Does God Automatically Help Us?

Will God automatically spare us from trouble?

Does God automatically lead us to truth?

Does God automatically give us what we need?

Does God automatically give us what we want?

Life goes on. Some days we feel energetic and capable; things go very well.  Other times we may feel like there is a backpack of bricks that we’re forced to carry. 

What’s the difference?  As Christians won’t God just automatically give us what we need?  Can’t we count on Him?

We can count on circumstances changing.  Some people welcome challenge; others take it as a personal affront.  Some expect risk, others want comfort. Many expect good things, automatically.

Is this normal?

For a long time we believed that Christians are supposed to “tough it out” and “put on a smiling face.” We expected to have some troubles, since they were good for teaching us patience.  

Does this unwittingly play into the hands of our spiritual enemy?

By taking a passive stance do we actually invite more problems?

Remember, then . . .

Face to Face

I looked in the mirror and what did I see?

An older, slightly wrinkled woman looking back at me.

She had an inquisitive smile and nodded her head;

I was pleased to see her friendliness, so this is what I said,

“Let’s you and me be friends, is that OK with you?”

And I saw that she wanted to talk with me, too.

I listened and listened, but couldn’t hear her voice.

“That’s OK for now, if being quiet is your choice.” 

So she and I smiled again, and I turned away.

I’ll probably see her again another day.  

Face to face, her appearance was like a mystery, 

But I will make friends with her yet, you’ll see. 

By Elaine Hardt ©2014

FOCUS!

That’s how you hit the target now…..or eventually.
That’s how you say the right things now . . . or eventually.
That’s how you spare unnecessary energy.
That’s how you gather evidence.
That’s how you put the right ingredients into those cookies.
That’s how you just buy the thing you need now…
           instead of looking all over the store.
That’s how you improve your memory.
That’s how you decide what’s true about life . . . and death. . . 
           instead of buying in to the latest fad or the oldest traditions.  
That’s how you read the Bible. . . instead of just remembering 
           little stories from your childhood Sunday School.  
That’s how you talk honestly to your Maker.
F O C U S !

by Elaine Hardt ©2014 

Time Alone, then Time Together

We deserve a small, quiet “Time Alone” at the first of every new day.  Find your focus. Think of what you’re thankful for. Declare your determination to live for the LORD.
Now, enjoy a “Time Together.”  Jesus is really there with you.  His blessings are what we need for a successful day.  We can talk to the actual Savior when we pray! 
What do we need for today?  Consider this: Faith, Hope, and Love. 
Many people have a weak definition of the words, FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE.        But the Bible points out the power of each of these words.  

“Therefore having been justified by faith we have peace with God 

through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, 

through whom also we have access by faith 

into this grace in which we stand, 

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

And not only that, 

but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 

and perseverance, character, and character, hope. 

Now hope does not disappoint, 

because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts 

by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” 

Romans 5:1-5  

Look here http://www.jewsforjesus.org/files/pdf/newsletter/newsletter-2014-03.pdf   for the article by Karl deSouza.  He gives us these strong definitions: 
        Faith has the force of trust in something that is true.
        Hope is a forward-looking assurance of a promise to be fulfilled.
        Love is sacrificial and committed.
Here’s your challenge:  every morning this week have Time Alone and then Time Together.

By Elaine Hardt ©2014 

Vinegar & Bleach

In a hurry to get the washing started before running to town Tina impulsively decided to add bleach to the load of white bath towels — now a shade of faint pink —  so she grabbed the jug, measured out a cup and poured it into the dispenser on the washing machine. The detergent in, the right buttons pushed, and Tina was off like a flash. 

 The reason for the rosy hued items was her fault in the first place. Her husband, Dan’s new white socks with bright red stripe on the top had tinted the towels and washcloths. 

 Back from town a couple of hours later, she was stuffing the wet towels into the dryer, and noticed they didn’t look any better.  “Maybe I should have added more bleach?”  Again she reached for the jug on the shelf.  The first thing on the label that caught her eye was a recipe for pickles.  

 Turning the bottle around she saw to her chagrin she’d used vinegar instead of bleach. There’s nothing like using the wrong product to give the wrong results. 

 Something similar happens in our busy lives when we grab for what we think will do the job, and it fails us.  
  Many people see the word, “spirituality” and grab that.  Or, they see the word, “religion” and think it’s the real thing.

  Let’s slow down and take a closer look.  

Today is Your New Day

Your new day’s hopes and aspirations

May be shoved aside by complications,

Derailed by unexpected aggravations,

But, do what you can!

Persist with a plan!

Preparing for something ahead that’s unknown,

Thinking and working is how you have grown;

Remember: with the LORD you are never alone,

So, do what you can!

Persist with that plan!

Your observations and consideration, 

Improve this with generous inspiration;

Continue with your sincere dedication.

Today, do what you can!

Enjoy life, with your plan!                                         

Neither wisdom nor endurance grows on trees!   

Your example, some other person, somewhere sees;

The LORD is the one you want to honor and please. 

Today, do more! You can!

Enjoy life; make it your plan!   

By Elaine Hardt ©2014