“Work what God gave you!”

 

WORK WHAT GOD GAVE YOU! “Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams.” – (Benjamin Carson) God wants us to put our hand to the plow, keeping moving forward in our work that He might bring us to a place of blessings. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” (Proverbs 22:29)

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“Dear God, You are wonderful!”

Have you ever had those moments in life when you couldn’t really articulate the heart, but just the simplest of phrases seem to come to the forefront of your mind.

One of those moments just hit me, and all I could think was, “Dear God, You are wonderful!”

You see, many thoughts come through our heads, and it’s literally when we start thinking of all that He has done for us, for this new day that He brought us through to see, and all the beautiful stuff in between, all my mind and my heart could say was, “Dear God, You are wonderful!”

Moments like that hit every Christian during their days and journeys on this earth.  Moments of reflection that cause us to spout in adoration the appreciation we feel for Him. The psalms are written because the hearts of individuals have been touched in a way that only God can touch them and their soul couldn’t help but tell of the goodness they found in Him, and inspire others through their words, songs, prayers, and recountings of His moving in their lives.

My soul takes joy when I read that the Lord will hear when I call (Psalm 4:3) and that He has set the godly apart for Himself.  When I read simple words that tell me He is my shield (Psalm 3:3), I feel so loved and protected under the safety of His refuge (see also Psalm 17:8).  When Your Word tells me, “Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of mine enemies…” (Psalm 23:5), a tear of joyfulness comes in the midst of the concerns of my heart.  My times are truly in Your hands (Psalm 31:15) and over and over again in Your Word, Your goodness, love, and mercy show me just how valued I am in Your sight.

I really could go through His Word in the psalms and throughout this Holy Book and find reason after reason to say, “Dear God, You are wonderful!”

Nonetheless, today I will not allow my praise to be restricted.  Even if I have nothing magnanimous or grandiose to say according to others, I know that God loves to hear from His children, and I want to tell my beautiful Heavenly Father, “Dear God, You are wonderful!”

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“Wait on God!”

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint,” Isaiah 40:31

I must admit that patience is not a top priority on our list of must-do priorities.  Oh, you have a list and so do I, whether it’s actually written down somewhere or mentally stored in your consciousness where you are checking it off as you go through the day.  These lists are designed for us to do as much as humanly possible in one day.  They are supposed to bring order to the chaotic American schedule.  Well . . . how’s it going for you today?  That’s what I thought.  Either that list has become so astronomically large you can’t even begin to scratch the surface.  Or, your day has become so tight to adhere to the regulations of your list that there is no room to breathe or experience any joy, zapping the strength right out of you.

Now, there are some who have mastered the list and still manage to have a life.  But, they are few and far between.  For us average folk the list has become a foe.  If we don’t get everything done on it, it tends to point out our deficiencies making us feel that we will never get on top of it all.  Or, if we do complete it, we are to the point of exhaustion: physically, mentally and spiritually.

Most of us do need to tone up in the area of good organizational methods, but the drive that leads us to put so much on our plate at one time has become unrealistic.  This culture mainly thrives here in America where our nation has become success-obsessed.  This cause can be mainly contributed to our impatience.  Not waiting for things to naturally come and fall into place through a good, hard, regular work ethic.  Instead, we try to push and force success in an unnatural, over-obsessed way.

Not only does this ring true in secular society but also for us who are in Christ.  In our haste to see things happen, to see things move we try to force the hand of God.  And, when He is not moving according to our supposed schedule, the list comes out and the push to get things going unnaturally propels us to take matters into our own hands.  Though patience is a fruit of the Spirit it is a fruit that most of us have yet to develop.  I understand how hard it is to wait for anything.  But, sometimes it’s as if God is saying to us, “I’ve got this.”  For us, there is a humble submission of our will so that the promise can be completed.

Through chapter forty of the book of Isaiah God is stating His case before us.  He is listing all the reasons one can trust Him with whatever you are going through.  He is the preparer and fulfiller of our soul’s salvation (VSS. 3-5).  It is His Word that is sure and will “stand for ever,” (VSS. 6-8).  He is your God and rules in power and with Him, He is bringing a reward (VSS. 9-10).  He is our provider and has promised to care for us (vs. 11).  He has shown forth His creative power (vs. 12).  He is omniscient, possessing unlimited knowledge (VSS. 13-14).  Everything else is insufficient to handle the task (VSS. 15-17).  The works of men are useless (VSS. 19-20) in comparison to the awesome majesty of God (VSS. 21-23).  “To whom then will you like me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One,” (vs. 25).  “He is strong in power” (vs. 26) and “fainteth not, neither is weary,” (vs. 28).  He is screaming out, “I am your Help!” (vs. 29).  So the admonishment to “wait” is because He’s got this!  He can handle it!  There is no greater power – no greater resource outside of him!  So, wait!

Waiting is not always easy.  Not by a long shot.  But, the fruit it produces can really turn out to be a beautiful thing, a beautiful promise fulfilled, and a beautiful end to the story.  The lists prioritizing our lives will go on but we don’t have to force our way to success.  Life is burdensome enough without adding all the extra stresses to it.  “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God,” (Isaiah 40:1).  Today, I will wait on God.  I don’t have to force anything.  In all the prosperity messages coming across the pulpit sometimes we have to remind people, and ourselves, to just wait.  It’s not worth it any other way.

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“Today, you are hidden under the wings of God!”

Today, God’s people are hidden under the span of His wings. Those who trust in the Lord are covered under the protection and power of our God. Father God, thank You for Your covering of peace and protection today. Thank You, that in You we find peace and refuge. In the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN! “He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:4)

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Father God, You are everything I need to sail through the storms of this life!

FATHER GOD, YOU ARE MY
ANCHOR, WHEN THE WAVES
ARE TOSSED AND THE WIND
BLOWS.

YOU ARE THE ONE WHO
STEADIES ME THROUGH ALL
OF LIFE’S HIGHS AND LIFE’S
LOWS.

YOU ARE THE ONE WHO
HOLDS ME THROUGH THE
BLUSTERY GALES.

IT IS IN YOU I PUT MY TRUST,
AND IN MY LIFE, WITH YOU,
I SAIL.

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“It is better to trust in the Lord!”

EVERY DAY AND IN EVERY WAY! “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man,” Psalm 118:8

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“Spread the Love!”

TODAY, SPREAD THE LOVE! “Sow seeds of love everywhere you go and you’ll never know what harvest you will reap.” (Word For Life Says) “Let all your things be done with charity.” (1 Corinthians 16:14) “Practice random beauty and senseless acts of love.” (Anonymous)

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“Who’s Holding You?”

There is so much hurt and disappointment in the world today. So many people’s hearts are crying out for relief. These verses were laid heavily on my heart to send out as a spiritual S.O.S. to someone somewhere. I have clung to these in my own times of personal trial and I hope they help you also.  Be encouraged that God Almighty, no matter what you are going through today, is holding you in the palm of His hands!

 Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.  Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.  For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” (Isaiah 41:9b-13).

GOD IS HOLDING YOU TODAY!

Sunday School Lesson Series: “Christmas”

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:11

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” – 2 Corinthians 9:15

Christmastime really is the most wonderful time of the year, but not for the reasons most profess it.  Caught up in commercialism and materialism, many are so focused on the giving of gifts that they forget or take their focus off the greatest gift given: Jesus Christ our Savior.  He is the reason we celebrate.  He is the reason for the season.

The verses above remind us of all the wonderful things God has secured for us through the coming of His Son into this world.  As we draw deeper into this blessed season, may our hearts be enlightened more with the truth behind the reason we celebrate: JESUS.  It’s all about Him.

In light of that, I have put together a Christmas Series of Sunday School Lessons to help us and students draw nearer to Him and to learn and appreciate more the realness of this wonderful time.  Each of these lessons is designed to be used as individual lessons, or as seen here,  they can be grouped together to be used as a series.    Below you will find four links to the lessons offered.

As always, while I provide resources and activities for lessons and lesson development, I encourage my readers to do their own personal studies as well.

To access the lessons, simply click on the links below.

“An Angel Foretells of John’s Birth” – Luke 1:8-20

Before Gabriel spoke to Mary, he appeared to another person in relation to the future Messiah.  He came to a man by the name of Zacharias and foretold of the child he would father.  This child would grow to be a messenger before the Lord and would be he of whom it was prophesied as the one who would be characterized as, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” (Mark 1:3).

“Gabriel Foretells of Jesus’ Birth” – Luke 1:26-38

These little details that surround the greatest story ever told can get lost in the bustle of the celebration.  But, if we take the time to sit and listen as Mary did with the angel, we too can find assurance in the plans that God has for us in our lives.

“Mary’s Song” – Luke 1:39-56

Let your soul magnify God with Mary! God is worthy to be praised! Not just in those marvelous times when He is working miracles out for you and me, but praise Him as Mary did, for His holiness. Praise Him for being the great God that He is!

“Jesus’ Birth” – Luke 2:8-20

If nothing else will move the soul, the birth of our Savior ought to give us all a reason to reflect on the goodness of the Lord and praise Him as the shepherds did on that Holy Night.

May these lessons bless you and help you to fully appreciate and celebrate our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Lord, and all that He has done for each of us.  Blessings and peace to you all!