God Really Does Care

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Things in life are going to happen both good and bad. No one is immune. Just this past week I know of two families struggling with the loss of a mom and wife, one was quite before the typical age we associate with dying. Tragedy happens sometimes unexpectedly as in the death of a baby or child. Why? I do not know but I know that God is bigger than any problem. There is a given in life and that is we all will die someday.

Do you feel God has abandoned you or do scream out in anger at Him over taking your loved one away from you? God loves you my friend. He has experienced every pain we have. Satan is the one who attempts to get you to scream and curse God. Don't do it my friend. Instead thank Him for the time you were blessed with the gift of the beloved one who has gone on to be with Him.

PRAYER: Lord I know you love me. Your love knows no bounds. Forgive me if I have ever doubted your love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a song of praise to get your Sunday started.

http://youtu.be/BTi2-VIcaRw

WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL!

 I believe it was the late maestro and television star Lawrence Welk, who many in my generation probably remember on television, would often say in his familiar accent "Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful" when referring to the music of his orchestra or the voices of the talented singers on his show. You don't find a decent show like his on anymore except in re-runs.
 I loved when he said it because it made you feel good. Life is wonderful. Many going through trials, hardships, tribulations and hurting right now may not agree with me. Truly though we have much to say "wonderful, wonderful, wonderful" about if you would take time from complaining, worrying, and busyness to stop and think on that a while.
 Get a piece of paper and make a list of all the wonderful things in your life. Things you can give God thanks for. It could even bad things that led you into good things.
1 Thessalonians 5:18(NIV) reminds us 'give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.' This verse means what it says, ALL circumstances. Can you do that?
Psalm 139:14(NIV) says 'I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful.I know that full well.' Right now stop what you are doing and think on the wonders of God. It will do you good.
 PRAYER: This earth and all that is in it is wonderful Lord. You indeed have given us much more than we deserve. Just watching wildlife and plants bloom I am in awe of your creation. Seeing a newborn baby and knowing how you knit it together in the mother's womb. What a miracle indeed. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

ATTITUDE OF PRAISE

Last Sunday evening no doubt most televisions  were tuned to the Discovery Channel to watch the amazing attempt of daredevil Nik Wallenda to walk the high wire across the Grand Canyon and without a net or a safety harness. Needless to say the 25 minutes or so it took Mr. Wallenda to successfully complete this harrowing task seemed long and brought cheers and sighs of relief from his family, onlookers, and to viewers at homes when he safely reached the other side.

Mr. Wallenda is a devout Christian and before he attempted his crossing of the canyon he was seen having prayer with Pastor Joel Osteen. Later during the duration of his very careful "stroll" across this wire with an "open mike" he was wearing, you could hear him constantly in an attitude of prayer and praise. He would say things like "Thank you Jesus for your strength. Thank you Jesus for calming the wind. Help me relax Jesus. Praise you Jesus. Thank you for your beautiful creation. " I loved it! His praise and talking to God went on the entire time he crossed. What a testimony to millions of viewers! 

You don't need to be in a dangerous situation to cry out to God but you can praise and talk to Him all the time. When you do, wait and see if your fears start to melt away. Psalm 113:3(NIV) says '

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.' Psalm 18:3(NIV) says ' I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.' In Proverbs 18:10 we are told  'The name of the Lord is a fortified tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.'

You can call on Jesus who is worthy to be praised and you will be saved from your enemies. His name is mighty and powerful. Don't wait till you are doing something dangerous but call on Him each and every day. He will see you through.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for your word. Thank you Lord for your protection. Thank you Lord that your word does not return void. Thank you for being my shield. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Note: Go to www.nikwallenda.com for more on his faith