“That you may know the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe” Ephesians 1:19
There is incredible power in these words for you today. You’ve always had the power to change your circumstances at your disposal. For God created you, and formed you, and gave you life, and
You simply have to step forward in faith. This means you actually hold the power of change in your hands. Have a talk with Jesus today. Change is just a prayer away.
“If God be for us, who can be against us.” Romans 8:31
Nobel Prize winning theoretical physicist Albert Einstein once said, “there are only two ways to live your life. One as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though
Romans 8:31 tells us that “if God is for us, who can be against us”. Living positively is simply a choice, made so much easier when you realize that the Creator of the heavens and the earth is on your side.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
On this day, December 7th, we many times remember World War II and the attack on Pearl Harbor when so many Sailors died on that horrific day in the Hawaiian Islands. Yet today, as I walked through Liberty Station in San Diego, I discovered a plaque beneath a very large flag naming this small stretch of earth as “Ingram Plaza”. Being a little more than curious I looked up Osmond Ingram and discovered that on October 15, 1917 in World War I, young Osmond had spotted a torpedo headed straight toward his ship. More importantly it was headed right toward the ships depth charges that were lashed to the deck. Rather than running away, Osmond decided to run toward the these ‘water bombs’ and furiously started casting them overboard in an effort to save the ship and his fellow sailors. Osmond did indeed save the ship from sinking, and miraculously was the only soul aboard the ship that day who died when the torpedo hit the hull.
Jesus gave his life that we all might be saved. Indeed, no greater love.
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8.
Famed Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chairman Charles Munger died just a few days ago at the age of 99. During his business career he stood side by side with Warren Buffet to build Berkshire Hathaway into one of the largest holding companies in the world. Charlie was also famous for his no holds barred “quotes” at investor meetings. Yet there was one stellar piece of advice Charlie once gave to Warren. “Live your life according to how you would like your obituary written, then live backwards.”
I hope one day that it is said of me that I laughed easily and freely loved others as I loved the Lord. It’s never too late to start your own journey of remembrance. Decide how you want to be remembered, then live every day on purpose.
God said, “See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19
Do you find yourself longing for the past, or even a bygone era? Perhaps it’s time to remember a quote from C.S. Lewis who once said, “One prayer that God almost never grants is “encore”.”
Indeed, spend anytime reading scripture and one thing becomes clear, the only thing that God repeats is His call for us to return to Him. Our job is to put our faith and trust in God alone to lead us through times of change. That journey beings with prayer.
“Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” Isaiah 40:31
Winnie the Pooh wisely said, “sometimes when I do nothing, it leads to the very best somethings”. This wonderful quotes bring us to the very heart of Isaiah 40:31. Waiting on the Lord is one of the most powerful concepts in scripture. So many times we work or worry ourselves weary over our circumstances when all we really need to do is
Then, wait upon Him. God is not shy. When He’s ready for you to dive in and get to work, don’t worry, He will let you know. But how will He let me know, I’ve heard so often. The answer to that is one of a thousand different ways. A door you’ve been waiting for will open, or a brand new thought will come to mind, or the phone will ring or an email will come with a new opportunity. Instantly you will know that God just gave you the answer, for you will feel it, sense it, and recognize it. Who would have ever thought that Winnie, a silly old bear, could be so wise!
“I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”” Psalm 16:3
John Ellery was a Sergeant in the 16th Infantry Regiment, First Infantry Brigade. This Brigade would more famously be remembered as “The Big Red One.” John was one of the first land at Omaha Beach in World War II’s D-Day in 1944. With chaos all around and men dying to his right and left, he lead his team forward, anyway, against all odds. There was no choice if they were to survive, if France was to be liberated, if the war was to be won. He would say of his fellow soldiers that day,
In Psalm 16, David recognizes valor in those who believe. People just like you. Those who carry a faith in God throughout their daily life. You are the difference makers, even on days when you do not feel you make a difference at all. Always remember, “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according His purpose.” Romans 8:28
“I have set before you life and death; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20
In the 2011 Jon Favreau directed film, “Cowboys and Aliens” A cowboy recounts to an old preacher the rough life he’d lived and the bad choices he’d made, to which the wise old preacher replied,
With Jesus, your past is just that, in the past. You can make sure it stays there by choosing life today. Your future is what’s important and it can truly be a gift from God. This brand new future can start today.
“Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you.” Psalm 55:22
I cannot remove the image from my mind of my grandmother kneeling beside her bed at night and giving her burdens to God. If one of her children was going through a very difficult time, she gave it to the Lord. If a friend was stricken with a life threatening illness, she gave it to the Lord. When her arthritic bones created more aches and pains than any human being should have to endure, there she was, kneeling on a hard floor,
I will also never forget waking up the next morning only to hear her singing, “Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life.” As she worked in the kitchen her burdens were gone, placed before the Lord in a simple act of faith. Grandma Inez may have been a simple farmers wife but she was wealthier than any oil baron or captain of industry, for she did not rely on a laurels of education, nor a bank account full of money. Inez relied on God! God has given you a promise in Psalm 55:22. As you seek after God, and His will, and rely on Him alone, He will sustain you. Your burdens are only burdens if you choose carry them. Lift your burdens to the Lord.
“If God be for us, who can be against us.” Romans 8:31
In 1945 Johnny Mercer was nominated for an Oscar for a little song he wrote for a film staring Bing Crosby called “Here Comes The Waves.” The song said, “You’ve got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, and don’t mess with Mr. In-between!” I think we can all agree that one small positive thought can make a dramatic difference in our day, and is really a perfect prescription for
After all, Romans 8:31 tells us that “if God is for us, who can be against us”. Just think, the creator of the heavens and the earth is on your side. With that outlook, you should indeed accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, and don’t mess with Mr. In-between.
You must be logged in to post a comment.