Tag Archives: relief

GOD’S PERFECT TIMING.102315

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race horsesIn Isaiah 40:31, it says, “They that wait on the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up with wings as eagles, they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint.”  Waiting (patiently).  It’s a great concept, but very hard to accomplish.  In my life, I find I have to do a lot of waiting.  In my job, I wait on answers from the client, or a decree from a judge, or 92 cars in front of me in traffic, or for the check in the mail.  Sometimes I’m able to see through the wait to what God is doing for me by making me wait, but most of the time not.  Some days I remember that wait and hope are the same word in Spanish, and I fervently hope that God is doing something, even though it sure doesn’t look or feel like it.  Occasionally, very occasionally, I get around to trusting God, knowing that all things (even waiting) work together for good to those that love the Lord, to the ones that are “the called” according to His purpose. (Rom 8:28)  That helps me relax.  Rarely, I remember that passage in 1 Thess. 5:16-18, where it says, “Rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, in all things give thanks (even in the waiting) for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  Continue reading →

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PRACTICING CHRISTIAN, PART THREE.102215

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Stress Burdens Sticky Notes Reminders for Stressful LifeIn the most recent post on this subject, I discussed that ‘practicing’ Christians follow certain fundamentals in their lives, the way baseball players follow certain fundamentals in playing baseball, and 1] is FOCUS ON GOD EVERY DAY.  I said something like, “Give Him some time and attention”.

Just this week I’ve been reminded that there are a lot of distractions in the world that keep us from (or impede our progress in) building this kind of relationship with Jesus.  I’m talking A LOT of distractions.  Some of them large and threatening, others apparently small and insignificant, but just as distracting.  Many of these are serious problems that require a great deal of time and attention, particularly in the eyes of well-meaning, God-fearing, Bible-believing people.  Things such as the state of our nation; the many astounding changes in our culture regarding sex, marriage, constitutional issues, leadership problems, immigration, liberal vs conservative disputes, and others too numerous to mention.  There are many, many things wrong, and someone just MUST do something about them.  All are legitimate concerns that require attention.

On the next level are all the things that we have to do TODAY!  Depending on what stage of life you’re at right now, Continue reading →

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND.100115

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Handsome man playing guitar. Close-up of young man playing acoustic guitar while sitting in front of the window

Been stressed lately.  My main source of income dried up.  Had way too much to do and not enough time to do it all.  Not getting enough rest.  Not enough exercise. Heck, I don’t even have time to talk to my one kid still at home.  He’s too busy too.  Long days and short nights.  Need a little relief.  What can I do?

Well, I can think a little about God.  Max (Lucado) says, “When you’re down, think of all God has done.”  Oswald (Chambers) says, “We think everything should be turned into useful teaching.  In fact, it is to be turned into something better: character.” Charles (Stanley) says, “When you need help, thank God for all He’s done.”  Alistair (Begg) says, “All God has done for us should be saved and remembered, to bring honor and glory to Him.” Wow!

And I can pray and tell God I love Him.  I really do thank Him for things He’s done for me, both long ago and in the last few days.  I’m thinking about how I could use a little relief; a little peace and quiet; a little rest.  Continue reading →

GOD’S GRACE.033115

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Miracles HappenHere I am.  66.  Married to a good wife with three grown children and six grandchildren; and a 16 yr old son at home. I’m still working at a ‘real’ job, ‘cause my baby needs shoes.  Really because God wants me to keep on working so I get to talk to people about Him. Continue reading →

DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY.012915

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Trust in God wooden sign on a beautiful dayIn Philippians 4:6-8, Paul says, “Be anxious for nothing, (don’t worry) but in everything by prayer .  .  with thanksgiving,   .  .  [ask for what you need]; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. .  .  ., whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, .  .  [worth knowing], whatever is virtuous and worthy of being praised—meditate on these things.” (Tex’s paraphrase)

So what is this passage about, really?  Continue reading →

IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT, IT’LL SHOW. 092714

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In the Message, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “ Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” In the KJV, I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

You know what?  Like someone said, if you’re happy and thankful and blessed because you trust in Jesus, send a message to your face.  ‘Course, if you’re frowning all the time, it’s probably (almost certainly) because your face knows the truth about what is in your heart.  Like Jesus says in Luke 6:45, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”  Same goes for your face.  “Out of the abundance of the heart [your eyes and your face] speak.”  Being happy because you have an ongoing, growing relationship with God through Jesus; and the Holy Spirit is residing in you heart; that’s just not something you can force or fake.

And if you claim to have that relationship, but you’re still unhappy, it’ll show on your face.  Most likely it’s because you still haven’t really surrendered your whole self to God, to let Him run your life.  You’re still trying to take care of everything for yourself, to stay in control.  And as long as you’re doing that, God will to let you.

But when you finally give up and let Him have your whole life and your whole self; then you’ll get that sense of relief that only God can give.  You’ll know what rest is all about.  You feel that sense of security, inside and out, that only Jesus can give.  THEN, you’ll be rejoicing all the time and giving thanks for everything that happens to you, good, bad or indifferent.  And your face will be glowing, your eyes will be sparkling, with God.  You just won’t be able to hold it in.  Like Peter said in Acts 4:18-20, “We just can’t help but tell what we’ve seen and heard.”  You’ll be saying, “I just can’t help but grin because I’m so glad to get to be here; right in the middle of the hollow of God’s hand!”  Hallelu Jah!