Daily advice from reading the Bible.....Stay balanced

As some of you have figured out I am still on vacation in beautiful Northern Michigan. I have had lots of time on my hands for reflection. During the year I am a teacher and I don't sit still very often. It seems I am always trying to stay caught up with paperwork, housework, exercise and raising a family. Because of being so busy during the school year, my life sometimes gets out of balance. Sometimes I don't exercise as much or balance my checkbook as often as I should. So next year will be about balance as the new school year will begin in the middle of August.

One thing I have figured out these past couple of weeks is maybe I  need to be a little more selfish with my time. I need to make time to exercise, handle money wisely and keep the house in order. One of the ways that I can do this is to read the Bible daily to stay on the right course. Even though I have read those words before I always learn something new. I know God wants me to succeed and have the best possible life ever. I have to trust in his mercy and goodness for my life and the life of my family. I have to take a big leap of faith and let God show me the correct path for my life.    

Beautiful surroundings and God's creation...... Up North Michigan

Apologies to those of you who have come back to my blog and haven't seen any new entries for the last couple of weeks. I am on vacation and haven't had easy computer access.

For anyone who has ever been in the upper section of Northern Michigan, you know it is a hidden gem. One of the most beautiful and peaceful places that I know. So today I am going to reflect on the beauty of where I am.

Psalm 96: 11-13 "Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and what fills it resound; let the plains be joyful and all that is in them. Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice before the Lord who comes, who comes to govern the earth. To govern the world with justice and the peoples with faithfulness.

For a long time, almost 15 years I have been coming back to the same spot to vacation every summer. When I tell people where I am going they say to me "Why are you going back there?" Being by water is very healing for the soul, especially the water here. It doesn't matter whether it is an inland lake or Lake Michigan, the effect is the same. This healing water has been here long before I was here. It will be here long after I am gone. There are Petosky stones on the beach that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. There is power in God's creation!!!!

We are here for such a short time on Earth compared to the waters of Lake Michigan or the Petosky stones. God rejoices in his creation and those who take pleasure in it. It is amazing to me how something so simple as water and stones can satisfy my soul and the longing that resides there. I feel very close to God here. God uses his glorious creation to connnect me to him. Even though I am a very small piece of His creation, I am so very grateful for the peace of his simple gifts of water and stone.     

The answer to prayer.....

Luke 11: 9-11 And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who ask receives, and the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks the door will be opened.

Sometimes we are afraid to ask for things for fear of being told no. What does that no mean? Does it mean that one door is closed, but another door might come open? When we get a yes for an answer I think to myself,   I shouldn't have been afraid to ask in the first place. So it is with asking God, God wants to hear everything that is on our hearts. Keep bugging God! Don't be selective in what you bring to Him, He wants to hear all of it! So ask away, God wants you to! 

Money worries? What does Hebrews tell us?

One of my favorite books in the Bible is Hebrews. It's a book that I've just discovered in the past year. I like it because the teachings are for people who are at risk for giving up their faith because of persecution. It's a sermon by an unknown author to tell us to be strong in our faith and never to give up hope.

Personally one of the struggles that I deal with is money, or lack thereof. I am in a very rewarding profession. My rewards are greater spirituality and joy! But I struggle with making ends meet. Just when I get back on track financially, a money crisis comes up like car repairs or medical bills. Then I get very frustrated! That's when I call upon God for assistance. Sometimes he answers in subtle ways. I went to buy a sandwich today at a local supermarket and got a coupon for a free sandwich! That was a big surprise. I think He is trying to tell me not to worry, he has got a plan to get me back on track. I have to trust in his mercy and grace! I know he has a plan for me!

What does Hebrews say about money woes? Hebrews 13: 5-9 Let your life be free from love of money, but be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never forsake you or abandon you." Thus we may say with confidence:

                    
                             "The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid.
                               What can anyone do to me?"

Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER.

I put that last sentence from scripture in bold print because it speaks to me of consistency and hope for the future. Christ will never change and He will always be there for us. So I need to daily put my trust in Christ to help me with my money worries. I know He has a plan for me, my job is to trust in his plan! Amen!          

The strength of the Holy Spirit

One of my favorite Bible stories is from the Acts of the Apostles. It is the account of Pentecost. Jesus had ascended into Heaven already. Before he left he told the apostles to do two things for Him. He said to teach people about Him and to baptize people in his name. It was a very dangerous time to be a Christian and a believer in Christ. The apostles were in a upper room when all of a sudden the Holy Spirit was upon them in three different forms: wind, fire and speaking in tongues. The flame of the Holy Spirit appeared above their heads, a wind swept through the room and the apostles started speaking in their native tongues.

The Holy Spirit came to give the apostles strength to do what Jesus commended them to do. It takes strength to carry out the word of Jesus. Most times we can't do it alone. The Holy Spirit is our helper. The Holy Spirit is a bearer of strength and courage for us. Sometimes carrying out the will of Jesus isn't the popular decision of the time. We live in a very secular world where people think of their needs before others. Those of us that put God first in our lives tend to do things for other first before doing for ourselves. It takes daily affirmation to keep God first in our lives. That's where the Holy Spirit can help. When we are tempted by the desires of the secular world ask the Holy Spirit to keep you on the right path, God's path. When others persecute you and scoff at you for following God's will ask the Holy Spirit to put Godly people in your life to assist you. The Holy Spirit hasn't failed me yet! My help comes from the Lord!  and the Holy Spirit..... 

We are created in God's image and likeness....

From the book of Genesis 1:26 Then God said: "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." Each one of us is created in God's image no matter who we are and what we have done in this life. Those are very heavy words for the average person. We tend to think we are better than others, especially those people who live ungodly lives. We converse amongst ourselves saying "At least I am not that person... Can you believe how they have messed up their life?"

But that isn't what God says. He says all people are his children even the most broken among us. We all have room for growth and redemption.

I think being created in God's image and likeness helps me treat others with respect. We think others have it easier than we do but that isn't always the case.
We have no idea what it is like to walk in another's shoes. Try to see Jesus in others, even those who have disrespected you. I know how difficult this can be. Just maybe you could be the light in the darkness for them. Maybe they are waiting for someone to see God's image in them. Ask God for guidance and grace to be a light for others!  

What relying on faith teaches us.....

For those of you out there who have lived through some major events in your life, this will make sense to you. For those of you who haven't experienced big disappointments yet, take notes! When a major crisis hits you like a freight train, one of the first things we might do is cry out to God in despair. We feel like the world has stopped spinning at least in our universe. We might even feel frozen not knowing what action to take. I think it is important to share our problems with others. Sometimes talking with someone you trust can calm you down. They can affirm how you are feeling and make sense of what is happening. That is all well and good. I think God helps us by putting those people in our lives. BUT there are days when talking does not help! Those are the days when you say to God only you and you alone can help me make it through this day! Help me Lord feel your peace, calm and assurance. Help me to not be afraid because you are all-powerful and all-mighty. If you can give up those major life problems to Him, He will help you become stronger and not be afraid. Trust in God!

Starting the day off with faith!!

On KLove radio this morning the DJ's were asking people how they started their day with affirmations or criticisms? People were calling in and sharing what they said to themselves when they got up in the morning. Some people got up and said what a great day! Thank you God for giving me the opportunity to serve you today. Help me to do your will.  Others weren't as positive. They dwelled on what was wrong with their lives even before a new day began. The day hadn't even got off the ground yet!

Every new day that we are alive is a gift from God! We have no idea the miracles that God has in store for us that day! If we can positively tell ourselves that we are great in God's eyes, that is all that matters. Then we can go forth and do great things for God! If we can live our lives with God first and foremost, we can tackle life's most challenging situations. He holds us in the palms of his hands! What a safe and peaceful place to be! So tomorrow get up and tell yourself how wonderful you are. God thinks so too!

What's keeping you from walking across the water?

Today's blog is about giving up control to God's plan. One of my favorite topics.... Matthew 14: 25-32 "During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said and cried out in fear.

But Jesus said to them, "It is I. Take courage. Do not be afraid."

"Lord, if it is you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

"Come," he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried "Lord save me!"

Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said. "Why did you doubt?"

What makes an impression on me first is that Peter doubted that it was really Jesus. Jesus tells Peter, "It is I, do not be afraid." Why isn't the word of Jesus enough for us? How many times does Jesus have to call out to us before we can walk on the water?

When Peter with some slight hesitation starts to walk across the water to Jesus he lets his focus stray from Jesus! Our doubt is like that wind whipping across the waves. A storm comes up in our daily lives and we let it consume us with fear. But Jesus is right there urging us to walk across the waves to him. Jesus does not give into Peter's fear. He does not give into our fear, too. He wants us to have faith that can move mountains. He wants us to have faith that burns in our hearts and souls for Him alone. Nothing is impossible with the love that Jesus has for each one of us! Have faith in Him

Seeking God's direction......

What do you do when you have pursued every avenue available and things aren't quite right yet? Maybe you have lost your job, your house is in foreclosure, family members aren't speaking, someone is sick.... The list goes on and on. God is waiting patiently to help you set out on a new path. Maybe you start looking for work in a different state. Maybe you rent a smaller place until you are back on your feet. Maybe you let your family members take responsibility for their actions and surround yourself with people who care about you. Maybe you ask for help caring for a loved one. We don't like change sometimes. We want things to keep going without a lot of conflict.

I truly believe if we reach out to each other and ask for help, the help is there. God puts people in our lives to help us on those new paths. BUT we have to take responsibility and ask for His help. So, if you feel like you have had it, cry out to God and humbly ask for His grace and help. God you are my hope and salvation. Do your will and help me realize the miracles you have set in place for my life. Just ask Him!

Let God into your life....

Sometimes life just isn't going our way-relationships fail, your job doesn't work out, you aren't as healthy as you could be... The list goes on and on. But there is always hope waiting for you. That hope is faith in God. God wants to shower us with more blessings than we can ever imagine! All He asks of us is that we ask Him for help. He has never once disappointed me in answering my prayers. Now, sometimes the answers take a long time and sometimes they aren't the answers I was asking for. But when I look backwards in time I realize how God has been putting things in motion for my benefit. We need to trust in God's will. He is in charge not us. Once we can let go of the control we love to hold onto, He will do wonders for us! Let go and let God!