Wisdom and Understanding! Page 8

“God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, 
for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.”
Job 28: 23-24

To me this is beautifully written.  I can just see God looking down, with earth in full view, knowing the path to where everything dwells…knowing earth-inside and out; but what is it that this scripture is talking about?  If you go back two steps to verse 20 and begin reading from there…you will fully understand what is being poetically written about:

 “Where then does wisdom come from? 

Where does understanding dwell? 

It is hidden from the eyes of the every living thing, 

concealed even from the birds of the air.  Destruction and Death say, 

‘only a rumor of it has reached our ears’. 

Again verses 23-24

 ”God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, 

for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.”

 Verses 25-28 

“When He established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, 

when He made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, 

then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it.  

And he said to man, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, 

and to shun evil is understanding”.

Job 28: 20-28

In the scripture above we learn that God is the source of wisdom and understanding and that at some point, while He was setting paths for thunderstorms and decrees for the rain –He made note of wisdom.  He went even further by appraising, confirming and testing it.  How many times in our lives do we appraise, confirm and test something.  You can bet that when we do…it is important.  This is important. 

Scripture even states here that he verbally spoke to man and said “The fear of the Lord THAT is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding".  Now, He is not speaking of a basic understanding….as in “oh, yes…I understand”.  I believe this is talking about a deep, spiritual agreement-an accord with one’s self, and God, to shun sinful, evil things.  God has given us a directive to respect the Lord and to shun evil.  By practicing this we put wisdom and understanding into motion.  God himself has appraised, confirmed and tested this theory so we can rest assured that its applications work.  For our own confirmation we can simply look at creation to know that God has a handle on “putting things into motion”.   

This particular scripture also says that Death and Destruction have only heard rumors of wisdom and understanding.  Why do you think that is?  Could it be that two very practical God-given instruments, wisdom and understanding, are of no use to Death and Destruction?  Living here on earth we know that to be the case. The bible has capitalized Death and Destruction for surely they are nouns.  I believe that in this scripture these two words are proper names for serious forces at work in this world.  These two forces are the very things that bring us to the end of ourselves. 

 Romans 6:23 says 

“The wages of sin is death

 but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ, Our Lord”. 

The crux of our Christian belief is that this earth and it’s people are in bondage to sin and death is the only way out.  Thankfully, as believers, we have been given a gift that saves us from the decay of this world, eternal life. 

 Romans 8: 20-22 states: 

“For creation was subjected to frustration,

 not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, 

in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay 

and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.  

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth

 right up to the present time.” 

All we need to do is turn on the news and we have evidence of this fact.  The bible says in Proverbs 27: 20 “Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man.”  All we have to do is look at our burdened society to know that this is true.  Solomon states in Ecclesiastes 1:8 “All things are wearisome, more than one can say.  The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear it’s fill of hearing.” All we have to do is look at our TV options to know that this is true.  When the disciples asked Jesus why he spoke in parables He replied in Matthew 13:13 

“This is why I speak to them in parables:

 “Though seeing, they do not see; 

though hearing, they do not hear or understand,…”

 (It seems that even in Jesus’ day people were falling prey to this same issue.)

 OK, what are these scriptures saying?  Many things!  The noise of this world…the blurring of understanding…the weariness on monotony, the acceptance of sin …it blinds our eyes and dulls our hearing to the point that all things become acceptable and nothing is satiable.  Ever so slowly time changes what we see as valuable and our minds are no longer sensitive to the sight and sound of sin.  If we don’t practice seeking heavenly wisdom and godly understanding we lose two of our senses that connect us to God…our hearing and our seeing.   We begin see and hear as the world sees and hears. 

To live on this earth we must seek wisdom and understanding from the heavenly… and to do that we must differentiate what is valuable on earth from what is valuable in heaven.   This world is filled with meaningless, sinful things, and if we’re not careful with our associations, our mouths will be full of idol words… and our hearts will beat for the attainment of the temporary.   Our society has taught and groomed us to search out, go for, and literally build our life-long ambitions on worldly attainment.  We can become very weary, very fast living our lives within the wrong context and/or believing in the wrong value-system.

Do you feel weary?  In what have you placed your faith?  When you closely align yourself with this sinful world you will not sharply hear nor clearly see wisdom… nor fully understand righteousness (that which is right).   When you search this world for happiness and fulfillment you will never find it -for your spirit knows the difference.   Your eyes can scan the horizon for the next fun-filled adventure…and your ears can listen intently for the next opportunity for success…but until you give up the illusion that happiness is within arm’s reach…you’ll never understand wisdom nor face the truth that happiness and godliness are intangibly within.

Matthew 6: 19-21 says:  

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, 

where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 

where moth and rust do not destroy, 

and where thieves do not break in and steal. 

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” 

This scripture is encouraging us to value things that are worthy of heaven-those things God treasures-namely character and integrity; friendship and love; honesty and devotion; generosity and compassion; wisdom and understanding.

 Only when we open our hearts and minds to the pursuit of God will we find any level of satisfaction as we live our life on earth.  Happiness is not about the tangible but the intangible; it is not about the physical but the spiritual- for earthly treasures will never fulfill us. If we’re honest with ourselves we know this to be true.   With this said, let’s set our eyes, hearts, and ambitions on a different value system.  Scripture says:  “Come out and be separate”….for we have nothing in common with this evil world."  "Pursue God and He will be found by you"…."Draw close to God and He will draw close to you."  Seek wisdom and understanding from their true source, God. Commitment is key…belief is crucial…differentiation mandatory!

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth
 to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”
  II Chronicles 16:9

May your daily strength be found in God!

RvH

Song Recommendation:

Here With Me

by:  MercyME

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74CNUExD4I8

 

God is in the Shadows! Page 7

Psalm 91: 1 ”He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

We’ve previously learned how to see God in nature, we’ve learned that God works in our lives even when we cannot see or sense it….and today we will learn that God is there…in the shadows of our lives… as we walk the unknown path darkened with our burdens and concerns.

Today is overcast and dreary, the sky is dark,  and the wind is blowing.  This is how we feel at times when the path of life takes us into the shadows; into the unknown places where the answers to our earthly problems seem hidden; where courage is necessary and  avoiding what is ahead is not an option.  Not long ago I found myself sitting in such a place…. with not one or two stuggles burdening me…but three or four.  I'm sure in your busy life you can relate.  In our modern world…we juggle, we struggle…we try, we strive ….yet even with these efforts the winds of change blow in and cast these shadows…these trials  -for such is the nature of this earthly life. 

Like the breath of life that ebbs and flows, the shadows of life will come and go….and dim the light around us…. just as billowing clouds on an overcast day cast a temporary shadow where we stand.  Within the shadows of life we can attain “a spiritual discipline that will greatly strengthen our faith and establish our spiritual character.”   Finding this discipline is necessary  as we walk through life.  Just “like the fierce winds that calls the might cedars on the mountainside to sink their roots more deeply into the soil”1…. we are called to be deeply rooted in faith and in doing so enable ourselves to endure the darkness that overtakes us as the ever-changing winds  blow. 

Faithfully, we look deep within and find our courage- for it will take us where we must go...and that is forward. As we walk into these mandatory shadows with all the faith and courage we can muster , deep growth takes place; we become rooted, surrendered,  into God’s plan and not even fierce winds will move us because we are prepared for what is ahead-and faith in the Almighty makes this so!  My friend, we must “stop interfering with God’s plans and with His will.  Touching anything of His mars the work.  Moving the hands of a clock to suit you does not change the time.” 2

Not too long ago I faced a “shadow-land”, where loneliness loomed,  I prayed and God answered:

“(I) still have secrets-hidden from “the wise and learned” (Luke 10:21).  Do not fear these unknown things, but be content to accept the things you cannot understand and to wait patiently; in due time (I) will reveal the treasures of the unknown to you-the riches of the glory of the mystery.  Recognize that the mystery is simply the veil covering (my) face.  Do not be afraid to enter the cloud descending on your life, for (I) am in it and the other side is radiant with (my) glory.  “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ” (I Peter 4: 12-13).  When you feel the most forsaken and lonely, (I)  am near.  (I am) in the darkest cloud.  Forge ahead into the darkness without flinching; knowing that under the shelter of the cloud, (I am) waiting for you”3 with the richness of forgiveness, a depth of courage and a vastness of love that will sustain you till the shadow of life has subsided and my light is warming you again.

A Brief Summary:

·         In time God will unveil everything and we will understand our problems and understand the mystery of life itself.

·         Do not be afraid to enter the cloud descending on your life -those issues you struggle with in this world-for God is in them!

·         Do not be surprised at your trials as if something strange (or undeserving) is happening to you. Understand that on this earth Christ suffered and so will we.

·         When you feel the most forsaken and lonely—God is near!

·         Go forward through your pain without flinching (with great courage) knowing that under the shelter of the Cloud God is waiting for you.

Proverbs 25: 2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of Kings”. 

God is mysterious but just like the wind that blows through the cedars, we can feel this power and wisely attribute it to something real but invisible-for it is.

Scriptural tie-in:

The Mystery:  "Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:  He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory"  I Timothy 3:16

Answer:  Jesus Christ.


Dedicated to Cheryl-who is in the Shadowland for now!

Footnotes:

 1 Streams in the Desert
2   Streams in the Desert (March 30^th)
3 Streams in the Desert (March 14^th)

God is There...Even in Silence! Page 6

 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great
and unsearchable things you do not know”. 
Jeremiah 33:3

 One morning, not long ago, I sat in my daughter’s room waiting for her to get dressed for school.  I prayed and asked God to hold onto me because my faith was floundering.  My husband and I had just closed a business and were facing a difficult road ahead.   I felt emotionally weak and uncertain about many things.  I asked that God  hear my prayers- and show me the way.   I needed some guidance-a specific direction…. I needed to hear from Him…yet more than all of this…I needed to know that God was still there, in the middle of our losses.   This day…I needed God to literally tell me the unsearchable things I did not know.  My heart wearily cried out for answers.  We’ve all been there, haven’t we?

When seeking God we have to listen for His voice using scripture and insight; this is called discernment.  When we feel that God is silent and life is difficult—it’s easy to drop into uncertainty…or hopelessness.  Either way, this place can feel deathly quiet.  In this heavy stillness we don’t sense God…there seems to be no connection with Him.  It’s just too quiet.  Here’s the truth of it:  God works in the spiritual realm…and this is not something that we can always sense.  When quietness engulfs us…faith will sustain us.    In the book of Revelation scripture tells us that in God’s Throne Room there are mighty sounds such as rushing waters and peals of thunder.  These sounds are real-yet we do not hear them.  There is a barrier beyond our senses and these heavenly sounds. 

To continue my story…I prayed that morning….and I asked God to draw close to me.  I took just a few moments in spiritual quietness to call out to God.  I asked Him to speak to me through my Daily Devotional in my favorite book Streams in the Desert.  The date was December 7^th.  I went and read it after the kids left for school and a profound revelation washed over me.   The AMAZING lesson for that day was this:  “Don’t look for some outward sign or some visual manifestation of God’s promises being fulfilled”.  God works quietly, even silently, in the unseen realm.  Miraculous healing or some extraordinary deliverance can be accomplished with great victory-in absolute silence”.   Amazing!!!  Ok, it bears repeating….”Amazing”!

Did you see what happened???   On that day- I sat in silence- wondering  if God was indeed aware of my needs.   My faith knew that he was…but my heart and my spirit were quiet.  I didn't see any evidence that my problems were being resolved...and I didn't sense God anywhere near me.   I asked God to reach out to me…I needed some reassurance.   I called out to Him and He quickly answered me using a book written many, many years ago.  God went straight to the point…He reached across those pages and reminded me that silent does not mean absent, that He fulfills His promises…and that we should expect the unexpected.   There are victorious events accomplished in silence… out of earshot…out of eye-sight. 

The answer to my problems seemed unsearchable.  I had no idea how or when these issues would be resolved.   I was indeed looking for an outward sign but God’s voice, on those black and white pages, said to look with Spiritual eyes into the realm of the unseen…. that I did not need an outward sign to be confident that my God was taking care of His own.  His voice said “have faith”, “stand firm”, “wait”.   I was reminded of that fact that God is working...even when we don't feel or see it.   He brought my attention to the unsearchable, undisputable fact….that He is there even when He is silent-when our hearts simply cannot feel his presence.  Could His profound answer to me that day have been any more gracious?

 Do we remember to stand firm in our faith and to draw close to God when our hearts are quiet with an emptiness that tugs at us…or do we assume that God is not there…. or that, perhaps we’ve done something wrong,  let down our guard, dropped our shield of faith, that we’ve walked away from Him, or perhaps that we’re undeserving or even unworthy to be in contact with God…. Or that maybe He’s moved away from us?  Please know that  God is ever-present…and is always with us even when He seems silent.  With our eyes, our ears and our hearts… searching for and finding God is as simple as sincerely whispering the word “Lord”.      See James 4: 7-10

Our Life Lesson:    Huge events take place in the spiritual realm unbeknownst to us.  Believe that!  Just because we don’t see, hear or sense God does not mean that He is not there!  God’s voice can be heard just as boldly as nature’s voice, as it silently pours forth speech.   Do you see or hear the mighty force of gravity as earth orbits the sun?  This happens beyond the realm of our hearing...but it happens none the less.   This same extraordinary power is available to us through prayer.  The God that commands the universe hears our prayers.  We simply utter the words and “all of heaven comes to attention to fulfill God’s promises”1    We have access to God’s power and love….and with the igniting of our faith God can bring extraordinary deliverance, in absolute silence.   We must simply PRAY and BELIEVE!

Song Recommendation:

Oh My Soul

By:  Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjNZf878ISQ

1-Joel Osteen

Book Recommendation:  Streams in the Desert  By:  L.B. Cowman

God's Silent Appeal! Page 5

On page 4 we referenced scripture that states that God is the creator of heaven and earth.  We read scripture that reveals God’s intimate knowledge of His creation and His managerial style regarding its working order.  We also talked about having a “sense” of His presence and the opportunity  to acknowledge God for what and who He is.  Let’s look a little bit more into what scripture says about Nature and it’s revelation of God…

Over the years I’ve had many opportunities to see vast, vast sunrises and sunsets in the Texas sky.  As an airline employee I’ve been subjected to many an early sign-in at the DFW International Airport.  This particular airport sits on a wide-open range of land and the eastern sky is there for the viewing.  I’ve watched the darkness of night slowly fade and the sun gloriously rise on many occasions…and had to admit that getting up before the sun was worth it after all. 

All of us at some point have probably had the pleasure of watching the sunrise. This is a natural daily occurrence; yet even still, it is a breath-taking and awe-inspiring experience.  As sunlight floods over the land, colors paint the sky with unimaginable ease and a new day presents itself in all this majesty. Every morning creation speaks volumes as our massive sun silently rises… and every evening our creator provides an encore as the sun sets—sending rays of light into the stratosphere creating a palette of colors on the edge of western sky.  The sun slowly slips off the horizon as a blanket of stars rise over-head in silent applause!

Scripture says in Psalm 19: 1-4
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
 the skies proclaim the work of His hands.
 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.”

Have you ever heard an inspiring speech?  Did your senses come alive as the words poured over you with such knowledge and understanding that your heart just soared and you possibly rose to your feet in applause?  Our sun gives a daily speech that is so inspiring that in transcends language.  This speech is so powerful that words travel to the ends of the world; this voice goes out into all the earth!  This scripture is basically saying that God has a voice-the silent voice of Creation.   The heavens are the representative of the Creator of the Universe-Almighty God!  Nature is one very distinct way to hear God speak; this voice is visual and sensory!  He can and will speak to us in various other ways as well.   If we’re keen enough to listen… we can be sure that His words will appeal to us specifically, speak to the truth of our situation AND reveal His trust-worthy character—just as the sunrise gloriously reveals  God’s workmanship in the dawn of a new day!  While this earth still spins we can trust that the sun will rise and set daily…and we can trust the character of the One that makes this so.  Allow the nature of God to speak to you today.  Take the opportunity to silently observe the sun set or the moon rise; the snow fall or the rain shower; the stars shine or clouds billow.  Listen to Creation’s daily speech as it silently sends this message to the ends of the earth:  “Glory to God”.

God’s silent Appeal:   As you quietly observe nature, you will feel a stirring inside of you.  This is no accident and it is not ironic.  You are meant to sense this.  God wants you to know Him.  His speech is silent…but He speaks.  May we have enough faith and curiosity to listen.

Must Do:  To listen to a Powerfully inspiring speech please go to the link below and listen to:  That's My King.  Do Not miss this opportunity to have words of knowledge and wisdom pour over you. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE


Many Blessings!

Seeing God! Page 4

Have you ever sat alone on the ocean shore-listening to the soothing breath of the waves?  The waters inhale and momentarily exhale.  Inhale…then exhale.  It’s as if the ocean’s ebb and flow is the breath of Earth itself.  The inhale and exhale of the tides can quiet our minds in such as way that peace flows through us and mentally alters us.  Our worries fade; our soul becomes quiet and acutely aware.  Our minds admit that something larger is present…and it is.  The vastness of the ocean diminishes our size in such a way that it suctions us to the sand we’re sitting on.  All of the sudden we feel the gravity of our own presence and…. possibly something else. 

 We may be observing the artistry of the sun dawning in all its glory…or watching our surreal moon rise in perfect form sending a path of light across the water.  No matter what time of day or night -when we’re at the ocean something speaks to our senses…and we attribute it to the presence of this vast body of water and the pull it seems to have on us.  Let’s give this presence another name; through nature let me to introduce you to the Living God.

In the book of Job God speaks and reveals His deep understanding of the working order of His physical creation-Earth- and therefore reveals His mind and character.  This amazing revelation is a must-read and can found in Job chapters 38-42.  Here are God’s words from  Job 38: 4-11

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?  Tell me, if you understand. 
Who marked off its dimensions?  Surely you know!
  Who stretched a measuring line across it?
 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone-
while the morning stars sang together
 and all the angels shouted for joy? Who shut up the sea behind doors
when it burst forth from the womb,
when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness,
 when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place,
when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther;
here is where your proud waves halt’." 

 In Genesis 1:1 God says He created the Heavens and the earth.  Let’s take Him at His word.  Let’s admit that our world, its skies and seas have a working order that did not come from chaos but was designed by THE architect of heaven and earth who is both the creator and the original artist.  He is the 1^st scientist and the creator of science; the one who laid the cornerstones of earth and told the seas they could come no further;  the master-mind of our universe and all that is beyond even that. The  living and breathing God. 

If we quiet our doubting hearts enough we can feel Him. If we lift our eyes to the heavens we can see him.  If we listen to the waves inhale and exhale we can sense Him- the very presence  of  God -as He breathes life into our exhausted souls.  It’s so easy to take in the sights and sounds of our natural surroundings and say out loud… “I believe in God”.    Take the opportunity to acknowledge that presence in your soul that whispers “I am who I am”.   Let nature and the natural order of His creation be the gateway to knowing and understanding God -who is not physically visible… but is.

Reference tool:  Do you want to literally see God.  Then I highly recommend you view the video entitled Indescrible By Louie Giglio (available on Youtube/link below).  It will expand your mind as you watch and learn amazing things about our universe and its amazing creator.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQTy2dIsgcM

May you be blessed beyond your wildest imagination!

Song Recommendation:

Indescribable
BY:  Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohmA9fPEpe4

The Small Gate on a Narrow Road Page 3

The Small Gate on a Narrow Road:

Are you familiar with those silver, metal criss-cross fences and gates?  You know…the kind that everyone put around their yards in the 60’s and 70’s? (We still have em around these days too).   These types of gates hold significance to me.  This kind of screechy metal gate sat at the entrance of my Maw Maw’s yard.   It led  past this huge, old oak tree and onto her screened in porch-which was full of rockers and gliders and was home to not one…but two coo-coo clocks.  There was a gate (although wooden) around  my Aunt Amy’s yard as well.  This Aunt lived in North Louisiana -miles and miles…and miles down a dirt road.  My parents would take us out to see her when we went to “the camp” (a cabin to some) up in north Louisiana.   Now, getting to Aunt Amy’s was, to be truthful, somewhat frightening.  Why?  Because this dirt road was surrounded on either side with woods; deep, dark, unfamiliar woods.  Along with this was the fact that we did not travel this road often….and there were forks and cross-roads to navigate.  My dad would start out at the top of this dirt road, cross over the cattle guard (which we thought was amazing) and then set his course as he remembered it.  I would literally be fearful that we may never be seen again.  We would come upon a fork in the road and I’d sense my dad’s hesitation.  He’d make his decision (which to me seemed at the last minute) and we’d keep going.

 I remember on one of our dirt road excursions, deep within these woods, daddy revealed that he, perhaps, made the wrong turn.  He literally put the car in reverse and we went back the way we came-backwards.  (Honestly, the dirt road was so narrow that there was no room to turn around).   Talk about the eyes of a child widening with fear!!! (LOL)  We eventually made it to Aunt Amy’s…which was another adventure all together.  When we got close to her house we’d know it.  The woods closely lining the road would end abruptly to our right as pasture land took its place.  A little bit further down we’d make a right turn and the Ouachita River would be flowing on our left- just outside the car window it seemed.  Within minutes we’d be there.    This river literally sat a stone’s throw from Aunt Amy’s front gate.   We’d get out of the car and immediately become intrigued by the fast-flowing water.  We’d throw a rock or two and then head to the front gate.  There were times when we had to cross from the gate to the screened in porch in a run…because there were pigs in the yard.  There was also a water well in the front yard (which was not something we’d see every day).  Aunt Amy was an interesting lady who could have worn an apron that read “Mother Time”.  Her voice was booming…and very recognizable.  I’d hug her hello but otherwise stay clear and observe her from afar. 

 Being at her home was like stepping back in time.  My dad shared that there used to be a boat that served as the school bus when he was a child.  Amazing!  Thinking back on my visits…it’s almost as if I envision it in black and white.  Everything was old.  The house was old, the furniture was old, the dishes were old, the sink and ice box were old.  Even the water seemed old.  Ok, well, it was brown and tasted old.  It was well water. Not as in “well with my soul” water.  This water was unfiltered, unpurified, unsanctified water.  I’d go thirsty for days before bringing myself to have a cup.  

The gates?  The gate at my Maw Maws and the gate at Aunt Amy’s each signify something blessed.   With my memories of these gates I have gone back to a precious time in my life.  Literally, these two gates led the way to the door of reunion and fellowship with my loved ones.  Here is the significance spiritually:  In Revelation 3:20 God says: “Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and him with me.”   

The road we travel in life may be long and shadowed by woods, the sun shining through at times.   We may navigate through it using our own abilities to chart our way-sometimes getting it right…and sometimes not.   It may be full of fearful adventures or just a lovely passage through time…probably a little of both.  Along this road we’ll reach a gate or two.  Entering leads way to a time of fellowship with those we love.

The gate we’re standing at today is the gateway to our spiritual life and a relationship with the Almighty God.  The creator of Heaven and earth wants to know you.   He stands, present, in your life.  Do you acknowledge this?  Scripture says in Matthew 10:32-33: “Whoever acknowledges me before men I will acknowledge him before my father in heaven.  But whoever disowns me before men I will disown him before my father in heaven.”  If we do one thing today—Let’s acknowledge that God is God.   In Exodus 3:14 God says: “I AM who I am”.  Scripture also says in Proverbs 3:6-  “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths”.   

Jesus gives us some advice in Matthew 7: 13-14 -“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it”.  

You have found it my friend…and fellowship with the living God is there for all who enter.
 “Welcome”.

Song Recommendation
The Creed
By Avalon

Who We Are Following! Page 2

 "The Lord is my shepard, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.  

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 23: 1-3

Before we begin our journey down the path less taken...let us understand who we are following.  The scripture above tells us that the Lord God is our guide...and that He will provide.  It tells us that we will find contentment,  a lush place to rest, water to drink and restoration for our souls. (This is speaking of things being "well in our souls" - of peace).   Even more than all of this...we will be led down paths of righteousness in the name of God.  Wow!  I'm comfortable with what God is offering here. Are you? Now I know that life is not perfect...but I have faith in the one who has called me to it.   Do you have faith in the Guide that has called you to this journey? 

Thomas C Upham wrote;

  "We must be wiling to live by faith, not hoping or desiring to live any other way. 

 We must be willing to have every light around us extinguished, 

to have every star in the heavens blotted out,

 and to live with nothing encircling us but darkness and danger. 

 Yes, we must be willing to do all this, if God will only leave within our soul 

an inner radiance from the pure, bright light that FAITH has kindled." 

Mr. Upham is speaking of the faith and courage we need when darkness of trials surrounds us.  The above scripture brings to mind bright, crisp days with green fields as far as the eye can see...and still waters sparkling in the rays of sun--you know--like those Spring days that "seem" perfect. We will continue to read the 23rd Psalm to see a contrast of the perfect days we are sometimes blessed with and those valleys we must sometimes endure.  The passage of time will indeed bring us through days of perfection and to nights when we have nothing but a kindling of faith.  With this truth we begin our journey....

Envision life as a beautiful winding road with hills, bends, forks and all of nature's beauty. Let's begin our walk in the sunshine.  God provides the sun that warms us, scenery that encourages us,  and fields of gold that invite us to sit and stay awhile.  These blessings truly sustain us.  He also challenges us with starless nights where courage is our only light.

In Psalm 23 verse 4 it states:

 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

There will be times that we're traveling in darkness, or even danger, with death looming. It is then, and always, that we must trust God's presence and path for our lives and step out with confidence that we're well taken care of. The remainder of the 23rd Psalm says in verses 5 & 6:

 "You prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 

 You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, 

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

God is always with us...even in the presence of our enemies.  Our life will overflow with love, no matter where we are along the path.  Even in the midst of our pain there is love....so let's be fine with where we find ourselves along the way--whether it be the brightest of days or the darkest of nights.  Let's maintain trust and faith in our Guide; our God.  He knows the path and what is ahead.  We can only see what is right in front of us but he can see around the  bends and over the hills.  He knows when we should linger and when we are required to step out in faith.  He knows the way to go and it's simply up to us to follow.  The road that is ahead of us is truly exciting.  God's plans for us include the wonderful anticipation of what is around the next corner. This is a life-long journey as we walk the path we're called to.  Whether the storms are raging or we are lingering by still waters let us remember who we are following… 

"Let us fix our eyes Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."  Hebrews 12: 2

Song Recommendation
Jesus Messiah
By:  Chris Tomlin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4whBsh9ovI&start_radio=1&list=RDf4whBsh9ovI