LET'S PLAY TENTS

For we know that if the earthly tent
which is our house is torn down, we
have a building from God, a house
not made with hands, eternal in the

.II Corinthians 5:1

When of younger elementary age, my sister Kay and I loved making tents to play in. We could make tents out of most anything....sheets, quilts or bed spreads. We especially loved doing this on rainy days. We could do the usual turning kitchen chairs over or even putting sheets over the table itself. There was a chicken wire fence outside we would use by putting one end of a quilt on that fence and hold it there with clothes pins. Then we would pull the quilt out and put rocks on the edges. We were as creative as we needed to be.

After tents were made, out came our dolls, play dishes and pillows. I've often heard and believe that play for young children is just practice for the adult years. That's why the choice of toys is so important. For children, toys are work but they don't know it yet. Before my sister went to Heaven, we talked one night about our tents. Even as adults, there were occasional longings to crawl back into one of those tents if even sometime for a good cry.

Tents in America are nothing new. They were used by people for residences both permanent and temporary. Tents have been used for recreation. People still like camping using tents. Boy and Girl Scout camps many years ago used tents for sleeping. Military personnel during wars often lived in large tents. Some places in our country, there are still evangelists who hold evangelistic meetings in large tents. Wedding reception tents may be leased for after ceremony festivities that are lovely often with chandeliers provided.

Tents were very common in Scripture. The first one I recall is when Sarah standing just inside her tent, letting out a laugh when she heard the men Abraham was entertaining say that she would be having a baby. Those Israelites leaving Egypt lived in tents as they traveled to the Promised Land. They had to be ready to pack up quickly when God gave the signal to move on to another location. For those folks, tents weren't something to play in. They were necessary shelters.

The most precious and elaborate tent in the wilderness was the Tabernacle...the place of sacrifice, forgiveness and presence of God in the Holy of Holies . To even refer to it as a tent seems trite, but it was a tent fixture, quite large for the purpose it was designed for. It's properties were numerous, each with meaning according to God's plan. It was perhaps the most revered tent in the entire history of God's people.

As human beings, we have no need of tents as our permanent dwelling places. Those for recreation are fine, but most folks are happy to get back to their permanent residences with a roof, walls, floors and all things familiar. In days of Scripture, for many, tents were their regular habitation. The Apostle Paul was a tent maker. In fact, during his ministry, he often subsidized his own upkeep by the making of tents.

In Matthew 17:4, we find a very familiar mention of tents. The location was the Mount of Transfiguration where Jesus appeared with Moses and Elijah. In that one verse, Peter said to Jesus:

...”Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish,

I will make three tabernacles (sacred tents) here,

one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

Of course, Jesus took care of the situation as only Jesus could.

In our day, the most important tent we have is this body in which we presently dwell. The opening verse I used tells us that this tent (body) we live in is temporary. If truth be known, we play too much in these tents. However, Scripture tells us that like other tents, these physical tents are only temporary. God has a building for us in the heavens, not made with hands that will be eternal. Our tents here are only temporary, but in Heaven all will be permanent as God has planned for His children. Then we will be home like never before..no need for renovations, or moving. Meanwhile, these tents are all we have to use for God's glory in the present. As believers, we live in our “tents”(bodies), but we have company that will be with us until God calls us to our real home...that being the Holy Spirit. What more could we ask for...God with us, in our tents.

Father God, You have equipt us for Glory, our permanent home. Thank You for the way you love and provide for us. While here, help us to use our “tents” to bless others and glorify You. In Jesus' precious name...Amen 

JOY IN THE LORD

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my
salvation.
Habakkuk 3:18

We're living in difficult times and those difficult times affect we of the faith just as much as anyone else. People are always looking for happiness, but it is a far cry from true joy. We know joy to be from the Lord and our relationship with Him. However, happiness and joy are no way near the same thing. Atheists can be happy people because happiness rests on circumstances. Christians can be happy also because of circumstances, but enjoy the permanence of true joythat comes only from the Lord.

I've wondered in everything going on in our land if we are losing some of our joy. We are very distracted these days, that can include our being distracted spiritually as well. We have God-given joy available all the time, but it's depth will depend on the depth of our relationship with our Lord.

Negative circumstances can cause us to think negatively even though we have access to Scripture and songs we have sung for years:

“I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart...”
“Joyful, joyful we adore Thee...”
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come...
“The joy of the Lord is my strength...”

It may seem at times like our joy is leaking, but that doesn't have to be. We must determine to stay focused on the things of God and not of the world. Satan knows how easily you and I are distracted and may not even have to work very hard in playing with our minds.

Distractions are going to be different for each of us, but we can determine to focus on more positive things. We are such blessed people. We may not have everything we want or even need, but can on a daily basis, look for those blessings that are all around us without too much thinking required. Most of those things will not involve money, but are God-given gifts to us for our enJOYment from a loving Father.

It must be added, as God's children, our Father feels such joy over us. That might be hard for us to conceive, but Zephaniah 3:17 tells us:

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee
is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice
over thee with joy; he will rest
in his love, he will joy over thee
with singing.

Just in those benefits from God we can be a people of joy. No matter what life or the world throws at us we have a God who is in the middle of our lives, who saves and rejoices over us with joy. His love is settled and He even sings over us with joy. Wow!

Father, thank You for Your being all we need. Thank You for Your gift of joy and for the way You love us. Thank You for singing over us as a mother would over her baby. You are too wonderful to describe and we love you. In Jesus name...Amen 

UP FRONT WITH GOD

Humble yourselves therefore under
the might hand of God, that He may
exalt you in due time:
casting all your care upon Him;
for He careth for you.
I Peter 5:6,7

You may have heard a friend say of her teenage child, “My child tells me everything.” Hopefully you haven't been guilty of saying something like that. It's a statement for those who hear it, to choke on. That may be the way it is in the early growth years of a child where there is a simpler relationship, but when the“mean teens” set in, even the best of teens become more and more private. I will hasten to add that most moms I've known going through those teen years, are not stupid and probably know more about the goings on of their children than their children know.

There is something from my stand point that I would also have to say... “I don't tell God everything.” That statement may seem an odd one for a Christian to make. I have to recoil in shame just typing that statement. Just like children feel they can hide the simplest of things from their parents, I'm afraid at times we are the same with our Heavenly Father.

I wonder, if you're like me, that we don't share fully with God because we feel He already knows everything about us anyway. Other times, we may not share with Him those things we don't want Him to know. Sounds a little silly on our part. We have to know by now because of God's promise to be with us at all times, never leaving or forsaking us, even to the point of His holding us in the palm of His hand that He knows absolutely EVERTHING about us before we can tell Him ANYTHING. His Holy Spirit abides in us and God knows even the number of hairs on our heads. That's pretty precise. Who do we think we are kidding?

We hear a lot about transparency in our day. It indicates one being open and honest with no front presented. Why do we avoid being transparent with God on a voluntary basis? One reason could be that we just aren't people of prayer, unless an emergency comes up. Maybe something in our lives is too bad to even tell God, if that's possible. It must sadden our Father though, our lack of sharing with Him even the joys that come into our lives. I loved when my children shared positive things with me as well as negative ones. God our Father wants to be a personal and vital part of our lives no matter what is going on. After all, He knows everything about everything. He wants our fellowship and communication no matter where we are in our every day experiences.

We can hide nothing from our Heavenly Father. I doubt we even try most of the time because we understand the Sovereignty of God that comes down into the lives of little old us. The more we confide in Him, the more He loves listening to us. There is nothing we can hide from Him even if we tried. Most important, He wants us to be up front and honest with Him because it's an indicator of our trust in and love for Him.

Our Father doesn't need a lot of fancy words from us. He wants us to feel a freedom in talking with Him at any time for any reason. However, as we pray, we need to remember He hears our hearts the same as our words. He delights in our communication with Him no matter how big or small the feelings we have to express to Him. He wants us to be people of truth, especially with Him. Anything else is an insult to His glory and character.

Father, forgive my lack of prayer, just talking with You about ordinary things in my life. Too often I get busy and just ignore You. Forgive my being thoughtless and ungrateful. Help me through Your Spirit's prompting to speak to You freely because of loving You and not just because I feel I have to. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

LET THERE BE LIGHT

In the beginning God created
the heavens and the earth.

The earth was formless and void,
and darkness was over the surface
of the deep, and the Spirit of God
was moving over the surface of the waters.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and
there was light.

God saw that the light was good; and God
separated the light from the darkness.
Genesis 1:1-4 (NASB)

Felt like doing some reading in Genesis today so started at the beginning. It's a place I don't go very often because it's quite familiar and I know all those things were created by God. What dawned on me as I read in the first few verses of Chapter 1 was the fact that God first created light, but also noting that in the beginning of it all, God was beginning His creativity in darkness.

In this process, He didn't do away with darkness. He knew we as human beings would need both light and dark in our lives for so many reasons we still don't understand. Darkness came to me dramatically one year at the bottom of Mammoth Cave where the tour guide with cautionary words to our group explained what he was going to do... turn out the lights. I've never felt a darkness like that. The group was restless and moved closer together. The darkness felt heavy on the body and we craved having the light. The guide only had the lights out for a minute but it seemed hours. When the lights came on, it was such a relief. I read later that in darkness like that, a person left in that darkness with no hope would go insane in a short period of time.

God left us with both. The only place where there will be all light will be in Heaven. Darkness won't be needed. Jesus is and will be the light. We need darkness now. For one thing it helps to provide for us a time of rest and relaxation. I don't know about you, but I can't sleep in broad day light like I can sleep at night.

Our earth has to have light for growth of plant and animal life. Plants won't grow without it. There are many things in our beings that require light. Our eyes are made in such a way that they can't see without light...physically speaking. All creation depends on light for warmth. Otherwise, without it, we are dead. Books have been written on all of this. I'm just sharing some thoughts from my reading.

The thing that struck me is how down later in years, Jesus would say, “I am the light of the world.” Think of what that means. He is our provision, our warmth, our strength, our guidance and dispels the spiritual darkness Satan would have us wallow in. In our darkest night of ill health, sadness, negative happenings or world events, His light overcomes it all.

Just like we turn on a light switch when we go into a dark room, He wants us to in a sense be willing to turn Him on in our lives, dispelling all the darkness life can hand to us. He does all with a love for us that we can never understand...He lights up our lives not just for now but for Eternity.

Thank You Father, for sending the light of Jesus into our lives. His light shines into our hearts revealing our sin and need for a Savior. His light leads and directs our every step as we abide in Him. Thank You too for physical light you ordained for our health and safety. Thank You for being You. We love you....In Jesus precious name...Amen 

ONE RACE UNDER GOD

And the Lord God said, It is
not good that the man should
be alone; I will make him an
help meet for him.

And the Lord God caused a deep
sleep to fall upon Adam, and he
slept: and he took one of his ribs,
and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
And the rib, which the Lord God had
taken from man, made he a woman,
and brought her unto the man.
Genesis 2:18, 20,21

I'm about fed up with all the racist talk going on in our country. When we get down to it, all the accusations of racism are ridiculous. First of all, from Scripture we find that God created man and then woman from man. For folks who have no belief in God or His Word, nothing matters anyway. Let me make my point.....there is only ONE race. Within our race that is the HUMAN RACE, there are too many ethnicities and cultures to count. Within those groups are also too many differences to be noted, but all are still a part of the one grand race...the human race as ordained by God.

Remember the little chorus we used to sing in Sunday school?

Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world,
Red and yellow, black and white
All are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

We kids sang the song with great gusto perhaps not grasping fully the reality of the song. That little song is still a clarion call to love all people as God does. I add that Jesus also loves all the adults of the world, not just children. In fact, He died for each one that we all might be saved.

Today we are hearing from our right and left sides a dirty word...racist. It's a word that has become so out of whack that it's sickening. It doesn't change the fact that I'm very partial to my race, the race of everyone else...the human race. Yes, there are people I don't agree with and may not even like because of lifestyles and anti-Christian feelings. However, it doesn't change the fact that we are all members of one race as created by God Himself. I still remain partial to my race...the human race.

Within all ethnic groups no matter the color or culture, we all have the same bodily features in common as ordained by God. We all have two arms, two legs, one head upon which are two eyes, a nose, a mouth, and two ears stuck on either side of our heads. A brain is contained in the head that is used more by some folks than others. All bodily systems are alike. How wonderful that within our race we can even donate blood for each other. Organ transplants are even possible among us if certain physical criteria is met. We are all born with body, soul and spirit and we all have the same God whether some believe that or not. Failing to believe, however, makes no difference because He is our reality, and He must grieve seeing His creation at odds all the time.

All in all, we are all members of the human race despite ethnic/cultural differences. Nothing is going to change that no matter who creates conflict. The answer has always been and always will be individuals relationship with a Heavenly Father who loves them, an acceptance of Jesus as Savior who died and rose again for them and a Holy Spirit who desires to speak God's Word into their lives. There is no partiality with God. He has a plan for each life with a love that cannot be comprehended. We are all a part of one race...the human race.

Dear Father, only You can bring the people of Your designed race together. Without You in the lives of human beings, there will be no harmony and love as You desired from the beginning. All I know to say, Father, Is HELP US. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

SPIRITUALLY EQUIPT

Grace and peace be multiplied to you
in the knowledge of God and of Jesus
our Lord;

seeing that His divine power has
granted to us everything pertaining
to life and godliness, through the
true knowledge of Him who called
us by His own glory and excellence,

For by these He has granted to us
His precious and magnificent promises,
so that by them you may become
partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in
the world by lust.
II Peter 1:2-4

Perhaps you, like me in time past, have accepted a job you were more than qualified to do. However, arriving on the first day can be a real wake up. For some reason, in most places, a first-day employee, although qualified either by experience, degree or both, one is expected to jump in and do the job with not even basic entry information. Often, the simplest of introductions are left undone. Because of a lack of introductory information, it may take several days just to catch up to expectations and feel a part of the job scene.

Peter is one of my favorites of Jesus' twelve disciples. I think it's because in some ways, I can relate to him. He was a common, ordinary guy who was a fisherman. We don't know of his education. It may have been no more than learning in the home and learning the trade of his father. Peter wasn't a fancy kind of guy. I like that as I'm not a fancy kind of gal. He was a man of opinion and often found himself with a case of “hoof-in-mouth” disease with his impulsiveness. He was sure of himself as to what he would or wouldn't do. Despite weaknesses, Jesus saw something very special in Peter. In fact, Jesus stated clearly that upon that rock (Peter) He would build His church.

Despite his weaknesses, denying Jesus and other things, we see one type of Peter during his days of walking with Jesus and then we see him after Jesus ascends to Heaven and then sending the Holy Spirit into those waiting for that event Jesus spoke of. We see a new Peter with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. His first sermon during that beginning time is totally amazing. He then had the Holy Spirit working in and through Him.

Peter not only preached, traveled for ministry but wrote two letters that bear his name in our New Testament. He wrote to scattered Christians, people facing persecution and discouragement. His two letters are such a blessing and encouragement. The Scripture quoted above recently caught my attention, even though I've read these books more times than I can count.

According to the above Scripture, we see Jesus equipping us for the ability to live the Christian life. There in verse two, Peter emphasizes that we aren't on our own in this life. He says that God has made everything available to us that has to do with life and godliness. As Christians, God hasn't left us to flounder spiritually. He has equipt us through His Son Jesus to take on life and godliness with a power hard for even we Christians to ponder. I don't know about you, but at times I find I am a struggler in this life. That certainly isn't God's fault...it's mine for He has provided what I need to lead a happy and peaceful life, a life of growth in Him.

Peter went on to say what God has given us in the way of tools for fulfillment in our spiritual walks. He has given us true knowledge of Jesus who has personally called us by everything Jesus is...His glory and excellence. Much of this knowledge we know from verse 4 that we are granted this knowledge and fulfillment through His precious and magnificent promises...His very Word. Through that Word, we are built up in Christ and we are provided an escape from the evil influence the world has to offer.

We are too quick to fold our wings in defeat crying that the world is just too much for us. I wonder if God doesn't shake His head sometimes when He sees us yielding to spiritual defeat when His provision for us is to ensure victory. Let's refocus...eyes off of the world and it's politics and problems and onto our Heavenly Father who is greater that all the negatives we can experiece or think up. Let's get into the Word like never before, basking in the goodness and love God extends to us through Jesus and His Spirit. We must focus on the greater power in our lives...our Heavenly Father.

Father, the world demands our attention and would keep us discouraged and in despair. You are the greatest and most powerful we can ever know. In these days, You need a people who will stand and be an encouragement and may we be that for You despite the circumstances Satan throws our way. Thank You for equipping us. In Jesus' name...Amen

FAITH THAT WORKS

Now faith is the substance
of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1

We are living in a day when our faith is being tried on many fronts. I'm not speaking of a faith in mankind, science, finances, marriages or any other things we could add to the list. I'm speaking of a faith based purely in God, a faith that sustains us through the good and bad of life, any circumstances the world can throw at us.

I came across some notes I took probably more years ago than I even know of. I don't know the source of the information whether mine, old sermon notes, etc. This is a list of six things that are true about faith. I'm listing them with appropriate verses.

*Having faith pleases God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

*Faith protects us from the enemy.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:16

*Faith help us find peace.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

*Faith helps us find healing.

And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. Luke 18:42

*Faith helps us to live successfully.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17

*Faith breaks down walls in our lives.

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. Ephesians 2:14

A healthy relationship requires effort on the part of two parties. Usually the stronger of the two will take the first step in establishing a relationship. God did His part by sending Jesus, His Son, to die a horrible death on a cross for our sins. Now comes our part in dedicating ourselves first in accepting this relationship with God through our own salvation. From that point, as in any relationship, even though God knows all there is about us, we know very little about Him. In fact, we will never come to the point of knowing Him fully. As we come to know Him more and more, our faith grows and is enriched.

This growth in our faith takes some effort on our part as it would in any relationship. It means regular feeding on the Word of God. It means conversing with God and also being a part of God's family in regular fellowship through worshiping and learning. Any relationship will take effort and God has done more than His part in making our relationship real, thriving and full of faith.

Simply put, FAITH is:

FORSAKING

All

I

Trust

Him

Father, thank You for first seeking us out of love to be a part of Your faith family. Help us through Your Holy Spirit to have a hunger to grow more in grace and knowledge of You. Increase our faith knowing You desire a strong relationship with us. May we hunger and thirst for a growing faith in You. We love you. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

' 

MY PROMISE RING

All scripture is inspired by God
and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, for
training in righteousness;
so that the man of God may
be adequate, equipped for
every good work.
II Timothy 3:15-16

Several years ago, a tradition was established that young dating couples came to appreciate. Jewelers sold simple but pretty rings usually with a small diamond on it for couples anticipating their relationship to eventually lead to marriage. A young man would purchase such a ring and present it to his girlfriend. The ring was a symbol of a promise of an engagement ring to follow when the time was appropriate. Not every young man takes this route, but for those who do, it sounds romantic and memorable.

Seven weeks ago, I entered our local hospital to have a knee replacement. Never, despite being warned, could I have imagined the pain, inconveniences, emotional and spiritual swings that would happen. I did something I had done before to help in anticipation of some such things that could occur. Satan is alive and well and will take advantage of our every weakness. Despite weakness, Satan must be met head on, but only in the power of the Holy Spirit and His Word.

I went, as I've done this same thing in the past, to an office supply store and purchased a silver ring for binding papers together. I then cut some 3x5 cards in half and punched holes in their upper left corners. On each of those cards on my ring is a verse of encouragment. I think at this point I have about 18 such cards on my ring. The title card says: “Precious Promises” on it. I'll give you the first few words of some of those Scriptures I felt I needed for coming days that would encourage and strengthen me. I give only the first phrase with no reference just to give you an example:

The Lord is my light and my salvation...
And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee...
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear...
Fear thou not; for I am with thee...
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed...
Call unto me, and I will answer thee...
The Lord is my strength and my shield...
Peace I leave with you..
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace...
Casting all your care upon Him...
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty....
Rejoicing in hope...

...and there are others. I've not given references because you need to fine your own promises for your own promise ring. You may use many of those but it should be of your own choosing.

There have been times I haven't been able to focus on a lot of reading, especially in the beginning days of surgery recovery. However, I had my Promise Ring with me all the time and was blessed in thumbing through those verses and praying through many of them at one time or another. Even now, I carry it in my purse. Many times while waiting (any number of places) it's handy to pull out and read/pray through. In it, I am blessed, comforted, strengthened and encouraged. By the way, it is a fun thing to make. It can even be made for a friend.

We should be in the Word as often as we can, just swimming around in it and soaking it in by large chunks. There are times,however, with a Promise Ring, we can still “snack” on the Word's sweet morsels of blessing. Make one for yourself and enjoy.

Father God, I thank You for Your Word. It serves so many needs in our lives. Thank You for Jesus, the Living Word. Help us to find our strength and help through Your written, inspired Word and to love doing it. In Jesus precious name....Amen 

AMERICA SO IN NEED

A Plea for GOD'S People
Psalm 85

Verses 1-3

Lord, thou hast been favorable
unto thy land: thou hast brought
back the captivity of Jacob.
Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of
thy people, thou hast covered all
their sin. Selah.
Thou hast taken away all thy wrath:
thou hast turned thyself from the
fierceness of thine anger.

Verses 4-7
Turn us, O God of our salvation,
and cause thine anger toward us
to cease.
Wilt thou be angry with us forever?
Wilt thou draw out thine anger to
generations?
Wilt thou not revive us again: that
thy people may rejoice in thee?
Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and
grant us thy salvation.

Verses 8-9
I will hears what God the Lord will
speak: for he will speak peace
unto his people, and to his
saints: but let them not turn
again to folly
Surely his salvation is nigh them
that fear him; that glory may
dwell in our land.

Verses 10-13
Mercy and truth are met together;
righteousness and peace have
kissed each other
Truth shall spring out of the earth;'
and righteousness shall look down\
from heaven.
Yea, the Lord shall give that which
is good; and our land shall yield
her increase.
Righteousness shall go before him
and shall set us in the way of his steps.

I never cease being amazed how Scripture gives us historical info while at the same time speaks to where we are right now, especially with regard to our own country.  It's almost as if the Psalmist has been looking in through our kitchen windows at the present time.  I spent some time in the above Psalm this week.  As hopeless as America's circumstances may seem, other countries in time past have known the same frustrations as we do right now.  Many have caught on to the fact that God is the answer and some have not.  Many of those who have not learned their lesson and now are either extinct or are greatly crippled.

Those who heeded God's call are still functioning, many shaky at this point. My personal responsibility is vital as is yours. God looks on individual hearts that compose a nation. While praying for our nation, I must consistently be evaluating my relationship with the Lord and my pleasing Him above all other relationships. We are in the middle of a wake-up call from Him. We had better sit up and listen and then put action to His will for each of us

Father, I'm so grateful for your forgiveness and guidance all bathed in Your love for us. For too long You have been patient with our nation that through the years has become very cocky and self-sufficient, often leaving You to one side. Give us individually a renewed heart for You. Bring our people, churches and nation back to You and may we seek this through the strength of Your Holy Spirit. We have tried for too long to do too much in our own strength. Thank You for Jesus Who gave His all for the sins of all. In His precious name...Amen

LOOKING AHEAD

The Lord is the one who goes ahead
of you; He will be with you, He will
not fail you or forsake you.
Do not fear or be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

There's no way people come up with some of the stuff I do. I don't know about you, but I often look into the future although that future may only be a matter of days away. Usually when I do that, it's with negative thinking as to how badly I think something could possibly turn out. What this amounts to is my lack of trust and faith in my Heavenly Father Who already has the plans for my life decided and just waiting for me, be it in two days or two years.

I had a doctors appointment recently. Have been on meds for Diabetes II for about 12 years. My doctor took me off of all meds for it six months ago while monitoring numbers during that time. Today was my first time back to see him after going through all the blood tests the day before. Driving toward his office, we came to a place along the highway where suddenly the thought hit me, “He's going to tell me my sugar is completely out of control and that I have to go back on meds.” I could take you to that spot in the road where that “came” to me. (Right by the JW church)

The rest of the way, the same thought would strike me periodically so that by the time I got to the office, I was very concerned. He did all the usual things a doctor does but I really wanted him to get to the bottom line...that A1C readout. He pulled out the report and with a slow “Wellll.... I'm pleased. Your A1C has dropped 6 points. That's a really great reading.” I wanted to ask him if he was sure, but didn't dare lest he change his mind.

I wish I could tell you that that's the first time such has happened to me. I know God is already ahead of me and is always looking out for what is in my best interest. No matter what a verdict might be, positive or negative, God knows and I really don't have to know. He'll meet me right where I'm going and will meet me when I get there. I can trust His decisions for my life. Despite the situation, being in a state of worry and fear amounts to sin no matter how I view it. My fretting won't solve anything or change what is ahead of me.

Satan loves to play with our minds, tease and upset us with just a nudge. He has a way of getting his messages to us and we take it from there. For every evil suggestion he sends our way, God has for us unimaginable “I will's” we can trust and count on. Sometimes, when reading in the book of Psalms, I have found so many of those promises of God and have underlined them.

Whatever tasks we are called to, need not be cluttered with our “what if's.” When faced with a “what if,” we need to recognize it for what it is and immediately turn it over to God. It will be a faith builder that will strengthen us for the next “what if” that comes our way... and they will come. Wherever we find ourselves right now, God has purpose for us that will grow us and bring honor and glory to Himself.
|

Dear Father, may I be strong in You as the negative things of life come my way. May I learn and walk in obedience to you in every way. May I learn what You want me to learn from every lesson and may I lean on Your strength and not my own. In Jesus' name...Amen