If It Is the Lord’s Will

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” – James 4:13-17 (ESV)

As the economic upheaval over the last couple years has made it abundantly clear, we can’t truly know or control life’s circumstances on our own strength or volition.  However, if we actively include the presence of God in making our decisions, setting our direction, and working along His path, then fulfilling His will becomes our goal and we will truly find success.

We’re All in Need

“Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;

for it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.”

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” – Romans 14:10-12 (ESV)

As followers of Christ, it’s vital that we not fall into the trap of judging our fellow Christians in their Walks.  Instead of finding fault or issue, we’re instead called to uplift and support one another’s relationship with Jesus; providing an environment where His grace is felt by all of His Children.  In the end, we’re all in need of God’s tender mercy.

The Lord Shall Renew Their Strength

“Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV)

Waiting is tough.  Whether it’s a short-term trial, or a longer more complicated struggle, sometimes waiting for that light on the horizon can seem extremely daunting.  Know however, that no matter how difficult a road lies ahead, God isn’t shaken.  When we rest in the confidence that our Heavenly Father desires the best for His Children and persevere towards furthering His works, our waiting takes on a completely different perspective.

Thankfulness in Our Hearts

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)

In everything we say and do, above all it’s essential to keep the love of Christ in our hearts.  For when we have that personal, intimate relationship with our Savior, every day becomes Thanksgiving.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

True Courage

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

Men: Life can feel terribly overwhelming at times.  Between work responsibilities, caring for our families, household bills, and a seemingly never-ending list of tasks to accomplish, even the most stalwart of us can feel burdened and fearful.  When those moments occur, instead of allowing the darkness to poison our spirits it’s essential we lean on the strength of our Heavenly Father to bolster our resolve, and see us through our trials.  True courage isn’t facing adversity on our own, it’s boldly realizing that we’re never on our own.