He Knows!

Focus: Hebrews 11:1, Proverbs 3:5, Jeremiah 29:11

As Christians, we are faced with difficult questions regarding our faith. The one that I struggled with the most is, “How can God be three beings but one God!?” It took me a long time to come up with a good answer. Eventually, it all came down to faith. In Hebrews faith is defined as the substance of all things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. If we understood everything we were supposed to believe, faith would not be a vital component of Christianity. In Proverbs, Solomon wrote, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” In other words, HAVE FAITH. When it seems as though your life is spinning out of control, when everything seems to have taken a turn for the worst, when you’re coach is leaving. When there’s so much to do and so little time, when no matter how hard you try you always fail, when the weight of the world is on your shoulders, when you simply don’t know what to do anymore…have faith. When things don’t go the way you planned…

In Jeremiah, God declares that He knows the plans that He has for us, plans not to harm us but to give us the future that we hope for. In essence…have faith. Trust Him with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind and all your strength. Trust Him, because God’s ways are higher than our ways. God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts. God’s plans are higher than our plans. He genuinely wants what’s best for us. What’s better is He knows what’s best, regardless of what we think.

Remember that He loves you. He loves you, because He loves you, because He loves you, because He loves you, because that is who He is. He loves you because of who He is, not because of who you are. So, there’s nothing you can do or say or fix or change to make him love you more. What’s greater is there is nothing you can do or say or fix or change to make him love you less. He loves you because He loves you. Even when it hurts, and when you feel lost and alone. He loves you. And, if you ever forget it, sit. Sit still, sit quiet, and pray. Pray to feel protected and cradled in His arms like the cherished child you are. You will feel warmth inside your soul like you’ve never felt before. You’ll feel His arms console you. That’s Him reminding you that He didn’t leave you, that you’re not alone, and that He loves you.

He will always look out for our better interest. Even when it isn’t what we expect or what we think is best. As long as we remember that He loves each of us, and we have faith and trust Him, we’ll always make it through.

Sunday Morning...Psalm 23

It all began with a video on facebook...

Our most gracious God and heavenly Father,
giver of every good and perfect gift.
I welcome you into my heart, Lord.
I follow you wherever you lead, as you are my shepherd.
It is by you that I have everything I need.
You have made me to lie down in the greenest pastures,
You lead me beside the stillest waters,
You restore my faith in You, o God.
You guide me down a path of righteousness,
for the glory of Your name.
Even though I may walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will not be afraid.
I know that You are always with me,
beside me,
the light of my way in You, o Lord.
It is Your rod and Your staff that bring me peace.
You even prepare a table before me in the presence of my greatest opposition,
in the presence of my strongest enemies.
You, Father God, fill me with Your anointing until that anointing pours from my soul.
I am certain that Your goodness and Your mercy will follow me every day of my life,
and I will dwell in Your house, my Lord,
Forever and ever and ever and ever
Until eternity.
It is this I pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ,
and in communion and fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Reflections on Easter

This past weekend I celebrated Easter, the death and resurrection of Jesus. Many would consider Easter to be the most important Christian holiday. I would agree that without the resurrection Christianity would have struggled to survive. But for me, this year was different.

Usually on Easter weekend, and especially Good Friday, I am reminded and completely taken back by the realization of God's sacrifice. The power of God's love to bring salvation to the world is awe inspiring. I would never deny God of the glory and honor He deserves. I give all thanks and praise to El Shaddai. However...

As I sat through Good Friday service, Saturday night service, Sunrise service and Sunday morning services, it didn't hit me. The tears that I typically shed never came. I keep thinking about why this Easter was different. Maybe its because of the course work I've encountered through my theological studies, or the fact that its the same old story told the same old way. More likely its because I haven't been spiritually aroused in a long time. I haven't felt God working inside of me. I see Him working through me and around me, but not in me. I have given my life to God but I'm disconnected from the Holy Spirit.

God,
I need you.
Mess me up...inside.
Bring me new peace,
New joy,
New hope,
New faithfulness...
As the deer pants for the water,
So my soul thirsts for you, O God.*
Search me.
Know me.*
I love you...

*Psalm 42 & 139
In Christ,