He's Got A Plan

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,  neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

Do you ever get overly concerned when you hear the doom and gloom stories nightly news? First, turn off the news. Why is it necessary to have a steady diet of bad stuff which is about 75% of it in my estimation. Stay positive and know God is the real master of the universe and if you trust Him then why should you fear?

His ways are bigger than our ways and He knows the big picture so to speak. He is greater than bully governments, terror threats, murders, evil tyrants, and much more. He is King, He is Lord, He Reigns! 

Next time you start wondering about the future and all the stuff going on in the world stop and try to think of at least one good thing. For three years I kept a blessing jar and each day would write one thing down on a slip of paper that was good that day. After a while it helps you start 'looking up' and trusting God more. 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for getting all caught up in bad news and starting to worry or fret. I know you are much greater an any mere man. I choose to put my trust in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Patience.It Can Be A Tall Order.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:36

Waiting is hard to do. Waiting for an 'overdue' birth past the date the baby was forecast. Waiting for your garden to grow. Waiting for a lost pet to return home. Waiting for a prodigal child. Waiting to see if you get into a certain college or accepted to medical school. Waiting for an answer to prayer.

In the Bible there were many scenarios where God required patience and things got rather messed up when someone jumped ahead and tried to orchestrate things themselves take Abraham and Sarah waiting for a baby God promised even though the mother to be was well past child bearing age. (See Genesis Chapter 12).

What is it you have a hard time waiting on? As hard as it may be, try to be still and allow God to work as He has planned. Don't jump ahead and mess things up. God has a plan.

PRAYER: I pray and pray yet nothing changes Lord. I don't want to jump ahead of what your plan is. Give me strength to be still when I would rather be anxious. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Get Out of God's Way(Let Him Work)

 For I know the plans I have for you,” clares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

 Do you ever try to orchestrate change in things by manipulation or some sort? This is not a good thing and when you do it you are acting like what Bible teacher Joyce Meyer calls 'Holy Spirit junior' which we are not called to do. We are called to pray and give things over to God not sit and stress and figure it out ourselves.

Things happen in God's timing and trying to jump ahead of God often has dire consequences. Think of the story of Abraham and Sarah not trusting God to bring them a baby in their old age and tried to work it out on their own. Read Genesis 18:10-12 for background on this story.

Our job is to keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting. Let God do the rest.

 PRAYER: Lord your plans are perfect and your timing is perfect. Help me not try to manipulate outcomes to prayers as your job is to hear our prayers and our job is to be faithful and trust. In Jesus' name. Amen.