Ready for the Game

   This week Fairmount Christian Church is having Vacation Bible School and even the adults have their own time of learning. The topic is how God prepared David to face Goliath taken from 1st Samuel, chapter 17.
   Our lesson uses sports to illustrate how practice, practice and more practice is used to build strength, stamina and endurance to ingrain within the athletes the tools they need to win the game.
   Much like preparing for winning a championship or Olympic game, God wants us to be prepared to "win the crown of life," James 1: v.12. Unlike the athlete though our playing field is in the spiritual realm. It cannot be fought and won accept through the study and practice in God's word.
   David didn't realize that God was preparing him ahead of time to face Goliath. As David watched, walked and sometimes ran to protect the sheep each day, God was building David's physical strength. The more David used his slingshot against the lions and bears, the more accurate his aim became.   David also had faith in God that became deeper as he studied and prayed daily.
   God also uses our life circumstances to prepare us for the work and the battles we face or will be facing. He will often use our trials and the hardships we go through to prepare us for something ahead. I have often wondered why God allowed something in my life, then to only look back and think, "Wow! I now see why."
   God has a purpose and a plan for each one of us. We have to be willing to put into practice His word daily to "...press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3: v. 4 KJV

Romans 5: vs. 3-4 KJV
3. "And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience,
4. "And patience, experience, and experience, hope."

Turn Your Back To The Past

   Regrets; we all have them. How often have we looked back and wished some of the decisions we made away? "If only" is the phrase we often hear within. "If only" I'd made a better financial decision I wouldn't be in debt. "If only" I'd been a better husband I wouldn't be divorced. "If only" I had listened to my parents, hadn't used drugs, hadn't stolen, been a better parent, done a better job, been kinder; if only, if only, if only.
   Sometime back I discovered this was exactly what I was doing, living and wasting my time on regrets. It also took away my energy, my incentive and my confidence.
   I thought about the thief on the cross crying out to Jesus, (Luke 23: vs. 42-43). Because he realized Jesus held the "Now" of his life at that moment, he was saved and glorified. He would have missed the most important decision of his life had he focused on regrets. He had plenty and no time to make anymore. Instead he followed the light forward.
   Glory in the moments that God gives you now and be thankful for the opportunities and time to live out those blessings. You cannot change the past by looking back.
   Realize as I did that: *God held the "Now" of my life and my future to be, so I'll move forward,*toward the light that I see.

Psalm 118: vs. 24-25 NKJV
24 "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." 25."Save now, I pray, O Lord."
Jeremiah 29: v. 11 NKJV
"For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

*_ Verses taken from "God's Pathway", 2008 - Marie Levy

Moments of Restoration

   Sometimes in the quiet early mornings as I study the word I become very aware of God's presence in my life. It's a peaceful time surrounded by His love and light. It's a place of safety and comfort.
   It was during one of these times I recalled the story of John, Peter and James on the mountain with Jesus as they beheld His transfiguration. They must have been in awe as they saw the light and the power as He talked with Moses and Elijah. This had to be not only a place of revelation but also of peace, serenity and safety that shut out the world around them if only for a few moments.
   I can understand why the disciples wanted to stay and build tabernacles. It was a safe haven away from the trials and sufferings of the world.
   It's in my own moments in these early morning encounters that I too want to stay. It's a place of safety and I'm content to bask in His presence. I don't want to face the reality and the challenges of the day ahead, so my spirit longs to stay.
   But as God spoke to the disciples that day, He also speaks to me. He helps me realize it's the daily trials that allow me to return to these moments surrounded by His love and peace. It's a time of restoration and preparation for what lies ahead. He reminds me of the victories from the day before that has brought me through to this moment.
   I'll choose to trust Him for what lies ahead knowing He has given me what I need for any circumstance I may face. I'll anticipate and look for that special time where His Spirit surrounds me and I get a glimpse of eternity.
   For I know that one day I'll be able to stay where I am, not only surrounded by His love, peace and presence but realize the tabernacle was already built.

Matthew 17: v.4,-5 KJV
v.4 Then answered Peter, and said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here;....let us make here three tabernacles;....'
v. 5 ....behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Psalm 61: v. 3-4 NKJV
v.3 For You have been a shelter for me,
      A strong tower from the enemy.
v. 4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
       I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.

The Perfect Answer

      It was a quiet morning as I walked Lily, my dog in our yard. This particular morning gave me pause to give God thanks for all the blessings surrounding me. My thoughts shifted to all the clover that covered my yard and I found myself bending down to inspect it closely.
   "Wouldn't  it be awesome to find a 4 leaf clover, not for luck but just to be able to see God's glory in all He has created?" God has never ceased to amaze me. There staring me in the face was a 4 leaf clover. I reached down and plucked it up. It wasn't perfect as one leaf had a piece missing, most likely from a rabbit nibbling in the yard.
   I suddenly found myself searching for a perfectly formed 4 leaf clover. I looked and looked to no avail. I brought the imperfect clover in and placed it between waxed paper. I was a little disheartened at first, but the more I looked at it I slowly realized I almost missed what God wanted me to see.
    It was His response to my request to reveal His glory in all things He has created. Didn't I realize the chances of finding that 4 leaf clover after I asked for it was little to none? Let us open our hearts to receive what He wants to show us. May we also see that as life nibbles away at us, things may not always be perfect. Don't obscure what God is showing you with your own search or vision of what perfection should be and miss His perfect answer and His glory surrounding you.

Revelations 4: v.11 KJV
"Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power, for thou hast created all things..."