I've been reading about Job in the Bible.  Wow!  How could one human possibly go through the suffering that Job did?  Could I do that?  Could my faith hold up to all the tragedy and suffering, physically and mentally that Job went through?  I would hope so, but it's a scary thought.  

It helps me though, when I go through my trials here on earth.  Trials that may seem trivial in light of Job's journey, but the same concept applies.  I keep my eyes lifted to the One who made me.  I don't take my eyes off God, the One who created the Heavens and the earth.  

 God is with us in our pain and afflictions of life.  His character gives us hope when life feels hopeless. I have peace in knowing that God may not remove all the pain that may come to me, but, trusting in Him gives me the confidence that I need through this season of life.  

Trust in God with all your heart and acknowledge Him.  I could not do this life without God in it!

Trials do not show us how strong our faith is, as much as they reveal whether we will remain faithful through them.

 Joshua 1:9 - “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

I've been reading about Job in the Bible.  Wow!  How could one human possibly go through the suffering that Job did?  Could I do that?  Could my faith hold up to all the tragedy and suffering, physically and mentally that Job went through?  I would hope so, but it's a scary thought.   

It helps me though, when I go through my trials here on earth.  Trials that may seem trivial in light of Job's journey, but the same concept applies.  I keep my eyes lifted to the One who made me.  I don't take my eyes off God, the One who created the Heavens and the earth.  

God is with us in our pain and afflictions of life.  His character gives us hope when life feels hopeless. I have peace in knowing that God may not remove all the pain that may come to me, but, trusting in Him gives me the confidence that I need through this season of life.  

Trust in God with all your heart and acknowledge Him.  I could not do this life without God in it!

Trials do not show us how strong our faith is, as much as they reveal whether we will remain faithful through them.

Joshua 1:9 - “Have I not commanded you?Be strong and courageous.Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

It’s hard to be thankful when nothing is going right in your life.  I know that God is faithful.  He’s our guard and protector from the evil things of this world.  

God's plans and His timing are always perfect.  I have so many things to be thankful for. I have so many blessings poured out to me every day.  I have a family, a home, a job and friends.  I can go to Church without being persecuted, and I can praise God openly and not worry about being shot or ridiculed for my faith.

 I do thank God each day for my blessings.  Friends, God is so merciful to His children.  He wants to give us all the riches of Glory.  He wants us to have a happy joy-filled life.  

 What He’s most impressed with is that we acknowledge our blessings, even in the midst of tragedies. That’s true faith and perseverance. 

2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful.  He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”

I was looking back on my notes from my last mission trip to Peru. I had made a comment about how two of my brothers in Christ brought out the spirited version of me.

I really enjoyed working along-side Mark and Allan in Peru. I’ll admit, I’ve come out of my shell a bit since I’ve been going on mission trips. It’s because I realize that it’s not about me. And, if you’re as blessed as I have been to work with people of the same faith, the same goals, the same servant-heart, well, you’re truly blessed.

People like Mark and Allan brought out the spirited version of me. They made it fun to serve. But we also experienced God’s love right in front of us.

I hope the people of Peru that crossed our path that week could see Jesus in each of us.

Let’s be loving examples of Christ and bring out the best in each other.

Matthew 5:13 - “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.”

Matthew 6:8 - “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Prayer is like a parent/child relationship.

God knows our heart. He can see our intent. Don’t try to fool God. Prayer should come as natural as talking to your spouse or close friend. Talk to God. Let Him know your concerns. Give Him your desires.

God doesn’t need a list of items that you’re wanting fulfilled. Instead of informing God about your life, invite Him into your heart.

Welcome God into your work life. Meet Him in the morning and talk to Him throughout the day. Make your relationship with God ordinary, not just special.

Don’t be complacent in your relationship with God.

Invite God into your daily mess because you’re going to need Him in the details!

Philippians 2:4-5 - “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,”

I’ve been in the customer service arena for all of my professional career. I’ve always tried to give people what they need, whether it’s computer help or teaching a new software.

As it says in the scripture above, don’t just look out for your own needs, strive towards serving others.

When in a conflict, do you listen to others as to their point of view, or are you too busy voicing your own opinions?

Get intentional on focusing on the needs of others rather than your own needs.

Have a Christ-like attitude. There’s an old Proverb that says, “Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.”

When preparing to go into a conflict resolution, be prepared to listen and focus on them, instead of wanting to push around your own opinions and ideas.

I have been a single parent more than I have shared in parenting my two kids.

For those of you who have kids and have lived or are currently living with sharing custody of your own child or children, know that in most instances, it’s a little more difficult than with having everyone under the same roof.

For those who have split custody or just weekend visitations, you feel cheated.

That’s how God feels when you leave Him out of your life. He feels cheated of a full-time relationship.

Give God full custody of your life, not just weekend or Sunday morning visitation. He’s a good father; a jealous dad.

Give Him your time; your life.

Romans 5:8 - “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Quit forcing God to only parts of your life. Stop just giving God weekend visitations. Give God full custody of your life.

Do you have a bucket list? Are there things you want to do before you die; places you want to see?

I have to admit, I do have a bucket list.

Does your bucket list include God in your travels? Are items on your list designed to give Him glory?

You can have a bucket list and include God in all of it. God loves to please His children. But He also requires commitment on our part. Tell God your bucket list. Tell Him places you want to see or things you want to do. If your wishes fit into God’s plans for your life then you can start checking off the list as He blesses you through it.

But, before you make your bucket list, give God your whole life. He already knows the intent of your heart. Why not let Him check that list off.

Matthew 6:33 - “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”