Snippits

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You've Got Termites!

I just finished reading a small devotional book that was very uplifting. I felt like, with these principles, I can handle any difficulty or setback in life because the Lord will see me through it.

I was then told that the termite company had discovered termites in one of the monitoring stations and that it would cost me over $700.00 to treat the problem. We are in no position to handle such an expense.

So much for feeling like God was in control and that I could handle any difficulty that came my way.

Nevertheless, I had to come to the conclusion that my Lord was still on the throne and was capable of handling any setback that would break my balloon of invincibility and my joy in the Lord.

Interestingly enough, I just taught in Sunday School that we are to considerate it all joy when we fall into situations of trial and disappointment. These are the moments in life that test just how strong/weak in faith we really are.

So..even though I don't feel like it....Thank you Lord for these moments of trial, because they come to help me grow in my faith in You. You are far bigger and more powerful than the termites that assail my property and life.

“If any man lacks wisdom, let him as of God”. I eagerly await to see how you are going to handle it all. I wait patiently for your deliverance because I don't have the widsom to deal with it all.

• Isa 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
• Psa 27:14  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
• Psa 37:7  Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
• Psa 33:20  Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
• Psa 37:9  For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
• Psa 130:5  I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
• Isa 33:2  O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.

I remember as a young teen waiting for the bus to take me into downtown Cincinnati so I could take my trumpet lessons.  The most trying times were when the bus was late.  All kinds of things run through your mind.  There was always such a joy and relief when I saw #11 round the bend and stop in front of me.  After I got onto the bus, I was then able to sit down and rest from all my anxiety and enjoy the ride.

Jesus is never late.  If there is a delay in answered prayer, or no answer at all, there is a very good reason for it.  Jesus is the bus driver of your life and He knows where you are going.  When you've reached your stop,  He will let you know, so sit back, relax and Enjoy the Ride!   

Perseverance

One of the most difficult experiences in the Christian walk is dealing with roadblocks.  Satan tries to discourage us by throwing hindrances in our pathway.  Denials, delays and disappointments can keep us from accomplishing God's will for our lives.

C.H. Spurgeon once said that, "By perseverance the snail reached the ark."  When you feel the desire to give up or quit pursuing the dream that God has put in your heart, just say "No, this is God's will and I will not give in to Satan's plan to discourage me!"

Remember that you are part of a long line of believers who persevered against unbelievable obstacles/roadblocks and there are many who will look back at your perseverance and say, "Thank you for your faithfulness to keep on keeping on."

"But as for you, be strong; don't be discouraged, for your work has a reward."  2 Chron. 15:7
"So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up."  Gal. 6:9
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."  2 Tim. 4:7 

God's Action Plan For Living

1.  Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans (thoughts) will be established. (Pvb. 16:3)

2.  The mind of man (devises) his way, but the Lord directs his steps.  (Pvb. 16:9)

3.  The plans (preparations) of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. (Pvb. 16:1)

4.  Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (I. Thess. 5:16-18).
 

The following was given to me over 30 years ago and it's still good.

Daily Plan for Living

Small Things Matter

I recently read a little devotional that struck home.  Sometimes it seems that the things we do are really too small to make a difference.  In Ephesians chapter four the Apostle Paul's list of God's gifts are on the large side of life.  He lists as part of the body of Christ apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.  Paul says hardly anything about the rest of us who are not in his list.

However, in order for my body to work correctly there are many muscles, tendons, small veins, invisible cells and on and on.  My body can't function properly without the small things of life.  In the same way, the Body of Christ in the church functions day by day by the seemingly small actions of God's people.

Don't get discouraged.  God needs us all!  You are important!  

Never Alone

I just received in the mail a devotional book from dear friends in Wisconsin.  They faithfully send me (us) what I call SCPs (Spiritual Care Packages).  The packages include devotional clippings, notes of encouragement, devotional books and other items that demonstrate compassionate love.  God Bless You!

The book we received today had in its introduction these words, "God is always with you, He will never abandon you in your desert.  So take heart today!  God sees you, He cares about you, He is with you, and He will help you.  With Him by your side, you will never walk alone."

What's Ahead?

Thanks John for these thoughts.

I can take comfort in the fact that God knows exactly what is up ahead of me in my journey with Him, and He will be with me every step of the way.

Whatever I face, He will provide the strength and courage I need to face the future and to be faithful, effective and successful.

No matter where I go, God will not leave me.  God watches over me every moment of every day - no matter where I am.  He is with me wherever I go and whatever I do.

God never forgets about me.  He always knows what I am facing, whether it be good or bad.  He stands with me when others fail me.  God is my strength and support.

Jesus Christ is standing with me.  He will give me the strength and courage I need to endure whatever circumstances I face.  Christ will enable me to fulfill His purpose until my last breath.

The pains of life are easier to bear when I remember that I am being carried in the strong arms of my loving God.  He can use the painful experiences of my life to help me become more understanding, patient, empathetic and available in my relationship with others.

God is too wise to be mistaken.  He is too good to be unkind.  So, when we don't understand, when we don't see His plan, trust His heart.  He alone is faithful and true and He alone knows what is best for us.

We need not fear or be overwhelmed because God is present with us at all times and in all places.  God will see us through.  Those who walk with God are never alone.

Prayer

Almighty God, when my foundation is shaken, hold me close to You and remind me that You will never leave or forsake me.  You alone are my hope and security and You know "What's Ahead." Amen. 

 The "I Believe" Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Sometimes I feel confused and don't understand why things happen the way they do.  Yet, I believe You love me deeply, and absolutely nothing is beyond Your control.  Help me to live each day with hope and confidence, trusting in the great promises of Your Word.  Thank You for giving me the strength to be an "I believe" person.  Amen.

10 Steps to Overcome Discouragement

Thanks John for this one. 

1.  Talk with God about it.

2.  Remember who God is and His great love for you

3.  Do not lose heart.  Keep perspective.  Try to smile at life remembering that God has a sense of humor.

4.  Wear the spiritual armor needed to engage spiritual attacks.  (Eph. 6:10ff)

5.  Assess your spiritual energy level -- engage in spiritual disciplines to "recharge" yourself.

6.  Practice self-care through physical exercise, hobbies, sleep and diet.

7.  Spend time with people who are not discouraged so as to lift your spirit (avoid negative people).

8.  Practice selflessness by doing things for other people and by acting in loving ways.

9.  Accomplish various tasks and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment.

10. Learn important lessons from difficult situations and from personal mistakes.  In everything, give thanks.

How Can This Be Good For Me? 

You've heard the expression of a glass being half empty verses being half full?  It seems to be the same principle when we consider our life experiences.  Not everything that comes into my life seems to be a good thing, but God can use it for my best interest.  I don't always understand my life events.  However, in God's economy, each event fits perfectly into His sovereign plan for my life.  His ways are far above my understanding.

That's where walking by faith becomes more than just a mindless uttered expression.  It is a conscious decision of trusting in a God who loves me and is intimately aware of where I am in my spiritual journey and knows what it will take to direct me through pathways that lead me to my ultimate destination of becoming Christ-like and accomplishing His purpose for my life.  He has the wisdom of how to make each of my experiences fit into His plan.

God works through each life-event and does not allow one experience to go for naught.

I may not be able to explain why something that has happened to me has occured, but I can be confident that God is wise enough to transform it into something for His purpose.  Because of His great love and mercy, one day I will be able to look back and see the good that has come as a result of the experience.

Trust in God at all times, my people.  Tell him all your troubles, for he is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8 

How To Make a Wise Decision 
(Lessons From Daniel Chapter Two)

• Wise decisions come out of a prepared life (vs. 14)
• Wise decisions normally take time (vs. 16)
• Wise decisions need a source of wise counsel (vs. 17)
• Wise decisions must be bathed in prayer (vs. 18)
• Wise decisions must conform to God's Word (vs. 19-22)
• A person who makes wise decisions will give credit to its source - the Lord (vs. 23)

Seven Steps To Untwisted Living 

1. Believe that God loves you.
2. Admit your problems/situation.
3. Take personal responsibility (quit the "blame game").
4. Believe that God can change you and your situation.
5. Pray honestly and specifically (He who aims at nothing will surely hit it).
6. Be willing to forgive yourself and others.
7. Discipline the mind to think God's thoughts (Memorize helpful Scripture that relates to the issues).

Captive Thoughts

Fear isolates and paralyzes.  As a beloved child of God, I have no reason to fear anyone or anything.  The Lord is my strength, and He stands guard over my life.