The Perpetual Pursuit

  Shaken but not Broken! I have felt that abiding peace in the midst of uncertain circumstances. I have relearned the practice of true childlike faith in that I don't know what's coming next, and yet, I’m trying to simply trust. My faith has been shaken but not broken.  I realize more now than ever that sometimes each of us need a shake(not the milk kind-although that sounds pretty good), otherwise complacency can become our dwelling place.  God  uses  trials to make Himself more real and reachable to us than He was before.   A pathway to a new place we could never have reached if things had stayed the way they were!  God uses everything in our lives to draw us closer to Him-even the bad stuff.  Situations we never would choose- trials that shake us, that leave us different than before.   May we never equate the trials/struggles we face with how God feels about us.  He is not indifferent and does hear our prayers.  He deeply loves u...

   Struggling with God’s will? There have been times I have earnestly prayed for God to show me His will for what He made me to do/be.  I have prayed for the job He wants me in, where geographically he wants me, what congregation to worship with/be involved at, and probably a host of other requests.  I came across an article the one day that has changed my outlook.  While it is perfectly normal to ask and seek answers from our God through prayer, are these petitions reflective of my will or God’s?  1 Thes. 5:16-18 says; "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus".  WOW!  I am guilty of wanting/perhaps demanding direct answers and guidance to specific prayer requests to God.  Yes, we should ask.  But my response should be to be joyful and thankful no matter the circumstance and/or answer and continue to pray and trust.  Prayer is our 24/7 hotline to God. ...

  One is important to God  We typically want to see ‘big’ results of our service actions.......and NOW! I want to help lead many to Jesus, perhaps be a super hero in sharing Jesus/The Good News.  While it’s great to set lofty goals, this can lead to getting discouraged, doubt, and narcissistic in my efforts to share Jesus.  Luke 15:1-10, one brings rejoice/joy, one is important to God.  If I should just lead one to know God-much rejoicing will occur in Heaven-just like in the parables that Jesus taught regarding the joy in a master/owner finding the one lost sheep and one coin.  Let’s nurture our relationships with others and plant seeds through our actions to all that are part of our lives.  We as humans may see just one/or a few as insignificant or as 'failing'. However, God rejoices, every ONE is important to our Creator!  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO July 2022

  Are you ready to ‘give up’?   All our lives we are usually encouraged by special influential people to persevere, don’t give up-you can do it!  Sound advice for becoming/being your best. It has been stated that Thomas Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb! We sure have benefited from Mr. Edison's resilience and perseverance. Winston Churchill said to 'never, never, never give up'. No doubt, excellent motivation/advise. That said, I want to suggest there is a time to ‘give up’....... in a different manner of speaking.  It is the humbling act of denying ourselves and following Jesus.   In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus addresses the commitment demanded for a life of obedience.  Verse 33 tells us that unless we give up everything, we cannot be a disciple.  Does this really mean we must give up all in order to faithfully follow Jesus.   I don’t believe that necessarily.  It’s more about an attitude of whether ‘we...