Friday, May 14, 2010

Dealing with Issues

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable

-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-

think on these things.



Phil.4:8



How do Paul’s words apply to us in these times of uncertainty?



Whatever is true: We don’t know for certain how or if the fiscal habits of our nation  or other of life's uncertainties will keep disaster from our lives, therefore we can’t know what will happen to us and our families in the future. We have to concentrate on what we do know.

Whatever is noble: (having high morale qualities) We have to try to do what God wants about the things with which we are faced. We have to try to keep ourselves and our families from becoming depressed about these uneasy times.

Whatever is right: God is in control. We have to do what is right in His eyes. As human beings, we will mess up things. We can only do what He lets us do, if we step out of His Will for our lives, He will allow us to mess up.

Whatever is pure: We should spend time in prayer. We need to ask others to pray for us. We read devotionals and meditate on what they mean. We spend quality as well as quantity time reading and studying His Word.

Whatever is lovely: Words spoken in anger or haste can never be taken back. We need to choose our words carefully. Friendships have been broken because of hastily spoken words. Only those cemented in the Lord can withstand misspoken words.

Whatever is admirable: (deserving admiration) In tough times, people faced with turmoil watch those around them to see how they react to things. They might remember how we handled circumstances surrounding the hard issues of life. They watch those professing to be God’s children. The simple deeds done mean the most to those who watch us.

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy: Each of God’s people should conduct their lives as though they are being watched by others. Our families, our neighbors, and all those with whom we do business We should want to and strive to emulate Jesus Christ.

Think on these things: In times of trial, turmoil, and possible stress, we need to learn to deal with things as they come, as God would want.

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight. Psalm 19:14.

It all comes down to trust in God. We have to realize He has all things under His control and rely on Him to guide us through times of sadness and uncertainty.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

God’s Peace


Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27(NIV)



Nations of the world have pursued peace since the end of World War 2. That war ended with the use of a destructive weapon that annihilated two cities in Japan. The peace that followed was called The Cold War. During this uneasy time, peace seemed to be maintained by which nation had the more powerful stockpile of armaments.

Groups seeking peace sought the governments asking them to render harmless their weapons. But then we had smaller, lesser known nations entered the atomic age.

One of the present wars our nation wages is because of the presence of what has become known as weapons of mass destruction.



The followers of God know that our world will not have real and lasting peace until Jesus comes again. He, himself, tells us He doesn’t bring the same peace that the world gives.

Picture two boys fighting. An adult breaks up the melee. The boys more or less call a truce. Things go on fine, for a while. Then one of them crosses the line, words start heating up, and fists begin to fly. They are on the ground giving each other a beat down.

How long does the peace last? Until the next time one feels he’s been cheated. World peace seems to be as tenuous.

As God’s children, we have to petition Him to show us how to live in order to attain true peace.

In the above scripture, Jesus tells us not to trouble our hearts and not to fear. The only way we can do this is when we have a viable relationship with Him.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Sufficient Grace

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my
weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Cor. 12:9 (NIV)



Paul prayed three times for healing from this ailment he referred to as a thorn in his side. God didn’t remove it. God had other plans for him. How he responded to the apostle’s pleas comforts brings comfort to my heart.

The Lord tells Paul and his future readers that God’s love is so great that it allows us to be used by Him in spite of our health issues. He works through these disorders and diseases and allows great things to occur.

God uses us as we are. He takes our strengths, builds them up, uses them to His glory and to enlarge the Kingdom.

Recently, I have noticed a lessening of a lot of the pain I have experienced for two and a half years. I thank God for this. Praise the Lord.

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...