I AM

God is absolutely faithful to do what He has promised. However,

those promises are--almost without exception--conditional: they

require something from us.

Although it felt unfair at times, looking back over some very

difficult situations in my life, I can say that it was always for

the best. God knows what He is doing.

Let's be certain that we seek, trust, surrender, love, believe, walk

in faith, and fulfill our responsibilities to God before we accuse

Him of failing to fulfill His responsibilities to us.

    I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have

  revealed and saved and proclaimed--I, and not some foreign god among

  you. You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God. Yes,

  and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand.

  When I act, who can reverse it?" (Isa 43:11-13 NIV)

Testimony

I cannot stress enough the importance of being a living witness to

your children, grandchildren, and any who see or know your life. You

teach in ways you of which you may be unaware.

This is very personal for me because as I shared a few weeks ago, I

am a Believer today because of my grandfather. I thank God for him.

In this life, He was unaware of the influence he had on me, and

therefore, on every person this ministry touches.

Also be mindful that family is not necessarily defined by physical

ancestry. Even if you do not have children, someone somewhere is

watching your life. Teach them well.

  We will not hide these truths from our children but will tell the

  next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD. We will tell

  of his power and the mighty miracles he did. For he issued his

  decree to Jacob; he gave his law to Israel. He commanded our

  ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation

  might know them--even the children not yet born--that they in turn

  might teach their children. So each generation can set its hope anew

  on God, remembering his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.

  (Psa 78:4-7 NLT)

Controllers

I do not like controlling behavior. "Controllers" are typically very

judgmental and in one way or another pressure you to meet their

expectations. They can do much damage if allowed.

They especially do not like it when you do not let them control you;

you run the risk of becoming their "Enemy Number One". "Controllers"

can also get quite aggravated when you ignore their expectations.

So, what do you do? Please God, meet His expectations for your life,

and seek your acknowledgment and approval from Him. What anyone else

thinks of you is far less important.

(And when I can please God--and by doing so I aggravate a "control-

ler"--do I feel good about that? To be candid: Yes, I do.)

  Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove

  faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human

  court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear,

  but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

  Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the

  Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and

  will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will

  receive his praise from God. (1 Cor 4:2-5 NIV)

Happy Labor Day

 Happy Labor Day!

It is our human nature to attempt to explain away what we do not

understand--or ridicule it if we cannot come up with an explanation

for it. We do not like not being in control. We do not like not

knowing. But then, there is a lot we do not know, isn't there?

So, keep your spiritual "antennas" up. When you encounter something

you do not understand, do not automatically reject it. Proceed with

caution, of course. Take it to God. Ask Him about it first.

  Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"

  Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much

  wine." Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and

  addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in

  Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I

  say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the

  morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

  (Acts 2:12-16 NIV)