Keep your Head up: James 1:1-12

  I know that sometimes spirits get down and some of you are struggling with things that others can't even imagine.  I just want to encourage you with God's Word, after all, it is our foundation and authority.  In James 1:2-4 James tells his readers to count it joy when they go through trials.  Now I will be the first to admit that this is easier said than done.  He goes on to tell them that the trials bring endurance to make us complete.  He then goes on in verse 5 to tell them if they lack wisdom in the midst of the trials to go to God Who will give that wisdom generously.  It is okay to question God with the right questions;  What are you going to teach me through this Lord?  How can you use this for your glory?  He then goes on to say in verse 12 that the one who perseveres is blessed and will receive "the crown of life which is promised to those who love Him."  There are many applications that we can take away from this as we all go through trials.  My goal was not to be "preachy" but rather to build you all up.  I hope this is received in the spirit that I am typing it.  Remember that God values you so keep your hands to the plow as you do what God has for you.  Also know that it is through trials that He molds us to His image.  You never know how your example in the midst of a trial can impact others.

Grace and Peace

Fundamentals

The Art Around Us

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies announce what his hands have made. Day after day they tell the story; night after night they tell it again. They have no speech or words; they have no voice to be heard. But their message goes out through all the world; their words go everywhere on earth." — Psalm 19:1-4a
       The orange hue of a harvest moon on a cool autumn night, the dark silhouette of trees backdropped by the pink and purple glow of dawn, the black of night dispelled by the shimmer of millions of stars on a clear night—all of these scenes reflect the glory and majesty of their Creator. I am often left awestruck by the vastness and beauty of creation. In fact, one of my favorite things to do is to sit and bask in the wonders of God displayed through the very works of His hands.
       A work of art will always point back to its creator. I always enjoy hearing the silent stories that art will speak. I find it fascinating just how much can be said through silence, and honestly, I believe that the silence of art is often more powerful than audible words. As I was driving home from a friend’s house the other day, I saw a sign outside of a firehouse that read, “Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing Who to thank.” The verses above state that creation is constantly speaking of God’s glory through its worship-inspiring beauty. It is impossible for me to witness the beauty of creation without acknowledging its Creator. While some may disagree, there is no doubt in my mind that God, the Creator of both the heavens and the earth, eternally encompasses the title of Divine Artist.


Becca Fleischer

Still Dreaming

Still Dreaming

Proverbs 16:1(NCV) “People may make plans in their minds, but only the Lord can make them come true.”

David Jeremiah, Turning Points Magazine, pg. 36(10-10-06) “To have a dream, then endure the death of that dream, requires great faith” “If you’ve endured the death of a dream, don’t give up. Seek God to discover what His purpose and plan are. It may take time and adjustments, but it will be better in the end.”

The ability to live and still have a dream

After failing in life isn’t as hard as it seems

To some they may feel like your life is over

Your luck has ran out, no more four leaf clovers

But, there is One who still dares you to dream

No matter what has happened, He’ll wipe the slate clean

And give you the strength to begin life again

Letting you know this situation is not the end

As long as He gives you breath to begin each day

He has a devised wonderful plan that will go exactly His way

Trust Him, repent, do whatever the Lord asks

He will surely give you the power to complete the task

For any “nay-sayers” who try to destroy your dream

Keep praying to the Lord and focusing on the unseen

Surely there will be things that constantly attack your mind

Satan knows you want to be free, so he’ll constantly press rewind

To remind you of when and how you (or things) did fail

Applying great pressure hoping that you will bail

On the dreams that God has set and devised for you

If you just have faith in Him, God will see you through

Don’t quit trusting, I pray, just keep believing

Today is the day—God wants to see you still dreaming

Romans 8:28(NCV) “We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. They are the people He called, because that was his plan.”

 

Prayer- Lord, I cannot stop dreaming. I can’t say I have not lived up to my end of the bargain, because You were never bargaining with me. You had and have a plan for my life. That plan includes me being submitted to You and bringing You the glory that all of creation is supposed to bring You. Lord, I love You for Your faithfulness. Your kindness, correction and staying power are all testaments of how much You care for me. Thank You for allowing me to keep dreaming. Satan, the world and even my past failures, cause me to have many nightmares, but You Lord, through Your Word, people, ministries and miracles continue to give me a reason to keep dreaming.

God doesn't want you to stop dreaming; as long as He gives you the ability to see another day, He is giving you the opportunity to recieve His grace and to start living the life He has designed you for. Don't be discouraged by any failure or obstalces that you are facing; know that God wants you to S.T.A.R.T. NOW with living your dreams.

William Gilmer