "God's Census."
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Divide the land among the tribes in proportion to their populations, as indicated by the census." (Numbers 26:52-53).
God required that every man in Israel be counted, because each family was entitled to an inheritance. And when they died, it would only go to their sons. Take notice, a female receiving it was unheard of until these five. Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, were the daughters of a man who died in the wilderness named Zelophehad who was a son, grandson, and three-time great-grandson, but he had no sons of his own.
These sisters called a meeting with Moses, Elezar the priest, the tribal leaders, and the entire community to say that they should receive their father's inheritance. "Why should the name of our father disappear just because he had no sons? Give us property along with the rest of our relatives." (Numbers 27:4). So Moses took the sisters case before the Lord and it was granted for them!
This was a decision of the Lord, and what a breakthrough for women also! And the LORD replied to Moses, "The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You must give them an inheritance of land along with their father's relatives. Assign them the property that would have been given to their father." (Numbers 27:6-7).
The Lord's granting of the allotments of land as an inheritance, showed His goodness and justice to His people. Today, He still demonstrates His goodness to believers, by granting us eternal life. And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (1 John 5:11). And Paul lets us know that God has qualified us for our share.
”May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light." (Colossians 1:11-12). This right here ought to be enough for all of us to rejoice in, no matter what the economy looks like, or who backs the stimulus package!
WE HAVE AN INHERITANCE!
Scripture Of The Day: "Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light" - Colossians 1:12 (NKJV)
Brenda Gittens is a worship evangelist who travels throughout the California Bay Area ministering in song to churches, prisons, and various outreach events. A devoted mother and wife, Brenda is a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, located in Fairfield, CA. For more information about Brenda, log onto http://www.brendagittensministries.com.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
God’s Guidance
By Tanya James
So often when crisis occur or when we find ourselves at a crossroad and need to make a decision about something – we begin trying to reach out to people for advice. We call our spouses, our friends, our siblings...sometimes we may even talk to our co-workers. We do all of this in hopes of discovering the correct path to take in a given situation.
So we get the advice, and things take a turn for the worst, and then we sometimes even get a little upset with the one we received advice from – as if it their fault things worked out the way they did.
I have news for you; it’s time to seek the “Master Guider” of our lives. Who better to seek counsel and guidance from than our Creator? No longer do you need to call and email everyone in your address book when you have a problem. No longer do you have to dump your burdens on your loved ones to find relief.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...” Psalm 37:23a
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you...” Psalm 55:22a
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
“Direct my steps by your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133
God wants you to trust Him with your whole heart. You shouldn’t feel the need to pick and chose what you take to Him. There is no issue too big or too small.
One of the best parts of going to God for me is how He is always available. I can remember times when I was going through certain things and it seemed like I couldn’t reach anyone by phone, text or email. It was at those times, that I began to depend on God for the guidance I needed. And in time, I didn’t go to Him as the last resort but instead He is the first place I turn. To the point now when crisis has come and gone and people find out about it – I often hear, “I had no idea that was going on” or “You should have called me.”
We have to learn to look up, when things look down …you can NOT go wrong when you receive your guidance from the Lord.
Scripture Of The Day: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
So often when crisis occur or when we find ourselves at a crossroad and need to make a decision about something – we begin trying to reach out to people for advice. We call our spouses, our friends, our siblings...sometimes we may even talk to our co-workers. We do all of this in hopes of discovering the correct path to take in a given situation.
So we get the advice, and things take a turn for the worst, and then we sometimes even get a little upset with the one we received advice from – as if it their fault things worked out the way they did.
I have news for you; it’s time to seek the “Master Guider” of our lives. Who better to seek counsel and guidance from than our Creator? No longer do you need to call and email everyone in your address book when you have a problem. No longer do you have to dump your burdens on your loved ones to find relief.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...” Psalm 37:23a
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you...” Psalm 55:22a
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
“Direct my steps by your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133
God wants you to trust Him with your whole heart. You shouldn’t feel the need to pick and chose what you take to Him. There is no issue too big or too small.
One of the best parts of going to God for me is how He is always available. I can remember times when I was going through certain things and it seemed like I couldn’t reach anyone by phone, text or email. It was at those times, that I began to depend on God for the guidance I needed. And in time, I didn’t go to Him as the last resort but instead He is the first place I turn. To the point now when crisis has come and gone and people find out about it – I often hear, “I had no idea that was going on” or “You should have called me.”
We have to learn to look up, when things look down …you can NOT go wrong when you receive your guidance from the Lord.
Scripture Of The Day: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
Friday, June 4, 2010
I Am The Good Shepherd
By Bishop Keith Butler
The day is coming when you're going to either follow the Shepherd or go your own way. But I'm here to tell you, your way will lead you to trouble. As sheep, our goal should be to follow the shepherd.
There is only one Shepherd, and his name is Jesus. The Bible says He is the good Shepherd. The word 'good' is a descriptive word. That tells us then that there can be bad shepherds, right? Well the good Shepherd has certain attributes: He gives His life for the sheep, He knows His sheep, and His sheep know Him.
The word 'shepherd' means one who tends to or one who looks after. Now the word 'pastor' is translated the same word 'shepherd' throughout the Scripture; however, Jesus is the Chief Pastor.
In Jeremiah 3:15, God said, "And I will give you pas tors according to my heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding and it shall come to pass when you be multiplied and increased in the land..." In other words, you will multiply and increased because of knowledge and understanding coming from your Chief Shepherd/Pastor.
A good Shepherd also provides knowledge and understanding. He provides the sheep with information. That is what's available to us when we spend time with Him.
Now, in order for the sheep to have the protection and receive the knowledge and understanding of a Shepherd, he must follow the Shepherd---that is the key ingredient.
Jesus is the door of the sheep; the sheepfold is the population of the earth. Well, He breaks down the sheepfold into those who follow him. The Shepherd is coming back to take over all things and to set up His kingdom. There is only going to be one sheepfold and one Shepherd.
And I'm telling you today that there is only one Shepherd who is coming back for His sheepfold; it's not going to be Buddha, Rev. Sun Young Moon, Hare Hare Krishna or anyone else. It is going to be Jesus. So make a choice to follow Him.
For He is the Shepherd of your soul (mind, will, and emotions). He does the rewarding, and He will lead and guide you to still waters and green pastures. For he declares of Himself, " I am the good Shepherd."
Scripture Of The Day: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep." - John 10:11 (NKJV)
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.
The day is coming when you're going to either follow the Shepherd or go your own way. But I'm here to tell you, your way will lead you to trouble. As sheep, our goal should be to follow the shepherd.
There is only one Shepherd, and his name is Jesus. The Bible says He is the good Shepherd. The word 'good' is a descriptive word. That tells us then that there can be bad shepherds, right? Well the good Shepherd has certain attributes: He gives His life for the sheep, He knows His sheep, and His sheep know Him.
The word 'shepherd' means one who tends to or one who looks after. Now the word 'pastor' is translated the same word 'shepherd' throughout the Scripture; however, Jesus is the Chief Pastor.
In Jeremiah 3:15, God said, "And I will give you pas tors according to my heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding and it shall come to pass when you be multiplied and increased in the land..." In other words, you will multiply and increased because of knowledge and understanding coming from your Chief Shepherd/Pastor.
A good Shepherd also provides knowledge and understanding. He provides the sheep with information. That is what's available to us when we spend time with Him.
Now, in order for the sheep to have the protection and receive the knowledge and understanding of a Shepherd, he must follow the Shepherd---that is the key ingredient.
Jesus is the door of the sheep; the sheepfold is the population of the earth. Well, He breaks down the sheepfold into those who follow him. The Shepherd is coming back to take over all things and to set up His kingdom. There is only going to be one sheepfold and one Shepherd.
And I'm telling you today that there is only one Shepherd who is coming back for His sheepfold; it's not going to be Buddha, Rev. Sun Young Moon, Hare Hare Krishna or anyone else. It is going to be Jesus. So make a choice to follow Him.
For He is the Shepherd of your soul (mind, will, and emotions). He does the rewarding, and He will lead and guide you to still waters and green pastures. For he declares of Himself, " I am the good Shepherd."
Scripture Of The Day: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep." - John 10:11 (NKJV)
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
A Lesson From Judas
By Cindy Beall
In Acts 1:18, we discovered what happened to the wicked ex-disciple who bought a field with the money he made from handing over the son of God. Although an incredible story, that's really not what I want to talk about today. Scoot on down with me to the end of the chapter to verse 23.
Jesus has ascended to the Father and the disciples are meeting in Jerusalem. All eleven of them were "joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus and with his brothers." (v. 14) Peter begins addressing the other ten disciples about the replacement they needed to choose in order to fulfill the Psalms that said the "betrayer would be replaced." And apparently, they've chosen two men: Joseph (called Barsabbas) and Matthias.
"Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles." (Acts 1:24-26)
Seems simple enough, right?
The eleven disciples made their decision and they chose Matthias. Joseph did not get chosen. He was left out. Put out to pasture, if you will. I can only assume this because the next chapter goes on to talk about Pentecost. There is no "and the disciples comforted and encouraged Joseph to continue to pursue the things of Christ" speech, which probably would have been nice, right?
Now, remember, I am no Biblical scholar, but as I read that passage, I couldn't help but identify with Joseph. How he must have felt. While I'm pleased that God showed them that Matthias was their man, what did He show them about Joseph? Suppose I'll save this question for Heaven.
Rejection isn't fun. It doesn't matter if you know to the very core of your being that what you were rejected for isn't God's best for you. It still hurts. It causes you to doubt who you are, what you're doing and even at times, how you look to others.
I have so been there. SO been there. At the place where you truly believe God is leading you and guiding you and prompting you to say this or that or move in this direction and then BAM! The wall comes up and you are standing dizzy from the proverbial slam against something you didn't see coming. Oh the pain.
Then I get a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit reminding me of this: "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." (Jeremiah 29:11, MSG)
So I take a deep breath.
Calm down.
Say a prayer of surrender again.
And then, I try to remember that I don't want to be on someone else's path regardless of how alluring or attractive it may appear.
The Creator of the universe has plans for me. And I don't want to miss it.
Scripture Of The Day: "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." - Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)
Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more information about Cindy, log onto http://www.cindybeall.com
In Acts 1:18, we discovered what happened to the wicked ex-disciple who bought a field with the money he made from handing over the son of God. Although an incredible story, that's really not what I want to talk about today. Scoot on down with me to the end of the chapter to verse 23.
Jesus has ascended to the Father and the disciples are meeting in Jerusalem. All eleven of them were "joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus and with his brothers." (v. 14) Peter begins addressing the other ten disciples about the replacement they needed to choose in order to fulfill the Psalms that said the "betrayer would be replaced." And apparently, they've chosen two men: Joseph (called Barsabbas) and Matthias.
"Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles." (Acts 1:24-26)
Seems simple enough, right?
The eleven disciples made their decision and they chose Matthias. Joseph did not get chosen. He was left out. Put out to pasture, if you will. I can only assume this because the next chapter goes on to talk about Pentecost. There is no "and the disciples comforted and encouraged Joseph to continue to pursue the things of Christ" speech, which probably would have been nice, right?
Now, remember, I am no Biblical scholar, but as I read that passage, I couldn't help but identify with Joseph. How he must have felt. While I'm pleased that God showed them that Matthias was their man, what did He show them about Joseph? Suppose I'll save this question for Heaven.
Rejection isn't fun. It doesn't matter if you know to the very core of your being that what you were rejected for isn't God's best for you. It still hurts. It causes you to doubt who you are, what you're doing and even at times, how you look to others.
I have so been there. SO been there. At the place where you truly believe God is leading you and guiding you and prompting you to say this or that or move in this direction and then BAM! The wall comes up and you are standing dizzy from the proverbial slam against something you didn't see coming. Oh the pain.
Then I get a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit reminding me of this: "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." (Jeremiah 29:11, MSG)
So I take a deep breath.
Calm down.
Say a prayer of surrender again.
And then, I try to remember that I don't want to be on someone else's path regardless of how alluring or attractive it may appear.
The Creator of the universe has plans for me. And I don't want to miss it.
Scripture Of The Day: "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." - Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)
Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more information about Cindy, log onto http://www.cindybeall.com
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
In God’s Hands
By Pastor Olu Brown
A few weeks ago, I thought I was going to miss my flight to Chicago. I was in Washington D.C. speaking at a conference with very limited time to finish speaking, load up, race to the airport and catch my flight. I am sure you know what happened next. Of course, I ran into traffic. It was absolutely the worst traffic ever. Initially, I was optimistic, thinking the traffic would break and that I would make it in time. The longer I was in traffic the more I realized I would not make the flight. My friend who was driving the car did his best to encourage me but I knew I was going to miss this one.
I dialed the 800 number for the airline to request a flight change and was disappointed because as I was preparing to book a later flight and pay a flight change fee, suddenly my phone disconnected. Little did I know it was for the best. I decided to wait and change my flight plans once I arrived at the airport and pay the flight change fee on site. I arrived at the airport 30 minutes before my flight was scheduled to depart and I knew I was cooked. I walked up to the ticket counter and said to an agent, “I know I missed my flight and would like to be placed on the later flight to Chicago.”
In a moment, something happened that had never happened to me before. The wonderful agent asked for my driver’s license, keyed in my information and told me that I could make the flight. She hurried through her task and told me to follow her. Unbelievably, this wonderful ticket agent walked me to the security checkpoint and through the line of people waiting all the way to the security screening section.
I know this sounds crazy but she even went through the security screen with me. She was my angel in disguise. Because of her, I made the flight without a minute to spare and as I sat on the plane, I was grateful for the ticket agent because she went out of her way to make sure I made the flight.
Lately, I have been experiencing many moments like this when I am pressed for time or pressed to make a decision. These moments come no matter how much I prepare, wake up early or hope for the best. In these moments, I have a tendency to become afraid and set my mind towards failure or the worst possible outcome. The flight attendant gave me a good lesson on life that reminded me when I think it is over there is always hope.
God has a unique way of providing angels who step into our lives and help us navigate through the tough and uncertain times. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust God in spite of what we see, feel or think. God has a way of helping us navigate through life’s maze to achieve the ultimate God Goal. This is an amazing category of faith that I have not conquered. To be honest, there are times when I do not trust and I depend on my own understanding.
What impressed me the most about the ticket agent is that her badge gave her the power and authority to move me through places and situations that I could not maneuver on my own. When I think about her power and authority, I think about God’s power and authority to guide my life and my journey towards God’s preferred destination. It truly is in God’s hands.
Scripture Of The Day: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
The lead pastor of Impact Church, located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, Pastor Olu Brown has helped grow Impact into one of the fastest growing new church starts in America. For more information about Pastor Brown, log onto http://www.impactdcd.org or by following him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/olub.
A few weeks ago, I thought I was going to miss my flight to Chicago. I was in Washington D.C. speaking at a conference with very limited time to finish speaking, load up, race to the airport and catch my flight. I am sure you know what happened next. Of course, I ran into traffic. It was absolutely the worst traffic ever. Initially, I was optimistic, thinking the traffic would break and that I would make it in time. The longer I was in traffic the more I realized I would not make the flight. My friend who was driving the car did his best to encourage me but I knew I was going to miss this one.
I dialed the 800 number for the airline to request a flight change and was disappointed because as I was preparing to book a later flight and pay a flight change fee, suddenly my phone disconnected. Little did I know it was for the best. I decided to wait and change my flight plans once I arrived at the airport and pay the flight change fee on site. I arrived at the airport 30 minutes before my flight was scheduled to depart and I knew I was cooked. I walked up to the ticket counter and said to an agent, “I know I missed my flight and would like to be placed on the later flight to Chicago.”
In a moment, something happened that had never happened to me before. The wonderful agent asked for my driver’s license, keyed in my information and told me that I could make the flight. She hurried through her task and told me to follow her. Unbelievably, this wonderful ticket agent walked me to the security checkpoint and through the line of people waiting all the way to the security screening section.
I know this sounds crazy but she even went through the security screen with me. She was my angel in disguise. Because of her, I made the flight without a minute to spare and as I sat on the plane, I was grateful for the ticket agent because she went out of her way to make sure I made the flight.
Lately, I have been experiencing many moments like this when I am pressed for time or pressed to make a decision. These moments come no matter how much I prepare, wake up early or hope for the best. In these moments, I have a tendency to become afraid and set my mind towards failure or the worst possible outcome. The flight attendant gave me a good lesson on life that reminded me when I think it is over there is always hope.
God has a unique way of providing angels who step into our lives and help us navigate through the tough and uncertain times. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust God in spite of what we see, feel or think. God has a way of helping us navigate through life’s maze to achieve the ultimate God Goal. This is an amazing category of faith that I have not conquered. To be honest, there are times when I do not trust and I depend on my own understanding.
What impressed me the most about the ticket agent is that her badge gave her the power and authority to move me through places and situations that I could not maneuver on my own. When I think about her power and authority, I think about God’s power and authority to guide my life and my journey towards God’s preferred destination. It truly is in God’s hands.
Scripture Of The Day: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
The lead pastor of Impact Church, located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, Pastor Olu Brown has helped grow Impact into one of the fastest growing new church starts in America. For more information about Pastor Brown, log onto http://www.impactdcd.org or by following him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/olub.
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