September 28: Of Ways I Don't Understand

Isaiah 54:1-57:13
Ephesians 6:1-24
Psalm 70:1-5
Proverbs 24:8


I am struggling with something at the moment.  Someone I love hurt another person I love pretty badly a few months back, and they not only refuse to apologize, they refuse to even acknowledge the hurt they've caused. The struggle isn't with the person who caused the problem, though - it's with me, and my inability to trade my anger for forgiveness.  I look at the consequences of what they did, and I ask "Why, Lord?"  And I get no answer - at least none that makes sense.  

Then I read this in today's OT passage:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
     neither are your ways my ways'
     declares the Lord.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
     so are my ways higher than your ways
     and my thoughts than your thoughts."

To me, this verse enlightens my mind...but it is unsatisfying to my heart. "I get it, God.  You know better.  But...(stamp my feet)..."

And then I read backwards, and a little light clicked on:

Seek the Lord while He may be found;
     call on Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
     and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord and He will have mercy on them,
     and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

It isn't the other person being called unrighteous in this passage - it's me.  I am the wicked being called to forgive, the unrighteous being called to give up my self righteousness.  I don't know how God might be using this situation in the life of the person who caused the hurt.  I don't know how God might be using it in the life of the person who was hurt.  But if God is going to freely pardon me, shouldn't I be prepared to do the same, even if I don't understand why?

Father, many times what You choose isn't going to make sense to me.  And thinking about it, that's a good thing.  If everything You did made sense to me, You wouldn't be God, You'd be just, well...me.  So when You do things I don't get, when You permit things I don't understand, I ask not for the understanding that is beyond me, I ask for faith, and I ask for the guidance to respond as You would have me do.

Sept 27

Isaiah 53 

The story is told of a family who had developed a hobby of looking for semi-precious stone. On one trip they had gone to Maine to look for tourmaline crystals. Tourmaline is a transparent aluminum stone. As they were carefully examining the rocks, they noticed a glitter in a rock they were standing on. As they chipped away, they discovered a very long piece of tourmaline. It was several inches long and they estimated its worth at several hundred dollars. The mother then did something that wasn't wise. She gave the stone to the youngest son to take back to car. Well, on the way back the son saw a frog and decided to see if he could scare it. So, he threw the stone at the frog and the frog quickly disappeared along with the stone. It sank into the mud, forever lost.

When I first heard that story, I thought, how foolish of that young people to throw something so valuable at something so worthless. The problem the boy had was he didn't appreciate the value of the stone.

I think I do that that frequently in life. I have the opportunity every day to worship Jesus and be in a relationship with Him, but I throw away that opportunity to pursue the insignificant "frogs" of life.

I consider Isaiah 53 to be the highest mountain peak in the Old Testament. The value of Jesus is given to us in amazing detail. Did you see His value today?

Jesus was completely successful in his work. 

Jesus was brutality beaten so that I would not have to be.

Jesus paid the price for my sin. He bore my penalty. I am set free.

Jesus identified with common people just like me. He didn't ask me to reach up to Him. He reached down to me. He now changes my identity.

Jesus provides healing for all my brokenness.

Jesus died. God died for me. Pause and think about that one for a minute.

Jesus rose from the dead. There is a resurrection in this passage. Did you see it?

For all of these reasons, make Jesus your most valuable possession. Hold onto him tightly. 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, September 26

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019

 

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.  ‘In your anger do not sin’:  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold....

 

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption....  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:25-27,29,30,32)

 

 

These practical words of wisdom from Paul provide excellent guidance for conducting our relationships with others.  They also explain the close interconnectedness of our human relationships and our relationship with God.  Taking a godly approach to human relationships both brings life to other and deepens our fellowship with God our Father.

 

How could we summarize Paul’s teaching?  In short, we may maximize our relationships by honoring God and others, an attitude that come into short supply.  Honor requires intentional effort:  thoughtfulness, discretion, and consideration.  But the benefits far outweigh the costs.  Honor results in joy and blessing for bother the recipient and the giver.

 

We cultivate an attitude of honor through the humble recognition that we are part of one Body and wish to bless the whole.  As C. S. Lewis explains, humility doesn’t mean thinking less of ourselves, but rather thinking of ourselves less.  Humility gives birth to others-mindedness and a true compassion.

 

Keeping short accounts—forgiving others quickly and showing grace in the little things—supports unity.  Anger and unforgiveness soon lead to bitterness and hardness of spirit, killing the prospect of intimacy or compassion.  As Paul points out, God’s tremendous grace makes our small acts of forgiveness not only possible but a true reflection of what we have received.

 

Whom do you know that gives life to others?  How could you imitate them more today?

 

For me, I have been richly blessed with many life-giving people, starting with my parents.  God has also placed great mentors in my life, who have challenged me and helped me to understand the value of humility and integrity.  The Grace Church family and my colleagues at work also share life and are in pursuit of purposeful outcomes.  Thank You, Father!

 

 

Lord God, thank You for reconciling us to Yourself through the shed blood of Your Son.  Help us to love and honor You and others in our day-to-day living.  Give us wisdom as we choose our words and attitudes towards others.  Bring humility into our lives so that we may bless and give life.  In Jesus’s mighty Name, amen.

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

596 Glenbrook Road, Unit 13 | "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection

Stamford, CT  06906-1423    |  and the life.  He who believes in me will

(C) 203.820.1741            |     live, even though he dies; and whoever

(H) 203.355.9374            |   lives and believes in me will never die.

(E) swe@edwa.info           | Do you believe this?'"    -- John 11:25,26

 

Sept. 25

Psalm 68

This Psalm written by David is a hymn describing God's victory over His foes and His choice of Jerusalem as the place of His dominion. As I was reading it, I began thinking about victories. By definition, victory is overcoming the enemy. In our Christian walk, we pray for God's hand to move in our life and help us be victorious in our challenging circumstances.  We have all experience these victories at some point in some situation. As I was thinking about though, not each challenge is met with a victory that we can see or understand, and because we live in a fallen world, behind each victory there will be yet another challenge, (excuse my cynicism). As I was reading today's Psalm, I realized that because of our faith there is an ultimate victory that we all will be apart of. At the end of HISTORY, God wins. God has ultimate dominion. So I would like to encourage everyone to celebrate the victories God gives us and enjoy the euphoria knowing that each victory is taste of heaven. Celebrate, magnify, and glorify God because there will be a glorious day when victory will be forever.

Randi

September 21: Hezekiah’s Faith

Isaiah 37:1-38:22

Galatians 6:1-18

Psalm 65:1-13

Proverbs 23:24

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

• Galatians 6:9

In isolation, this verse seems perfectly sensible, absolutely doable.  Of course we do not give up!  Why would we?  We have the Lord!

And then life hits.  Marriages struggle, spouses fight, families fall apart as children rebel.  Hard work isn't appreciated, the loyal employee is let go.  Finances look dire, health deteriorates.  Where then is the hope?  Why isn't giving up the logical choice?

In this, Hezekiah is my inspiration.  Faced with slaughter and enslavement at the hands of an enemy they could not defeat, he found the strength to turn to God - in today's reading not just once, but twice.  Faced with death per God's word, he found the will to turn to God a third time.  Leave aside for a moment the fact that, in both situations, his prayers were answered.  When faced with impossible situations, without knowing how God would answer, Hezekiah had such a relationship with, and a faith in God, that his instinct was to turn to Him.

Why the instinct to turn to a God Who had ordained his painful circumstances in the first place, Who had "like a lion [broken] all my bones", for help? Perhaps the secret to Hezekiah's faith was in how he chose to see his painful circumstances: "Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish."

That's the faith I want.  The one that can see the pain in my circumstances and know that not only is God in control, God is permitting these things to come to pass FOR ME.  For my benefit.  Because He loves me.  I want that faith even when I don't know how things are going to turn out.

Father you said that if we were lacking in faith, we had but to ask and You would give abundantly.  Give us faith like Hezekiah's, that we can take comfort in the knowledge of Your love and control whatever our circumstances.  

Sept 20

Galatians 5

The movie "Freedom Writers" is the gripping story of inner-city kids raised on drive-by shootings, gang warfare and hard-core attitudes - and the teacher who gives them hope of a better life. These kids live in a world torn apart by the choices of others... dysfunctional parents, gang members, cruel friends, and the harsh realities of life in the ghetto. Yet their teacher continually tells them, "You have a choice."

We also have a choice in a world torn apart by hatred, bitterness, addictions and ungodliness.  

"So, I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature."  Gal 5:16

We can choose to live by the Spirit or choose to live by what we feel is right (our sinful nature). It is a daily choice. Here is the harsh reality: while we have the freedom to choose our actions, we do not have the freedom to choose our consequences. The wrong choice about true freedom will always lead to bondage. Our world is filled with people living in bondage and they mistake it for freedom.

My prayer is that we will all live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Choose freedom; choose the Spirit.

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, September 19

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.  Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'  So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir....  It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 4:3-7, 5:1)

In his letter to the Galatians, among the first of Paul's letters, he addresses the essential nature of the Gospel message and its implications for this young church.  In Chapters 4 and 5, he contrasts the slavery of sin and the freedom of sonship.  Due to living in this world, we may waver between these two contrasting points, but these Scriptures are clear:  God has allowed us to receive adoption as His sons and daughters and to experience real freedom.

The verses from Galatians 4:3-7 highlight the interconnectedness of the Trinity in our adoption to sonship.  God the Feather sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to "redeem those under the law."  He took on full humanity, "born under the law," so that he might serve as a perfect and complete sacrifice for those who would follow Him.  Subsequently, God the Father sent the Spirit so that we may cry out, "Abba, Father!"  That is, God both makes it possible for us to become adopted as sons and then to embrace that adoption.

In a very helpful book, Dr. David Seamonds delineates between the privileges of sons and daughters vs. the responsibilities of servants.  The servant looks to earn the master's acceptance, but the son or daughter already has full acceptance as an heir.  Nonetheless, we hang on to a performance orientation, which ultimately feeds our pride.  We wish to justify ourselves rather than to receive the full justification that God richly provides.

Seamonds writes:  "After many years of pastoral ministry in which it has been my privilege to counsel people of varying races and cultures, I have come to a strong conclusion that the last thing we humans surrender to God is an admission of our helplessness to save ourselves.  We will give up our sins, ambitions, money, name, fame, comfort; we are willing to sacrifice and surrender them all to God.  But the most difficult, costly, and last thing we will give up is our confidence that there is something we can do that will earn us a right relationship with God."

As you study Galatians, where do you fall?  In light of Paul's words, how might you adjust your approach to sonship vs. the slavery of proving yourself (and the burden of sin)?

Lord God, thank You for bringing freedom through the completed work of Christ.  Help us to grow closer to You and to embrace our sonship more fully.  Give us greater confidence in Your rich provision and the freedom that You have provided.  In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.

Sept. 18

Psalm 62

I was reading this Psalm in the Hebrew translation and as while reading, I was curious as to why verse 2 and verse 6 repeat. When I studied it a bit more, I learned it's to emphasis the "stillness", and "only". "My soul, wait in stillness, only for God".  That emphasis on the surrendered stillness where we meet God "alone" is for us to know that He alone can answer our prayer.  There are too many times when we come to a place and things just don't make sense anymore. Our natural tendency is of course to ask God "why", but we need to shut out the noise and quiet our souls first if we expect to hear His voice. This is an intentional time when all the words have all been said or perhaps no words will come, all the tears have been cried and there just aren't any left,and we get to a place where whatever the issue is, it rests with Him alone.  The problem we face though is that our natural mind is prone to reason. We want an answer when God wants us to believe a promise. We try to rationalize when we ought to just believe. We tend to continue talking when we ought to be quiet, or we go our own way and run ahead of God, when we ought to follow the direction he gave us and walk in God's way. In our stillness, alone, comes the expectation of His answer. That's where we see God as our anchor, and we are not moved. "Trust in Him at all times, Pour out your heart in His presence, God is our refuge" (v9). That will never change. I found comfort in this today, as I've been wrestling with issues the past few weeks which are beyond my control and I've done all that I can do. I don't know, but maybe this is why God will sometimes keep us in a place where we "just stand". We don't know why, perhaps to draw us closer, perhaps to conform our souls more to Christ's.  When we're in that stillness and all that is of our self and our surroundings must be silent and our soul is alone with God, expect to hear God as He alone has our answer. It might be "yes", it might be "no", or it might be "just wait". Whatever it is, it doesn't change who God is, and that's where our hope and our answer is.

Randi

September 14: Ad Hominem

Isaiah 15:1-18:7

Galatians 1:1-24

Psalm 58:1-11

Proverbs 23:12

Ad hominem.  I had to look up what it meant to be sure - it means to oppose an argument by either appealing to emotion or prejudice, or by attacking the character of the argument's proponent.  You see this a lot these days, but it isn't new.  

Today's reading from Galatians tells in part of the need Paul feels to defend himself against those whose preaching was inconsistent with the Gospel and who, to sway others, attacked Paul's history as a persecutor of the early church.  

As Christians, we get that a lot. The world seems to think that, in order to be a "worthy" Christian, we have to be blameless.  And then they call us intolerant, they call us bigots, they call us hypocrites because we have sinned.

They miss the point - well, two points, really.  The first, that our imperfections are not an impediment to our faith; in fact, our recognition of our fallen nature is critical to our faith.  Which is why Paul didn't deny his past - he declared it: "for you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church and tried to destroy it."

The second point they miss - in focusing on the messenger, they miss the message.  In this case, that salvation comes not by works, not by the Judaic practices some were insisting were still necessary, but by faith.

If it was good enough for Paul, it is good enough for us.  When we speak of our faith, we should expect accusations about our past that may be painfully true.  When this happens, let's remember that (1) Paul's sin was pretty serious; (2) God chose to use him nonetheless.  Let us remember that it is the message that is important - not the messenger. And let us not allow ourselves to be discouraged by the ad hominem attacks.  If God could use a man as sinful as Paul, He can certainly use us.

Thursday, September 12

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

"When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God It rust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?

"... For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling
that I might walk before God
in the light of life." (Psalm 56:3-4,11)



David encountered plenty of difficulties en route to becoming Israel's king. This psalm recounts his reaction "when the Philistines had seized him in Gath."

Please take note of David's perspective. He took a realistic assessment of the situation but focused his attention on his true Help: "Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me;/ all day long they press their attack." God has given us senses to perceive and collect the reality in front of us. Sometimes in prayer, we echo David's sentiments, simply to lay our situation before our heavenly King.

Even in this dire moment, David keeps himself from despair by remembering God's power to save and His constancy. David reaffirms his praise of God's Word and his trust. From these simple acts of commitment, God grants him freedom from fear: "What can man do to me?"

We may gain from David's approach. He wrestled with his situation, lamented its severity, but ultimately trusted in God. He willed his heart to remember God's trustworthiness. This pattern applies just as well to us.


Lord God, thank You for the example of your servant, David. We thank You for sharing his wrestling with trials of many kinds. We thank You that Your Son indeed faced similar hardships and can indeed sympathize with us in our weakness. We thank You that Your grace is perfected in our moments of frailty. Strengthen us to trust You in the hills and the valleys. Show us specific promises from Your Word so that we may stand firm. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.



________________________________________________________________________
596 Glenbrook Road, Unit 13 | "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection
Stamford, CT 06906-1423 | and the life. He who believes in me will
(C) 203.820.1741 | live, even though he dies; and whoever
(H) 203.355.9374 | lives and believes in me will never die.
(E) swe@edwa.info | Do you believe this?'" -- John 11:25,26

Sept. 11

Psalm 55

The psalm describes a time of some kind of rebellion or power struggle against David.  The city is dangerous because of the rebellion, and David cries out to God. As I read this I could identify with David and with his cry for help as I'm sure many of us can. We all want God to take care of the bad guy and come to our rescue. What stood out to me the most though was the last few verses. God assures us that He will answer our prayer. He says: "Cast your burden on Adonai, and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous be shaken. .....But I - I will trust in You". Even as we read Isaiah this morning, we are assured of the Child that will be born, the Son that has been given to us, the One who rules over all, the Prince of Peace. The promises all rest in a Person. As we reflect on history and the tragic events which marked today, let's not forget HIS-STORY. In the midst of confusion, we have the answer. Trusting in the living God sustains us through tragedy and gives us hope beyond what we see. I pray today we bring this message of hope with us as we leave the comfort of our homes and go into the world today. Jesus, we will trust in You.

Randi

September 7: Of Dependence, Redemption and Transformation

Song of Songs 5:1-8:14

2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Psalm 51:1-19

Proverbs 22:24-25

There are many psalms I pray, but there is none I need more than Psalm 51.  I need it more than the instruction of, say, Philippians 4:4, because there are times I DO rejoice in the Lord.  But while I am sometimes obedient to the instructions there, and in other psalms, I am always a sinner.  And so I constantly need Psalm 51. 

I've prayed it so often, but today, thinking on it, I realized something: it isn't just a psalm of repentance, it is a declaration of dependence.  While the author repents, nowhere in psalm does he say his repentance triggers forgiveness.  His repentance is merely a statement of fact, a recognition of his unworthiness.  

For I know my transgressions

   And my sin is always before me.

Against You, You only, have I sinned

   And done what is evil in Your sight

And:

"Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

You see, the author recognizes the redemption is COMPLETELY in God's hands.  He asks God to cleanse him with hyssop, to wash him, to hide His face from the author's sins and blot out the author's iniquity.  He knows he cannot change his heart, so he asks God to change it for him.  And he pleads that God remain with Him.  Confession and repentance depend on the sinner, but his redemption, his transformation?  They are completely dependent on God.

This is a difficult lesson for me.  I want to be able to work out my own salvation.  The problem is, every time I try to change, I find the old sins lurking in the recesses of my heart and mind, waiting to pounce when I least expect it.  I am too weak to completely defeat my sins.  But in my frustration, this is also a relief - that I do NOT have to depend on my inadequacy and imperfection.  Because after my repentance and confession, redemption and transformation come from God.

Father, you know I can be persistently stubborn.  When I insist on working out my salvation on my own, remind me that only You can do that, and that all You want from me is a simple admission of the truth of my sinfulness and dependence upon you.  

Sept 6

September 6, 2019

Song of Songs

 

The Presbyterian Church shocked the religious community a few years ago when it released its highly controversial report on human sexuality.  The church leaders assumed that sexual gratification was a need and a right, and therefore it was not to be limited in any way. The "NEW" Christian ethic of sexuality is that the church will no longer insist on celibacy for the single person, nor restrict sexual activity to marriage. You are free to do whatever you want sexually, as long as there is justice and love surrounding it.

Whom do we trust? Experts of psychology, sociology and liberal theology or is the Bible still the pre‑eminent source of truth? One thing is sure, both can't be right.

The issue of sexuality is a topic about which God is not bashful.

 

Song of Songs 3:5   "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."

 

Song 8:8-10

"We have a young sister, and her breasts are not yet grown.

What shall we do for our sister for the day she is spoken for?

If she is a wall, we will build towers of silver on her.

If she is a door, we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

 

Solomon is saying that love refuses to be rushed. It is important to put a wall up until the day of the woman's marriage. She was not to give herself in unrestrained passion to another person until a covenant was formed. If it was important for ancient Israel to hear the counsel of patience and restraint, how much more important is it for our society today?

 

Richard Foster says of boundaries of sex, "Sex is like a great river that is rich and deep and good as long as it stays within its proper channel. The moment a river overflows its God‑given banks, it become destructive."

 

Pause right now and invite Jesus to be king of your sexuality. Commit yourself to following the ancient pathway and it will spare you needless heartbreak.

 

 

--

"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, September 5

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Many of today's readings touched upon either the vanity of riches or the value of generosity.  Paul charges the Corinthians with remembering other believers who are struggling, pointing out that our plenty can meet others' need, and vice versa:  "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.  At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need.  The goal is equality, as it is written:  'The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.'"

This generosity cannot be compelled; rather, it comes from the heart and thereby brings glory to God.  We do not give in order to receive, but rather to bless.  We receive blessings from God so that, in turn, we may bless others.  While the currency today is money, there are strong parallels here with the concept of the diversity in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12).  We give of what we have so that the whole Body may reach its full potential.

The Lord Jesus Christ provides the greatest example of generosity.  He willingly took on the role of a humble, earthly servant, leaving His post as exalted, heavenly King.  Following His path leads to a great eternal perspective, freedom, and joy.

On a personal note, yesterday proved to be a particularly discouraging day.  Something hoped for fell through.  My health has been flagging this week.  I struggled in communication.  As I reflected on these disappointments, I initially felt a rush of anger.  Upon further reflection, I am left trusting more in God's provision and seeking His strength more fully for today.  His plans and purposes are best.  Lord, help me to embrace that today.  Thank You for never giving up on us, but rather giving continuously!

Lord God, You showed us tremendous generosity through sending Your Son, the heavenly King, to come as a humble servant.  His generosity has welled up in eternal life for us, as we have received Him into our lives.  Change us, O God, so that we may demonstrate a similar generosity with others.  Help us to use worldly means to affect heavenly change.  Show us where we may share the blessings You have give us with others.  In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.

Blog post

Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18

2 Corinthians 7:8-16

Psalm 48:1-14

Proverbs 22:17-19

Todays blog I got a great sense of how following advice from wise people should be taken strongly. We often pray for Gods guidance as we struggle with decisions. What we need is both guidance and a guide -a map that gives us landmarks and directions and a constant companion who has intimate knowledge of the way, and will make sure we interpret the map directly. The Bible serves as a map and the Holy Spirit will be the constant companion and guide. As you make your way through life use both the map and your guide. We must take time to listen to the word of God and place our trust in him.

"Godly sorrows brings repentance that leads to salvation" refers to the sorrow for our sins that results in changed behavior. Many people are sorry only for the effects of their sins or for being caught ("worldly sorrow"). Compare results of remorse and repentance with Judas's bitterness and act of suicide. Both disowned Christ. One repented and was restored to faith and service; the other took his own life.  Paul affirmed the Corinthians for their right response to the correction he had given them. It's difficult to accept criticism, correction, or rebuke with grace. It is much more natural to be defensive and then counterattack. We can accept criticism with self-pity, thinking we don't really deserve it. We can be angry and resentful, but a mature Christian should graciously accept constructive criticism, sincerely evaluate it and grow from it.

We are to enjoy what we have while we can, but realize that difficulties also may arise. Difficult times reminds us that life is short, teaches us to live wisely, and refines our character. Most would agree that we learn more about God from difficult times than from happy times. Do you try to avoid sorrow and sufferings at all costs? We can see our struggles as great opportunities to learn from God.

To finish what we start takes hard work, wise guidance, self-discipline and patience. Anyone with vision can start a big project, but vision without wisdom will result in unfinished projects and goals. God allows both good times and bad times to come to everyone. He blends them in our lives in such a way that we cannot predict the future or count on human wisdom and power. We usually give ourselves the credit for the good times. Then in bad times, we tend to blame God without thanking him for the good that comes out of it.

When life appears certain and controllable, don't let self-satisfaction make you too comfortable, or God may allow bad times to drive you back to him. When life seems uncertain and uncontrollable don't loose hope. God is in control and will bring good out of your struggles. 

Even if he had access to all the worlds wisdom, the wisest man would know very little. No one can fully comprehend God and all that he has done, and there are always more questions than answers. But the unknown should not cast a shadow over our joy, faith or work because we know hat someone greater is in control and that we can put our trust in him. Don't let what you don't know about the future destroy the joy God wants to give you today. In todays world, society honors wealth, attractiveness and success above wisdom. Yet wisdom  is a greater asset than strength and more effective, wisdom is not always heard. Let us become receptive to wisdom no matter who it comes from,

Amen