Out of Control

God is All Powerful

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

We are taught to be in control -- to take control of our lives and our circumstances.  The recent flooding and torrential rains, the not too long ago drought, and an economy that does not seem to cooperate with our hopes and dreams for an abundant life….  What an eye opener when we understand who really is in control – an all powerful God who has the whole world in His hands!  And with this revelation come hope and a sense of freedom.  We don’t have to fix everything.  We can trust God, who is good and who has a plan for us. 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8:28

Because God is all powerful, we can trust that He is in control of all the circumstances in our life.

 

The Second Mile

God is All Powerful 

If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.  Matthew 5:41

The verse is based on an old tradition where Roman soldiers required locals to carry their load one mile.  Jews would carry the bags two miles as a way to show Rome the power and goodness of God.

When at work or in any situation, why not go the second mile?  Think of the impact it will have on those around you.  Leadership like this may not be immediately rewarded, but knowing you are making a difference one day or one task at a time has its rewards.  Draw your strength from God, who ultimately controls all things and rewards us accordingly. 

Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.  In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.  I Chronicles 29:12

Because God is all powerful, you can be extraordinary.

I'm Tired, Are You?

God is All Powerful

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Mathew 11:28-30

Anyone tired?  …tired physically, mentally, tired of waiting for circumstances to change…  When life is tough, we can become so worn out that we are immobilized.  Where do you turn?  Modern medicine offers solutions; bad habits can keep us propped up for only so long. 

Look up and lean on our eternal God.  This is where you can be reenergized and restored.  Exchange your ways for God’s ways.  God’s promise for everlasting life through his son Jesus Christ offers peace and hope.  It isn’t in the what and when of our circumstances, but rather in the who.  Who is the focus of your life?

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:28-31

 

Because God is all powerful, we can rely on the Lord’s strength.

 

Satisfaction Guaranteed

God is Eternal

 

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless!  Everything is meaningless.”  Ecclesiastes 1:2

Are you still searching for that something that will finally bring you permanent happiness?   You may find a temporary contentment or satisfaction based on your current circumstance; however it does not last – it wasn’t designed to.  There is no peace without Jesus.  “Stop chasing the wind” as Solomon said, “for it is all meaningless”.  Free yourself from the pursuit of approval, money, and power.   True joy comes from the Holy Spirit.  St. Augustine said, “The heart will not rest until it rests in Christ.”  Ask Christ into your life and he will give you a perfect, everlasting peace.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Galatians 5: 22-23

Because God is Eternal, we can be complete.

Wise Choices

God is Wisdom

The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. 1 Kings 10:24

Solomon was a great leader, the third King of Israel.  He was also known as the wisest man to have ever lived.  He placed his trust in God, but over time he became disobedient and took matters into his own hands. At times of testing, it was evident that his own wisdom didn’t lead him into right choices. As a result, Solomon lost everything -- his wealth, power, peace, and security. 

How many of us know the right thing to do, and yet fall short in our actions?    Temptations to do things our way, to control the situation, to take shortcuts or follow the crowd… these short sided decisions get in the way of allowing Godly wisdom to prevail. 

When building a career, business, marriage, or family, it is not enough to get off to a good start.  We must remain faithful to God to the end, always yielding our selfish desires to make wise choices.

And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.  2 Thessalonians 3:13

Because God is Wisdom, we can know and do what is right.

 

Teamwork Requires Forgiveness

 

God is Love

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  Colossians 3:13

We all know that teamwork requires each player to do his or her part.  When someone lets you down, how do you respond? Do you hold a grudge, complain, or get even?  Why is it so hard to forgive?  To remember that we too have sinned and fallen short and that our Heavenly Father has paid the price for our transgressions is very powerful.  If you can reflect on the kindness and grace our Lord gives when we do not deserve it, forgiving others is possible.

Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.  Luke 11:4

Because God is Love, we can forgive others.

Fear Not

God is Faithful

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Matthew 6:27

Many of us are worried.  Worried about the economy, our jobs, our bills, our children, our parents, our health…the list goes on.  God never intended for us to worry.  Genuine concern for a matter moves you to action, but worry has ill effects.  Do not let your heart and mind be consumed by fear.  Learn to focus on what God has called important and trust him to provide.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:33-34

Because God is Faithful, we need not worry.