Month: January 2021

So Many Choices

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Two weeks ago, I talked about the many things outside of our control.  Today I want to focus on what is within our control.  We have many choices to make and the Bible tells us that there are natural consequences to our choices. Galatians 6:7-8 reminds us that fleshly choices bring what is bad.  Choices made with the Holy Spirit’s help bring eternal good.

Bad choices come easily to our sin nature.  However, we can have hope that God will take care of us and direct us towards good choices.  We still need to allow God to lead.  I think too often Christians assume they are doing what is right without allowing the Holy Spirit to lead.  My friend, please make sure God is leading you.

Dear Heavenly Father, we struggle with the choices we do have.  Please guide us to the right choices for Your honor and glory.

I pray this in Jesus name.

God is so good.

I Don’t Like to Suffer

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I don’t think any of us likes suffering – of any kind.  The reality is that suffering happens.  The Bible reminds us that it will. While suffering is not what we want, God uses it to shape and mold His people (James 1).  The pain of the suffering is worth knowing what will come from it.

It doesn’t matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure lies – whether it comes between you and God, or whether it presses you nearer His heart. 

-Hudson Taylor

I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me against the Rock of Ages. 

-Charles Spurgeon

God has a purpose and never makes a mistake.  We will survive the suffering in this life for a greater purpose in the next.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for having a purpose for me in suffering.  Please give the strength to endure and encourage others in their own troubles.

I pray this in Jesus’ Name.

God is so good.

Control or Not

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In a world that seems out of control, we need to understand what we do have control over and what we don’t.  We do have the ability to make many choices and we need to take responsibility for our decisions.  We do not have control over other people’s decisions. 

Ultimately, God is in control.  We have choices, but God determines where we go. This is a huge relief.  The burden of taking responsibility that is not our own is heavy…a weight we were never meant to bear. 

In the midst of chaos, remember the God of the Bible IS in control.  He allows bad things, but He has a purpose.  God wants to draw people to Himself.  Unfortunately, as stubborn as most of us are it takes a lot to get our attention.  God uses many tools to teach us the gospel. 

The gospel simply tells us that we are sinners and Jesus died, was buried and rose again to pay the penalty for that sin.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for having purpose in the chaos we see.  Thank You for sending Jesus to pay the penalty.  Please help me to share the truth of Your word with others.  We all need more of You.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

What is Right?

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My church started a new Bible study in Judges on Wednesday evening.  I can find many correlations between the world then and now.  We read that, “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes,” (Judges 17:6; 21:25).  The same is going on in our world today.  The only remedy is to find a proper foundation.  The Bible tell us that people are sinful.  It isn’t hard to believe that when we look at what we see.  Unfortunately, we find it much easier to look at someone else through our own viewpoint to see their flaws instead of looking for our own.  If we were to work on our own flaws first, we might see a change for the better in society.  The only way to do that is to have a proper foundation.

God’s way is perfect.  The God of the Bible, not the gods so many have made up. The verse today reminds us that God’s word has been proven to be true.  Too many don’t want to believe in God without verifying what He has done.  God is faithful, good, true, perfect.  All good character traits when we see them correctly. 

I continue to pray that those who know God through Jesus Christ remember to seek God’s way.  I pray for those who don’t know God to learn Who He truly is.  He is worthy and worth it.

Dear Heavenly Father, please guide us to Your way.  Thank You for the truth and perfection of Your way.  Please help me to share Your truth often. 

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

What Will This Year Be Like?

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Happy 2021, my friends!  While I don’t really feel sorrow at the end of 2020, I don’t want to pretend that this year will be all smiles and happiness.  While I am praying for a great year, I know there will be challenges ahead. 

Whether this year is better than last year or not, God is still good.  I plan on focusing on the gospel in my writing for 2021.  The gospel is our only hope for a positive future.  The beauty is that we have hope for now, but also a hope for all eternity. 

I have shared many times that the book of Romans in the Bible tells us that we are all sinners and that brings eternal punishment.  Jesus Christ came to die on the cross to save us from the penalty of our sin. 

Friend, if you do not know about the gospel and the joy it brings please do not wait. Find out today.  If you do already know the joy of knowing Jesus Christ, remember that no matter what this year brings the gospel provides security. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending so many reminders of the gospel.  Thank You for letting me learn this at an early age and keeping me through my life. Please help me to share the gospel often.  I want others to know the security and joy of a relationship with Your son, Jesus Christ. 

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.