I will obey!

So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. (1 Kings 17:5 NIV)

I try to do what I'm told. To the best of my ability, I am a soldier. At school, in ministry, in life I want and strive to be obedient. That doesn't mean I don't question orders. I want to discern between the call of The Lord and my own personal desires. I am no different than anyone else. I have a difficult time separating the two. I have to admit, I do question God. I think we all have moments where we question what we are doing. Why has God sent me here? Why is this happening? At the end of the day, I will obey and do as he has asked, just like Elijah in 1 Kings.

I feel strongly I have been called to teach and lead. I don't always do a great job at each,but they are my life goals. Sometimes I would rather just follow. A follower has much less stress. But, I'm obedient to my God who calls me. Teaching can be the same way. It can be a struggle to deal with students, parents, staff, and the issues that come up every day. The fact remains, I am where God has placed me, for his reasons. I will be obedient to that calling. I am thankful that God has a plan, loves me, and promises to care for me forever.

I'm slow!

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8, 9 NIV)

I love running. My family has developed into a running family. My daughters run. Both my wife and I have Coached Track andCross Country. I now have two granddaughters that run. I have started running again for fun. I am teaching a "Couch to 5k" for some of my kids at school. So I decided torun with them. I'm a lot slower than I used to be. I don't care. I am running to encourage the slow ones. For anyone who has started running and train for a 5k race, you know it is not easy. You need constant encouragement. That's my job.

God's sense of timing is like mine. He has slowed everything down to encourage us. If he didn't care for us, he would just race to the finish. He is waiting until we all have the chance to come to him. He is controlling time in a way that is best for us. He wants all of us to finish the race right beside him. He will run alongside us. When we start dropping off, he will give us the strength to continue. If we stumble or fall, he will pick us up. As we struggle up a hill, against the wind, or in a storm, he is there for us.

Life is just like running a race. It doesn't matter how fast we go. We just need to finish and run the good race. We need to keep moving forward. We need to rely on God to help us and urge us on the course of life. Praise God! He is the best coach I could ever have.

Can you be certain?

but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:2 NIV)

I am certain my Heavenly Father created the universe. I am as certain as I am that 2 + 2 = 4. I can point to countless events in my life. People might blow those off as coincident, seeing a God that I want to see, willing him into existence. God is real. I even think you can prove it with the stars in Heaven. I read tonight in my devotion that scientist believe the stars and planets are held in place by a power. They believe the power exists and yet believe that power can not come from nothingness. Yet, the heavens are held in place. So this power must come from something. I know where, they don't. 

The complexity and organization of our universe should be enough to point to the existence of a God. People still deny it. It doesn't change the proof. My life, the bible, the power of the universe, can lead to only one conclusion and we praise God it does. 

So, what would I say to a nonbeliever? Just ask God to reveal himself to you. I'm not saying test God. I'm saying ask God to reveal his power, grace, and mercy to you. If you are sincere, God will. He reveals himself every day to those who call on him. He is present in our lives just waiting on an opening that we may believe in him. Try it! You can be certain in the existing of our Heavenly Father. 

Spending your life savings!

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13 NIV)

What's the most expensive purchase you have ever made? I am sure, for most of you, your house is the most expensive purchase. Some of you it might be your college education. If you add it up, college can really be expensive. Others might include a business purchase, property, or a multitude of items. I remember the first house my wife and I purchased. We had to sacrifice so much to do it. The stress of making a purchase like that is incredible. Some people purchase homes way beyond their reasonable means. I have even heard home owners that can't afford furniture to decorate that new home because of the expense. They gave up everything and live on the edge just for the image. That's crazy.

Now think about the crazy sacrifice God made. He sacrificed his only son so we could live. The comparison of these sacrifices is immeasurable. Who would give their life intentionally for someone else. It wasn't money, fame, or fortune that God decided to come to Earth. It was love that drove Jesus to the cross for us. He did it so we could spend time in eternity with him, true sacrifice. God gave up more than his life savings and he spent it on a sinful, unforgiving people that ignore him, ridicule him, and mock him on a daily basis. He knows that's how we are and he did it anyway.

I do not bow to Intimidation!

“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, (Isaiah 51:12 NIV)

Are you afraid of someone? Are you intimidated by your boss, coworker, in law, spouse,or someone else? I really can't say I am. Now I know I'm on the right track. What can they, mere mortals do to you? Can they snatch away eternity for your life? Are they in control of your salvation? NO! They are a spit of rain, an endless cycle of loss. Don't let them control your life. You empower them with your submissiveness and your meekness. Constantly remind yourself that God will not compromise with you. Stand up with the power of Christ and realize God is not intimidated.

There are those that thrive on power and control of our daily lives. They don't know they can't do that with me. My God is in control. I will not yield that control to them. My life isn't my own. Praise God the creator of the universe cares so much about me, he sent his son to die for me. That's the kind of love that everyone needs to know.