Seeking, Finding and a Promise to count on

So many of us, our neighbors, friends, and family members have been affected by the U.S. economic down turn.  Some having pay cuts, reduced hours, or even lost income.  So many times when faced in the valley as most of us are at this time, we are not sure who or what to turn to.  It was so easy when we were on the mountain top, but now...the valley...it is not so fun.  But nonetheless, we are instructed and encouraged to praise Our Lord always.

Often times, the only time we pray is in time of need.  Example...when life is on the line, when a loved one is in the hospital, or when one is hurt or suffering...we pray.  Without preaching...we are not to be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phil 4:6)

This leads me to a devotion I had read lately.  Are we seeking and finding? (Matt 7:7-8) "Ask, and God will give to you.  Search, and you will find.  Knock, and the door will open for you.  Yes, everyone who asks will receive.  Everyone who searches will find.  And everyone who knocks will have the door opened."

Did you catch some of those promises?  I know...perhaps some of us are asking....Where is God?  To answer this question...you must understand and believe He is everywhere you have ever been and everywhere you will ever go.  He is with us day and night; He knows our every thought; He hears our every heartbeat. 


Sometimes we think and believe in the crush of our daily lives and duties, God seems so far away.  Or sometimes, when the disappointments and sorrows of life leave us brokenhearted, God may seem distant, but He is not.  


When we earnestly seek God, we will find Him because He is here, waiting patiently for us to reach out to Him....right here...right now.


Billy Graham was once quoted saying..."Don't take anyone else's word for God.  Find him for yourself, and they you, too, will know, by the wonderful, warm tug on your heartstrings, that he is there for sure."


Now after seeking and finding Him.  We are given many promises, but here I invite you to read and consider this promise we can count on.  (James 1:12) "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing.  Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."


Throughout the seasons of life, we must all endure life altering personal losses and sacrifices that leave us breathless and into uncertainty.  When we do, we are normally overwhelmed by fear, by doubt, or by both.  Thankfully, God has promised that He will never desert us.  And God keeps his promises.


Life is often, and especially now, during this economic down turn, are challenging, but as Christians, we must trust the promises of our Heavenly Father.  God loves us, and He will protect us.  In times of hardship, He will comfort us; in times of sorrow, He will dry our tears.  When we are troubled or weak or sorrowful, God is with us.  His love endures, not only for a season, or for today, but also for all of eternity.


I pray we set our hopes on heaven, to hold firmly onto the promises and the promise of eternal life, so that we can withstand each struggle and storms we face in this world.


In closing this entry...let's remember...(James 14:13) "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do."


Prayer links us with God's true purposes not just for us, but also for the world.  It not only brings the blessings of God's Will to our own lives, it also brings us the added blessing of being in sync with God's plan.


Lastly, when we have our prayers answered, we must be willing to give God the glory when he acts----no matter what the result.  


Remember...Our Lord stated to the disciples, "Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son". (John 14:13)


Let's seek...find...and in prayer...count on his promises....


Pray without ceasing....God does have a plan for everyone of  us...and most of all....remember...God is and always will be 'In Control'.


God Bless my brother and sisters.

LAWN CARE FLYER

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Steven M. Horvath, Owner

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Joshua 1:1-9 Mediation

Upon reflection after reading Joshua 1:1-9. One thing seemed to hit me like a brick wall.  Throughout the passage we are told "To Be Strong and Courageous".  Part of how we can be strong and courageous hit me from verse 8.  We are told to not allow the Book of the Law depart from our mouth, then proceeds to instruct us to "mediate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful".

Mediate?? As I understand and what I do...is read scripture early in the morning and quietly ponder and reflect on it throughout the day.  In doing so...I believe this quiets your spirit and one is more receptive to hear what God has for us to hear.

When we mediate...I humbly believe not only does it quiet our spirit, but purifies my heart. In doing so, I believe it will sharpen our perception and understanding of God's word.  Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  The Bible can give you and me a discernment we did not have before.  Mediation also clarifies our direction.  Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."  This particular scripture is encouraging to me, as I am sure for those of us facing current economic and life challenges, burdens or heartache.  God is willing to show us how to walk through it successfully.  Bottom line...mediation and focusing on Scripture makes it easier to hear our God's guidance.

Mediation can also become our compass into God's word.  We also will most likely recall God's faithfulness in our lives and gain hope for the future.  Basically...as we remember such experiences...it can give you and I courage when we feel afraid.

Now comes, I believe the critical question we need to ask.  If I do not obey God, what will happen?  Remember...every action, good or bad, has a consequence.  We reap what we sow. 


Lastly, as we recall His promise to be with us at all times: The Lord told Joshua the He would never forsake him.  Scripture says you and I have the same assurance today.  Our God has all power to guide and direct us and give us success in life.

So what do you plan to do today?  Rush through your devotional or scripture today?  Or mediate, ponder, reflect on the words of God?  I choose today...to increase my mediation.

Patience and God's Clock

In accordance to (1 Peter 5:6, NIV), "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." 

We humans beings are, by nature, impatient.  We know what we want, and we know exactly when we want it - RIGHT NOW!  But, God knows better.  He has created a world that unfolds according to His own timetable, not ours.

As indicated in (2 Peter 1:6, NLT), "Knowing God leads to self-control.  Self-Control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness."  I can relate to this, still unemployed now for nearly 16 months...we are to be patient.  God is using our today's difficulties to  strengthen you for tomorrow.  The God that makes things grow will help you bear fruit.

Are bearing fruit?  Are you standing firm?  Are you trusting in our Lord?  Are you keeping the faith?... 

Do not hang on...but stand firm...Ephesians 6:10-18.