II Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
It was a clear, beautiful late Monday afternoon and Shayla was fully focused on getting home. After a hard day at the office all she wanted to do was drive up her driveway and enter her little oasis...HOME. Although she knew that it wasn't going to come until much later in the evening, she just wanted to sit and relax. There was supper to cook, baths to be given, cleaning to be done and, of course, the ever-present load of laundry in the hamper that had to be dealt with. She needed the feeling of pulling up her feet and sitting a spell. On this Monday, especially, she craved it.
One problem at a time.
She yearned for the traffic light to change. Traffic was everywhere on the main street of her little town. People going to and fro. All except for her lane, that is. Nobody moved. The traffic and the traffic light. She looked up and saw that the light was green. Impatiently, with a wave of her hand and in exasperation she spoke to the vehicle in front of her, "Move already! Come on, Don't you see the light is green?!" The Suburban inched forward and Shayla was thrilled to get moving again.
The Suburban stopped, only having enough room on the other side of the light for itself. And in that moment Shayla found herself in the middle of the intersection, the light had changed. She was stuck!
"WHAT?!", she said, speaking to the Suburban. She tapped the steering wheel. "If you would have just kept moving, we would be out of every one's way."
Quickly surveying the surroundings she seen where she had "just enough" room to inch passed the Suburban, but she would have to enter into the turning lane ahead of her so as to get out of the intersection.
Suddenly, everything made a little more sense. She saw the bigger scope of things. The bigger picture. She gained a better perspective on the situation.
The Suburban could not go any further because there was a line of vehicles in front of it that where stopped! None of them able to go anywhere. Because the Suburban was wider and taller than her own vehicle, she had not seen this before now.
Suddenly she felt embarrassingly shamed and foolish.
***
Isn't it just like all humanity to sometimes see only their own lives and what is right in front of them, forgetting that there is more than meets the eye? That others have situations that they too are trying to deal with and get through?
God looks down and sees it all, yet He takes the time with each and everyone of us when we allow Him to. He doesn't mind one on one time even while His eye is ever-present on the whole globe. That's a BIG God!
In the busy-ness of our daily lives, let's not get so consumed that we fail to see others in the light of grace that Jesus sees them. Let's take a step back from the rat race, even for a second, and get a better focus on what really matters.
After all, there may be a line up of distresses in front of others who surround us that we can't see until we remove our self, for a moment, from our own problem.
This life is a temporary home, and the only thing we can take with us to our eternal home is: our friends and family.
Keep the focus on eternity.
Friday, September 2, 2016
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Reveling In The Everlasting Love
"Line my line, moment by moment, special times are etched into our memories in the permanent ink of everlasting love in our relationships" --Gloria Gaither
Psalm 37:4-7 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Each time I read these words I revel in God's comfort and mercy. Many times I have fretted because of "him who prospered in spite of the wicked devices", but leaning into the mercy of God brings immeasurable peace.
The Lord daily loads us with benefits. When He does a work, it is good! The product of your life may not be in your Plan Book, but His plan is way better. In reflection you will be able to see that the things that came your way really did come to make you stronger. Hold fast to the Anchor of the soul, He holds it all.
Wait patiently for Him. Trust in Him. Delight in Him. Commit your life to Him. Keep company with God. Get in on the best He has for you. Open up before God, keep nothing back. He will do whatever needs to be done. He will validate your life in the clear light of day and right in the middle of your day you may get to feel His stamp of approval on you. Quiet down before Him, be prayerful unto Him. Don't be bothered with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.
Trust in His love today.
Psalm 37:4-7 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Each time I read these words I revel in God's comfort and mercy. Many times I have fretted because of "him who prospered in spite of the wicked devices", but leaning into the mercy of God brings immeasurable peace.
The Lord daily loads us with benefits. When He does a work, it is good! The product of your life may not be in your Plan Book, but His plan is way better. In reflection you will be able to see that the things that came your way really did come to make you stronger. Hold fast to the Anchor of the soul, He holds it all.
Wait patiently for Him. Trust in Him. Delight in Him. Commit your life to Him. Keep company with God. Get in on the best He has for you. Open up before God, keep nothing back. He will do whatever needs to be done. He will validate your life in the clear light of day and right in the middle of your day you may get to feel His stamp of approval on you. Quiet down before Him, be prayerful unto Him. Don't be bothered with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.
Trust in His love today.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Blessings To You
As the song goes: "There is a roof up above me, I've a good place to sleep; there is food on my table and shoes on my feet, You gave me your love, Lord, and a fine family, Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me".
God can give you a song right smack in the middle of chaos..and it will allow you the courage to "get ya self together".
Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruit of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
Obedience is better than sacrifice.
Bringing to God what belongs to Him will guarantee us that we will have everything we need. It may not be all our "wants" but we will surely be blessed with everything we need. What joy that must bring to all hearts today! Somehow the 90% is made to feel like we've got 110%. We can never out-give the Lord!
The Lord's compassions fail not.
Pressed down, shaken together, running over...He's blessing me!
Always hold on to your faith! Talk faith. Live faith. Pray faith. Sing faith. God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. The #1 priority we all need is to desire to attain the Spiritual blessings from God. If I make this my priority it has been promised to me that all other things He believes I can handle shall be added!!
It is such a peaceful, tranquil feeling to fully trust in Jesus.
God can give you a song right smack in the middle of chaos..and it will allow you the courage to "get ya self together".
Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruit of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
Obedience is better than sacrifice.
Bringing to God what belongs to Him will guarantee us that we will have everything we need. It may not be all our "wants" but we will surely be blessed with everything we need. What joy that must bring to all hearts today! Somehow the 90% is made to feel like we've got 110%. We can never out-give the Lord!
The Lord's compassions fail not.
Pressed down, shaken together, running over...He's blessing me!
Always hold on to your faith! Talk faith. Live faith. Pray faith. Sing faith. God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. The #1 priority we all need is to desire to attain the Spiritual blessings from God. If I make this my priority it has been promised to me that all other things He believes I can handle shall be added!!
It is such a peaceful, tranquil feeling to fully trust in Jesus.
Monday, August 29, 2016
The Greatest Accomplishment
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success
Success: The favorable or prosperous termination of any thing attempted: a termination which answers the purpose intended, properly in a good sense, but often in a bad sense.
Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name and prosper, I pray thee thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer
I am thankful for every blessing and accomplishment that God has allowed. I am thankful for His leading, direction, instruction, encouragement, etc. I never want to become so educated that I think I know it all. I need never to take my hand away from His. I need Jesus. Every day.
Sometimes where He leads can be, for us, a scary place. It is scary because, for us, it is un-chartered waters. BUT JESUS knows the way. His death, burial, and resurrection was a success for it gave us all eternal life.
Ahh, life is always a give and take. Some give more than they take, some take more than they give. That's life.
We must always remember that we are nothing and can do nothing without God's help. True success can only come through prayer and the instruction of the Word of God; relationship. Success is not monetary value nor is it in how many friends we have. We will never be richer than the moment we have real relationship with the Maker of all things. If my Lord calls me "Successful" then that is when I will have attained the greatest reward ever given me. All other things pale in comparison. I want to hear HIM say, "well done, thou good and faithful servant". When I have the privilege of hearing these words it is then that true success will be manifested. What He places on my head won't be "checker-board" with a tassel, but it will be an eternal crown. My robe won't be a thin zip-up piece of fabric, it will be a robe of pure white.
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant whose desire is to fear thy name and prosper. Let me keep your Word as my guiding Light always. Thank you for everything!
Success: The favorable or prosperous termination of any thing attempted: a termination which answers the purpose intended, properly in a good sense, but often in a bad sense.
Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name and prosper, I pray thee thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer
I am thankful for every blessing and accomplishment that God has allowed. I am thankful for His leading, direction, instruction, encouragement, etc. I never want to become so educated that I think I know it all. I need never to take my hand away from His. I need Jesus. Every day.
Sometimes where He leads can be, for us, a scary place. It is scary because, for us, it is un-chartered waters. BUT JESUS knows the way. His death, burial, and resurrection was a success for it gave us all eternal life.
Ahh, life is always a give and take. Some give more than they take, some take more than they give. That's life.
We must always remember that we are nothing and can do nothing without God's help. True success can only come through prayer and the instruction of the Word of God; relationship. Success is not monetary value nor is it in how many friends we have. We will never be richer than the moment we have real relationship with the Maker of all things. If my Lord calls me "Successful" then that is when I will have attained the greatest reward ever given me. All other things pale in comparison. I want to hear HIM say, "well done, thou good and faithful servant". When I have the privilege of hearing these words it is then that true success will be manifested. What He places on my head won't be "checker-board" with a tassel, but it will be an eternal crown. My robe won't be a thin zip-up piece of fabric, it will be a robe of pure white.
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant whose desire is to fear thy name and prosper. Let me keep your Word as my guiding Light always. Thank you for everything!
Friday, August 26, 2016
Sanity
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.
It is in the stillness that the Voice will be heard, the only voice in all the universe that speaks peace to the deepest part of us. --Elizabeth Elliot
We live in a noisy world. A world filled with many distractions. As Mark Lowry's CD title says, Life Gets Loud. Indeed it does.
There have been times, I must say, when not enough comedy in the world could plaster a smile on my face, much less expel a hearty laugh from my lungs.
This world is filled with complications and frustrations, but THANKFULLY, we have a hope for the world beyond this life. If we allow the distractions of a clamorous world to separate us from God and His peace, we do ourselves a profound disservice.
To maintain righteousness and compassionate hearts we must take time each day for prayer, making our self still in the presence of God our Creator.
Focus on quieting your mind, still that racing heart, so that you may sense God's presence working in your life. His peace passes all understanding. It is sanity personified.
His peace brings about a victorious mindset to the seemingly defeated. NOTHING is more important than the time you spend with God.
Some of the most important answers you will receive from God are those that have been received in silence. Inner peace is your spiritual birthright. He paid it all, it is offered freely. I ask for peace, it is given, and then it must be shared.
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from Him cometh my salvation (Psalm 62:1) Trust in Him at all times, ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Psalm 62:8)
Sanity is the result of Prayer.
It is in the stillness that the Voice will be heard, the only voice in all the universe that speaks peace to the deepest part of us. --Elizabeth Elliot
We live in a noisy world. A world filled with many distractions. As Mark Lowry's CD title says, Life Gets Loud. Indeed it does.
There have been times, I must say, when not enough comedy in the world could plaster a smile on my face, much less expel a hearty laugh from my lungs.
This world is filled with complications and frustrations, but THANKFULLY, we have a hope for the world beyond this life. If we allow the distractions of a clamorous world to separate us from God and His peace, we do ourselves a profound disservice.
To maintain righteousness and compassionate hearts we must take time each day for prayer, making our self still in the presence of God our Creator.
Focus on quieting your mind, still that racing heart, so that you may sense God's presence working in your life. His peace passes all understanding. It is sanity personified.
His peace brings about a victorious mindset to the seemingly defeated. NOTHING is more important than the time you spend with God.
Some of the most important answers you will receive from God are those that have been received in silence. Inner peace is your spiritual birthright. He paid it all, it is offered freely. I ask for peace, it is given, and then it must be shared.
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from Him cometh my salvation (Psalm 62:1) Trust in Him at all times, ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Psalm 62:8)
Sanity is the result of Prayer.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Example
Living life with a consistent spiritual walk deeply influences those we love most --Vonette Bright
I Thessalonians 4:11-12 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to do work with you own hands, as we command you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without and that ye may have lack of nothing.
Being the kind of person whose actions, day in and day out, are based upon kindness, faithfulness, and a love for the Lord...you are a blessing. A person like this is a powerful force for good in a world that desperately needs positive influences. It is good to do good.
Corrie ten Boom advised, "Don't worry about what you don't understand. Worry about what you do understand in the Bible but do not live by."
Hmmm. Powerful words.
I may not understand every thing, but what I do understand I want to live by. Whether or not I have a full understanding of a task, I want to study it, I want to do the work that He's bid me to do. I want to conduct my affairs the way He would be pleased with. I want an inward peace, a quietness, about me as I try to accomplish whatever He asks.
Living life is a constant, spiritual walk.
I Thessalonians 4:11-12 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to do work with you own hands, as we command you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without and that ye may have lack of nothing.
Being the kind of person whose actions, day in and day out, are based upon kindness, faithfulness, and a love for the Lord...you are a blessing. A person like this is a powerful force for good in a world that desperately needs positive influences. It is good to do good.
Corrie ten Boom advised, "Don't worry about what you don't understand. Worry about what you do understand in the Bible but do not live by."
Hmmm. Powerful words.
I may not understand every thing, but what I do understand I want to live by. Whether or not I have a full understanding of a task, I want to study it, I want to do the work that He's bid me to do. I want to conduct my affairs the way He would be pleased with. I want an inward peace, a quietness, about me as I try to accomplish whatever He asks.
Living life is a constant, spiritual walk.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
He Holds It All
If all struggles and sufferings were eliminated, the spirit would no more reach maturity than would the child. --Elisabeth Elliot
Deuteronomy 4:30:31 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter day, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (for the Lord thy God is a merciful God:) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
If you are like most of humanity, from time to time, you will find yourself filled with great concerns. It is simply a fact of life. We worry about health, finance, safety, relationships, family, and countless other challenges.
The best place to take all those cares to is Jesus. He can handle it all. I'm so thankful that I can go to Someone to take all my troubles and sorrows to. He has no attitude problem, no estrogen-hormonal issues, He is not filled with ego insecurities. His time-clock is endless therefore I can call Him anytime. He knows the outcome before the beginning. Thankfully there is Someone who is always the same. He remains ready to comfort and strengthen whenever we give Him the opportunity to do so.
When distress and all other hardships come, if we turn to Him, we find that He is a compassionate God. Obedience to Him is a blessing. Serving Jesus by being faithful to His call is a privilege.
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