You never waste time waiting on God. ~Charles Stanley
On Becoming You…
Sometimes it looks like you’re going nowhere or that you’re headed in the wrong direction. I’m learning that the decision itself is rarely the point. The point is becoming more fully ourselves in the presence of God, connecting with Him and with each other, and living our lives as though we believe He is good and beautiful. The point is being honest about where you are and what you need and then looking around in your own community for people to walk with you and with whom you can walk. I spent years wishing people would support me only to later realize I was waiting around for something to come to me when I was perfectly capable of going out and getting it. I’m convinced God is less interested in where we end up then He is in who we are becoming. Whether we’re employed or unemployed, encouraged or discouraged, filled with vision or fumbling in the fog. More than anything, our Father just wants to be with us. The most common way He shows His “withness” to us is in the actual, physical presence of other people.
Emily P. Freeman,
5 Reasons God Closes Doors…
Closed doors offer lots to learn. Though disappointed with delays, may we follow his lead. Charles Stanley’s In Touch With Him posited that God can use our desires to teach us his ways.
Here I share his teachings as a personal reminder to always trust him as we seek his guidance.
- To mold us into his image
- To prevent mistakes
- To redirect our walk with him
- To test our faith and build perseverance
- To buy us time
Our impatience causes us not to learn. Later, we find we are not ready for the opportunity. God’s ways are not our ways but he knows best.
Hope Shattered A 3-Day Nightmare…
I can only imagine what Saul went through when he was struck blind. Just imagine… a healthy person with a good job going about his business. A hard worker. Diligent in all that he did. Dedicated to persecuting Christians who speak about the lord. Then just like that … in a moment, as in a flash …he was blinded.
I can only imagine the hell he went through. Call 911! Would he ever seee again? Gotta get to the hospital. Where oh where is the doctor? He couldn’t see. He was frantic. So far away from home. Traveling. Who could he rely on to come get him? Moreover, would it not take days for them to get to him? How could he live with this shame? This sudden disability? Without warning, he was blinded.
But God had a Plan
While Paul worried, he also prayed. A strange new thing for him. But he had no choice but to call out to that voice he heard while on the road.
God sent a man. That man was Ananias. He too was afraid because of what Saul the persecutor of Christians represented. It was a risk. But he obeyed and went. God, the almighty took care of the fear of both Saul and Ananias. Saul believed and was healed. In a moment, his sight returned. Suddenly after days of hell, his mission changed. With a renewed sense of purpose he promised to suffer for Christ’s sake.
“Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Acts 9:15-16
Afraid? Call on Him
Today, if you’re afraid of what’s happening all around you, bask in the knowledge that God always has a plan for what you and I are going through. It’s hard. When you’re going through difficulties whether or not you caused it, talk to him. He will see you through. Always. Just trust him.
Saul, the persecutor. Saul the pursuer, became Paul, the pursued. Indeed God has a sense of humor.
Trust him.
Blessings overflow.
Thy Word Have I Hid In My Heart. A Poem For Those Who Plead…
Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may be strong among those who try to restrain me
Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may steadily rise above injustice
Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may never let go despite the strain that heavily weighs down on me
Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may fight the good fight until my days are done
Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may confidently stride to attain new heights of gain
Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may persevere beyond the trials that intercepts me
Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may show resilience to those arising; be it children, young adults or seniors with memories long gone, but yet unforgettable
Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may not fall prey and sin against Thee
Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may be strong because of Thee.
Thy word I have hid in my heart that I may not sin against thee. Psalms 119:11
Above all else, lets guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
Written by Dr. Shelly C
Where Will It Lead?
Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make, makes you. ~John Maxwell
The choices we make we should first consider where they will lead. Is it Marriage, love, children, new job, college, new contract, new house? Always contemplate the future. Where will your choice lead you?
It’s Simple
Pray. Consider carefully. Have faith and then make your decision based on the spirit’s leading.
Blessings overflow
Letter To God…
Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to.
Ever thought of writing a letter to God? Many have. Some have actually mailed it. Our Daily Bread shared reports of thousands of letters being mailed to Jerusalem by individuals who seek the lord’s help. They ask for health, wealth, child, and more. If only they knew.
If Only They Knew
If only they knew that the very act of writing a letter to God is actually praying to him. The very act of writing is seeking his intervention. The very act of writing is exactly what’s needed for our Lord, the problem-solver to work in our lives. The very act of writing is spending time in his presence that helps us find the comfort needed for trying times.
Today don’t hesitate to spend time in his presence. Talk. Write. Sing. Do whatever works for you. He will intervene, comfort and answer your prayer.
Blessings overflow.
Purpose…
God has a purpose for everything.
My daughter’s little 8-year old son prays that a cure will be found for the Corona Virus. But each time he prays he ends with words “unless you have a purpose”.
With mouth aghast when I heard it the first time, I asked him to clarify. He said maybe God wants to bring us together or something. I now know he does understand.
I pray that we too will be like him. Simply trusting God for His sole Purpose and plan.
Keep the faith. This too shall pass.
Blessings overflow
Before We Ask…
Before we ask he answers. And while we are speaking he hears.
Ever had that experience where the lord seems to respond while you’re on your knees? While your praying? Just as you were about to ask? It leaves us aghast doesn’t it?
He sends a neighbor, a stranger, a friend.
Today let’s remember he sees, he hears, he comforts. Let’s do our part ….just ask. Pray. Through prayer and supplication he meets our needs.
Ohhhh and when he answers, don’t forget to say Thanks.
Blessings overflow.
Things Change…
Things change.
In one sweep a virus instilled fear affecting worldwide travel, vacation, stock market, business, interviews, relationships, behaviors, mental capacities.
But one thing remains forever…God.
Trust Him.
GREENLiGHT 