Thursday, July 19, 2012

The Perfect Plan

Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us," (NIV emphasis added).

God has a plan for everyone. The plan He has for me probably differs from yours, as yours is probably different from the next person. Many times I have struggled with knowing God's voice and plan for my life. However, right now I am clear about the call He has placed on me for this time. Now in saying that I must tell you that knowing is not always the easiest thing. Once we know, we need to step out in faith and do. Trusting His will and plan for our lives can be difficult, but following Him is the best place to be.

Being in the Lord's will and following Jesus is not a place the enemy wants you to be. He will throw things at you and discourage you without remorse. He is the enemy of our Lord and Saviour and when you trust Jesus and step out in faith, that makes you his enemy as well. When we are discouraged and frustrated with our circumstances, we need to trust Jesus and keep our eyes on Him. Throw off the "stuff" that discourages and plow through with your eyes on eternity.

A question I learned to ask myself a long time ago is this, "Will it matter 5 years from now?" Now I have expanded that to, "Will it make a difference for eternity?" This earth we call home is temporary, yet we have the gift of eternal life thanks to Jesus Christ. Are the things you are doing glorifying Him and making a difference for eternity?

It doesn't matter where you are. God can use you to make an eternal impact if you would seek His face and trust Him with everything you are. Pray and ask Him what He wants you to do for Him. Trust in His ways and plan for your life. May He bless you.

Trusting in Him,
Natalie

Friday, July 6, 2012

Complete Trust

Today I thought it would be nice to look at some Scriptures that focus our hearts on trusting the Lord. Times can be tough. Changes come that we are not always ready for. Time continues to tick away whatever our lives are experiencing. Trusting God with our lives and all the circumstances that come our way instill a peace within that nothing else can. Are you trusting God with all the what ifs? if onlys? and every victory, question, and frustration you are encountering?

I encourage you to choose a Scripture that speaks to your heart and write it out. Put it somewhere you will read it often, then memorize it.

"In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Psalm 56:11 NASB

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB

"Many are the sorrows of the wicked, But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him." Psalm 33:5 NASB

This is but a small sampling. Read and study the Scriptures and see what the Lord will reveal to you about trusting in Him. We serve the God of the universe. The one who sent His one and only Son, Jesus to bear the burden of sin. To be born, live, die, and be resurrected so we might find freedom from sin and be given the gift of eternal life.

Have you given your life, your all to Him? If not, my prayer for you is that you would seek Him and find Him. Pray for forgiveness of your sins and ask Him to dwell in your heart and guide your life. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Revelation 3:20-22 NASB

There's Something about the Water

There's something about the water that allows me to box up all my cares and give them to God. When life gets heavy and I need to let go,...