How to Know What to Do

1. Pray and ask for wisdom. "If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you. This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (John 15:7-8)

2. Submit your motives to the Lord. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

3. Declare the praises of God."But you are a chosen people . . . that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." (I Peter 2:9)

4. Claim the empowering of the Holy Spirit. "God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." (II Timothy 1:7)

5. Have a teachable spirit. "Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth..." (Psalm 86:11)

6. Be open to God's correction.He will not have us do anything that is contrary to His character and principles that are written in His Word. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (II Timothy 3:16)

7. Listen for the voice of God, the impressions He puts in your innermost spirit. "I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 16:7,8)

8. Share your faith with others. "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." (Philemon, verse 6)

9. Live a life that is consistent with the example of Jesus Christ. "It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age," (Titus 2:12)

10. Expect God to do great things. ". . . He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." (John 14:12-13) 

As you read the Bible notice all the places that mention "know" and "knowledge." Read the books of II Peter and I John. To know we are where God wants us to be today, and doing what He wants us to do today brings peace. He works within us so we can know and do His Will. 

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by Elaine Hardt ©1992

No More Uncertainties

God is guiding and we are trusting !

We thank Him every day . . . 

We eagerly ask Him what to do

and He shows us the way.

Away with anxiety !

With wisdom He will give

we have no more fear . . . 

He shows us how to live.

The strength we need 

in the LORD we will find,

We can do better. 

Smile, with these words in mind. . . 

I can do better !

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by Elaine Hardt ©2019

WHAT DOES IT TAKE ?

What does it take to make you happy ?

   What does it take to make you blue ?

Is there anything special today

   that you should plan to do ? 

Right now — right now — count your blessings !

   Your Heavenly Father loves you.

Your life reflects your response to Him;

   Ask Him what is best now to do.

Somebody may observe you,

   seeing what you are doing today;

Would your example be helpful,

   like what you do ?  or what you say ?

Someone might come to mind today, 

   someone from a long time ago.

Maybe it’s your opportunity ?

   Pray, even if details you don’t know.

Weather predicted to turn bad,

   Oh, such boring news to hear;

What can our politicians do?

   Well, pray for them:  isn’t that clear ? 

And ask the LORD for good health, 

   energy, and His protection;

Keep on going with a smile !

   Read the Bible for His directions. 

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by Elaine Hardt ©2018

Things HAVE Changed

Today’s newspaper listed the Latest & Greatest Computer Club meeting for 4 pm on Saturday.  Oh, well.  I can find other things I need to do, instead of sitting through the young members gushing over the new updates.  I remember when the club was the Happy Day Computers.

You’ve noticed, too, that nothing stays the same.  Well, it was handy when the old telephone on the wall got upgraded.  Now it’s just a little thing that’s portable.  Too bad someone invented a way for strangers to call you with a recorded sales pitch.  How did they get my phone number?

Even going to church has changed.  Grandma Grace played the piano so nice.  Now the youngsters want the loud music of guitars and cymbals and drums.  If only they knew how your ears responded after a few years of that.  Can’t go to the worship service now because it gave me ringing 24x7 in my ears.  

So, the choice is mine.  Acknowledge that I’ve been growing older and avoid all this new stuff that is banging on the TV and the computer — avoid those kids who want to show off — or remember to pray for them.  Are they listening to the sermon or glancing at their smartphone all the time?  Have they really made the commitment to the Lord?  Do they read the Bible?  Do they care about us who used to volunteer? We used go to a prayer meeting before services.

Times are changing.  Shall I be bitter or get better?  

I have decided to pray more, also write to my grandkids, my brother's and sisters’ grandchildren and mail that piece of paper to them the old-timey way, with an envelope and a stamp.      * * * 

by Elaine Hardt ©2019 

Today is YOUR Day

  Your Faith
    Your Troubles
      Your Endurance
        Your Opportunity
          Your Joy

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way,

consider it an opportunity

for great joy.

For you know

when your faith is tested

your endurance has a chance to grow.

So, let it grow,

for when your endurance is fully developed,

you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

James 1:2-3  NLT