God Work

 

It happens all the time and likely you have experienced it. It is the constant interruption and disruption of the time you spend with God or the work you do to honor Him. There are multiple reasons for this. The most common is competing priorities. Let's face it, there is housework, schoolwork, and perhaps work you are being paid to do just to name a few. Of course there is the added work of the evil one. You know, the spam phone call, barking dog, crying child, or alarm ringing the moment you set out to spend time with God or do anything for His glory. 

Not to worry! God Work is always in progress. Whether you know it or not God is always working to provide and create good in your life. He sees your effort to devote the time and love you have for Him. Be persistent in continuing your journey with Him, reading His Word and doing the work you set out to do to glorify Him. 

Yes, you may need to erect a sign, set up a work zone or even call in others to get the time and do the work you desire for God. Even so, do whatever it takes. There is no greater work you can do. 

When priorities and road blocks come against you, stand firm and work to:

• share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a kind act or work
• donate resources to charities and causes to care for others and expand God's Kingdom
• be an encouragement and pray for and with someone suffering from illness, addiction or loss
• set up a prayer, worship or bible study small group to support one another and maximize the impact you can make 

"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:9

The Grass Is Always Greener

My husband has a green thumb when is comes to our front lawn. He knows exactly how much water it needs, how to fertilize it and just when to cut out the patches of weeds that often spring up. He takes the time to plant new seed when needed and is very particular about the way he manages it through the seasons. 

Often neighbors, and even total strangers, stop to ask his secret for maintaining a lawn that is so green and plush. He shares tips and techniques for lawn nurturing but it is difficult for others to replicate his success. Many want the beautiful results but few want to invest the time, money, or patience necessary to grow their lawn to be the best it can be. 

Jesus shared a similar story in the parable of the sower. Most Christians desire a life that is rich and meaningful and where they can bear much fruit for the Lord. Still, not everyone is willing to invest the time and the commitment required to be fruitful. What about you? Which of these describes your walk of faith with Jesus? 

• Sitting It Out – you hear the Word but allow the enemy to cultivate doubt and weed out any chance of walking with Jesus and producing fruit. 
• Intermittent Walker– you hear the Word and receive it with joy for a short time then without any depth or real commitment to Christ you fall away. 
• Fruitless Walker – you hear and study the Word and are devoted to the Lord but you let the worries of this life, distractions and the desires for other things come in and uproot your devotion. 
• Flourishing Walker- you hear the Word and produce much fruit as evidenced by your life and daily walk with Jesus Christ.

If you are anything but a flourishing walker, take this opportunity to turn things around. Ask God to search your heart. Ask that He provide you the tools and strength necessary to rid your life of the people and situations that interfere with your walk; and that He refresh and revitalize your relationship with Him. 

Plant seeds of commitment and obedience. Cultivate love, kindness, and peace. Have God’s Word be your daily bread and the relationship with Him be your water. Seek His grace and enjoy the opportunities and lifestyle necessary to bear much and various fruit for the Lord. 

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15

God Is

Life's journey with God is the most incredible experience you could ever be blessed to have. I have shared my experience writing The Daily Journey since 2001. The archive of posts since 2009 are on the blog. 

Here are some of the things God has proven to me during this time. You must have more of your own God truths to add to this list. Comment below and share your heart.

God is:

the source of all life

always present and available 

always faithful

in total control

righteous in all situations

the God of wonders and miracles

He:

• defies logic
• displays love which exceeds all understanding
• works through people and places them exactly where He needs them
• hears and answers prayer
• never makes mistakes
• has perfect timing
• is limitless in resources
• creates vastness and abundance from what seems like nothing

"I will make my people strong with power from me! They will go wherever they wish and wherever they go, they will be under my personal care." 

Zechariah 10:12

Joy to The World

 Of late, it would seem difficult to find any joy in the world. Every day seems to bring more bad news, worry and darkness. Still, as a Christian you have a mighty hope and much joy in Jesus Christ. He is your peace and rest. In Him there is so much to celebrate especially this time of the year as you anticipate the arrival of Christmas! 

What an extraordinary gift God gave you and the world in his Son Jesus. Nothing past, present or future compares. There in a manger, Jesus, God in the flesh, entered the world as the Savior and newborn King. Praise and hallelujah was raised by shepherds, men and animals too. The first Christmas was a blessing for eternity. 

No matter what you are facing in life, know that this Christmas and Jesus Christ deserve  acknowledgement and honor. Sure you could just skip it and be gloomy, depressed and hopeless. The enemy would like if you decided to do that and not celebrate the birth of your Savior. 

Do not let that happen. It's Christmas! It's a celebration of the day God sent the most precious gift to you. Sing praises, string up some lights, lift your eyes to the heavens and raise up a happy birthday and gratitude wish to Jesus. While you are at it, why not brighten the world for one or two others as well? 

See, Jesus is your joy. It is because of Him that you can boldly claim and proclaim Joy to the World! Merry Christmas to you. May you be blessed beyond measure this Christmas and into the New Year.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”   – Isaiah 9:6

If You Listen

Photo credit Casie Steele 

 In the midst of the chaos and madness of the world you may find it difficult to hear anything positive. There is much talk about what you can't do, what is wrong, how bad things are and what trouble looms in the future. Hardly ever do you hear words of optimism and encouragement. If you listen to the world you hear anger, fear, mixed messages and how life is changing for the worse.

 If you listen to God you will hear something very different. Yes, things are changing but God is not. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He hasn't given up on you nor has he stopped being the God of mercy and loving kindness. The issue isn't that things are so bad. The issue is that you are listening to the wrong source of truth.

If you listen to God you will hear the truth that the world can never tell you. Sure, you will need to shut out the world to hear Him and when you do you will hear and have hope. God says that he will protect you, restore you and always love you. He says you are a masterpiece and you have a divine purpose. He says that love and mercy are the answer and that you are the just the person to bring them to others. 

When you listen to God you will learn that if you delight in his word you will be blessed. He promises that all things will work out for God and that you will have comfort in your trials and peace when you pray. He promises he will supply your needs, lift your burdens, and give you power from on high. Best of all, in Him you have salvation and eternal life through his son Jesus Christ.

Stop listening to the world! Make it your goal to listen to and spend time with God every day. Turn off the TV, social media and those friends that are wearing you down. Turn to God and listen closely because he has so much to tell you. He will really make your heart smile and restore your soul. 

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20