God is our place of safety. He give us strength. He is always there to help us in times of trouble. The earth may fall apart. The mountain’s may fall into the middle of the sea. But we will not be afraid. The waters of the sea may roar and foam. The mountains may shake when the waters rise, but we will not be afraid Selah. Psalm 46:1-3
Storms are common in the summertime; with some that seem like category four hurricanes! But they don’t last forever. Thoughts and feelings run wild in the midst of a crises, but those are exactly the times we need to remain calm and discipline ourselves to focus on doing what we can do and trust God to do what we can’t. Instead of drowning in worry and fear, get in touch with God, who sees past the storm and orchestrates the big picture. He makes sure everything that needs to happen in our lives happens at the right time, moves at the appropriate speed, and causes us to arrive safely at the destinations He has planned for us. We can’t control everything, but God can. “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23
God doesn’t need your thanks, praise, or adoration. He doesn’t need an ego boost or validation. Rather, God asks you to express your gratefulness because of what it means to your own soul. It’s in those moments of thanksgiving when you realize that He’s the source of all your blessings, and that they’re not given because of your worthiness but because of His love for you. As your words echo back into your ears that God is the great Provider, His power fills you, and your heart is transformed! Thank Him for His goodness to you! Sing out your gratefulness to Him! The one who’ll be most blessed is you! Amen! “Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did.” Romans 15:2-3 MSG
We know we are instructed to love our neighbors, and yet there’s so little time…and we’re so busy. As Christians, we are commanded by our Lord to love our neighbors just as we love ourselves. Period. Today you will encounter someone who needs a word of encouragement, a pat on the back, a helping hand, or a heartfelt prayer. And, if you don’t reach out to your friend who will? If you don’t take the time to understand the needs of yours neighbors, who will? If you don’t love your brothers and sisters, who will? Today look for a neighbor in need, and then do something to help. "Love covers all transgressions." Proverbs 10:12
Our Lord is intimately acquainted with all our ways. Darkness and light are alike to Him. Not one of us is hidden from His sight. All things are open and laid bare before Him; our darkest secret, our deepest shame, our stormy past, our worst thought, our hidden motive, our vilest imagination...even our vain attempts to cover the ugly with snow-white beauty. Our Father God comes up so close. He sees it all. He knows our frame. He remembers we are dust...best of all, He loves us unconditionally! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. “ Proverbs 10:7
Each of us is creating a legacy. The influence of our lives will leave an imprint on all those the Lord has brought into our lives for us to touch. This proverb reminds us that our legacy will live far beyond us. If our lives are righteous, that legacy will be an ongoing blessing as stories of our lives are passed on to future generations. On the other hand, if our lives have been given over to wickedness, we will leave behind the lingering stench of something useful gone sour and something lasting given over to rot. Let’s live our lives for the cause of Christ and for Kingdom building for a lingering sweet smell pleasing to God the Father. In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.” Proverbs 21:5 MSG
Are you one of those who is simply too busy for your own good? Has the hectic pace of life robbed you of the peace that might otherwise be yours through Christ? If so, you’re doing a disservice to yourself and your family. God offers you a peace that passes human understanding through His Son, but He won’t force His peace on you; in order to experience it, you must slow down long enough to sense His presence and His love. As a gift to yourself today, be still and claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright, the peace of Christ. It is offered freely; it has been paid for in full; it is yours for the asking. |
Pastor Derrick RichardsonPastor of Community Abundant Life Church Archives
January 2025
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