Praise You In The Storm

Yesterday, I heard a girl on the radio talk about a tragedy that she had been through. God used this song to lift her out of despair and choose life.
I am finding that life is so full of disappointments and shattered dreams. God is calling us to come and rest in his love and be comforted. He has compassion on us. He will see us through these trials. His grace is sufficient. He is a God of mercy and gives us the grace to praise him in life's storms.

You Are Rich!

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:2-3 NIV Bible

I heard this on my way to work in the wee hours of this morning. I realized that this is my purpose in writing this blog. I am really impressed that "in Christ are hidden all the treasures of knowledge and wisdom." So many times I go running around like a chicken with it's head cut off looking for knowledge. Or worse yet, I fret and stew, thinking about something over and over in my mind, trying to come up with a solution. Then I finally remember to ask Christ for wisdom. The wisdom may not come immediately, but it always does come. On the other hand, peace comes right away. I can lay this burden down, knowing that Christ will give me the solution. Actually, Christ is the solution to everything. He is our source. This makes us the wealthiest people in the world. So, enjoy your treasure.

Go

"Moses said to the Lord,'O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.'
The Lord said to him,'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Exodus 5:10-11 NIV Bible

God is calling me in ways that I have never been called before. My tendency is to freak out because I don't know how to do it.I want to stay right where I am until God shows me the whole picture. He is asking me to step out and trust that he will lead me. His calling isn't based on my ability. It is based on his. I get the impression that he is doing this with all of his children. Be encouraged. You are not alone. Now go; God will show you one step at a time.

My Soul Glorifies The Lord

"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my
Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his
servant.
From now all generations will call
me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great
things for me-
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear
him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with
his arm;
he has scattered those who are
proud in their inmost
thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from
their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
he has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his desendants
forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
Luke 1:46b-55 NIV Bible

Are You A Wetland Or A Walmart?

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5 NIV Bible

Yesterday, Pete and I went for a walk at Ankney Hill, a local wetland and bird sanctuary. It was so beautiful with all the unique creatures showing themselves to us and singing their songs.

You were made unique as well. The problem is, you are being told that you are defective because you aren't something else. Maybe you are a wetland, but have been led to believe you should be a Walmart. You know, a one stop shop that has some of everything that anyone could need. As a result, you feel like such a failure. I have good news for you. God formed you to be you and no one else. There is no one in the whole world like you. You are not a defective somebody else. You are a wonderful you.

Don't Give Up

"Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits." Psalm 103:1-2

This morning, I felt overwhelmed and discouraged. God reminded me of Moses holding up his rod while the Israelites fought. As long as he held it up, they were winning. When he got tired and put his arms down, they didn't do as well. God was reminding me how important it is to keep praising him and remembering the good things that God has done. We have the weapon of praise. We will win the battle. Don't give up.

Open To New Possibilities

"Jesus looked at them and said,'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26 NIV Bible

Get ready. Change is coming. God is opening the hearts of his children to new possibilities. You will wake up one day soon and see all of life differently. You will rise up and move forward in victory. You are more than a conqueror.