postaday – GREENLiGHT

Take Five…

Take 5 minutes to pray each day. Commit your thoughts and dreams to the one most high. He’ll see you through your doubts and fears.

Pray. It works.

Blessings overflow.

GranShell, Prayer Doesn’t Work…

Prayer doesn’t work. This statement came from my 7-year grandson who had asked his mom and dad for a dog before his 7th birthday. He did not believe he would get it so I told him to pray. He did. Eight months later after receiving many other gifts that he loved but no puppy, he apparently gave up.

While driving home one day, he almost knocked me off my feet when he said “GranShell, Prayer Doesn’t Work”. Indeed his statement surprised me. It got me thinking. How many times we as adults become disappointed in the Lord’s seemingly unresponsiveness to our pleas for something we consider important to us? What my grandson did not know was that his parents were contemplating his request… but of course a dog comes with major responsibilities. These include considering the actual type of dog to get (one that was hypoallergenic); the cost to care for a dog including health insurance and such; whether he is ready to take care of the puppy, among others.

Doesn’t the Lord do the same? He is answering …but often He wants to give us the right things at the right time–when we are ready for it. We can think of examples like Moses. The delay was to prepare him so he took him away from pharaoh’s palace and sent him to become a shepherd. Later when he was ready, he used him to lead the children of Israel out of oppression. Joseph too was innocently sent to prison for a crime he had not committed. Joseph’s trials were divine in order to prepare him for bigger things. He later had the responsibility for the land during a major famine.

Today, may we have hope that the Lord is coming through for us some way, some how. Be patient …wait. He’s got you.

Blessings overflow,

God Will Make A Way…

Years ago when I was contemplating a big life change, I walked into a bookstore and asked the Lord to guide me. After about an hour browsing around, I saw the book “God will make a way“. The title alone spoke to me. Since then, every now and again, I return to the title for encouragement as I wait expectantly on the Lord.

Wait on the lord, He will come through.

Blessings overflow!

This Too Shall Pass….

This too shall pass. Hold on. Nothing remains.

Jacob Was Afraid. But God Had A Plan…

Jacob was Afraid to Go…but God had a plan.

I love Joseph! His brothers were mean to him. They sold him as a slave. But God had a plan. My focus was always on Joseph and how he loved and trusted the Lord. It meant everything to me throughout my life. Then a bible study that I attended opened my eyes to Jacob—Joseph’s dad; the mean guy. Jacob the deceiver. I actually disliked him most of my life. Why? He deceived his father and brother Esau in getting his birthright.

But later in life when he was old and grey, he longed for his son Joseph who he thought had died because his other sons had told him so.

Then, when the Lord finally opened the doors for Joseph, and he was in charge in Egypt, Jacob was asked to visit. But he was afraid. He didn’t want to lose his youngest son.

I never thought much about Jacob, who was a deceiver in his early life, yet was himself deceived by his father-in-law years later. He had to work 14 years to get Joseph’s mom, Rachel. No wonder he loved Joseph so much.

The point is, Jacob was afraid to go to Egypt because he could not see the future. Yet, God had a plan! When he finally gave in and went, he not only received back his youngest son, Benjamin; he also received back to life, his other son Joseph! Oh, how the Lord works if we only trust Him!

I walked away from that study thinking of how scared I am at times because I cannot see what’s around the corner. I can’t see what lies ahead. But through Jacob’s experience, my mind has been rekindled to trust the Lord who holds the future.

When you can’t see, obey and trust Him. He will work it out. Find out more about GreenLight: When God Says Go

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46:11)

When God Says No…

My grace is sufficient for you

How many times have we asked the lord for something and he said no? Im sure there are many times.

Personally, as a child my dream was always to become a nurse as I love taking care of others. For some reason my path turned and I ended up in banking which (through my responsibilities), wet my appetite for the Human Resource role. I transitioned into pharmaceuticals, then more direct healthcare managing several medical clinics. As I reflect, his purpose was to place me in an area where I was more able to affect patient care through pharmaceuticals and clinical care through other healthcare professionals.

On the other hand, Cancer took my mom, grandma, and sister from our family despite our prayers for healing. Though I miss them terribly, his response was to provide them with spiritual healing from the wear and tear on their bodies. I couldn’t be selfish in wanting them around me much longer.

So remember, sometimes God says yes. Other times he says no. The important thing we can do is to trust him. His plan is always best for you.

Take some time this season to reflect on the path he has taken you through. He has given you the GreenLight.

Blessings overflow.

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.

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.