August 2011 Archives
Follow God, Not Selfish Ambitions
What are your goals? Making money? Having a family? Changing the world? Sounds good but how many of your goals line up with God’s plan for your life? Do you ever ask Him what He would have you do with your time?
“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ said the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8)
We like putting God in a box but the fact is He’s bigger than any box we could put Him in. If He could be put in a box, He wouldn’t be God. Our job is to learn to hear His voice, to discern His will, and to follow. Don’t fall into the trap of “knowing” what God would not ask you to do. If it doesn’t go against His Word, that may be just the thing He is asking. Are you willing to follow?
A Brand New Day
It’s true that nothing ever stays the same. If you think things can’t get any worse, they inevitably will. When you’re so low, it seems you have to look up to see the ground, you will soon find yourself on top of a mountain. Life is like that. I think God allows us to get that low in part so that we don’t forget how fortunate we are to have Him. I know for myself, when it seems like everything is coming against me, I make myself start counting my blessings. It may take a while for the feelings to come but the mere act of reminding myself things could be a lot worse eventually begins to lift my spirits until I am singing once again.
I wonder if that’s what Jeremiah felt like when he said, “Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
God is so merciful. He must get tired of seeing us panic when things begin to go wrong but He gently stands patiently by ready to prove Himself once again knowing that in time we’ll get the big picture. The more I see God at work, the more I understand these things. I know He’s never failed me and He never will. I know He’s still working on me and He who began a good work in me will continue to do so until I’m in His presence continually. (Philippians 1:6)
I’m thankful for each new day God brings my way. I know He has a reason for me to live each day and I pray I’m faithful to perform each task He has for me to do. Life can be hard but God is good. Thank You, Lord, for a brand new day!
The Harvest is Ready
“Therefore said He to them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray you therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into His harvest.” (Luke 10:2)
I’ve been thinking about the Spiritual harvest lately. Sometimes I look around and wonder if anyone is hungry for God and His Word but, if you take the time to listen to people, I think you’ll find there are hungry people; they just don’t know where to find the Bread that satisfies. Sadly, they often aren’t finding Him in the churches. They don’t see Him in the lives of people who profess to know Him. And so they go about their life empty and hopeless, preparing to face life as best they can when we should have so much more to offer.
As I look at my life, I can’t say I’ve impacted many lives but I praise God that my life is not over. He has a purpose for leaving me on this earth and I long to fulfill that purpose. I long to shine for Him in this dark world so that I have a harvest to take with me. My prayer, along with Ronny Hinson is, “Lord, don’t let me leave an unharvested field.” Show me where I can be the most effective and empower me to make a difference.
Peace
“LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:6b-8)
I find it interesting that this was written by a man who spent years of his life fleeing from a pursuer who wanted to kill him. How was he able to find such peace and contentment? Instead of letting circumstances ruin his life, he obviously knew who was in control and, instead of being fearful, he chose to rest in that knowledge.
Peace is an attribute missing in too many lives these days. People seem to be used to their chaotic pace and turmoiled existence that I don’t know if they’d know what to do if peace suddenly came upon them and yet it’s not far away if they would but pause to take a breath.
Life can get out of control but, if we have God walking with us, He is the One who controls our life. He is the One who can speak peace to every situation. He can calm every storm we go through. Is your ship out of control, or is the ultimate Pilot controlling your ship today?
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
