Life in His Hand

Being a follower of Jesus does not mean that your life suddenly turns into a rose garden. It does not mean you have no problems. They are thinking about closing my church down. It does not matter that we are a living, breathing community of believers who meet together in our small town to worship God and strengthen each other. It does not matter that by being here we are keeping a light burning in our community for people of like beliefs which cannot be found in any other church in our small town. It does not matter that we are bonded to one another. No it does not matter. What does apparently matter is the size of our bank account. We don't have much money. It does not matter that we share a pastor with the church in the next community which has means and in all actuality we are not costing the conference anything more. No it doesn't matter. We simply do not generate enough money in tithes. We do not matter... But we matter to God. And we matter to each other and the peopl...

Feeling so much regret for past mistakes... God whispers, "I have plans for you." Thinking back over the recent past, just a few minutes ago, I was overcome with the sickening feeling of all-consuming regret. I knew better! I sold myself short. I disappointed God. Not once, not twice but repeatedly. But God didn't turn on me. He tried so many times to get through, but I was weak and then confused. I prayed and He heard. He didn't leave, He kept trying to pull me out. Seems God has to keep repeating Himself to me. He is patient. Thank You, God, for the way You love. For the way You pull us out of the miry clay we cannot free ourselves from.

God came to my class today. We did our usual things. We prayed, we sang, we read the Bible and talked about it. The point of the lesson was God's lavish love. He pours His love on us when we least deserve it.  Yes, it was enough that He created us. That shows He loves us. He loves us so much, in fact, that He gave His Son to redeem us--to buy us back. That shows us how much He loves us--how far He would go to get us back.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8  We don't deserve that.  But if all that wasn't enough--He involves Himself, personally, with us. He is willing to guide, to protect, to love, to listen.  And here is where it gets very interesting to me. Down here on my level. In my little life. Here I am with ALL my faults, ALL my imperfections, ALL my fears and ALL my sins. And I mess up and I mess up and I MESS UP! So does He cut me off? Does He say,"Forget you!! ...

God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him.  Ellen White - Ministry of Healing Instead of asking, "Why?" I need to trust that He has my best interest at heart. I need to simply give Him my doubts and fears and let Him guide me through this life. That is what He's promised to do. I will lead  the blind  by ways they have not known,   along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light  before them  and make the rough places smooth.  These are the things I will do;   I will not forsake  them. Isaiah 42:16 Someday, it will all make sense.  I believe God has many lessons for me to learn along the way. The mistakes I make, which just bring pain, can even be used for my good and the good of others. Nothing is wasted - nothing is in vain. I thank You,...