Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Ask Yourself

 


Genesis 18:14  "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"


     Have you ever asked yourself the question from Genesis 18:14,  "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"  We all have doubts, like Abraham and Sarah.  God promised them a son, though both were past child-bearing age.  Wouldn't we all question the possibility of that?  We must remember Mark 19:26 " “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

      "That is what we need to ask. Is anything too hard for God? Does he ever give up because the problem is too great? Does he ever throw up his hands and quit? Does he ever shake his head at the sound of a prayer request and say, “I can’t handle that problem”?"  [M. Lucado]

      We must believe and trust that 'nothing is too hard for our God'.  He is bigger than any storm we face.  Even when we feel that He is miles away, He is right beside us.  We are the ones who have moved, yet He still pursues us with His great love.

      "Our tendency is to magnify our fears. We place a magnifying glass on the diagnosis, the disease, or debt. Stop that! Meditate less on the mess and more on the Master. Less on the problems and more on his power."  [M. Lucado]

       As for myself, God has amazed me with making my impossible thoughts into God-made realities.  He has turned my doubts into proven faithfulness.  He has got me thru every trial and mountain of fear.  I trust Him more and more every day.  More Jesus, less me...that's the way it should be.


Saturday, November 13, 2021

A Grateful Heart

 


       It's the time of year to recognize our thankfulness more.  A grateful heart is a healthy heart.  Many people only seek to be thankful of and not to be thankful for.  Max Lucado speaks of "The 'If Only River' as being on it's shore and being one step away from the good life."  What is your 'if only' that keeps you from a life of gratitude and a good life?  If only, you had a better job?  the kids moved away? the kids lived closer? you were married?  you were richer?  you were ____?    Instead, look at what you are already blessed with.  

       Colossians 3:15-17  " Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

       As for myself, I am thankful for where I have been, where I am now, and where I am headed.  I am grateful that God created in me a heart that hasn't turned bitter despite all the hardships I have been through.  Lord, help me to continue to recognize that this world is not my home.