Star-fish

     Today's Our Daily Bread really made me rethink what the world says about abundance and wealth. Often I've felt guilty for the many blessings God has given us over the years. When I looked around, I wondered, Why me? Why would God choose to bless me? Then my thoughts went to , What will I do when He takes these blessings away?     The author, Dennis J. DeHaan, of "How to Enjoy Things," http://odb.org  quotes Ecclesiastes 5:13-20 and writes the following: "From beginning to end, all of life is a continuous gift-giving by God. We deserve nothing. He owes us nothing. Yet He gives us everything. Whatever material blessings we have are a gift from our gracious God."      The rest of the article reminds us that since our gifts are from God, it is not our place to feel proud or guilty, because then it's about us and the items become a burden. But if we keep in mind the gifts are from God, we can simply feel joy and thanksgiving for the many b...

     In Billy Graham's book, Hope for Each Day , he notes the following about the love of God:       Many people misunderstand God's attribute of love, 'God is love' does not mean that everything is sweet, beautiful, and happy, and that God's love could not possibly allow punishment for sin.       God's holiness demands that all sin be punished, but God's love provided a plan of redemption and salvation for a lost and sinful world. By that plan Jesus Christ came from Heaven to give His life as the final and perfect sacrifice for sin.      But we must respond. We must believe. We must commit our lives to Jesus Christ and trust Him as our Savior and Lord. Have you put your faith in Him? If so, everlasting life is yours!      God is love and like any loving parent, friend, and teacher, he knows it is not in our best interest to do everything we want to do. He always provides a way of escape from sin, but if we c...

I have been busy with this new job of teaching and miss writing to all of you. I trust God is working mightily in your lives. I pray that you are entering this season of Thanksgiving remembering that an "attitude of gratitude" is what blesses God and others most. Even secular studies have shown that people that are grateful are healthier, happier, and have more friends than those who look for the worst in everything and everyone. Today's Our Daily Bread is a reminder that we are to be drawn to Jesus and His ways rather than the devil who would tell us our self-seeking and self-preserving ways are of God, when they are not. Enjoy! Our Daily Bread for 11/25/13  http://odb.org

     Recently as a young woman, who has had her share of trials said, "I'm running out of hope. I'm feeling hopeless," my heart melted for her. Zechariah 9:12 says, about the returning Messiah to Zion,  Return to your fortress,   you prisoners of hope;  even now I announce that I will restore twice  as much to you.      A world of good intentions and positive thoughts will not restore the hope  that comes from believing in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. Sometimes even I struggle with thoughts of hopelessness and I know God is with me. I don't ever want to think back to the days before I knew the Lord and wade into those murky memories of a life lived without the One who will restore me twice over on day.