Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Understanding

I do not believe we can fully comprehend what it means when God says

He does not hold our past against us. Why? Because for the most part, we cannot help but hold our past against ourselves. We wage persistent battles against memories, guilt, regrets, and the like.

We also tend to see change as a future event, not a present reality.

Because our perception of time is linear, we see our past along with the present. So for us, in a sense, the past is always present(exists) and present (now). It is not so with God.

God's reality--His perception of time--is not linear. In His, we already are the new creations He made us to be. Right now, thi moment! We are, not "will be". (And it gets even deeper than that!) Think on this. It will "torque your brain" (a good thing!). Seek to see yourself as God sees you. "But we have the mind of Christ."

(1 Cor 2:16)

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Cry Out

Have you ever cried out to God for direction in difficult times--and

received no response? I remember saying to Him, "Lord, I feel like you have put me in the middle of the woods, blindfolded. All I am doing is bumping into trees! Will you please show me the path?" And did a great light suddenly shine before me revealing the path? No! Not even a dim glow! I just bumped into some more trees.

But later, I saw that He had led me precisely where I needed to go at exactly the right time, beyond the scope of coincidence or random events! I learned to trust that He will always do that, even when I cannot see or feel it. It has made our relationship much stronger.

You can trust Him that way too. Perhaps you need this today?  From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. (Acts 17:26-27 NIV)

Monday, January 15, 2018

Who's watching you?


I have become accustomed to the idea that people I do not know personally know who I am. It goes with having a "public" profession.

People have come to me in ministry settings and said, "Oh, I saw you at such-and-such-a-place... and I was unaware!

People are watching your life--and that is a good thing! You have a opportunity to influence them for the Lord in ways you could never effect with words. You may never know the impact you have had. And that is all right; God knows.

  For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were  not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without  paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in  order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. (2 Th 3:7-9 NIV)