On Our Side

If God is for us, who can be against us?  Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?  Romans 8:31

Looking back on my life on this earth, I have wasted a great amount of time and effort being a "people pleaser" and not necessarily following what God has planned for me.  The most striking difference in being a "God pleaser" rather than a "people pleaser" is that we don't have to depend on our own futile human efforts to earn favor with God.

Come to think of it, why does it really matter what people think of us?  (It is easier said than done!) Our weaknesses and inabilities do not matter to God in the least bit.  With God, there is no hidden agenda, no list of talents and abilities that you need, only your availability.  Simply stated, God is looking for people who are willing and able to yield to His lead.

Let God shape who you are, what your perception is and what path you need to take in your relationships and career.  He always keeps His promise and takes care of His people and will never fail to deliver you from adversity!

Slip Sliding Away

I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.  Acts 24:14

Have you ever contemplated just how short our time on this earth really is?  We should make the most of our time here, but all too often, we let time slip away from us and we don't follow the path that God intends us to follow.

To live without regrets, we must choose to live in such a way that we do our very best in every task and with every relationship. We must choose to love and obey God's commands; they weren't written to restrict us, but are there for our protection and to unlock His many blessings.

We must choose to forgive people who have hurt or harmed us freely.  And lastly, we must choose to follow God's will and not our own.

No Reply At All

May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.  

2 Thessalonians 3:5

Recently, in seeking God's wisdom and guidance about a situation, I began to grow tired and frustrated because I just couldn't seem to hear an answer.  In fact, I felt like I was hearing other people's insight, but not God's.  It finally dawned on me that I was neglecting an important aspect of my faith walk by not digging deeper into the Word, hence the reason I was not feeling God's nudge either way.

God can and will speak His truths into our lives if we allow Him to.  When seeking Him, He will always move us closer to His will and His never ending love.  He always leads us to what is right, never wrong, and His answers to our prayers are clear cut, definitive, and absolute.

If you think you can truly seek God by only showing up to church on Sundays or just praying your personal wish list, save yourself some time and frustration by incorporating God's Word into your daily routine.

William, It Was Really Nothing

The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid?  The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from dangers, so why should I tremble?  Psalm 27:1

Just a few nights ago, it rained in Knoxville, so I did my best to coax our children into watching, E.T., one of my favorite movies of all-time.  I told my oldest son the story of how E.T. was left behind on earth and a little boy that shared Elliott's name found him and brought the alien home to live with him.  It was "all systems go" until Elliott asked to see the DVD packaging.  When he saw E.T.'s glowing finger, he became scared for some strange reason.  (Heck, I can't say anything, I was scared to death during the Super-Bowl when Michael Jackson debuted his classic Thriller video back in the 80’s!)

You see, fear turns our focus away from God and towards the troubles that intimidate us.  We must learn to look at our fears and troubles as opportunities to rely on God for His help, guidance, and all-mighty power.

There is no problem that is too big for our loving Father who promises to save and deliver His people!

The Best of What's Around

I will be filled with joy because of you.  I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.  Psalm 9:2

As a Christian, it is easy sometimes to view aspects of life with their appropriate seriousness-sin and its consequences, fighting against evil, loving others into a relationship with Christ, etc., but sometimes we overlook some of the great delights of being a follower of Jesus.

I have enjoyed running for several years now.  With this time of the year being considered "race season" for most runners, I have decided to run more 5ks this year and did not participate in this year's Knoxville-Covenant Half-Marathon.  Just last year, I suffered from ITBS, which is very painful and a common ailment for many runners. Two years ago, I developed plantar fasciitis while training for the Half-Marathon.  Three years ago, I was sidelined due to a stress fracture.

While I enjoy running the 13.1 miles and have a time that I would eventually like to beat, I have really enjoyed running the shorter races and have done pretty well.  

The point I am trying to make is that life sometimes makes an unexpected turn, or things don’t always happen the way we would like for them to.  

God, however, is constant in His love for each of us and regardless of our circumstances, has a plan for us.   He made this wonderful world for us to live in and enjoy and wants us to serve Him enthusiastically and filled with joy.

Let us not lose our perspective on being able to enjoy the journey that God has planned for us, even if it is not the way we would necessarily have it.

Gimmie A Little Sign

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.  He will not rebuke you for asking.  James 1:5

Have you ever asked God for a sign?  Looking back, there have been many instances where I have asked God to perform a miracle so that his guidance was crystal clear.  While God sometimes works that way, many times he does not.

The best road map or guidance for our lives can be found in His Word by reading the Bible.  If you are looking for guidance in any situation, study the Bible.  If you want God to personally guide your steps, study the Bible.  At the expense of sounding cliché, God intended the Bible to serve as our guidebook for getting through life.

God also wants us to have faith in him and trust him every step of the way.  In summary, we are to read the Bible, ask God what to do next, and then take a step of faith each and every day.  God promises to lead us and guide us in the right direction!

Could You Be Loved?

That the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.  John 17:23

I had a meeting with a potential client last week and felt that I showed poorly.  It was a difficult task, as I went into the meeting with only a small amount of information and still had many more questions that I needed to answer before I could possibly provide firm insurance rates for this organization's group benefit program.  Leaving the meeting I felt like a failure, despite my managing director telling me that I did an outstanding job.  Have you ever felt that way?  How do we know we are valuable?

The answer is found at the cross.  My youngest son, Elijah, was playing with the cross that I wear on my neck and it got me thinking about the reality of what Jesus' death by crucifixion really means.  If we weren't valuable to God, He wouldn't have sent His beloved Son to die on the cross to save us from certain death...

If you are ever feeling down or unloved or that you are not valuable, look no further than the cross and understand that you are worthy and loved!