How can I .........?

““But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!”” Judges 6:15 NLT

We just don't know the power we have through the power of Jesus. We doubt ourselves. We doubt our God. We look at only our weakness and completely forget about what God has done in our lives. We/I constantly question, how can I .....? You fill in the blank. 

We need to remember the power that has brought us to where we are today. If your life has been an entire struggle and you have not totally trusted Jesus, you need to change that today! God is real and is active in our lives, when we let him. He has no limits except those we put upon him. Gideon tested God over and over again, doubting everything along the way. Eventually he gave in and realized the power of the creator of the universe. Why wait? Why continue to doubt. Turn your life over. That means you do not shy away from challenges. We embrace the troubles of our world and in our own lives because we know that God lives in us and will help us overcome.

What are you struggling with? Trust God. Turn it over to him, COMPLETELY! He will be there! Do not feel you are alone! You are partnered with the power of Jesus. You need nothing else.

No water

“There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the LORD’s presence with our brothers!”

Numbers 20:2-3 NLT (http://bible.com/116/num.20.2-3.nlt)

As I've read these bible accounts of the Israelites, I have been so critical of their rebellious nature. Yet, we are no different. Look at what they had been through. They were slaves, then delivered, pinned against the Red Sea, delivered, then attacked, delivered, starved, then delivered. Time and time To again they were delivered in dramatic style. They were still a stubborn and rebellious people. 

We are no different. I am no different! Our country is in constant rebellion. I'm not talking civil war rebellion. I'm talking Israelite rebellion. I'm talking about defy and doubt God rebellion. Can't we see how truly blessed we are? Is it impossible for me to be satisfied with where the Lord leads? When things are great and I'm getting my way....... All things are good. One small sign of distress and I completely forget about the power of my Creator. I forget about how he has rescued me for 55 years. I love the Lord. He is my rock and my deliverer. I praise him for his glory and how that manifests itself in my life. 

Lord, I am sorry for my rebellion. I am sorry I doubt you, over and over again. Please Lord, help me keep my eyes on you throughout sunshine and darkness. I love you forever, amen!

I don't care what you say!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

I had a wondeful day yesterday with the CMA Son Rise Rider leadership team at our state officer training. It is just another great opportunity for the Lord to speak to us and affirm out ministry. But, as I was sitting in some of the training sessions, I realize everyone doesn't share the confidence I have in what we are doing. The "young" officers have so many questions and doubts in what they are doing. You can tell they question themselves around every decision. Many are new to ministry and most have never been in leadership positions before. They will learn.

The "more experience" I gain in life the more I realize the power of God in ME. It is not me bragging about me, but it's me bragging about the God of the universe working in me. I am confident in leadership, not because I am great, but because God is great. Sure, I mess up, but God is always there to perfect his masterpiece in me. I have firmly gotten to the point "I don't care what people think of me." It is so freeing to know I don't have to live up to the worlds standards, I only answer to the almighty God. 

The great thing about my CMA chapter? We all know who we answer to. We treasure our ministry, and honor God through our service. It is great to know our leadership knows that and we are blessed by it. We know we are working for his will and not our own. We are guided by his wisdom, power, love, and grace. Praise God for the knowledge that God is for us and no one can stand against us!

The 4D's

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:47 NIV

How's your New Years resolution coming! My goal, I don't do resolutions, is to draw closer to God. I'm feeling pretty good about it so far. I've prayed more and not missed a morning or evening devotion time. I am still trying to pray and focus more during the day on Jesus, it gets busy and it's not easy but I'm trying. 

For those struggling, don't give up. In my devotional yesterday, Rick Warren said 4 things get in the way of our goals: delay, discouragement, disapproval, and doubt. I am sure we can all relate to at least one of those. But, this verse reinforces that we don't have to fight alone. In fact the battles with delay, discouragement, disapproval, and doubt, belong to the Lord. It's not our fight! So turn it over to him and you will reach your goals, resolutions, and dreams. 

Thank you Lord Jesus for fighting my battles. You know my weaknesses and you make me strong. I love you and am amazed by you. Help me reach my goals. I want to rest in your arms forever! Amen!

Credibility

God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what. (Hebrews 4:12, 13 MSG)

When you are working with teenagers, it is important to keep your word. You must follow through, if you say something and don't follow up, you have lost your students, permanently.

Credibility is imperative for a teacher. I have to prove myself to my students every day. They listen and apply what I tell them. If they can't make sense of what I say, if it doesn't work, they won't trust me in the future. Over time, they keep a mental tally of my credibility. They will decide by experience wether they should believe me or not.

I really do the same thing with God. It embarrasses me to say that I doubt God. But, I think everyone does. That doubt was more frequent when I was younger. Now that I have lived with God for over 40 years, I can see so many instances of Gods power. I know he loves me. I see it every day. He blesses me beyond anything I deserve and humbles me with how he cares for me. But, I still do have doubts from time to time. I don't doubt his power. I do doubt the plan I see laying out before me. I don't always question the plan, but when I do doubt this is my weakness. 

Lord forgive me for my doubts. Forgive me when I think I know a better plan than you have laid before me. I love you and know you have watched over me for 54 years. I praise you for that love and the wondeful blessings you have provided.