God's Presence In Our Life

 Don't you love it when the colors begin to appear and the days start getting warmer.  Everything is in various shade of green.  It makes me feel more alive, more willing to get out and do whatever needs to be done.  The outdoors lends to many opportunities that winter months don't offer.  Like taking long walks, garage sales, and so forth.

  

Then, on the other hand, times are tough, it seems there isn't a day goes by that there isn't some kind of bed news.  Covid 19 is still on the increase.  So much cancer in the world. So many natural disasters.

 Having volunteered at a nursing center for 18 years, I came across death and funerals quite often.  It makes a person sad to know there is so much bad in the world until we think about God and what He is doing. He says not to fear that these things will come to pass. 

 He says that He will never leave us nor forsake us.  He is our sunshine in this world.  He is our encouragement, knowing that whatever comes to pass that God has our best interest at heart.  He will not harm us, but He will cradle us in His arms and protect us.

 If you are feeling sad or depressed, go outside and soak up the Son, God's warmth and remember God is as near as the breath we breathe.  He is the wind in the trees, He is the song in the bird.  He is the hello neighbor and the smile of a loved one.  He is ever present in our lives and He is the praise on our lips.  Rejoice in the Lord for He is good.  He is our ever present help in troubles.  He is our promise for eternity.  God breathes Joy, Peace and Blessing to all!

Proverbs 1

 Proverbs 1

"To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive instruction of wisdom, justice, judgement and equity, to give prudence to the simple,  To the young man,, knowledge and discretion."

These words were spoken by King Solomon.  Expressing his desires to God.  This is one prayer that should be our daily request.  Our true source of all wisdom come from God's Word, the Holy Bible.  Without wisdom and knowledge, selfishness and pride will take it's place.  That leads to a "know it all" attitude and can only bring discomfort for ourselves and those around us.  We cannot fully teach others if we think we know it all and do not draw our wisdom from God Almighty. 

 Only God can give us the wisdom and knowledge that we have.  It is wrong to claim more than God has given us.  I strive to be more like Christ every day but I do not claim to know as much as Christ does.  By far, I am simple in mind compared to Christ's wisdom and knowledge.  Reading Proverbs is a good way to learn how to live wisely and productively.  It gives us truths that work today as it did the day they were written.  Since there are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs, it would be good to read each chapter on the day of the month that it falls on.  For example, today is the 12th so read Proverbs 12 today.  That is, if you want to gain wisdom and knowledge and be instructed in the way God would lead you.  I pray that  you relish this wisdom and will grow from it, not only in maturity but in the knowledge that God grants you.  God be with you in your spiritual journey.

Perfectionism

     Acts 22 

Paul could have been considered a "perfect" Jew.  He had the right pedigree, the right training, the right desires, the right enthusiasm.  But being "perfect" In one's own eyes doesn't make somebody saved before God.

When God met Paul on the road to Damascus, He understood two important facts,  First, He realized God could use every part of a person's background and upbringing for His glory.  Nothing is wasted with God.  As God fashioned his future servant, the events of Paul's life would be brought together into a perfect "package" that could accomplish God's great purposes.  Paul's training under Gamaliel gave him command of the Old Testament.  When Christ revealed Himself, Paul, unlike many of his fellow Pharisees, saw how Christ had fulfilled every prophecy regarding the Messiah.  Paul's logical mind saw the truth, and there was no turning back.  In addition, Pau's Roman citizenship allowed him to travel across the empire, and spared him at least one beating at the hands of the Roman Soldiers.

Second, Paul realized that his perfect pedigree was ultimately worthless for Salvation,  He wrote to the Philippian church; "If anyone thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so; circumcised the 8th day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.  But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ."  Phil 3:4-7.

Paul's Jewish "perfection" counted for nothing.  No one's pedigree, training, background, wealth, abilities, gifts, appearance, or anything else can be perfect enough to earn Salvation.  We must not be enslaved to the "perfectionism" of this world that is ultimately worthless.  Only when we cast ourselves before God and allow Him to use our backgrounds, training, and gifts for His glory will we find complete fulfillment.  Only when we repent of our sins and accept Him as our Savior does He do His perfect work in us. 

God Has A Positive Answer

 God Has a Positive Answer

May you always know peace, love, light, and laughter.  This week I want to share a handy little chart that I copied off the internet years ago.  It is still very valuable today.

You say "it's impossible"       God says "all things are possible. Luke 18:27.

You say "I'm too tired."         God says "I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 -30

You say "Nobody loves me"  God says "I love you"  John 31:6, John 3:34

You say "I can't go on"  God says "my grace is sufficient" 2 Cor. 12:9, Psalm 91:15

You say "I can't figure things out" God says "I will direct your steps" Prov. 3:5-6

You say "I can't do it"            God says "You can do all things." Philippians 4:13

You say "It's not worth it"      God says "it will be worth it" Romans 8:28

You say "I'm not able"           God says "I am able" II Cor. 9:8

You say "I can't forgive myself"  God says "I will forgive you" I John 1:9

You say "I can't manage"  God says "I will supply all your needs" Philip. 4:19

You say "I'm afraid"  God says "I have not given you a spirit of fear." II Tim.1:7

You say "I'm always worried and frustrated" God says "cast all your cares on me" I Peter 5:7

You say "I'm not smart enough" God says "I give you wisdom" I Cor. 1:30

You say "I feel all alone"   God says "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Father God, bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their lives be full of your peace, prosperity and power as they seek to have a closer relationship with you.

                                        The Holy Word

Psalm 119:11 "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you."  The Bible, the Word of God, so powerful that it can actually keep a person from sinning.  Do you have a Bible?  When we open our Bible it can speak to us in many ways.  It is our sword to fight against our enemies.  It is our comfort to help through our trials.  It is our instructions to live on a daily basis for the Lord.  It is a way to praise God and be thankful for our provisions.  It is our path to eternal life.  It insulates us against the pressures of temptation.  To simply own a Bible isn't enough.  We must open our Bibles on a daily basis and not just read it, but study it, print in on our hearts and then live as though you might have written the words yourself.

2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God; and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction for righteousness."  

John 12:48 "He who rejects Me, and does not receive my words, has that which judges him.  The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day."

That last scripture speaks to me in telling me I best get busy and find out what God wants me to know in His word.  "His word is sweeter than honey and the honeycomb."  Psalm 19:10 

 I am sitting here today thinking of all those who read my blogs.  I believe that most, if not all of you are God fearing, loving people.  So how can God use me to encourage you today?  I think of the earthquake and nuclear blasts in Japan, and I read the prophecy in Rev. 16:18-21 of what will become of us in the end times.  Then I wonder how it came to be that Moses could change God's mind on Mount Horeb when God wanted to destroy His people for making a golden calf and worshipping it.  When Joshua was near to dying  he called his people to him and reminded them of all the blessings God had given them and their deliverance from all their enemies. At the end of his speech he said, "if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord.. then choose this day whom you will serve, but for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15.  I know this doesn't sound encouraging so far but believe me that sometimes we need to see the bad to understand the good that will come from it.  Right now, this minute, we need to strive to change God's mind about destroying us.  Look around you at all the people that make up your life. It is easy to love those people who are close to us, but what about that person that agitates us.  What about Judas who betrayed Christ, or Peter who denied Christ or even Paul who claimed to be the most treacherous villain on earth.  If they were here today and there are many like them, would you be judgmental or would we choose to love them as Christ did.  I encourage you today to strive to be a more loving, forgiving, exceptional person in God's eyes so that we can change his mind toward destruction.  The U.S. is a very generous nation.  No doubt we help foreign countries that are in need.  But we are not a perfect nation.  I encourage you today to go forth and spread the Good News.  Let everyone you come in contact with know that God loves them and He is merciful.  Let's not only talk the talk, but let's walk the walk, showing God's grace and in so doing help to save our nation.  God Be with you all.

 Nehemiah 1:5 " I pray, Lord God of heaven; O great and awesome God, you who keep your covenant and mercy with those who love you."  Nehemiah had the right attitude.  He prayed to God from the bottom of his heart.  He knew God would listen and he knew God would answer his prayers.  He knew God was powerful and was full of mercy and grace.  He knew how to pray.  We must never allow the Word of God to leave us.  We must know His promises as in Joshua 1:8 "For then you will make your way prosperous, then you will have good success."  Nehemiah prayed for the people and asked for forgiveness.  He prayed for their broken down ways in Jerusalem and God answered his prayers and made him prosperous.  Prayer is our source of happiness.  It relieves anxiety and it brings peace.  We are never alone when God is in our hearts and minds daily.  Pray my brothers and sisters.  Pray without ceasing.