November 22, 2018

Be Thankful

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. – Psalm 100:4-5

The day is coming to a close. It has been a day full of food and laughter, memories and shared stories. We have remembered those who have gone home. We rejoice with those who remain. Family. Friends. We all gather together by choice and through love.

Today we remembered to be thankful for all those who share our days, whether it’s those who are part of every day or those who traveled to be with us. We remember all our blessings.

But what about tomorrow? And all the tomorrows that will come? Will we be any less blessed on those days than we are today? Will we remember to be thankful when we are overwhelmed by ordinary life? Will we remember to be thankful on the hard days, the long days, the days of heartbreak? Are we any less blessed on those days than on this day of Thanksgiving?

We like to compartmentalize, don’t we? Today we’ll be thankful. Sunday we’ll attend church and worship God. Monday we’ll work. Tuesday we’ve got a club meeting. Wednesday the kids have something at school. Each and every day is filled with life. But are we thankful?

It’s hard not to compare our lives with the lives of others. There are parents who would give anything for another day with their child. There are people who are fighting hard to live. There are people who pretend all is well when the reality is they are hurting, lonely, desperate. Do we see them? Do we try to understand?

And are we thankful? There are blessings in every day. I won’t lie. Some days it’s hard to find them. It takes effort. It takes doing what we’d rather not do as we wallow in self-pity. It means really looking around and seeing life as it really is. Do you have a home? Do you have food? Did you notice the sunset? Did you hear the birds chirping? And on and on. There are blessings everywhere but do we see them?

God is good. We hear that a lot. It’s true. God is good. But here’s what we don’t always understand: God is good regardless of our circumstances. God is good even when we are sick. God is good when we are hurting. God is good even when we can’t feel His Presence.

I hate it when someone responds to good news with “God is good.” Yes, He is. But God is still good when the news is bad. God is good even when He answers no. God is good when we are dying. God is good all the time.

And we always have reasons to be thankful. Always. Today I am thankful for family. I am thankful for shared memories and laughter. I am thankful for my Mother’s recipes and good food.

What about you? What are you thankful for? Was your day filled with joy or riddled with strife? Was your day spent in a large gathering of family and friends or was it spent alone? Did you take time to praise God? Did you remember to thank Him? It’s amazing how your attitude changes when you fill your heart with gratitude.

God loves us no matter what. God is good no matter what. Worship Him. Praise Him. Give thanks in all circumstances. He loves you and me. That is surely something to be thankful for.

October 12, 2018

Gratitude

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

– 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

There’s a lot of thankful people around these days. Some are thankful they were spared. Some are thankful they are alive.

My neighbor said he prayed fervently during the storm for God to spare his house. He has tall trees in both the front and back yards and he was concerned that the wind would cause one or more to crash onto his house. His home weathered the storm without so much as a missing shingle. He’s been happily cleaning up limbs and leaves. It’s a small thing when he realizes what could have happened.

Another woman rejoices because her family is safe. So many people chose to ride out the storm in their homes. It sounded like a good idea, didn’t it? Until winds reached 150 mph and their homes were torn apart around them.

Another man got his power back today, well before he expected it. He’s looking forward to a hot cup of coffee. He said he knew it would sure taste good now that the storm and power outage reminded him of what it’s like to do without that coffee every morning.

There’s nothing like having your foundation ripped apart to realize what’s important. Family and friends come immediately to mind. Neighbors. Co-workers. And then the basics. When you’re thirsty and without power or water, someone delivering a nice cool bottle of water fills you with gratitude.

So do the power trucks lining the roads. They’re heading south to help and we’re just so grateful. We’re grateful for the search and rescue teams that are traveling south. We’re praying they find survivors. We’re glad that they will do what they can to make sure everyone is located, however that might turn out.

We’re thankful for those who, no longer needing their generator, loan it to someone who does. We’re thankful for gasoline to run cars and chainsaws and, yes, generators. We’re glad that a grocery store without power decided to cook all their meat and give it away to a community without power.

We’re grateful for the people who operate the numerous shelters around the area. They’re providing way more than a place to sleep and meals. They’re giving out hugs, entertaining children, helping parents grieve what they’ve lost. People who are numb need someone trustworthy to help them navigate these early days of loss. We’re grateful for those who step up to provide that.

The days are long right now. The task seems overwhelming. Nothing will ever be the same. So much is gone. Yet so much remains.

I am grateful for God’s Presence is the midst of it all. I pray that others come to see Him in the middle of this disaster. I hope they turn to Him for peace and strength. And I hope all of us keep our hearts and minds focused on Jesus. It’s just so easy to become overwhelmed but Jesus said that when we are weary we’re to cast our burdens on Him because He cares for us.

I don’t know your circumstances but I do know this: There’s just so much to be grateful for this day. Take a moment and thank God for that.

September 12, 2018

God Sustains Us

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

– Isaiah 46:4

Some seasons are just hard. Some days seem to never end. Some times life seems so meaningless. Some hours we struggle to breath. And then it gets better.

I look around and see so much suffering and heartache. As I write this, coastal areas in South Carolina and North Carolina are evacuating. A catastrophic hurricane is headed toward those beautiful states. I know what’s coming. I’ve been where they are. High winds. Flooding. Buildings destroyed. Roads wiped away. And power out for a long time. I pray for those in harms way. And I pray for those first responders who are already there and the ones who will soon be heading into the aftermath.

We are blessed that way. Those who go toward disaster are amazing people. In my own community, there are groups specially trained in disaster relief. They can cook for the masses. They can cut up downed trees. They can rip out wet carpet and wipe down mold from walls. They can rebuild. And they can give hugs, offer prayers, and wipe tears. They go where they’re needed.

I watch a sweet friend struggle through the days that follow sudden death. Her husband was too young to die. He was supposed to be okay. He’s supposed to be at home with her and their kids. I know. He’s in heaven and having a joyous time. But she’s here and it hurts. The emptiness never really goes away. And none of us can really help her. We can love her. We can send cards and offer hugs. But we can’t erase the pain that rests in her broken heart.

And yet her faith is amazing. She clings tightly to Jesus, showing all of us what it means to let Him carry you when you are too overwhelmed to take another step. She continues to reach out to others. She gives of herself to ministries they supported. She is an example of goodness. We are blessed to be part of her journey.

It’s just so easy to focus on the bad. It’s easy to forget that while there are some awful things happening right now, there are also some pretty amazing things happening too. And while there are some pretty awful people around, there are some pretty amazing people around too.

Focus on what’s good and right. That’s what the Bible tells us. We have a choice to think about good things or to think about the bad. Choose the good and watch how it multiplies.

A friend asked me yesterday if I was worried about something I face. Honestly? No. Do you know why? Because Jesus was right when He said that no amount of worrying can or will add another day to my life. I’m not in control. God is. Whatever is going to happen, will happen. Worrying won’t change it. But worrying would steal the peace I have today.

I have always loved this verse from Isaiah. When times get tough and I’m not sure I can face the days ahead, I remember that God made me. I belong to Him. And He will help me and sustain me. He will carry me when I am too weak to take another step. And He will love me no matter what.

That’s the hope I cling to when I am overwhelmed. I pray it’s the hope the folks evacuating from the hurricane will cling to as well. No amount of worrying will change what’s to come. We can only pray for strength to handle the aftermath. And we can look around and find joy in the helping hands God sends to carry us when times are tough.

July 10, 2018

Are You Following Jesus?

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

– John 10:3-4

Several years ago my Dad planted rye grass in the pecan orchard. He would allow the cows access only an hour or so a day. This was to keep them from getting sick by eating too much of a good thing.

One day we came home and found the cows in the front pasture. He wanted to bring them around to the rye grass field. He talked about using feed to entice them around. He wondered aloud if he could somehow drive them to the correct area.

I was astounded at the obstacles he thought he needed to overcome. I shook my head and told him to go open the gate and I would get the cows around. He didn’t believe me but headed toward the gate anyway.

I went to the front gate and started calling the cows. I called them by name. I called them babies. I did what any pet parent does: I talked in a sweet voice. First one and then another raised their heads. I patiently called them again to come on. In a few minutes the entire herd was coming at a brisk pace.

I turned to find my Dad standing there with his mouth open, totally amazed that I hadn’t even needed to go into the pasture to bring the cows around to the correct area. Why did they come when I called them? Because they knew my voice. They knew that I was calling them to something good. They trusted that there was something wonderful at the end of their journey.

Jesus calls us in much the same way. We can ignore Him. We can do our own thing and miss the blessings He offers. Or we can choose to follow His call and end our days with more than we could ever imagine.

Don’t let the world distract you. Don’t listen to voices who claim to know the way and yet only offer worldly things as a reward. You’re not here to stay. You’re just a traveler headed home. Don’t let anyone focus your attention elsewhere.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

– John 10:27

Do you hear His voice? Are you following Jesus or the world? Don’t be so quick to answer. Think about it.

Every single day we make choice after choice after choice. All those choices come with consequences. Are those choices drawing you nearer to Jesus or are they drawing you nearer to the world?

If you know Jesus, follow Him. He will always lead you to something better than you could ever imagine.

And if you don’t know Jesus, take a moment to think about all the wonderful blessings you are missing. He’s standing at the gate to let you in. You only have to believe and trust that He truly will lead you home.

May 23, 2018

Let Thanksgiving Fill You Up

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. – 1 Timothy 4:4-5

The Facebook post was almost comical. Rain was ruining her family vacation and she wanted everyone to pray that it would stop. Yes, indeed, I thought. Let our parched land refrain from receiving rain so that she won’t have to deal with rain on her parade. (cliché intended)

I get it. I do. We welcome necessary rain until it interferes with our plans. Then we just want it to go away. Our plans are more important than the needs of anyone else. No. We don’t see it that way as we gaze out from our self-centered view but it’s what our hearts are crying out.

I’ll also admit my own selfishness in this. The pastures were dying because of the heat and lack of rain. The cows need grass. I am grateful for the rain because it makes the grass grow.

I also look around at the fields. Rain is necessary to make the crops grow. We live in a farming region. People depend on the right amount of rain to earn their living. It’s not about fun. It’s about income.

How we view situations has so much to do with attitude. The first winter I put out hay I kept telling myself I would be so glad when spring came. No more large hay rings to move. No more 50-pound grain sacks to unload.

Then came spring. I can now joke that I won’t get caught up on the bush hogging until winter comes. There’s always something to do on a farm. The work never ends. And that’s okay. Because I am blessed to be able to work, to tend cows, to drive a tractor.

It’s all about perspective. We spend so much of our lives complaining about today that we often miss the blessings God has given to us. We sound like the Israelites in the desert, don’t we? No matter how much God does for us, we complain about what God hasn’t done. I can’t even imagine how exasperated He gets.

Gratitude changes your attitude. Thankfulness focuses on blessings. Have you ever made a gratitude list? You really should. It clears everything up rather quickly. It focuses our minds back to the blessings and away from a tomorrow we can neither predict nor control.

My sweet friend, who truly is a Godly woman, soon changed her complaint to thanksgiving. The rain remained but she decided to adjust her attitude and have fun anyway. What a blessing! She is surrounded by family in a wonderful place. That’s what is important.

Yesterday a large limb came down, blocking the driveway. I am thankful for saws, and the ability to use those saws, so that I could handle the situation on my own. And I thankful that had I needed help, I could have placed a phone call and gotten help right away. Friendships abound and I am so very grateful for the people God has placed in my life.

I am grateful for the nosy cows who came to check out the hysterical dogs and the racoon that was having a really bad day. I love watching the geese and wild ducks and all the birds that come our way. They remind me of my parents, and that brings both a smile and a tear.

Life goes on until, one day, it doesn’t. How are you going to live it? Are you going to fill your days with thanksgiving, welcoming the challenges and blessings as equal gifts from God? Or are you going to grumble all the way home? The choice belongs to you.

January 12, 2015

God's Blessings Are Amazing!

 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

 -- Ephesians 3:20-21

I have prayed for what seemed like forever. It wasn't of course. But day after day there was no answer. Nothing. Silence. Still I prayed. My hope, though dim, remained.

Today I got an answer and it was far more than I could ever have imagined. "Thank you God!" just seems so small when what He did was just so huge.

It has been a rough season. We all have those from time to time. This one has seemed to linger and has sapped all my strength. I have relied solely on God. I could not do it alone. And, yet, that is so hard when He is silent. Until today. I asked for just some sign, a tiny ray of light. He gave me brilliant sunshine far beyond anything I could imagine. Isn't that so like God?

The events of the last months seem insignificant when taken one by one. Something huge happened and it turned out all right. God was there and we made it to the other side. But the fatigue remained so that every little thing seemed to be magnified. I found strength in my quiet time with God. How does anyone face a day without that?

The challenges kept coming. The demands on my time. The demands on my finances. The demands on my heart. Again and again. Some days were harder than others. I longed for laughter. I ached for a bit of happiness in a life that seemed so pointless.

But no life is ever pointless. God created each of us for a special purpose. Finding it isn't always easy. And oftentimes it doesn't look like we thought it would.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

God Sends An Amazing Blessing

“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.” -- 1 Samuel 1:27

They longed for a child to call their own. Physically it wasn’t possible. They prayed and filled out adoption forms. They endured grueling interviews and testing. It was one obstacle after another.

They volunteered at church. The children gave them hugs and high fives. They laughed and sang. And they loved it all. Still, their hearts were as empty as the quiet home they returned to each night.

Then a call came from an unexpected source. A woman was looking for a couple to adopt her unborn child. They met and it seemed like a perfect fit. Excitement grew as the possibility of an infant, something they had never imagined in their search for a child, became a reality.

Then another phone call and the woman had changed her mind. They were heartbroken but refused to let Satan have a foothold. They clung to their faith, to God and each other. And they moved on, once again seeking God’s will as they sought a child or two to fill their lives and call their own.

Another phone call. The woman had made a mistake. She’d started going to church and spent time in prayer and discussion with the pastor and his wife. She didn’t want to be a mother. She wanted the couple to take her baby as their own.

They prayed and cried, afraid their hearts couldn’t survive if she changed her mind again. But they decided to go forward. To embrace this blessing that God had offered to them. They announced their decision to their church family. Everyone prayed. A baby shower was planned.

The tiny little boy came a couple of weeks early but they were ready and waiting. A blessing from God that they never could have imagined. They held their tiny son and remembered again how faithful God is to bless those who are faithful to Him.

It is reminiscent of a story of long ago when a woman named Hannah prayed that God would give her a child, a son. And God heard her and granted her wish. Just as God heard the heartfelt prayers of this wonderful couple.

Sometimes we get frustrated because God doesn’t grant our wishes immediately. Sometimes, just maybe, it’s because He has something better in mind for us if only we’ll stay faithful and wait a little longer.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

God’s Blessings Abound

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.”

-- Luke 1:45

What does a blessing from God look like? What would you expect it to be? Great riches? Amazing success? A bountiful of children and grandchildren? Wonderful health for yourself and those you love?

And yet there was Mary, pregnant and unwed, and Elizabeth called her blessed. Mary immediately traveled to her relative’s home after the angel told her she would be with child and give birth to a son. She likely told no one. Mary was obedient. But don’t you think that she was also afraid?

But the angel had told Mary that her relative Elizabeth, considered to be barren, was pregnant too. Another miracle from God. Elizabeth’s child, the Bible tells us, leaped in her womb when he heard Mary’s voice. That child was John the Baptist.

So what did God’s blessing mean to Mary? She faced the real possibility that she would be an unwed mother. She had to explain the angel’s visit to Joseph, who could completely reject her. She could be stoned to death for being pregnant and unwed.

Of course, those things didn’t happen. Joseph married Mary. And the baby Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room for them anywhere else. She fled with her husband and child to Egypt because King Herod wanted to kill the child. She watched as those in power tried to destroy her son as he began His ministry. And she watched as the baby she had borne died a cruel and merciless death on a cross.

Mary’s blessing came because God found favor with her. God chose her to carry His Son in her womb. Her blessing didn’t make her life easy. It certainly didn’t take away the pain or the challenges. So why do we sometimes believe that God’s blessings on our own lives should come surrounded by spun gold and unending happiness?

We know that God can turn anything to good. We know that. But we don’t always expect it in our own lives. We don’t always understand that sometimes horrible things happen so that God’s glory can shine brightly in the aftermath. Look at Joseph. His brothers sold him into slavery yet God used Joseph to care for His people. Just like Esther. Or Ruth. The Bible is filled with stories of God’s blessings amidst horrible happenings.

Look around your own life. Think of all the times your life has taken a turn you didn’t intend. What happened? Did you see God’s glory? Did you hear His voice? Did you see His blessings settle down on your life? Draw closer. Listen to His voice. Open your heart. Receive all the goodness He wants to give you.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Pour God’s Blessings Out

So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out before the LORD.

-- 2 Samuel 23:16

The Three were King David’s top fighting men. They risked their lives to get David water from a well but he refused to drink it. David viewed it as too precious to drink so he gave it to God.

What have you given to God today? No, I’m not talking about money. What have you given of yourself? Think about it. Have you sacrificed anything for God today? Have you gone out of your way for Him today? Have you blessed someone else with a blessing God gave to you?

I know some people are feeling real smug about now. They got up early -- sacrificing sleep -- and went to church -- giving God their time. They may have even put some money in the offering plate. Well, they’re thinking, “I did a lot for God today.”

Not so fast. We attend church to worship God. It’s not a sacrifice. It’s a privilege. And giving money, well, that’s just part of being a child of God. We’re giving back a portion of what He has given us.

So, let’s move on. What have you done for God today? Did you visit an elderly shut-in this afternoon? Did you anonymously give a single mother a gift card to take her kids out to eat? Did you offer to help at the coffee station at church? Did you pass out bulletins? Did you encourage someone who’s going through a rough patch?

Each of us has skills and talents that we use to further ourselves. We use those skills at work. We use them during our leisure time. But do you use them for God? Do you take those skills -- blessings from God -- and use them for His Glory?

There are some wonderful people who work the sound equipment each Sunday at church. They don’t get praises and recognition. They’re mostly hidden away in the back. Yet, the music wouldn’t sound so good if they weren’t using their skills to operate the equipment.

There are people who keep the children in the nursery. There are people who make coffee. There are people who drive the van to pick up people and bring them to church and then take them home. Some people teach. Some people clean. Some people count. Some people organize. Many different needs, many different opportunities. There’s a place for everyone to contribute, no matter their skills or talents.

A funny thing happens when you start giving back some of what God has given you. Church doesn’t become a chore. It becomes a joy. As we give to others, our happiness and contentment increase. When we don’t, when we hold those gifts close and don’t share them, we become bitter and angry.

So give a little of yourself to God today. Pour yourself out before God and watch Him multiply your blessings.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

God Provides What You Need

The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens to bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.

-- Deuteronomy 28:12

I am not enough. For anything. I know that. Sometimes it really weighs me down. I want to do something, I pray about it, I feel like God has blessed the idea, … and then panic wells up inside of me. How can I possibly think that I could do this thing?

It is at that moment, at that place, that a quiet voice comes to me. I remember who I am. I remember who my Father is. I don’t have to do anything alone. He doesn’t expect me to. When God calls me, or you, to do something, He’ll provide whatever it is that I need. Really.

It’s kind of awesome when you think about it. God provides resources, whether it’s money or talent or time. He provides courage and strength. He opens doors and hearts. God sends whatever we need, when we need it, to do what He has called us to do.

Kim Hendrix said in a talk at Frazer United Methodist Church that we think of God as someone who pours out a little mercy over here, a little kindness over there, and on and on. But really, she said, God is pouring out a pitcher full of blessings on us all the time. All we have to do is be open to receive all that He wants to give us.

That means we can do so much more than we ever thought possible. Because we’re not doing it under our power, but His. Ask God what He wants you to do, then step out confidently knowing that He’ll provide everything you need to accomplish whatever it is He has called you to do.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Get Ready For God's Blessings

Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." -- Joshua 3:5

If you took away my contacts and my reading glasses, I wouldn't be able to see anything beyond something right in from of my face. I'm that blind. Sometimes it seems that blindness also translates into my life. I'm so focused on today's issues that I can't see how tomorrow could possibly bring wonderful changes.

Yet the Bible tells us to prepare ourselves. God has wonderful things in store for us. He has plans for us, plans to give us a hope and a future. We don't have to remain stuck in the pit. He's offering a hand up to anyone willing to trust Him and follow His lead. It's just so amazing.

Of course, the key is to prepare ourselves for this wonderful future. It doesn't mean sitting back in the recliner and waiting for God to act. He doesn't work that. Not that He couldn't. He just doesn't. God expects us to do our part.

So spend time reading and studying the Bible. Pray to God without ceasing, making sure to listen to what He has to say. Take part in Bible studies and don't skimp on opportunities to help others. Live your life according to His will today and you'll be amazed at the blessings that reign down on you.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Replace Complaints With Thanks

"Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp."

-- Numbers 11:1

Are you a complainer? Most people would probably say "Not really" or "I rarely complain." Are you sure? Some folks complain constantly -- so much, in fact, that they don't even hear themselves anymore. It's just habit. They see bad where some see good. They see a problem where others see a challenge or opportunity.

God doesn't like complainers. When we complain, we lose sight of all the many blessings He has given us. Nobody likes to have their gifts thrown back at them. Including God. Oh, don't be so quick to deny it. Think about the times you complain each day. It doesn't have to be something major. Maybe you complain because your car is old and you'd like a new one. Wouldn't we all? But you have a car and it's running. God has blessed you with something some people don't have. Thank Him for it.

What about your home? Is it large enough? Need any updates? New furniture? We'd all like to make changes in our homes from time to time. Sometimes we even need a new roof or stove. But God blesses us that we have a home that is safe and secure. Some people are homeless. Some people live in tents. Some people live in crime-infested neighborhoods where gunshots ring out in the night.

It's certainly okay to want more than we have. That's just part of being human. But it isn't okay to take for granted what we do have. It isn't okay to go through your day complaining about all you don't have and refusing to acknowledge the many blessings from God. We have many things to be thankful for each day. Don't be like the Israelites who complained so much that God refused to let them enter the Promise Land. Thank God for all He has given you. Who knows? Maybe you'll even find yourself complaining less and smiling more. Imagine that!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Give God Credit

"Because you said, 'The Nile is mine; I made it,' therefore I am against you and against your streams, and I will make the land of Egypt a ruin and a desolate waste from Migdol to Aswan, as far as the border of Cush." - Ezekiel 29:9b-10

God hates pride. He's told us again and again. We're not to give ourselves credit for what He does. Egypt didn't listen. They were proud of The Nile and took credit for it. So God destroyed Egypt. That's just how it goes.

God created The Nile. He is the giver of all good things. He just is. Everyone knows it. So why do people want to take credit for what He does? I just don't understand it. We want to take credit for the good stuff and blame God for the bad stuff. That's just foolish.

No one is successful without God's blessing. I don't care how hard you work or who you know or how lucky you think you are. You are successful when God gives you opportunities and resources and, then, you do what He leads you to do. Are people who aren't Christians successful? Of course they are. But only when God allows it. Remember that sometimes God uses people who aren't Christians in order to further His plan. God is in control of all things at all times.

Sometimes people think God handles the big stuff but leaves the little stuff to us. Only if we're intent on self-destruction. God is in the details. Just ask Him. I'm thankful He provided a good parking spot today. I'm thankful for the coffee this morning. I'm thankful for the craft show and that I had money to spend. I'm thankful for safe travel and a good lunch. I could go on and on. God provides. He takes care of me day by day. It took me a long time to learn that.

Think that's little stuff? A man who lives just down the road went shopping with his wife one day. It was something they'd done numerous times. He pulled out in front of someone and his wife died on impact. Just a quick trip they'd taken numerous times over the years. No need for God to get involved. They had it handled. Except they didn't.

We don't ever have everything handled. We can't control our own actions much less those of people around us. Things happen unexpectantly. We need God in the little things as well as the big things because sometimes those little things become big things in an instant.

It's so easy to want credit when we have success or when someone we love has success. We are filled with pride and want to tell everyone. Sure, we should feel good when our lives are going great. But don't ever forget to give God credit for all the good that comes your way. Don't be like Egypt. Don't boast of all you own and all you've done. Every blessing comes from God. Thank Him when He blesses you and give Him all the credit and glory.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

God Creats New Blessings

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new

thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? -- Isaiah 43:18-19a

I don't like change. I like things to muddle along as they are. I find security in the sameness around me. Change can come like a hurricane bearing down on my orderly world. I hang on even as I am whipped around by the wind and rain.

I try to remember if I have always been this way. There was a time when I welcomed change, even sought it. Change brought hope for a different future and a path away from pain and destruction. I suspect the difference in outlook has much to do with age. That doesn't bring me comfort. Indeed, it makes me groan. I don't want to be that old person so set in my ways that I resist living the life that awaits.

God reminds us that not all change is bad. Indeed, much is good. He brings new things our way. Good things. We resist His efforts, much like a 2-year-old resists a nap from which he will awake refreshed and energized. He smiles down on us patiently, indulgent, as He continues His efforts to make our lives better.

I thank God for His patience as I resist yet again. I am grateful that He seeks to create new things for me. Good things. A new way. A change that will only bring blessings.