Thoughts on Persistence

Thoughts on Persistence
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Sunday, August 26, 2018

God Never Wanders Off


God Never Wanders Off

If I forget to say my prayers morning or night, God still watches and cares.

If, for some reason, I fail to call on Him in time of trouble, He still is near.

If I follow a different path from the one I know, He still goes with me.

If I make a different choice than the one God wants me to make, He will go with me and guide my hand, even in the middle of the bad choice.

If I fail to offer thanks for the large and small acts of mercy, He still moves in my life, and protects.

Should I forget, God never forgets. 
He never sleeps, the world still revolves, the moon and stars shine at night.

His great love continues.

His goodness and mercy is not contingent upon my goodness, but upon His.

Thanks be to God.


Hope Encouragement Inspiration


Sunday, August 19, 2018

God's Big Box Store


God’s Big Box Store

I needed a few items at the store the other day, so I dashed into GBBS (God’s Big Box Store).  I grabbed the first push cart I could find and began wandering the isles.  There were four items on my list.

Hundreds of people were in there that day, but we all managed to find our way. 

I walked past the isle of new cars.  It was packed. 

Then came the large screen TV sets.  That was a bit much. 

The Stereos were blasting and busy as any other section.

You should have seen the selections in the HUSBAND and WIFE isle.  And the people looking for a mate … astounding.

I was seeking some different stuff and kept moving.  I rounded the corner and there it was.  The FAITH aisle.  I reached for the box I thought was appropriate for my immediate need and put it in the cart.

On my left was a display for something new called ‘Forgiveness Fragrance’, so I pulled one of the dispensers off the shelf.  I knew I needed that one from time to time, so I tossed it in.

What I was seeking most was the GRACE aisle.  I found it, and pulled off a six-pack of the best seller.  I had used it before and knew it worked.

I kept moving.  “What else” I thought?

I found the HOPE section, and loaded up on the name-brand, and then came TRUST.  I needed a large box size of that one, so I loaded it in.

Well, I had checked off most of the items on my list and was about to head to the checkout stands when I passed the LOVE aisle.  I thought, why not wander down that aisle and see what’s new.

I had just barely started strolling when I came upon an item of interest.  I saw was something called God’s Extravagant Love.  I thought that was probably pretty expensive, and who was I to think I deserved to buy that for myself. 

But when I looked at the price tag, it said “Free – God’s Gift to You!” 

Surely this was a mistake.  I stopped a clerk nearby, and asked about that.  He assured me the sign was correct, and said, “As a matter of fact, most of the items in this store are free.  Except for the larger, lesser important items, like the cars and stereos and TVs, houses and stuff.  But these items in this section are free and available for the taking.”

I scratched my head.  I scratched my chin.  I stuck my hands in my pockets.  I pondered.  I wondered. 

Hmm!

God’s extravagant love … FREE?

What a deal!  Well, I headed to the checkout stand.  When my turn came, I was greeted by the attendant with a smile and a cheery “hello”.

As she did her work, she rattled off the times …

“Let’s see.  Faith, Forgiveness, Grace, Hope, Love.  Your total today is … ZERO, simply because God loves you so much.


And the marketing message at the bottom of my ticket from the checker?

“The price of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.” (Romans 6:23)


Hope Encouragement Inspiration


Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Pictures of God


Pictures of God

Got a picture of God somewhere?  Most pictures of God are locked away in our individual minds. 

Perhaps some of us have (or have had) these kinds of images of God.

~The God who leans over Heaven’ banister, shouting and pointing at you or me, calling us out on a foul or two.

~The clip-board God, walking around, watching, marking down on His clip-board all our faults, our missteps, our harsh words and wrong deeds.

~The folded-arms God, who has turned a deaf ear to our cries and pleadings simply because we didn’t say the right words, say ‘thee’ and ‘thou’ enough to suit His tastes.

~How about the all-white God, who despises anyone else of another color.


OUCH!


Allow me to present a different, a gentler picture of God.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  His mercy endures forever.”
(Psalm 136: 1)

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 
(2 Corinthians 12:9)

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.”
(Isaiah 43:2)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
(Psalm 46:1)


May the God of grace and peace be present in every situation you face today.



Hope Encouragement Inspiration