Embark on a Spiritual Journey
-Daily Devotionals
Working Through Difficulties
At some point, you will face the obstacles that come with living . Your first thought is- why Lord? Then comes fear and anxiety. But, thinking back over your life, you realize that you have faced challenges before. They did not destroy you, you learned and you moved on. The faithful believer knows that God is aware of the situation before it enters your life. Instead of panic when you meet trouble. Turn to your faith, talk to God, then listen for his voice.
In times of trouble, stop and think of past trials and tribulations. You worked through every one and you are still her. What actions did you take? Did you call a friend, or call on Jesus? What is clear is this_ you were victorious.
Just as the past taught you that calmness aids your ability to focus stay calm, that is the mental state that allows you to focus, think, then act.
When the World Malfunctions
There are many situations when you will hold power. You can change the outcome, select partners, and set the time. You can work at making your life easier, and you can improve your skills so that you are marketable in a tech world. In an ideal world, there are many opportunities for your growth and development.
The world contributes greatly to our circumstances. Before you were born, there was a process established for governance, economic structure, and hierarchy. The laws were made by humankind for life on earth. But humans are good at ignoring universal law_ God's Law.
A perfect world would include humans that are devoted to the teachings of Jesus Christ. That is not asking too much, but so many find that the outside world is guided by rules that are not aligned with God's Law.
Trusting God
When you believe in God, it does not mean that your prayers will bring the outcome you ask for. Sometimes it will, but there will be many times when it will not. We can do all the right things in nurturing our relationship with the Father, but not have all that we ask for. You will even be disappointed by some of the answers to your prayers, but God knows best.
Having faith in God means you trust him. It is his infinite wisdom that guides his answer to our request. What you want, is not always the best thing for you. When God delays his response, he KNOWS that the time is not right, perhaps he has something better for you.
God promised that He would supply all our needs, not that he would give us everything we ask for. He keeps his word.
We must continue to be obedient, and live a life according to the Word. God is all knowing, all wise, He planned your life before conception. That means you have a purpose for being.
Holy Week
We celebrate Christmas with joy, but it is hard to celebrate a crucifixion. While Jesus is the reason for both seasons, the violence behind the event must never leave our memory. During both periods, Jesus was not welcomed. At his birth, his parents were rejected by humankind- but in spite of their treatment, God filled the spirit of baby Jesus, with love & compassion.
Jesus of Nazareth walked the earth doing good deeds for all people.During his short life, he performed miracles that should have endeared him to the entire population, but it did not. We know the story, the judgement, trial, and verdict_ all led to his brutal death.
That brings me to today_ While the talk & shopping for this season has been low-key, I sense an energy of unease, discomfort, fear, and anticipation. Some people are fearful and believe that our global situation_ will receive an unexpected reaction from God, who is the fixer. Humans are actually reading scripture that lead up to the original Holy Week, and linking the scripture to humankind's behavior now, and some feel that God may have had enough.
Think about the goodness of Christ. How he has guided, protected, healed, and blessed humans. Yet- through all his goodness_ there were men_ who strayed from his teachings. Then_ after all that Christ did for them_ they nailed him to a Cross and mocked him.
The global chaos began on our soil. Greed, bias, whore-mongering, adultery, and drunken behaviors are a way of life for some. These behaviors are here today, as well as in Biblical days. But there is still a chance to avoid the wrath of God_
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
– 2 Chronicles 7:14
Easter is a time of renewal, watch and wait.
