I have to say that one of my all time favorites, if not my favorite teacher of the word, is Dr. Charles Stanley. This week on his broadcast he spoke on How to View Life’s Trials. It was so good I want to strongly encourage you to watch. I am posting the link. This is an area where I falter and I needed this encouragement right now in my own life. I hope you find it as encouraging.
Monthly Archives: November 2014
Thanksgiving 2014
As we enter into our time of Thanksgiving in our sweet America I am prayerful for great change in a nation that was founded on the precious Word of God. I am thankful for our forefathers who labored over a set of rules if you will-limitations and common rights that every nation should have. Every generation has said “could it get worse?” yet if you listen to the news or just simply people watch in public places it seems to have nearly come to a Noah moment again in history. Selfish desires over take and people succumb to earthly pleasure. As you gather with your family and friends join with me in a prayer centered on our time left here on earth-to be kind, generous, and joyful. Letting our lights shine, not hiding them under a bushel, or letting Satan blow them out. We as Christians are the light of this world-there is no darkness where there is light. We who call America home are fortunate to experience such freedom to do so many things and we are free from the fears that so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ face each and every day. Our Great and Awesome God is in omnipotent, sovereign control not just in our world but in each individual life that He has been asked to govern. So my Thanksgiving prayer is not for blessing after blessing but that when the trials come throughout the coming year we will be strengthened with His awesome power and might. May we get a glimpse of His mighty right hand that continually upholds us. Because friends, it is in the darkest, most painful trials that our faith grows and will move mountains–think of that awesome power that we as Christ followers hold within our humble frames. We can say to the mountain move from here-go there- or if you would rather a mulberry tree uprooted and thrown into the sea. Our nation, our families are in His omniscient hand so hold the hands around your table this year and raise them joined to your Father in thanksgiving for everything in life, blessings and trials, that has formed you and your family.
May the God that loves us all continue to hold you in the palm of His nail scarred hand and every time the sun shines warm upon your face feel His presence wrapped around you. Be that aware of His presence in your life. I am thankful that wherever we are this Thanksgiving Day He is there-wherever we live and whatever we face.
Cherish your days with your family-we are not promised tomorrow.
April
What is Life? Why are we here?
Why are we here? To glorify God–solely! We are not here to build fancy, expensive homes and drive the latest model cars. We are simply here to bring Him glory. Whatever we say and whatever we do is meant to glorify-point back to- Him. At 41 yo I finally realize what He has been trying to make me see. We do not have to be homeless, carless, or moneyless but we are certainly accountable for everything we do have. More things is not more-actually less things is more. The less we have the more we are able to focus on Him. When our world is full of things to satisfy us, we need Him less to satisfy and our minds are occupied with the wrong things-our earthly treasures. Jesus said if someone asks for your tunic, give him your cloak as well. {Matt. 5:40} Things, material possesions, are not worth anything. How are we known-how are we seen-how do we display Him–this is our true worth.
My mouth has been far from pleasing Him. My thoughts-which proceed action-have been far from pleasing Him. My focus has been on me, my children, my finances instead my focus must remain on Him. How can I, April, glorify Him? How can you glorify Him? We can do it through EVERY single thing that we do daily. Caring for others points to Him. A wholesome mouth points to Him. Pure thoughts point to Him. Honoring our spouses, even when our human flesh doesn’t want to, points to Him. Who sees this? Him and Him alone and that should be the only One we care who sees. Anything else would be prideful, a show. I will not be judged by a jury of 12, but by my one glorious Saviour. Worthless me–me however plus Him equals worthiness and acceptance.
He chose us before time began because He knew the impact we COULD have-not WOULD have-because that depends on our ability to see. We must truly see with eyes open to truth not just words on a page. The Bible is truly like a secret code but when you are saved you possess the key to unlock the code. The awesome thing is that to each of us He reveals Himself in different ways on different days–AMAZING!
An author who can write a book that speaks directly to each saved reader in miraculous ways. Individual ways that minister to your needs as they arise. Our lives should simply reflect Him. Can it? YES!! The Holy Spirit enables it, but far too often our flesh impedes it.
The most wonderful thing about the Lord is that He gives us a LIMITED free will. Therefore, we have the ability to choose and choose we do. We have become very successful at choosing our way and somehow fitting Him into it. When you focus so dimly on Him your path is misguided and we take wrong turns and wind down alternate paths that when redirected by Him lead back to the path He always intended for us. So when faced with the bend or fork in the path shine your “light” onto it and He will lead you down the right way and you can proceed not with caution, but with assurance that through every mountain top and valley His light will continue to guide you and carry you through to your final destination–HIM–waiting, smiling, and embracing the end of another miraculous journey home.
The Word of God is the light that shines and illuminates your path so read it daily-if not your light will be to dim to know which path to take and the alternate routes we choose can be heart breaking and time consuming not to mention we will miss out on the path He would choose. His path for you is the path that was structured perfectly with you in mind-imagine the beauty you will miss by having a dim light.
I want all the paths from now on to be the paths He has created for me, no matter the terrain. When your traveling companion is Jesus Christ there is truly no reason to fear or turn. Your success in life depends on the paths you choose. Choose the path He has lain for you-know those paths by knowing Him-know Him by reading His word and meditating on it daily. Memorize it, store it in your heart in every corner, every recess, every nook and cranny.
EVERY life has seasons of difficulty and pain. Believe it!! No-one has a perfect life- no matter how outwardly pretty it may seem. We all struggle with something. Encouragement is so important, practice it with everyone you meet. We will never know our impact-whether good or bad-until we reach heaven. Although we will fall short try, to make as many impacts for good that you can. A good place to start is with your own family, your inner circle. Especially your children. Teach them that every decision they make will in some way affect their life. If they have been taught discernment through the word of God they will shine their light and choose the narrow way. Even grown children can change the way decisions are made. Sin cascades through generations just read the Old Testament to see proof of that. When we do not instruct our children correctly the future generations suffer greatly. Let us choose to change the tide that will fall upon our families and rain down blessing instead of hardship. May we choose to teach the Bible to our children in its entirety and let them experience the awesome power it will release not only into their lives, but our lives, and all the lives along our paths.
Blessings always,
April
humble daughter 