Friday Reflection

"When the ways of the people please the LORD,
he makes even their enemies live at peace with them."

Proverbs 16:7 NLT

Support System

It was a bit windy yesterday afternoon. As I watched the trees swaying back in forth, I started to think of how strong wind gusts can get. Trees have been uprooted. Branches have snapped off. But those trees with deep penetrating roots seem to hang on. Their support system has kept them anchored in place.

That's why I'm glad I have an excellent support system. I'm rooted in Christ. His foundation is solid and cannot be swayed by chaos or disasters or tragedies. With Him I have strength, comfort, and peace. Those situations fall apart all around me, I have His promises and love to sustain me. I have hope for a better tomorrow.

Are you looking for something to keep you planted in the midst of a crazy world? Turn to Jesus.

Friday Reflection

"Those who are planted in the house of the LORD
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
To declare that the LORD is upright;
He is my rock,
and there is no unrighteousness in Him."

Psalm 92:13-15

Consistent

The weather lately has been pretty unpredictable. Several weeks back we had unexpected rain. Then we thought all that was over as the warmer weather seemed to settle in with temps in the 80's. Today, we're supposed to have a high of 66, and there's a chance of rain for tomorrow. And it's the middle of May! There's no consistency right now.

But that's the world. The only thing we can depend on is that the sun will rise and set each day. We never know what our days will bring.

Thankfully we have a God who is totally consistent. His love for us will never change like the weather: hot one minute and cold the next. It is constant, unchanging, and unconditional. When trouble times come, He is the One we need to cling to because He is as unmovable as a mighty mountain. He is our fortress and our strength.

Are you worried about the circumstances around you that are as crazy as the weather? Turn to the everlasting God Who loves you beyond measure and Who will be your comforter, strength and shield.

Friday Reflection

"So Samuel said, 'Has the LORD as great delight
in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.'"

1 Samuel 15:22

Saturated

My son is currently working on an art project for school where an entire 12"x12" sheet of paper needs to be covered with pictures. There can be no white spots at all. The project has to be completely saturated. It has taken him a lot of time, and a lot of colored pencils, to get it done.

The final picture is impressive. But it is very crowded because of the requirements of the piece. I couldn't imagine living in that world where every inch is filled with something bumping into me all the time. I like a little space. Yet, when I think about it, our lives are saturated with worldly ideas that can be harmful to us if we aren't careful. We need a little space from the world; and that comes with our faith.

God is our buffer zone, protecting us from the outside world that threatens to infiltrate the safe havens that the Lord's peace brings us. If we ignore our fellowship with the Lord, then our defenses are weakened. If we take the time to read God's Word, pray, and worship, then we can only grow stronger in our faith, which allows us to ward off the ideologies that threaten to crowd us in.

Are you living in an overly saturated world? Try spending some time with the Lord. He'll give you that free space you need.

Don't Focus on Feelings

Our emotions can get the better of us. Our minds can cloud with thoughts that are often unsubstantiated just because our feelings get in the way. It is at these times that we really need to trust God with all that's going on in our lives. We need to give Him our problems, fears, and concerns, and ask Him to renew our minds so we do not follow by feelings.

A great verse I often use during those times when feelings and emotions conflict with reason is from Philippians 4: 6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Notice that not only our hearts, but our minds will be guarded. What a comfort!

Are you having troubles with your emotions? Are your feelings getting in the way? Give your cares to Jesus so that your mind will have peace.

Friday Reflection

"Until the time came to fulfill His word,
the LORD tested Joseph's character."

Psalm 105:19 NLT

Reinforcements

My daughters have been creating drop boxes for a school science project. They have to design something using household items that will keep an egg from cracking when it is dropped in a container from a great height. It's fun to see their creativity. One daughter is using a box full of socks to provide padding, while another is using an old scarf inside of another box.

It's too bad we don't give such forethought to protect our faith. We let so many influences bombard us instead of putting up strong barriers to keep us strong and secure. When we don't take the time to pray and worship and read our Bibles, we allow weaknesses in our defenses that can buckle in time.

If you find yourself in a frail position, reinforce your faith with a healthy dose of praise, prayer, and petition. Soon you'll find your faith restored and strengthened and ready for whatever comes your way.

Stepping Out

We are to walk by faith, not by sight. This often isn't easy, but it is a necessity in the Christian life. But how do we know we are heading in the right direction? How do we know we haven't sidestepped accidentally along the way?

We can ask the Lord. As we step out in faith, we can pray for the Lord's direction, asking Him to open or close the doors we are heading through. If we do this in total trust, I believe He will honor our faith in Him and lead accordingly. It's when we aren't willing to follow and are not willing to check ourselves along the way that we get into trouble.

Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." This is straight from God's word. The Bible is His inspired Words to us. So we can believe that He will direct if we give Him the honor He deserves.

Have you hesitated to step out for fear of following the wrong way? Ask the Lord to help you trust Him so He can lead the way.