Sunday, June 29, 2008

In every situation, there are always two stories—the story you see and the story God sees.

Sometimes life seems to be taking us down a huge detour and everything looks like it's not going our way. In those situations, our life and our story seems to be a disaster.

This is exactly what happened to Joseph, whose story is found in Genesis 37-50. Joseph's brothers jealously hated him and sold him into slavery. Joseph was wrongfully put in prison for raping Potifer's wife, when really he refused to compromise his integrity by sleeping with her. Then, Joseph helped get the chief cupbearer out of jail; however, when the cupbearer had an opportunity to return the favor and get Joseph out of jail, the man forgot about Joseph. Joseph ended up spending thirteen years in jail for something he didn't do.
At this point Joseph's story was going haywire, but God's story was right on track. That's because God had an amazing plan for Joseph's life; God was going to use Joseph to save Egypt and the surrounding lands for seven years of devastating famine. What looked to Joseph like a huge detour was really a great plan of God to provide food for countless people, including the very brothers that had sold Joseph into slavery.

At the end of this, Joseph realized that God had a bigger plan for his life, and after his brothers come to him for food, he tells them: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

All along, God's story was right on track.

This same principle is also true in the life of Jesus. To the disciples, it looked as those Jesus would be a great king who would rule Israel and return the nation to greatness. They hailed him as a great leader. So, when Jesus was being crucified, the story they saw looked like a major train wreck—this great leader whom they had followed for the past three years was suddenly dead. However, God's story was at its peak—God was in the process of connecting humanity to himself.

There's what you see and what God sees.

When your life seems to be a major disaster; know that God has bigger plans to use your life for great things. The story you see may not reflect the long-term story God has planned. Therefore, trust God, knowing that he works for good in all circumstances (Romans 8:28).

Daily Bible Verse

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

John 16:24 (New International Version)

Saturday, June 28, 2008

A PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE

Things have been going a bit smoother since my surgery, I'm recovering well, aside from my worries of the fluid that is not being absorbed by my body. The swelling can become rather uncomfortable, bearable, but at times, uncomfortabe. I can only praise God for the healing that He has bestowed upon me.

Amidst all of my recovery, I stood strong in praying for my children and the whole family.

This prayer, should help you get through some rough times when you can't seem to see any light ahead or calm seas. Just know in your heart, that you have been extremely blessed and he has already carried you through some of the roughest storms in your life.

If all you see are your storms in life, take a minute to quiet your heart and thoughts... just long enough to say this prayer...



Heavenly Father,
send your Holy Spirit upon us, your people.
Fill our mind and hearts with the fire of your love.
In the mystery of your divine plan,
give us vision to seek your truth,
and grant us the strength and courage to lovingly accept your will.

Give us guidance in the decisions we must make,
so that in all we do,
we do it for the honor and glory of your name.

Grant that the work we do now in this world
will ensure the presence of your reign on earth,
until you come in glory.

Help us to see that what we must build
is not just brick and stone,
but love, compassion, and understanding among all people.
We are building your holy city.

In your love, hear our prayer for vision and guidance,
which we make in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son,
our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Lord, use Me to Touch the Lives of Others


Lord help me to serve You the way You want me to. Reveal to me any area of my life where I should be giving to someone right now. Open my eyes to see the need. Give me a generous heart to give to the poor. help me to be a good steward of the blessings You have given me by sharing what I have with others. Show me whom You want me to extend my hand to at this time. Fill me with Your love for all people, and help me to communicate it in a way that can be clearly perceived. Use me to touch the lives of others with the hope that is in me.


By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us, and we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.


1 John 3:16