Center In Christ

"No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it." 1 Cor 10:13 NRSV

My grandchildren have a flair for the dramatic.  At a vacation home we stayed at last week the book by Richard Carlson, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and it's all small stuff" was on the library shelf. When my eldest granddaughter left the room I placed it on her chair and then left the room myself. She got the point when she saw it.

Many of the young people that I know have a tendency to get excited over little stuff. Yes, I know that some of these things can be quite unsettling for someone who does not have the experience behind them to understand that when there is a crisis it will actually pass. In years to come they will be able to look back and see how the crises actually strengthened them; how these crises, big and small, helped them to grow.

It might be difficult to accomplish; but, we ought not let these crises disrupt our peace to the point that we are non-functional or allow our drama to infringe upon the lives of everyone around us. Do not let the crisis become the center of your life. If Christ remains at the center, he will center you.

Don't sweat the small stuff. With God it is all small stuff.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Thess 1 - Trials Then Glory

2 Thessalonians 1 NIV

Toksovan Lutheran Church, Russia (2002)
A church, then communist meeting hall,
now a church. There is always hope for
those who persevere.

In the face of persecution by friends, family, community; how easy it would be to just give up and follow in the ways of the world! But, for those who are confident in the Lord and in His justice, we do not give up. Our hope is in the Lord and in His promises. We know that in the end God will work all things out for the good to those who love Him and He will be glorified.

Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians begins with words of encouragement. He commends them for their perseverance and faith. They are enduring many persecutions and trials; yet, they remain faithful.

We are tried, daily, in many ways. We suffer many injustices here in this world. Yet, we know that our trials will bear fruit for the good of all of God's children. May God help us to persevere in faith 'till the day that we will see His glory in all its fullness.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 5:1-11 Suffering and Peace

Romans 5:1-11 NIV
We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. In spite of sufferings, we can know the peace that comes with being reconciled to God through faith.

There are days when I just shake my head and think "Wow! Again! I thought we had this all worked out. The enemy just doesn't give up." Then, I am reminded that we too were once God's enemy. Yet, He manages to open our eyes and hearts and minds to a greater understanding of the love He has for us; even as He poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Yet, we are aware that there are those who have rejected the love of God. There are those who have rejected the Holy Spirit. We are aware because it is often through those who reject His love and His peace that the church endures suffering. But, we remember that God can work all things for the good; that our suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. We have hope that even those who cause suffering to others will receive the love of God through Christ Jesus and know His peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Proverbs 16 - Plans of the Heart

It seems a good thing, even a wise thing, not to let our emotions control us.  Proverbs 9:1 tells us "To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue."

So often, I can feel my emotions rise to the surface. It takes a bit of self-discipline to slow them down, ignore my emotions and listen to what the LORD would have me do. My first instinct is often to react rather than listen to God. That first instinct of listening to my heart and reacting has sometimes gotten me into a bit of trouble.

I am one of the fortunate grandparents that gets to see at least one of my granddaughters quite often. I tend to react quickly when it comes to things that I perceive as possibly being damaging to her life in the present or future. Although, sometimes, it is necessary to act quickly, sometimes, I react too quickly. I have to remember that the LORD sees all that she does. He knows all that is in her heart. He has a plan for her and sometimes my reacting too quickly may not be included in His plans. Sometimes, she just has to go through what she must go through. She must endure what she must endure. She will, as I must, learn to listen to the LORD and respond in the way He would have us respond. She will have to learn this for herself. As much as I love her, my emotions cannot control my reactions with her; I must learn to depend on the LORD for my tongue's proper answer.

When responding or reacting to any given situation, it is wise to slow down and ask ourselves if our response is coming from the pride within our hearts or is it from our knowledge and/or wisdom of the LORD's will for us and others.

God's Peace - Pr. J