Lane
11 Teach me your way, Lord;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:11-14
Have you ever thought while you are driving why we have lanes to drive in, especially when you see the people flying around you crossing this way and that way to get to their destination more quickly? My thought is that we have lanes to keep order. When we have order, there will be a smoother process for us to get to our destination. The same thought process applies to our path to our Lord. If we stay straight in our lane and not focus on the desire of the enemy, we can remain confident that God will keep us in our lane. We can't get antsy and expect the Lord to help us find the quickest way to our destination, but we can count on His goodness to help us find the straightest path to Him. So take a moment to realize that it is better to stay in your lane than be tempted to what appears to be a faster lane.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Friday, January 20, 2017
Fantastic Friday #559 - Shattered
Shattered
21 “His eyes are on the ways of mortals;
he sees their every step.
22 There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness,
where evildoers can hide.
23 God has no need to examine people further,
that they should come before him for judgment.
24 Without inquiry he shatters the mighty
and sets up others in their place.
25 Because he takes note of their deeds,
he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. Job 34:23-25
Do you sometimes feel like everything is shattering around you? Do you think that you can't pick up the pieces and move on? There are people in this world that live through evil to gain what they want with no regard for others, and they typically don't care who it impacts or hurts. This week I saw where a police officer was killed in the line of duty. This officer had four children that I believe ranged in age from 22 down to just a few months old. When I see things like this happen, I don't think the incidents that I deal with in my life are really shattering my livelihood, but they are just a setback where I can easily pick the pieces up. While Job talks about the evil and how God crushes those, the other part of the scripture says while he shatters the mighty, he sets up others in their place. So, do you think God sets you in your place and where you are in your life? God allows these setbacks to occur, not to shatter us, but to remind us of who He is in our life. Don't feel shattered and unfix-able, but recognize that God can put you back together with his special glue.
Have a great weekend.
21 “His eyes are on the ways of mortals;
he sees their every step.
22 There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness,
where evildoers can hide.
23 God has no need to examine people further,
that they should come before him for judgment.
24 Without inquiry he shatters the mighty
and sets up others in their place.
25 Because he takes note of their deeds,
he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed. Job 34:23-25
Do you sometimes feel like everything is shattering around you? Do you think that you can't pick up the pieces and move on? There are people in this world that live through evil to gain what they want with no regard for others, and they typically don't care who it impacts or hurts. This week I saw where a police officer was killed in the line of duty. This officer had four children that I believe ranged in age from 22 down to just a few months old. When I see things like this happen, I don't think the incidents that I deal with in my life are really shattering my livelihood, but they are just a setback where I can easily pick the pieces up. While Job talks about the evil and how God crushes those, the other part of the scripture says while he shatters the mighty, he sets up others in their place. So, do you think God sets you in your place and where you are in your life? God allows these setbacks to occur, not to shatter us, but to remind us of who He is in our life. Don't feel shattered and unfix-able, but recognize that God can put you back together with his special glue.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, January 13, 2017
Fantastic Friday #558 - Challenged
Challenged
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
13 The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”
14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. John 8:12-14
Do you sometimes feel challenged? Maybe it is something someone has said to you that is bothering you or maybe it is some decision someone has made that makes you wonder why they even consider you a friend. We all see challenges to overcome in our life, but it is how we overcome those challenges which is the true test. If we allow the challenge to eat away at us, it can be our worst enemy. That enemy can beat us up and down in an accusatory tone, and we can succumb to the challenge by being defeated. Or, we can be like Christ when the Pharisees challenged him, He was bold and strong with those who challenged Him and He didn't allow those words to defeat Him. We need to be strong and courageous, and know that we can be a light in this world. We should relish the challenges knowing that God can guide us if we allow Him to walk ahead of us. Don't succumb to the challengers, but overcome them with strength.
Have a great weekend.
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
13 The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”
14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. John 8:12-14
Do you sometimes feel challenged? Maybe it is something someone has said to you that is bothering you or maybe it is some decision someone has made that makes you wonder why they even consider you a friend. We all see challenges to overcome in our life, but it is how we overcome those challenges which is the true test. If we allow the challenge to eat away at us, it can be our worst enemy. That enemy can beat us up and down in an accusatory tone, and we can succumb to the challenge by being defeated. Or, we can be like Christ when the Pharisees challenged him, He was bold and strong with those who challenged Him and He didn't allow those words to defeat Him. We need to be strong and courageous, and know that we can be a light in this world. We should relish the challenges knowing that God can guide us if we allow Him to walk ahead of us. Don't succumb to the challengers, but overcome them with strength.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Fantastic Friday #557 - Patience
Patience
11 A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
Before this holiday I was entirely impatient with several things going on in my life, and it was pulling on me and my health. Over the break I worked on a one-thousand piece puzzle. This gave a true test of patience to me, but it also tested what I have learned in my life. With so many colors and shapes, I struggled at times to see what I was trying to put together. When I would walk away to take a break and a deep breath, I could usually come back and find several pieces that fit within the puzzle. I was finding that I could rely on what I learned previously about color and shade and not so much the shape of the puzzle piece. This can be applied to our own lives, by not focusing so much on the minute details but to look at the overall picture. This focus can build patience with others and yourself. Turn to wisdom to build that patience.
Have a great weekend.
11 A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
Before this holiday I was entirely impatient with several things going on in my life, and it was pulling on me and my health. Over the break I worked on a one-thousand piece puzzle. This gave a true test of patience to me, but it also tested what I have learned in my life. With so many colors and shapes, I struggled at times to see what I was trying to put together. When I would walk away to take a break and a deep breath, I could usually come back and find several pieces that fit within the puzzle. I was finding that I could rely on what I learned previously about color and shade and not so much the shape of the puzzle piece. This can be applied to our own lives, by not focusing so much on the minute details but to look at the overall picture. This focus can build patience with others and yourself. Turn to wisdom to build that patience.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, December 30, 2016
Fantastic Friday #556 - Source
Source
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
This week I was talking and laughing with a friend, and we discussed how important is to have people in our lives to support each other in times of need, even those people we don't know. He related a story to me where he held a door open for a woman he had never met and after his usual morning greeting, she said "The Lord is your source." He said that she didn't speak another word and he was left to ponder what she meant. It is a very simplistic message that the Lord is our source for everything we need. We can call on him in desperate need, or we can use His Word to encourage us. I think we all need to remember that while He is the ultimate one to come to in need, there are also sources in our life to give support but we need to remember that only He can provide the grace we need.
Have a great weekend.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
This week I was talking and laughing with a friend, and we discussed how important is to have people in our lives to support each other in times of need, even those people we don't know. He related a story to me where he held a door open for a woman he had never met and after his usual morning greeting, she said "The Lord is your source." He said that she didn't speak another word and he was left to ponder what she meant. It is a very simplistic message that the Lord is our source for everything we need. We can call on him in desperate need, or we can use His Word to encourage us. I think we all need to remember that while He is the ultimate one to come to in need, there are also sources in our life to give support but we need to remember that only He can provide the grace we need.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Fantastic Friday #555 - Innocence
Innocence
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:12-14
This scripture is just a small piece of what Linus expressed as a young innocent child to his friends. He was explaining to others what the true meaning of Christmas is all about over 50 years ago in a television show that still lives on today. This is one of my favorite moments and still gets me emotional today. However, something so easily shared years ago is becoming overshadowed by people being offended by the story or it is being lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas lights, gifts for pretty girls and bright shiny trees. If you look at the way I described Linus as being innocent, there is something else there to think about. Jesus came as a baby to the world to save all those who are willing to follow Him, and those people can be made clean and innocent through His sacrifice. So, if someone as innocent as a child can show us how to achieve innocence through our Lord and Savior, it is not that difficult. Remember as you go through this holiday that the true meaning of Christmas is simple but deeper than any superficial holiday that others want you to believe.
Have a great weekend.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:12-14
This scripture is just a small piece of what Linus expressed as a young innocent child to his friends. He was explaining to others what the true meaning of Christmas is all about over 50 years ago in a television show that still lives on today. This is one of my favorite moments and still gets me emotional today. However, something so easily shared years ago is becoming overshadowed by people being offended by the story or it is being lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas lights, gifts for pretty girls and bright shiny trees. If you look at the way I described Linus as being innocent, there is something else there to think about. Jesus came as a baby to the world to save all those who are willing to follow Him, and those people can be made clean and innocent through His sacrifice. So, if someone as innocent as a child can show us how to achieve innocence through our Lord and Savior, it is not that difficult. Remember as you go through this holiday that the true meaning of Christmas is simple but deeper than any superficial holiday that others want you to believe.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Fantastic Friday #554 - Trials
Trials
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:3-7
Trials, road blocks and dead ends. We have all had them in our lives and continue to have them because God is testing us. You probably ask, why is God testing me and always seem to test me. Have you thought of how many times you have had faith that God would help you the moment the trial came? A lot of times we forget the times where God has come through, and focus only on the current situation. We need to learn how we can focus on what He has done and what He can continue to do. Trials build faith, strength and love for our Lord and Savior. The next time a trial comes, think about His involvement.
Have a great weekend.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:3-7
Trials, road blocks and dead ends. We have all had them in our lives and continue to have them because God is testing us. You probably ask, why is God testing me and always seem to test me. Have you thought of how many times you have had faith that God would help you the moment the trial came? A lot of times we forget the times where God has come through, and focus only on the current situation. We need to learn how we can focus on what He has done and what He can continue to do. Trials build faith, strength and love for our Lord and Savior. The next time a trial comes, think about His involvement.
Have a great weekend.
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