discover – Page 11

U-Turns

U-turns. Dont you just hate them?

It may be an accident. It may be road work. It may be that we must stop at a gas station, pharmacy or grocery store on the other side of the road.

Mistakes

U-turns—don’t you just hate them? U-turns here point to our mistakes. The errors we make in life.

It is an inconvenience, but it is necessary especially when we have lost our way and when we need to get back on the other side. To get back on the right track in life when we falter both physically and spiritually. The Lord will be there to guide and direct us.

So even when you’re afraid, still make that U-turn. With God’s help, you will get right back on track.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36)

If you have been blessed by thought for the day, Gift a copy of the book GreenLight: When God Says Go to a friend today.

How Does God Get Our Attention? 8 Ways…

How does God get our attention? Certainly something to think about. If He needs to get our attention and we are not listening for months, years, or even decades, then one day he will give us a shove especially if his goal is specifically designed for us. Dr. Charles Stanley provided a few insights that I elaborate as I share.

8 Ways God Gets Our Attention

1. Restlessness

We have that Restless feeling that no matter what we do, there’s no satisfaction. We still feel that prodding. There’s no resolve until he gets our attention.

2. He Speaks Through Others

Sometimes he speaks through others. Remember be mindful of this as not everyone who gives you a word may be from him. So be wise. Stay in tune and you will know when he speaks.

3. Through His Blessings

He blesses us and we are surprised. Have you ever received an unexpected gift, that knocks us off our feet. It’s as though it blows our minds especially when we didn’t ask but needed it. Then we start rejoicing and thanking Him.

4.When We Reflect On His Goodness

When we stop to think how good he is to us. Reflect on what’s happening around us and look back at our past experiences and it we sure can’t help but wonder how good he is.

5. When He Answers our Prayers

God gets our attention through times of introspection and prayers when we ask; seek; and wait on him. He initiates and we give in to his prodding.

6. Through Disappointments

When we experience disappointments, we reflect to find out what he’s saying to us.

7. Through Failure

As Dr. Charles Stanley says “Failure drives us to God.” It might be the loss of a job; financial problems such as the loss of income, house, job opportunities or more. To avoid uneasy feelings we try to help ourselves but it hardly ever works. If it does work, more often than not the solution is only temporary. Then we run back to him.

8) Through Sickness

Sometimes God wants something for us that we don’t want for ourselves. Often he wants more for us. Something better. He wants the best. He wants us to walk in his steps. When we do, we will get his joy, support, acceptance, and his divine energy.

As you reflect on these 8 points, are you getting that feeling that the Lord is trying to get your attention? Listen and respond today and avoid long periods of delay. In the end His prodding leads to lasting satisfaction and peace.

Father give me clear direction where you want me to go.

Don’t Put A Question Mark Where God Has Put…

Don’t out a Question Mark where God has put a period.

How Do You Know When God Is Speaking To You? 7 Ways…

How do you know when God is speaking to you? It’s a question I have asked. Many others too. At major decision points in life it prods us like an annoying toothache that won’t leave. With persistence, it knocks on the door of our hearts…(i.e. if we are attune). Well for me, I have long come to the realization that there is no point doing anything outside his will. It brings too many heartaches, pain, and hard work to get back on track as I shared in my own book GreenLight: When God Says Go.

So it was with a rush of fervent hunger, and the warmth of delicious delectables that I tuned in when I heard Dr. Charles Stanley refer to this during one of his sermons. Here I share my own thoughts and commentary.

7 Simple Points on How to Know When God Speaks

1) God’s Voice will be consistent with scripture. When I was writing GreenLight: When God Says Go it was very clear to me the words “write in a book everything you see“. And of course in order for us to ‘see’, we must experience. So search the scriptures and stay attuned.

2) His instructions may conflict with human reasoning. When Peter was told to cast his net on the other side, it was confusing to him. As an experienced fisherman, he knew where to put his net to make the catch. So though it defied the odds…when he obeyed, he could hardly bring in the catch.

3) It will challenge your faith that you end up questioning Him. How can I give up my successful career to step out into the unknown? But it is when we obey that he brings quiet peace.

4) It calls for courage. How will you survive? What if you fail? These are reasonable questions to ask when considering a change. But don’t worry he will equip you. Whom He calls He equips.

5) He speaks quietly. But you must be listening. What He says will be according to His will and divine nature. If our lives are filled with constant noise, then we may miss his quiet response.

6) He speaks clearly. In the book God Winks, author Squire Rushnell captured many stories of people who shared what seemed to be glimpses in time of what seemed as mere coincidences. But later they realized it was as clear as ever the answers to their petitions to God’.

7) He speaks individually to you. You may be in a crowd, at an event with hundreds, or even listening via the media. But you will know when you hear the words.

I dare say that none of this will happen unless we are tuned in. First we must ask. I am guilty of being afraid to ask for what seems like unreasonable requests. I may even be afraid to step out, so I hesitate to ask. To ask for directions, guidance, and which way to go. But if we don’t ask, how will we know when we receive the answer?

Today, I implore you to reflect on these 7 simple points on how to know when God speaks. Then stay in tune so you do not miss the response.

Blessings overflow.

He Makes No Mistakes…

God Makes no Mistakes

Sometimes Rest…

Rest. It’s important.

Even if…

seashore during nighttime

Stay true to yourself, but always be open to learn.

Even if….

God desires that we cling to Him—even if our loved one isn’t healed, even if we lose our job, even if we are persecuted. Sometimes God rescues us from danger in this life, and sometimes He doesn’t. But the truth we can hold firmly is this: “The God we serve is able,” loves us, and is with us in every fiery trial, every even if. (Extract from our Daily Bread)

And It Came To Pass…

Hold on. Nothing Remains. It’s all passing through.

And it came to pass. Nothing remains. This stanza reminds us that everything passes through. Nothing remains at a standstill. It’s all just passing through.

Lord, please quiet our hearts. Give us comfort, peace, and love as we pass through difficult times.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2)

Attempt Great Things…

Attempt Great things for God. Expect Great things from God. King David decided to build a house for the Lord (for the ark of the covenant). But the Lord blessed him instead. Building projects for God are costly. It demands vision, time, sacrifice and perseverance. It all begins with a dream! Do you have a dream of how God may want to use you, your family, skills or resources? Then dream it. Plan it. Pursue it; and as God enables, achieve it.

He does wonderful things that can’t be understood. He does miracles that can’t even be counted. (Job 5:9)

Hold On A Little While Longer…

city landscape sky people

Computer acting up while I was preparing for a presentation. Fed up I said aloud “What is happening Lord?” The immediate response from computer, “almost there.”

I applied that response to my heart. To the Lord’s action on my prayers, pleadings, and supplication in my life. He said to me, I am “almost there.” So, don’t worry, just hold on a little while longer.

Thank you, Lord, I have received you comforting reply. I will wait on you. Though I’m getting anxious about the issues that surround me, I know your timing is always right. Forgive my anxiety. Please help me to wait on you.