Happy Faces Welcome!

The JOY of the LORD is our STRENGTH!

¹ If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 (NKJV)

Life is tough. We would all be foolish to deny it. There are times when we just want to rollover and give up. But thank God...rather, praise to God, He never gives up. One of the greatest attributes of God is that He has all authority over all things. The Bible tells us, "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13 NKJV). This means we must deduce that even in the severest of trial God is aware of our plight. He is there with us.

Colossians 3:2 above gives us the answer for making it through everyday events, "Set your mind on things above, NOT on things of the earth." That passage coupled with knowing the greatness of the love of God for all people and that our Lord has all authority over every created thing, every situation, every person, every authority - human and spiritual - and every possible event tells us He will work things out in our lives to get us where He wants us to be. Our job is to let Him. But we cannot do this if we focus on the earthly things that confront us. No! Our focus must be on God.

We absolutely must realize that God is the Creator of the world. He is the Creator of each person that has ever lived. He knows you intimately and His plan for your life is one that will yield beautiful things. He even knew you before you were formed in your mothers womb! (Psalms 139:13) But you will never see it come to fruition for the beauty that it can be if you refuse to submit daily to His guidance.

In the following passage take note of the five things listed that result in the fruitfulness of life:

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalms 1:1-3 NKJV)

That is not a prescription, it is a direction. In the midst of standing strong for Christ there still will be trials meant to mold us and sand us to be made in the image of Jesus (2 Cor. 3:18, Rom. 12:1-2). But those who recognize this - those who know that God's job is transformation - know that pain also accompanies change. When Christ bends us He is only working in us to bring about His purpose.

Won't you trust in the Lord today? Won't you allow Him to begin His work of building your life into what He intends it to be? It is never too late to start.

The patriarch Job knew these very things and he was able to say with courage, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15 NKJV).

Cry out to God today. Ask Him to change your heart and your life today!

His Promise:
"A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth" (Isaiah 42:3 NKJV)

God Bless

For more information on trusting God with all of your heart read "The Sifted Generation, Tested, tried and Found True"

Local to Springfield Illinois? Pick up your copy today Barnes and Noble 3111 South Veterans Pkwy
Springfield, IL 62704 217-546-9440

Also available on Amazon, Lifeway and most online bookstores.

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