Much is being made of self-assurance, building self-esteem, overcoming our personal shortcomings, etc., etc., etc. Let us not forget the source of our courage. The next time you look into the mirror of your soul introspectively and dislike what you see, say not that YOU will do something about it. Rather, whisper a prayer of thanksgiving that the One who lives in you is greater than the enemy who destroys our self-esteem. Rejoice! 'Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.' Never has total victory been more attainable than it is this very moment. Whisper a prayer of faith that our great God will give you the desire of your heart and the need of your spirit. Amen and amen.
Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash?
Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge?"
Job 37:14-16 (NIV)
We’re cruising at an altitude of 30,000+ feet from Houston to San Francisco and it’s bright and clear outside my window. I read for a while, but the gorgeous scenery beckons my attention. How awesome is our Father who created such beauty!
I’m just imagining His molding and shaping the landscape – the green space, the mountains, lakes, oceans, etc. I don’t know about it, but do you suppose the billowing clouds are soft to the touch?
When we get closer to our destination and start our descent over the San Francisco Bay, one is amazed at how close we appear to be landing on the water instead of the runway. We are relying on the skill of the pilot and co-pilot to safely bring us in, with the guidance of the radar system and someone in the control tower.
Our landing is flawless and I am thankful to arrive in another part of God’s country safely.
GospeLines Prayer: Thank you Lord for providing the skills and knowledge for those pilots. Truly, You are in control of our lives and have given us the radar we need to stay on a righteous path. Admittedly, it isn’t always easy and we may get off course.But, You are always there Lord, just for the asking, navigating each step. I thank You for Your assurance of a safe landing, even if it only appears problem-free.Life is an amazing journey and I am relying on You to be my pilot.
In His Love,
Carlaÿ
≈ Devotional for Wednesday, July 29, 2009
"You Are Important"
In the 17th century, the best violins were made by Antonio Stradivari. They are still the best. He said that to make a violin less than his best would be to rob God. He was right. God could not make a violin without the help of Antonio. Certain gifts were given to that craftsman that no other violin maker ever possessed.
There are certain things you do that no one else can do as well. Maybe it is encouraging others, or parenting, or praying, or teaching, or using your hands in a skillful manner to build something out of nothing. There are things that only you can do, that God cannot do without your help. You owe it to God to give your best, because together, you and God can do and create certain things that no one else can duplicate.
GospeLines Prayer:"Father, remind us that we have a reason to be alive!Empower my walk today with the knowledge that, without my skills, without my talents used for the Kingdom, the world would not be quite the same." Amen and amen.
Christmas at my cousin’s house included a large box of chocolates to be shared by the family. Mom would allow the kids to choose their own special piece of candy; but, there was one unbreakable rule. You must keep the one you choose!They were not allowed to put it back and try again in hopes of finding one they might like better.
What about the chocolates God gives to us... the purpose or assignment He has for our lives?"No, sorry Pastor Ron, you don't get to choose. You must keep the assignment I gave to you and see it through until I can say, Well done."As expressed in the movie, "Forrest Gump," life IS like a box of chocolates; we just don't get to chose.
What if God did allow us to "take a bite" and then ask for another "assignment" instead?History tells us that even if He did, we'd probably say, "No, I don't like that one either."Just thinking of such a scenario makes me want to chuckle.
No, my friends, that isn't how He works. The Master has specific places for us to go, and specific people He wants us to meet and give the message of The Good News, either directly in words or by the lives we live.There is no "putting it back and trying another" - no rest until the job is done and we get Home.Oh, what a joy that will be.Our work will be done and we can sing and dance for the King of kings for all eternity.
GospeLines Prayer:Father, help us to live the life You have given us; to praise You and bless You for whatever we have and not complain about what we do not have.When our circumstances change, help us to accept those changes with the knowledge that all things work for the good of those who love You and have been called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28).Father, we ask in Jesus name for contentment with what You have given and hearts that thank You daily for Your grace.
RonU
“…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,but byMe.”
"They increased the production schedule again - it makes my life very stressful.It seems that they always increase it to some impossible goal to reach.What a nice thought to know that we can soar above the storm and enjoy God's peace."
We are often faced with stressful opportunities which call upon super-human strength.As I pondered her words, which so eloquently speak the thoughts of all of us at one time or another, God shared something with me from Og Mandino (author of The Greatest Salesman in the World), which I will pass on to you:
"Build this day on a foundation of pleasant thoughts.Never fret at any imperfections that you fear impede your progress.Remind yourself, as often as necessary, that you are a creature of God and have the power to achieve any dream by lifting up your thoughts.You can fly when you decide that you can.Never consider defeat again.Let the vision in your heart be in your life's blueprint.Smile!"