God is in the Eye of the Storm

The Urban dictionary defines the Eye of the Storm as period of time during a storm when things are calm. However, this doesn't mean it's over.

The center of a storm is called its eye. Some storms have a calm eye, where it feels peaceful and the sky might even look clear the center. ,But if the eye shifts, then the rain and the wind come back with greater strength than ever. I like a Christian song by this name by Ryan Stevenson.

 

https://youtu.be/cw3zIA1NJU0

I have seen some dark days in various seasons of my life. He often gives me a respite from the deep waters of a trying situation. The problem esn't go away but there is a break. This might come as one situation gets resolved before things heat up again ask face the next part of a trial. It also may come in the form of a distractor. I think of the year I was diagnosed with mono. It was my oldest daughter's senior year. I spent a lot of time in bed but on a few occasions I was able to go celebrate my daughter's accomplishments. Sometimes I wanted to feel sorry for myself because I couldn't do things like I had dreamed of for her senior year. I had to put that aside. At least for a few hours I needed to go to a volleyball game or an awards event and celebrate my daughter. I had to view this as a short eye of the storm before it raged again with my lack of strength to do much.

Life doesn't always turn out according to my plan but it is built around God's plan.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

These words were written at a very difficult time in the Israelite's history. God was disciplining them for their sin and they were living in exile in Babylon. It was no fun to be an Isrealite in those days! This was a dark time but God gave this word to them as a promise. One could say that it provided an eye in the storm. It was an encouragement that God was for them and He had it under control. That's a message that gives hope amidst some really dark times. It provides a respite from the difficulties that rage during times of trial.

 

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Who Likes Change?

Are you like me? Is change uncomfortable? Well, I like to change from non-preferred activities but that's about as far as my desire to change goes. I have been encouraged to think about change the past few weeks. For the past 28 years, my husband and I have had a child living in our home. That is about to change. My youngest is going off to college this fall. This will be a big change. It is exciting in many ways but it will be uncomfortable for everyone. My son, my husband, our other children and myself. There is only one who doesn't change.

 

 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

“For I the Lord do not change; " Malachi3:6a

God doesn't change. It is a part of his character. It is an attribute. He is consistent. He does not change. We can depend on him to be the same. It gives us stability and confidence when we know that God does not change. He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. We can depend on it.

 

Change is what I am suppose to be about. I am not God so it would be improper for me to try to avoid change. Unfortunately, I try to do this far too often.

 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! II Corinthians 5:17

to be made new in the attitude of your minds. Ephesians 4:23

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. IJohn 3:2-3

We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. IICorinthians 3:18

Change is not something to be avoided. It is to be embraced wholeheartedly. My life as a Christian is a life of change. I change from my old way of life to accept the free gift of salvation. I ask God to forgive my sins and I turn to him wholeheartedly. He makes me a new creation. I am adopted into God's forever family. He now is in the process of making me more like Him. I need to be willing to make some dramatic changes as God leads. I am being transformed to reflect my God. Believe me, this is going to require a lot of change. It may not be comfortable but it is what my life needs to be about!

 

 

 

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God is more of Everything Good

Early on in my spiritual experiences, I heard a few phrases. Here are two.

• God is my co-pilot
• God loves you and has a wonderful plan fo your life

I am the the first person to admit that there is some truth in these phrases.

God is with me and never will forsake me. In fact, the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, lives within me because I am a child of God.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11

As I have experienced life and grown in understanding a little more about God, I find the idea of God being my co-pilot uncomfortable. Yes, God is with me but he is not there to assist my flight plan. He is there to design the trip I take everyday because he knows more about the world I am trying to navigate. He made that world and set everything in place. He sustains that world and creates order every single moment. I cannot understand how this world works, let alone create it or sustain it! I am here because of God. He made me and enables by body to function to have life. My thoughts and plans need to be focused on God and his will for my life.

In looking at the first law of the famous booklet The Four Spiritual Laws, I see scriptural truth but I feel the reader(me and you) may be tempted to place too much emphasis on ME. I admit that God loves me and he does have a wonderful plan for my life.

4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10

I have to remember that God's loving plan is about knowing Him and seeking to glorify Him in all I say or do. It is about God's great love and Mercy. It is Christ and Christ alone who makes me alive. It's not anything I do but everything He did.

As I look at my life, I see where I understood this in part when I trusted Christ. I thought I did. I understood that God is more of everything good. I had a glimpse but I really didn't understand this very well. After becoming a mom of a special needs child, I began to put a few pieces together. I was full of all kinds of emotions with my son's diagnosis. Life felt out of control. I needed a lot more than a co-pilot. I needed a God who would take this mess and make something positive out of it. I had to let go of control. You may know the prayer I prayed. "God, you have to take this because I can't do it. I trust you because there is no other choice. I have absolutely no idea of how to handle this."

Trials cause me to realize that there is only one God and it's not me. I need to acknowledge this and it usually takes me a while to do it. God is bigger than me. He is wiser, stronger, more faithful and loving than I will ever be in a 1000 years. The list goes on. As I realize how God is more of all good things, I am able to release my own will to control the circumstances of my life.

Interestingly, I learned this lesson as I relinquished my own will to control life after my son's diagnosis. I came to realize that this was not as big of crisis as I first thought. As I looked to God, He showed me a new normal. It was hard but it could be done. In fact, it was God's will for my life. It has been a way that God has shown me that He loves all people and has a wonderful plan for every life. He has led me to walk along side families with the challenges of parenting a child with special needs, These are some of those works God had prepared for me to do. If I had not seen that God was more, I might of missed His plan for this time in my life.

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Let it Go!

As a person, woman, mother, and in various roles I have been offended. I'm not special because so has everyone else who walks on the planet. In human relationships, offenses happen. When a person has experienced this often, her radar is up and it becomes easier with each difficult situation to have a strong emotional response. The scripture gives some counsel.

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

 

As a mom of a learning different child, I have had lots of opportunity to experience offense. There were the notes from teachers outlining a list of things my son did wrong that day. I saw adults who just saw behavior and I felt there was little empathy and understanding for my son. There were times that friends weren't interested in understanding my life. Sometimes I was confronted for not being involved in an activity that someone thought I should. I thought, "do they not realize what my life is like?" Other times, I felt offended when my son wasn't included. I can remember that it was suggested that Isaac not participate in activities. I was hurt, offended but mostly angry. I had crossed the line from offended to easily offended.

 

Winston Churchhill summed up what happens if I allow offenses to rule my life.

"You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.”

I learned, little by little, step by step, spending a lot of energy on being offended keeps me from doing important things. God has a plan and good works that He has planned for me. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10. Being easily offended puts emphasis on me, my troubles, and my world. Proverbs 19 shows that anger is the root of becoming offended. Learning to be slow to get angry is important. As anger comes slower, it is easier to overlook an offense. When an offense is overlooked, there is so much energy that isn't wasted and is available for important things outside of being focused on my hurts.

It is not easy to overcome anger, hurt and offense. It is a work of the Holy Spirit that will enable you to accomplish this. It may be a struggle but God will hear your prayers and grant freedom from being easily offended.

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.”

 

Galatians 5:1

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthinans 3:17

 

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A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:1

There's a skit that I have seen at camps and retreats more times than I can count. It has one major line, " Is it time yet?" The audience isn't sure what is happening and in their minds, they are thinking, "Time for what?" The question is asked over and over with the response always being, "no." The audience and cast members come to expect "no for the answer" and then to everyone's surprise it is time.

This is very similar to my life. How about yours? I have prayed and worked in my various roles in life. I remember thinking 18 years of raising a child is a long time to get her ready for life. Was it complete when I sent my daughters off to college? Absolutely not!! I thought that everything would fall into place for each of them by college. Oh, no! I remember, my oldest daughter was miserable at college. People told me that they had experienced something similar with a child and after a couple months it got better. That wasn't our story. She spent 3 semester at her university and was unhappy the whole time. We began the college search for her all over again at the same time her sister was deciding where she would attend. It was hard work. My job as a mother was heating up not slowing down. The second college was not a slam dunk but it was much better for her. Today she is married to a wonderful guy and they have great jobs and are mentoring and are guardians for 5 international student athletes. God's timing was not my timing but He was preparing all of our family for the things he had for us in the future.

Our youngest child is a son. He was diagnosed with a neurological disability in elementary school. It has often been "3 steps forward and 2 steps back" when it came to seeing progress. There was the struggle in first grade with composing a sentence from 5 words in a word bank. He couldn't do it. I would compose two sentences using the words and let him pick the sentence he liked. We moved slowly. When he was in 6th grade a teacher figured out how to engage him in math within the classroom. Up until that time, I had homeschooled math each day after school. I remember his jr. high English teacher helped him learn to answer a short essay question. Then there was high school speech. He delivered the speeches quite well but there was a big problem. It overwhelmed him so much that he couldn't get out of bed the next day after a speech. He began to write his own short papers without help in community college. It was painful for me to watch as a mom. He would shake the entire time he would write them. He no longer shakes but they are very challenging still.

There is a time for everything. This includes the struggle, waiting and the answer. Sometimes this process moves along quickly. But many times, God's timing seems slow. You see, he is concerned with developing His child. His interest is in character development, trust and dependence on Him and developing a closer relationship with his child. If you are in a season that is long and it seems like God is silent, He is at work. Every event in the current season has a purpose, HIS PURPOSE!

 

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Inclusion: Embrace Through Action

I just returned from the Accessibility Disability Summit in the Washington. D.C. Area. It was sponsored by McLean Bible Church. What I find interesting is that people are often surprised that a church runs this conference. The word accessible is often identified with persons affected by disabilities. It is a word that is used often in disability advocacy circles. I often assume a church will respond to advocacy for a more inclusive environment. I, along with many others, am surprised when I see the church leading the way in an area that our society is still emerging in acceptance.

What I learn from this is: The local church is to be involved with all people. There are difficult and messy situations that present themselves to Christians everywhere.

 

I John 3:18

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but in action and in truth.

People often feel alone. Kind words are nice but walking with them through difficulties is even better. There are some many people who need to feel included. There are people who are struggling physically. This may mean health problems, injury, disability or slowing down with old age. Many others have emotional challenges. These may stem from divorce, death, broken relationships and/or trauma. There can be struggles financially and with work. Conflict can come and cause havoc in people's lives. The bottom line is "life is messy."

People need others to walk along side them through life's difficulties. It may be a meal, a gift card or a listening ear at Starbucks. It might be an invitation for a family to join your's for a holiday. I have seen lots of examples but it takes a willingness to step out of my/your comfort zone. This is about "out of the box" living.

How does this look for you? Well, that's between you and God! As you seek the Lord's will in this area, the Spirit of God will lead you. That's one thing Jesus promised: the Holy Spirit would aid his followers. So thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit!

 

 

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Join the Family: A Beautiful Thing

An interesting thing happened this week. My son and I were in a Mexican restaurant eating chips and salsa. In between bites, he asked me if I knew anyone that was adopted. My mind was racing with questions about my son's sudden interest in adoption. I thought if I asked all my questions, I might lose the beauty,of the moment so I answered him by saying, "yes." I went on to explain that many of the children I work with have been adopted. He was a bit confused because he thought that autism was the challenge that most of my clients faced. I went on to explain a few things about adoption and the early life trauma that often occurs in these children's lives. He struggled to understand how biological parents could do certain things that would put a child's life in danger. We talked about this for a little while so he could get a handle on the challenges that often occur.

My son went on and said, "I have always thought that adoption is really beautiful." My brain was spinning now. My son is a rigid thinker and doesn't like to talk about things at an emotional level. He is interested in information and likes to keep things logical. He had just made a spontaneous comment about adoption as it has struck him emotionally. As a mom, this is a really big deal because of the expression of emotion and the fact that my son has thought deeply about this. That is my disability mom hat. My other mom hat is that of a mom who wants her child to know and love the things of God. To me this was an equally beautiful thing.

At this moment, I knew that my son understood the relationship of a child being received into a family with no merit of his own. He knows scripture and loves the truth of the Bible. He has read the verses about a person coming into the family of God by grace through faith. If there is one thing I know, he believes it! My son went on to explain, "I have always thought it was beutiful for a family to include people who were not born into it but include them as part of the family."

Some of the verses he knows are probably familiar to you. For some of us it takes a while to put all the pieces together. Over time, it will happen. God's word does not return void. so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose Is 59:11.

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" Romans 8:15

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:17

so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, Ephesians 2:19

Let me encourage you to keep taking in the Word of God daily. It may not seem like it is making a difference. It may not feel like you are receiving much from it. It will show fruit over time. I saw this so very clearly this week.

 

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Forgotten Stuff

Today was one of those days where the circumstances of life overwhelmed me. I don't have a lot of perfectionism in my being normally. For some reason, I felt stupid when I couldn't roll with the circumstances of the day that were keeping me from accomplishing the things I wanted to do. If I only had started earlier. If I had checked and double checked before now. Wow, I can really get down on myself over the little things of life.

I feel even guiltier because this week's sermon was about keeping the main things central. I know that the Bible tells me, "in this world there are going to be troubles." But I don't seem to get it. I always feel like things need to go according to plan, MY PLAN. When they don't, discouragement can overtake me. I know I am concentrating on the trees instead of the forest. I look at the individual circumstances of life and make them into the big picture of my life. I have it turned around. But how do I get it right? Well, here is something I need to understand a whole lot better

 

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:1-2

The apostle Paul encourages each of us to live a life worthy of the calling the the Lord has given. Somehow, I doubt if getting caught up in the circumstances of life fits this. Ok, I need to live on the high road of seeing things beyond the frustrations of "the dailies". The passage gives some important steps that must be taken. Be COMPLETELY humble and gentle. Not there yet! Be patient. I need to be patient with the irritations of life. I need to be be patient with myself for not being perfect. I need to be patient with others when they aren't patient, humble or gentle. When I am patient with others if they aren't perfect, then the last guideline of bearing with one another in love is seen.

So that's what living a life centering on the big picture and calling is about. I am definitely not there. It looks like there is some work still to be done. I am so thankful that God is involved in this process of transformation. He can do more than we could ever think or imagine!

 

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Hearts

They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" Luke 24:3

Easter is over, life back to normal, right? Well, maybe not? When I look at the disciples, the life that Jesus had been preparing them for was just beginning. The preparation time was coming to the end. The ministry God had for them was ready to take off. They thought they had been involved in ministry as they were with Jesus and he performed miracles, They were right in one sense. They were actively involved in ministry along side Jesus before his death and resurrection. In another sense, God wanted them to step out of their comfort zone to do the work He had prepared for them. There were many ways. But one wa was trough the power of Jesus words.

The disciples hearts burned deeply by Jesus words. I don't pretend to know exactly what this verse means. One thing I do know is that the Jesus' words had transforming power to the disciples hearts. Just a short time later after Jesus had ascended and the Holy Spirit had come on the followers of Christ here is what the response was.

for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

My calling and your calling might be different but the same Spirit can impact us and help us to move to the next call. It will take a willingness to let God's word to impact our lives and help us to step out of our comfort zone. The days and weeks after Easter are when the disciples did this. It seems like a good time for the rest of Jesus' followers to to do also.

 

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Forgiveness

In the Christian community, this week is the pinnacle of all that is believed about God's plan in redeeming people from sin. There are far too many theological concerns in the redemption story to deal with them all here. I am going to keep it really simple.

Sin had come into the world and permeated every single person. This is referred to as the sin nature. God sent his son, Jesus, on a rescue mission. The week of Easter tells how this redemption unfolded in human history. Jesus was perfect. He had never sinned but He took on our sins so we might be redeemed from them. Only a perfect sacrifice could redeem sins of another. God and man had a broken relationship because of this sin. God cannot look on sin but his love is so great he desired to restore this relationship. He did this through laying on his son these sins. Jesus died for sin though he had none of his own. He is not a dead savior, though. The power of God raised him from the dead. He is alive. That's the story of Easter Sunday!

Our sins can be forgiven by trusting on Jesus work on the cross. He paid the penalty for sin. Each person must individually trust in Jesus' payment for sin on the Cross. Only God forgives sin. There is nothing I do to earn it. Jesus took my place. He did for me! That is good news.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are a few verses to reflect on in the coming days about what Christ accomplished for the redemption to all who believe. Forgiveness is hard to understand and even more difficult to do. It may help by looking at the one who provides the means of experiencing forgiveness before trying to do it especially in our own strength.

Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. Ecclesiastes 7:20

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. Ephesians 1:7

Even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;…. Romans 3:22:24

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,…. Titus 3:4,5

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. Titus 2:11

If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Next week's post will look at how we take what we've experienced, forgiveness from God, and extend to others.

 

 

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Grief at Easter

Easter is a time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. There is a lot of family get togethers on Easter, it is generally a happy time. Where I live, it is a big family day. It may be dinner with one or both sides of your family or time spent with good friends. There are usually Easter baskets and egg hunts for the children at these gatherings.

What happens when a person is going through a time of grieving during a holiday season like Easter? She just doesn't sense the joy. Holidays can feel very lonely even with lots of people around during a period of grieving. As a friend passed away this week, I thought of his family and what holidays will feel like over the next few months. Whether you are grieving this Easter or just know someone who is, here are some verses that may bring some comfort during this difficult time

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, 2 Corinthians 1:3,

LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Is. 33:2

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Is 30:18

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalms 147:3

Life is hard and seasons of grief come at all times. This includes holidays. God's word is available everyday to bring comfort in times of sorrow.

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Hope in the Storm

I have never gone white water rafting but have always been fascinated by it. As I understand, the white water waves can be crashing and causing the raft to seem unmanageable. It may lessen or intensify in a second. During those intense times, it takes everyone's full attention to menuever the vessel. Just as quick as the raging waters began, the water can become calm for a period of time. This calm doesn't last. In a moment's time, the waters can begin to rage again.

 

Psalm 89:8-9

Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?

You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

You rule over the surging sea;

when its waves mount up, you still them.

The difficulties of life seem like raging waters. The choice is .....

Do I concentrate on the raging waters? Well, yes and no. Much like a person white water rafting, I have to pay attention to the crashing waves. I am called to action. Otherwise, I will not make it very far. On the other hand, circumstances will overtake us if our day in and day out focus is only on them. It is true that the immediate danger must be addressed. It is also true that the main focus must be on God who is almighty. He can calm the storm of life by a single word. He made the crashing waves and he rules over them. He is the only one who can bring calm in the midst of the storm. He is able when life looks hopeless, God stills the waters of life's difficult circumstances. Just remember, when the waves mount up, He stills them! That's good news!

 

 

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God's Pace, Not My Pace

Yesterday's post discussed pace and how it affects a child with learning difference. Pace is the rate or speed of movement. Today, look at how God's pace is sometimes different than ours.

Remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalms 27:13-14

These verses say so much. I need to be confident that God will show His goodness to me, no matter what the situation is. Goodness is a character quality of God. It reminds me that God is predictable in His character. I know that God will always be faithful to His nature. With that said, God is not always predictable in His actions and especially in His pace. God often doesn't move in the direction that is expected or even desired. He doesn't move at the same speed that I would.

My confidence is in His character and His word. I stand with David that I will see the goodness of the Lord in this life. But when? That is where verse 14 comes in. This is a sandwich verse. Think of both ends as pieces of bread and the middle is the filling. It begins with wait for the Lord. This is where God's character is trusted. His timing or pace is not revealed. Waiting is part of placing faith in the character of God. It is not easy especially if the waiting period is long. The sandwich filling addresses this. Be strong and take heart. It's not easy to wait. It may be just as hard as doing something. It may take more endurance to stay the course but it's God's plan. Discouragement is so easy especially with lack of activity. It takes more strength to wait. Waiting is not a waste,it is a calling sometimes. It's time to finish the sandwich. Once again it reiterates the first part of the sandwich, Wait for the Lord, so the message is not forgotten.

Keep trusting the Lord as He reveals His plans at His own pace!

 

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Let's Focus Upward!

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. II Corinthians 4:17

Life can be hard. Sometimes this is for a moment and other times it's for much longer. I have several friends who are looking at life and death issues. There is pain, suffering, sadness and so much more that must be faced. The outcome is permanent. Permanent when thinking of this life. Permanent when thinking of the life to come.

Let's look at this verse in it's context.

16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

In this passage, the point is not to fall into discouragement. Yes, through a host of circumstances, the human body is slowly losing strength after it reaches it's peak in early adulthood. This can be caused by the natural aging process, illness, disease, mental health, and accidents, to name a few. There is a bigger picture. This life and these difficulties are short compared to forever (eternity).

The difficulties and struggles in life produce what God desires. An eternal weight of glory. This is beyond any comparison from the temporal world. The proper focus is to look at eternity and see the difficulties of this life as God's manner of turning our eyes toward Heaven. The paradigm shift is focusing on eternity and all it has to offer rather than the circumstances of life.

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Perspective: Empty or Full

Psalms 21:6-7

Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.For the king trusts in the Lord;through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.

As 2015 comes to a close, I look back to see what has transpired. Like any year, there are positives, negatives and neutral things. Even in the hard things, I see God's hand. Life is not easy sometimes, but God makes his ways known.

As a parent of a special needs child, it is easy to look at things with a negative viewpoint. Life hasn't turned out the way I planned. But I want to choose a higher way. I want to acknowledge what God has done. He has met our family and it was evident at Christmas this year. The bond our family has is very special. One of our daughters and her husband are reaching out to international student athletes. These students are becoming apart of our extended family. We are blessed, God has opened our hearts to love them. It is remarkable how God is moving through this.

My husband and I reached our 25th year serving the congregation where he is the pastor. So many ways that God has worked and knit our hearts with people over the last 25 years.

I am blessed to have the children I have and the son-in laws I do. I am blessed through the journey of autism. God has sent so many wonderful people to help us. He has opened up doors to serve families that are dealing with similar issues. My life has been changed in such a dramatic way because of autism. I have to praise God because I have seen him work, sustain and bless us in the midst of the struggle.

How about you? Can you see the blessings and love of God even through the struggles of life? Today's verse tells us that there is blessing, joy and unfailing love that God gives as we trust and walk with the Him!

 

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Shine, This Christmas!

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Christmas can be a hard time to manage relationships. Letting your light shine is challenging all the time but at Christmas it is demanding. In this command of scripture, it is seen that this is way to be an ambassador for Christ and to bring God glory! Christmas is a chance to shine for Jesus and show others the love of God by your actions, words and attitude.

 

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Jesus Came Into the World

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

There are a lot of themes in the Bible surrounding the Christmas story. One that is vital to understanding salvation is the incarnation. And you may say, explain that a little more. That sounds theological but I'm not sure of what it really means. It is a profound subject. I may over simplify it but since I don't do complicated things, it will have to suffice!

Let me approach it more like painting a picture. The broad brush strokes give an outline of the story and it's characters. Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, lived in heaven with God the Father. Life was perfect. Literally, perfect. No sin or darkness. There was the light of God that permeated all of Heaven. There was perfect fellowship with God the Father. What could be better than this? Nothing but there was a problem that needed a remedy.

The problem was sin. The sin of all individuals on the earth. The solution of God, the Father, involved Jesus Christ. As God's plan unfolded, it required Jesus to leave his perfect home in Heaven and all the comforts that He enjoyed and join sinful humanity. Why? John 3:16 explains. For God so loved the world. That's it! God loved His creation in this world and he wanted to restore the relationship that sin had ruined. How? That's where Jesus played the divine part in the drama of redemption.

A price needed to be paid for sin. There was a first step,though. Jesus came into the world. He left his throne in Heaven as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He came to earth humbly as a baby to a poor family with no status. He is the Living Word who was born in an earthly body in a sinful world. He left his position in Heaven. He was still God but He became a man in the most helpless form, a newborn baby. He was dependent on his mother for food while being the creator of all food and everything else.

I cannot wrap my mind thoroughly around the meaning of the incarnation of God the Son, who willing became a man. He is glorious and He is the One and Only Son of God. I know it is truth. I believe it and am thankful for Jesus beginning His earthly journey so that He might eventually provide the payment for salvation. But step 1: He came! That is Good News!

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