Footprints...April 1999
April 28, 1999
Romans 5:1-5
Perseverance, character, and hope provide us the determination and focus to accomplish our most difficult tasks, others call problems. We get frustrated, become angry, and often our goals lose their luster when little "unplanned things" happen and upset our apple-cart. How much unlike God can we be!
The peace of God's mighty hand is in the "unplanned things". Rejoice in your sufferings!. When unplanned things happen in your day, they are part of the Master's Plan. He is molding us in His image. He knows the sufferings we need to develop His perseverance while molding our character to His work which gives us hope. Hope springs eternal---which means it never ends.
God poured hope into our hearts through His Holy Spirit to overshadow disappointment and hold us to our course for His work. HALLELUIA! What a mighty God we serve.
Psalm 20:6-8
April 27, 1999; Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea
John 20:21-23
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Jesus gave you and I the Holy Spirit to be our ever present helper and comforter. What joy for us to have the Lord's helper guide us through our days. When we follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit our way is smooth and our trials light.
How much like a helper in our homes. The Holy Spirit guides our every step. Where a maid or butler regulates and moderates our physical lives, the Holy Spirit does much more, because it is God's presence in our lives from our waking up to our lying down. Through the Holy Spirit our lives and work are to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.
How is your spirit today? If you doubt your salvation or the presence of the Holy Spirit pray this passage and may the Lord bless your day abundantly.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Psalm 51:10-11
April 26, 1999; Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea
Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Traveling is exciting and can be a great tension reliever. I like to travel but near the journey's end there is a tiredness that settles in and you press for the goal to receive your rest. No matter how far you travel, home is the place where your soul rests. No matter where you make your home.
April 24-25, 1999; Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea
Separation from loved ones is often times an unfilled space of your life. A place where our lifetime stands completely still. How much we weep when we are separated from our loved ones and mourn deeply when they pass to glory.
How many tears has the Lord shed for you? How often has he sat looking along your path waiting for you to glimpse His way and acknowledge Him? Our separation from God is no different than our separation from Our loved ones, for we are His loved ones.
If you do not understand the love God feels for you. This minute kneel by your computer and acknowledge your sins before God Almighty. Believe that Jesus Christ died on Calvary to remove sins power from YOUR life. Renounce your sins and with a clean heart confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. And as you rise, look from within yourself with the eyes of a child and behold the love of God.
April 23, 1999;
Isaiah 48:10
See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
Coal furnaces are part of America's history. Ever tend a coal furnace?
A coal furnace is steel, iron, and brick and gets very cold when the fire is not tended properly. Our Christain walk can become that way also...
Like planting for harvest, a coal furnace is prepared for the heat it provides the soul. As the old crop is often tilled under to make way for the sower, the ash of the old fire is removed before a new fire can be started. The days before you confessed Jesus as Lord, you burned a few coals. Now the way is prepared for the master's work.
The base of the fire is important, without a good foundation you will work twice as hard to get the same results---sound familiar? Start with some dry wood and sack-cloth, or newspaper. Then roll up some newspaper and light one end then light the dry wood and newspaper. As when we received Jesus, the fire is passed from one to another.
As the fire burns, add a small bit of coal. Fellowship and attend Bible studies, drink your milk. Once these coals are burning, add some more, until the wood fire is gone and all that remains is the coal---grow closer to God by seeking His wisdom in your daily life. As the time goes, the fire becomes ashed over and cools, somewhat. How much like that are we in our walk with the Lord? Our gifts from Him are pleasing and satisfaction creates our ashed over warmth, we bask near the Lord and grow cool. Now the exciting part---
When a coal fire grows ashed over, there is a lever attached to the grates that the fire rests upon. It shakes the fire vigorously and "stirs it up". If you are sitting there and your faith has grown cool, Bible studies have lost their zip, the preacher--who fed you well these past years--is now telling you lullabys, it's time to get busy! Stir up that fire from when you first died to self. Stay in the word, seek His wisdom and kingdom's work as a "valuable treasure". Keep your fire "stoked" for the Lord. Stay HOT for God!!!
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Mark 13:32
April 22, 1999; Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea
Hebrews 12:6
because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.
The 27th year after my Mother's passing ends this week. My Mom could "boomerang" a slipper accurately within 20 feet, ask my oldest brother. He would taunt her, then duck to safety---NOT!
Her last Thanksgiving she gave me a lesson in discipline I still hold today.
I had been smoking behind her back over the summer. With the Pennsylvania winters setting in, she did some yard work and found my "smokes". The day before Thanksgiving that year, as she was preparing the traditional feast, she called me to the kitchen.
She told me to pull up the stool and have a seat, she wanted to talk to me. I obeyed---no big deal, she's my Mom.
After I got comfortable she asked me if I had been smoking. I denied it. She told me how she had found my "smokes" then told me to get into her purse and get the fresh pack of "Chesterfields" out. I did. Then she said she'd rather have me smoke in front of her than to sneak around about it. I thought,"Cool!" Then she told me to go ahead and have one. I did.
As I went to put it out, she said light another one before you put that one out. I did. The rest of the pack went one after another. The last 6 or 8 I still remember not feeling well. I finished the pack. Some years later I realized that I had much to be thankful for that particular Thanksgiving.
Smoking is not a habit for me today, because my Mother understood the Lord's discipline is clothed in love.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11
April 21, 1999; Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea
John 13:35
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
My father's love showed me Our Father's love. My father was the youngest of nine children. Of all the people who I know that knew him, I've never heard an unkind word.
From the age of 16, when he repaired the doctor's car, until the last month on this earth at age 67, when he took his brother for dialysis, he had a servant's heart. What a tremendous gift Our Father has given me through my father.
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:12
April 20, 1999; Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea
Romans 6:12-14
With downsizing and "force restructuring" our country asks military folks to go where they're needed when they're needed to go. Birthdays go on, graduations go on, anniversaries go on, children are born, and people pass away. Yet, when called military folks serve. What a sacrifice in their lives.
Imagine if you work at WalMart or General Motors and your boss called and said bring your clothes, about a months worth, you're going to Timbuktu. You'd more than likely find a new job, but after the fifth or fifteenth time it'd be just another part of your job. What would you do in your idle time there? Different culture? perhaps... Different social structure? perhaps... Well, there are a few hundred of your fellow employees there with you. PARTY TIME?...perhaps.
You know. Jesus and His disciples traveled...ALOT! They saw different cultures, ate different foods, and had lots of idle time, just like you and I in a similar situation. The Disciples made a choice to follow Jesus. How about you? Are you following Jesus, or the buddy down the hall?
Are you persuing the things of God over things of man to become more like Christ? Military folks sacrifice to serve our nation and even more to serve our Lord. What are you sacrificing for His service? Are you living a false life of emptiness and sorrow? Incline your ear and hear the Master's voice, Jesus said,
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Matthew 16:25
April 19, 1999; Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea
Phillipians 3:13-15
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
Ever watched a perfectionist observe a thing of beauty? They view every detail and any blemish is seen as an error. Artists also view the details, however, their view of a blemish is joy! It is seeing a "master stroke" an "inspired moment". Both see the same details, but differ on perceptions. Perfectionists are rigid and have an exacting set of "parameters" they judge by, as they are also judged. An artist's "field of view" is wide and open on each end; no rigid, defined set rules. The heart and mind of an artist is allowed to move freely and experience the "blemishes" as "inspired moments" in the artist's life.
How do they view you and I? Perfectionists see our physical deformities as errors as if to curse the Lord for His lack of work in our lives. The artist rejoices in the unique touch of the master's hand to create each of us distinctly and wonderously unique.
How interesting that through the eyes of man we are judged by our appearances. When our Heavenly Father looks upon us as His children and sees our heart's strength and compassion.
Have you suffered physically, being crippled for life? Do you have imperfections or inspired moments of joy? Take heart, for you are an unfinished work of our compassionate and loving Father in Heaven.
And I am sure that God, who began a good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
Phillipians 1:6
April 18, 1999; Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea
Today I returned to "Beached Faith" and made another "Footstep" along Our Journey to Heaven. There is one analogy of the sea rippling to the moving of a fellowship in our lives. If you are curious about the ripple. Grasp a small pebble and cast it in a water puddle. Watch the ripples reach to the edge of the water, no matter how small the pebble, the water ripples.
We ripple the lives of each other moving from fellowship to fellowship. Ever want to see the effect you have in others lives? Grasp a whole handful of small pebbles, as many as you can grasp. Now fling them in one motion into a water puddle, pond, lake, river, sea, or ocean. No matter the size of the body of water, the pebbles make and impact and create ripples.
See all the ripples?
Your life was the smallest pebble in your hand. The ripples of your life, impact the lives of others and affects their direction. Doubtful? Skeptical? Try it, and may God bless you today.
April 17, 1999
Ephesians 5:19-20
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What joy there is in hearing and singing God's praises. My soul rejoices at the sounds and when you get past the joyful sounds there is the word of God. What joy!
In the pleasant sound of our voices God rejoices.
I love to sing, many people say they can not sing. Let them pray and receive a blessing from the Lord. These same people can not be stopped praising His Holy name. Halleluia!
God calls us to make a joyful noise. No where, I've seen in the Bible, does he say you must sing perfectly on key, in tune, or at an acceptable pitch to man's ears. God's ears are perfectly in tune to your praises. No key, no tune, and all manner of praise is a sweet, sweet sound to His ears.
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Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Psalm 100:2
April 16, 1999
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
"My yoke is easy, my burden light." When I look into His holiness, when I gaze into His loveliness when all things that surround become shadows in the light of You. When I found the joy of reaching Your heart when my will becomes enthroned in Your love...
Powerful, powerful words. Words to LIVE by. Stop and reread that first paragraph. done?
I get a peace when I sing those words, reading them is just as powerful. Silently meditating on those same words I take away the worldly sound of my voice and instead hear a choir of rejoicing angels thunder those words into my ears with a throng of the heavenly host. "I worship You, I worship You, the reason I live is to worship You."
God loves You, love Him.
Jesus replied: "`Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
Matthew 22:37
April 15, 1999
Psalm 35:28
My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.
The Lord led me to serve Him as a Praise Leader for an Air Force Chapel Praise Team at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea I love to sing with them, it refreshes my soul. Practices are never enough time to sing all the praises these folks have for our Lord. What an encouragement knowing these military professionals work 10-12 hours a day in some of the toughest jobs---lots of stress, trials, pressure WHEW. What a blessing these people are in the lives of those who listens to them sing God's praises. Their faces beam as they sing His praises.
Opportunity abounds to speak good and praise God throughout your day. Everyone says, "Oh God..." when things seem to be going wrong. Try a different accent and things will turn around. "OH God!" Halleluia. Praise His holy name. Join God's Praise Team. There is one requirement for membership. Do you Love the Lord? Praise HIM! Lift your voice and sing His praises. Every voice is a sweet , sweet sound to His ears.
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 40:5
April 14, 1999
Proverbs 2:1-9
The Lord gives us two ears to serve His work. Sometimes we listen to hear what we want to hear or to listen only enough to take our position on a topic. Then we wait for an opening to talk and be heard---usually as the person talking takes a breath. Ever happen to you?
We are created in the image of God, shouldn't we desire to be like
Him? Heed the words of Proverbs 2:1-9 as you go about your day. The Lord has created us for fellowship. To be a good servant listening
for His guidance and opportunity to serve is like gold hid for bad
times. Are bad times about you? Silence is golden, listening is the
jewel in His crown.
Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.
Proverbs 23:19
April 13, 1999
Luke 6:30-38
In today's possession oriented world, it is a good lesson to note that we are called to love our enemies and to give and not expect repayment. I remember "borrowing" from my older brother's piggy bank. He found out and I received a "sock" in the eye for what I'd done.
I didn't stop "borrowing" the change, but he didn't "sock" me in the eye anymore.
Later in our lives, he gave me more than I could have ever repayed.
Not money, LOVE. He saw past what I'd done, to his younger brother who needed his love and understanding. I received it in good measure, pressed down. How wonderful to have an older brother who loves us so much as our Risen Savior. To love us so much as to give us guidance, for a time, then sacrifice himself to pay our debts in full.
Oh to be in His presence and follow His ways.
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23
April 12, 1999
Romans 8:8-9
Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
Where do we go from here, now that all of the children are grown up? As we focus and struggle for survival in this world. Satan veils our eyes, ears, and heart to the abundant life God has prepared for each of us. God chose YOU! He has chosen each of us from birth to live to worship to glorify His name. YES! YOU! Me, the people next door, and everyone you know and see--all we need are ears to hear the Gospel and tell others. Not everyone is a prophet, nor a preacher, not even a teacher-but all serve God as you are, where you are---even on the InterNET. God created it, give Him the praise.
Remember..."for unto you is born this day in the city of" Bordeaux a servant tis Fred the sojourner... Remember that? No? oh... Well, put your birth place, name, and vocation in there. Is that familiar? It is to God. He remembers the very moment you were born. When you drew your first breath. Be encouraged and smile...
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 8:13-14
April 11, 1999
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
What do we owe our children? The Lord says to train up a child in the way he should go and when he grows old he WILL NOT depart from it. I think we are all proof of that reality. We have all gone astray---most have turned back to the teachings from Sunday school or from an older person who only cared for our well being. My Grandmother was past 90 and still playing the church organ on Sunday. We went to a church closer to home, but Mom got us to Sunday school. I remember the peanut butter cookies and Kool-Aid my Aunt Ann use to make for us kindergartners. We'd sing "Jesus Loves Me" and do little crafts that depicted Jesus and His ministry, crucifixion and resurrection. The truth of the Bible is eternal.
Jesus Loves Me is one of my favorite songs and truths even today.
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love
him and show myself to him."
John 14:21
April 10, 1999
What is God to you?
God is the morning sun rising over the still calm ocean. He shines his grace upon us and gives us life as the son gives light to the world. God brings the gentle ocean breeze that softly and tenderly wafts in from the seas wake onto the land and warms our lives. As the son rises over the sea, it extends to all the edges of the earth and our lives. When we turn from the morning son, and begin to walk. Our shadow precedes us as do our faults and short comings, which we walk through. In the noon day sun, when God's brilliance is round about you fully, there is no shadow or imperfection seen. That is how God sees each of us from birth, perfect through the eyes of Jesus Christ.
When we are born again, we turn and follow God the son through the remaining days of our lives, our shadows stray behind us to mark our path as we stay our face and eyes to the son. As the sun settles to the horizon and our lives of this world come to a close we follow the son into our eternal life. For whosoever follows me (Jesus Christ, God the Son) shall have life everlasting.
April 9, 1999
James 1:2-5
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
The metal in the blacksmith's hand goes to the forge for forming. The forge is a place of great heat and tremendous pressure. On the forge the resistance of the metal is lessened by increasing the molecular movement within the metal. Each time the metal goes to the forge it is changed from the last time. In the hands of the blacksmith, the metal is formed for his uses. Repeatedly it goes to the forge, the blacksmith shaping and defining the character of the metal. The blacksmith preservers and from a glob of metal, lacking form, he fashions a horseshoe.
How much more are we like the metal in the hands of God the Father. God molds and makes us uniquely to His service for His purpose. As God leads we are called to follow. As we follow the Lord God, the King of Kings, the Creator of all there is, was and ever shall be...He calls us to lead others to the cross of His son Jesus Christ. What can wash away my sins? NOTHING!, but the blood of Jesus.
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
April 8, 1999
Lamentations 3:37
Can anything happen without the Lord's permission?
There is an emptiness created within the body of believers whenever a soul is untimely taken from the Lord's work. As believers, we must lean on His everlasting arms for He is our rock, our shield, and our strength. Is there an opportunity in your office to witness especially now? He is God, and He is God all by Himself.
For the LORD does not abandon anyone forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his unfailing love.
Lamentations 3:31-32
April 7, 1999
John 15:13
And here is how to measure it-the greatest is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.
My Dad lived this verse. I remember my mother telling us how he would drop almost anything and go to a friends aid. Whether it was for a car problem or a plumbing problem, or to bring a family the makings for a Thanksgiving day meal. Dad provided for people's needs, what was within his ability, skills, and wallet to do. I recall he would buy everything for navy bean and ham soup, then go to the local bar and cook it up. The men there would eat like they hadn't eaten for weeks, most were on a government pension of one kind or another. He would be very attentive to the soup while it cooked, and he never skimped on ingredients, he made it just like he did at home.
He sacrificed a large part of his day helping people. He ran a small coal delivery business for a time and would deliver coal to people, shovel it into their basements, and stoke the coal fire real good once, to help elderly folks receiving financial assistance from the state. He never spoke harshly in public when he was not dealt with fairly. He had a wonderful laugh. He was a tremendous witness to me as to how we should "lay down OUR lives" for our fellow man. I remember the first time we verbally acknowledged our love for one another, a month before he went home to Jesus. I am certain he knew I was watching him as I grew up in his shadow.
If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.
Matthew 5:47
April 6, 1999
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
No time are you directly in the hands of God or exceedingly in His mercy as when you are flying miles above the earth. Keep in mind He has placed you in the seat you are in and on the specific aircraft you are journeying in. There is a peace above the world that the world can not destroy. Like the weather, man can only confirm it exists, God MAKES it exist. Man has no authority over the winds or rains. Man can not make the winds more or less strong. When the pilot's encounter turbulence, the very creases in God's hands, they advise people to fasten their seat belts and stay seated. What a tremendous tribute the world gives for us all to remain seated during the Lord's performance. I know the peace speaker---yes I know Him by name...and Jesus is His name.
The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them wit peace.
Psalm 29:11
April 5, 1999
John 15:13
And here is how to measure it-the greatest is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.
How much more does God love us? It was the Father's will that the son should die upon the cross for the remission of our sins. In His death and resurrection Jesus Christ showed a great love for mankind and unquestionable obedience to the Father's word. What a testimony of His love, to die once for all.
In your comings and goings of the day remember that Jesus died for you.
So I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
John 13:34
April 4, 1999; Resurrection Day
1 Kings 19:13
When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
In the moments when we listen and the Lord reveals His way unto us. We are humbled and in awe. The custom of wearing cloaks is no longer world wide and to draw your cloak would be to shield yourself. In Elijah's case from the Lord's view. We know that the Lord is omnipresent and aware of our every breath. However, the question is the same, "What are you doing here?" Here being in the world. Are you ministering to the Lord or propping yourself up in the view of others? Is it God's glory or for your own that you toil daily?
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. Praise and worship Jesus Christ our Lord today as He is risen from the dead for YOU! Honor Him in your day and be a blessing to others. Do not be discouraged, the work He bagan on the cross still needs your help to be done.
...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
April 3, 1999
Luke 21:15
For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
In our anger and torment the words flow like water from a burst water balloon. They flood forth in all directions spreading to any who are near. The water splashes and makes people wet. Unlike the water balloon our words splash forth onto the hearts of those closest to us. We offer apologies after wards, but in some cases the damage is irreparable. Often in our daily vocation, events spark us to explode in a flurry of unmeaning words, to us, but to those closest to us they are like sharp knives thrown by the butcher.
The Lord gives us the words to speak to our adversaries. The words are tactful and not vicious. How much lovelier will the words from the Lord be unto the people closest to us in those moments of exploding. Guard your tongue and wait upon the Lord. Stop before you explode and listen for the "whisper" , it is our refuge from the day.
After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
1 Kings 19: 12
April 2, 1999
Phillipians 4:5-7
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The news shows coverage about brothers in arms men who have been taken captive in a Yugoslavia. 3 Men with families and friends who are anxious for their safety. I am anxious for their return and safety, but more for their witness to those holding them captive. The Lord directs our path and guides us in His way. Serving His military is an honor that is passed off casually today. With high powered jobs and the goals of the American Dream being constantly raised higher and higher, soldiers for the Lord are not regarded more highly than when there is unrest.
There is spiritual unrest all about everyday. We must "present our requests to God." Stand boldly in your faith. Is someone near you in need of prayer? Do they have a misty far-away look on their face as if to say, "Why God? Why?" Go to them and offer prayer, or if they come to you and ask about prayer, pray with them IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait for flowery words that sound meaningful or words memorized from text for the given situation. Prayer is an act of faith, the words are not as important as the love.
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.
Philemon 1:6
April 1, 1999
1 Timothy 2:1
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--
Are you a good shoulder for people to unload their burdened life upon? Not always easy to do is it? There are things pressing in on us all around. Phones ringing, cars going by, and all manner of confusion around us. Ever notice that when you need to listen closest, the noise becomes loudest?
God speaks to us in a still small voice that we will tune out the world and focus on His work. Yes, it is difficult for us, but nothing is too difficult for God. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, nothing is too difficult for us. Someone needs your smile and encouragement. If they ask for prayer, stop and pray right then. If they do not ask, offer to pray for them. Satan and his army is everywhere. You can see the demons at work all around us. Intercede in the name of God and by the blood of Jesus Christ the demons grip will be loosed. Be encouraged and be an encourager. Your worst day may be the best day for the Lord's work.
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Phillipians 4:5