Peace

Today's message contains the formula for feeling at peace.  It is a verse I memorized when I was a child and continues to be an important reminder for me, as I too often find myself worrying about things instead of feeling peace. 

"You will keep perfectly peaceful the one whose mind remains focused on you, because he remains in you.  Isaiah 26:3"

That is the answer.  Very simple - but not always easy.   The answer is to keep my eye on God.  Keep focused on Him: His power, His love, His knowledge, His guidance.  It's when I lose my focus that things get tough.  I'm reminded of the story of Peter - how he walked on the water toward Jesus until He let his focus slip and started to see the waves instead.  Then he began to sink.  But even then, he knew the answer.  He cried, "Lord save me", and Jesus lifted him from the waves.  This is His promise for me too.  I will do best if I keep my eyes on Him instead of the waves, but if I slip, I just need to call out for Him & He's ready and willing to help.  How amazing is that?  He doesn't get mad at me for losing my focus!  He just saves me and encourages me forward!

Father, I am so grateful for your love and your understanding of my weaknesses.  Thank you for saving me - again and again as I lose focus.  Father, please help me keep my eye on you - to keep proper focus and perspective instead of giving in to my fear about the "giants in the land".  I want that peace that you have promised that passes all understanding.  I have experienced it from time to time, as you know, but I want to LIVE there, instead of losing focus and sinking into the waves.  Thank you, Father, for being such a loving Father.  I love you!

Obedience & Faith

Today's message is a bit of a continuation of the message I posted about a week ago.  It's focused on the words from Hebrews 11:8-10 "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.  By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God."

This message was very meaningful to me with our recent move.  We had not been planning for this move - we just were suddenly made aware that God was telling us to move.  When I was feeling afraid, God reminded me that at least He hadn't asked me to do as he asked Abraham - to move when he had no idea where he was going!  He told us where we were moving! 

Now, though, as I face those "giants" in the land, I'm given another reminder.  I have been given a comfortable home.  No, it is not yet as comfortable as our previous home, but we have not been asked to live in a TENT!!! I know from that verse in Jeremiah (29:11) that God's plans are to prosper me, so there is NO excuse for whining! I need to trust God and thank Him for His leadership, rather than complaining like the Israelites were always doing!

Father, THANK YOU!!! I am so grateful you gave us this nice home and are not expecting us to live in a tent!!!! Our home kept us very comfortable over the winter, and I am very grateful.  I know if there is not room for something, it is because we need to downsize.  I know that if something seems to not be working out right, we just haven't yet seen your solution.  Thank you for fighting those giants in our lives and for all the blessings you have given.  We are so thankful for our home & the opportunity to be near family.  Thank you, Father, thank you!