Today's blog is one I want to address the issue of whether God is fair. Because I believe that God did not create
this universe without a distinct plan for our ultimate good and blessing, I believe he wants to do this in spite of our sinful
nature. We don't have the promise that all will be well, we do have the assurance that we can have heaven some day if we perservere.
What is perseverance? My definition is with standing the trials that come our way to make us strong. I am sitting in my wheelchair
paralyzed except for my head, typing while looking out the window of my world. I see some of the over 600 trees we planted
when God moved us here. There is a strong storm raging outside and the trees are bending and being tossed to and fro. I think
the trees are like my life. They are over fifty foot tall and rarely break except for the diseased ones. They have grown big
and strong because of their ability to bend with adversity. The Bible says thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not
sin against thee. What does this mean in my life? Mic 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD
require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? If you read the whole chapter Micah's
world was surrounded in sin much like today. I think it is time to check ourselves and consider the paths we are on. Will
we bend like the trees to grow strong so we can do justly and love mercy and walk humbly with God? Or do we seek the wide
easy path that makes us weak? When the storms come in such a life the strength is not there and the soul can break easily.
There is hope in the Lord. The creator said, "Come unto me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Jesus wants
to bring the same peace in our lives when storms bend us. Just like Jesus spoke to the storm to be still he now speaks to
our hearts in the midst of turmoil and says,-" PEACE BE STILL". Will we still have to bend? If we want to grow strong in the
things of God, but there will be a peace with in knowing we are where God wants us for our ultimate good and his ultimate
glory and honor. How do you enjoy this relationship with God? First talk to God through Jesus Christ and admit you are a sinner.
Then be willing to turn from sin with the help of God's Holy Spirit. He will guide you in all things. 1Jo 1:1 ¶ That which
was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have
handled, of the Word of life;
2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness,
and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye
also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
5 ¶ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare
unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness,
we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 ¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his
word is not in us.
(KJV)
Won't you seek your strength from the Rock of Ages today? I have watched many friends pass this year and they
had their strength to endure the storms and now they have PEACE BE STILL. Much more than this they have a new home. Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare
a place for you.
(KJV) For God's reason I know not why they have left before me, I know I will see them again, but God has a
plan and it is not for me to presume I know better because I don't. The Christian song says to trust and obey for there is
no better way to be happy in Jesus.
As we enter the new year of 2004 we need to bend to the call of the spirit. We can all then grow stronger in
God's love all doing what he has for us to do loving mercy and others the way Christ did for us. May we all seek to grow stronger
through the storms of life with the strength of the spirit of God. Seek him through Jesus Christ today for all your needs.
Know the people involved in the foundation are constantly praying that you all will find strength and peace in Christ this
year and those we have to serve the Lord of Hosts. God truly will grow beauty from the ashes of our lives.
