{Thankfulness} Because I needed to remember!

Just a few things I'm thankful for!! Jesus!! Rocky, family, friends, churches, babies, little Samantha, sunsets, mountains, air planes, birthdays, cakes, grandmas, kittens, squirrels, hot chocolate... So much!!! Thank you Lord!! Try making a list of pictures reminding you why you have so much to be thankful for!! 

Practice Patience

Hi guys, I'm back. Hopefully I can start posting regularly again! Here's something that really helped me this morning - I hope it does for you as well. Thanks Jeff Lawton for always putting these devotionals together!

 For the believer, patience is built upon the absolute, unshakable belief that God is sovereign. We can be patient because we know we are not forgotten nor forsaken by our heavenly Father. Patience is the result of knowing that God has every detail of our lives under control. Nothing escapes His eternal care.

One day your loving Savior is coming back for you. Remember, your ultimate destination is heaven. Therefore, don’t get hooked by Satan’s bait and begin treating this world as your real home. If you do, you will find that you are becoming more impatient with the aggravations of life.

James gives us examples that spur us on to patience. First, we must understand some of the basic rules of farming (James 5:7). A farmer does not continually dig up the seed he has planted in order to check its growth—if he did so, he would never have a harvest. Likewise, we must trust God’s timing in our lives. Just as the farmer waits for His crop, we must wait on God to complete His work in our lives. This takes patience! James goes on to tell us that even Job had to endure a fierce trial. However, he knew that God had a wonderful plan for his life, and he refused to deny the Lord.

There will be times when we feel like we are in a holding pattern in our lives. We long to move away from our difficulties, but God wants us to wait and to learn how to be patient. If you find yourself feeling impatient with your circumstances, look up into the glorious face of the Savior who loves you and has a great reward for you.

James 5:7

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.

{God's Plan} Happy Weekend!

Hi readers,

I know it has been a couple of months since I have posted anything on here! But let’s just say God has taught me a lot in such a short amount of time.

Lately, I have been very determined to find out what God’s will for my life is. What my purpose here on earth is and what God’s will really means. I feel that we all come to a point in our lives, some earlier and some later than others, when we are desperate to know what we are here for.

I’m reading a short book right now simply (yet not so simply) titled “How to Know God’s Will” by Robert M. West. I haven’t finished it yet, but after reading just the first couple chapters I have been reminded of the fact that we aren’t here by accident. God has a very specific reason why He created each and every one of us, and although I may sound like your mom when I say this, I am going to say it regardless: we are all special to God.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14

“But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:30

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Those are just a FEW verses that show how God knows all of us (down to the exact number of hairs on your head) and has prepared something special for us according to His will.

So how do you find out what God’s will is for your life? That is a big question, the big question I have been searching to understand.

Here’s something I came across that has helped me a great deal. West quotes this in his book – the first question and answer from the Westminster Shorter Catechism: 

Question: What is the chief end of man?

Answer: The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

After reading that, I just sat back and let it sink in. Then I asked myself, has my motive for discovering God’s will just been selfish? I think so. Now, I’m looking at this entire topic completely different. West quotes scripture from Revelation in his book:  

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”  Revelation 4:11

I’m going to continue my journey with God in trying to find out how I can glorify Him in my life’s endeavors. As I learn more on the topic of God’s will I will be sharing!! Please pray for my walk as a Christian, and as I search God’s word daily – trying to better my understanding for His will.