God Is Not Hiding

I am spending time this morning looking over the texts for next weeks lesson entitled "God Is Not Hiding". God reveals himself in creation. I think most Christians can remember a moment when they could see God's hand in creation. A beautiful sunset. A gorgeous landscape. A strong storm. I often struggle with those who say God is not real, given all the evidence of a creator around us. They say this world was an accident. Millions upon millions of things went just right so that we have life as we know it. An old friend of mine used to say that believing in the big bang theory was like putting a ball of yarn and a stick of dynamite in a barrel, setting of an explosion, and expecting to get a sweater in the end.

So I challenge you this week to spend some time looking for God in His creation. Spend some quiet time outside. Let Him speak while you listen. This will help as you prepare for this weeks lesson.

Thinking...

Thinking about picking this blogging thing back up.
Thinking about using it as a tool for Bible Study leadership.
Thinking about the direction of FBC Kenedy's education ministry.
Thinking about what God is doing in His church.
Thinking about lunch.
Thinking about community groups.

Clarity

Well it's been more than a month since I have had an original thought, at least any thought worth posting here. The truth is I have been beat up pretty good lately. But the glorious result has been a new attitude toward ministry and a deepening desire to see what God has in store for me. It has become obvious, in hindsight, that God has been preparing me for something awesome. Something I was not ready for two months ago. I can hardly wait to see what it is.

New Year

It's been a while since I've posted anything. I wish I could say it was because nothing was really going on, but that is far from the truth. God is trying to show me something and I am still not sure what it is. I thought I had it wired then, nope, that's not it. He has given me several promises over the last few months. One didn't really pan out, but through prayer and study he told me He would let me know why. Still waiting, but I trust Him fully.

I often wish God had an e-mail address, facebook, or twitter. Just a *beep and I would know what is going on. But it turns out He is preparing me for something, molding me, shaping me in the fire. He will not just let me know when He's ready. He will let me know when I'm ready. James says in Chapter five that we should approach suffering like the prophets in the old testament did. I guess I should be thankful that my trials pale in comparison.

So God, Please help me make this year yours. Show me what, how, and where to do what you have called me to do. Help me to trust You.

Thankful

I am thankful for my car
...but it does not drive me.

I am thankful for my food
...but it does not sustain me.

I am thankful for my home
...but it does not keep me.

I am thankful for my family
...but they do not define me.

I am thankful for my health
...but it does not give me life.

HE gives me purpose
when I have no direction.

HE keeps me going
when I can not go on.

HE cares for me
as no one else does.

HE molds me, shapes me
and makes me who I need to be.

HE gives me life
awesome, abundant, free.

I am THANKFUL.

Waiting

How many people out there enjoy waiting. There is something big coming, just not right now. Maybe your waiting for dinner. Maybe a bus, train, or plane has got you killing time. Maybe your wife is still not ready and you are at the door with your keys in hand.

Waiting can be excruciating, depending what you are waiting for. But why is this so? God has promised some pretty awesome things for those who love Him. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor mind has concieved what the Lord has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Cor 2:9.

So, I wait with anticipation to see what God has in store for me. I try my best each day to follow what I believe to be His will. Lord show me what you are doing. And help me to do what you want me to, while I wait.

Persevere?

Still in James, and he writes, "Blessed is the man who persevers under trial...." What exactly does it mean to "persevere"? Is it merely surviving until we come out on the other side? Or is it something more?

Dictionary.com defines it this way- "to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly."

Can you tell the difference between someone who perseveres a trial and someone who just survives it? Blessed is the man that maintains purpose through trial. The purpose that God has called him to. No matter what the obstacle, he presses on.

I don't want to merely survive trial, just happy that it's done. Lord, help me to be the man that perseveres. A man that moves through all obstacles with purpose.