Jeremiah had a unique call from God on his life. He was to be a prophet to Judah in a very difficult time. The people would experience judgement for their sins and deportation from their homeland. While other prophets tried to console the people and tell them what they wanted to hear, Jeremiah was faithful and obedient to tell God’s truth. The message was unpopular, and Jeremiah stood alone…
It was a morning just like every other morning, but I was running a little late and decided to squeeze in a run. Off on my usual route in my neighborhood, I smiled at my fellow neighbors who were doing a little exercise to jump start the day. I turned back to head home, and an older lady was walking down the opposite side of the road. I was tired, but as I ran by her, I looked at her face and her name popped into my head. On this ordinary morning, my 1st grade teacher was walking in my neighborhood. I had a split second to decide, and not wanting our next conversation to be in heaven, I stopped running and went back to her…
Taking a leap of faith is not always easy. Transitioning between seasons of life can cause us to wonder if God is there. However, when God is directing our lives, nothing is coincidental. The timing of events in our lives may seem like it “just so happened” all the while God was setting the stage. Saul had no idea how his life would change when they decided to go see Samuel about their lost donkeys, but God did. Like Saul, God is able to prompt us to make that phone call, connect with someone, or journey somewhere at just the right time. God’s fingerprints over our situations and lives gives us insight into how He works….
“One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, ‘Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple. Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’
Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can’t, won’t he send an emissary and work out a truce?…
‘No’ is a word that most of us learn at an early age. As we become adults, we use the word ‘no’ to shield ourselves from busy schedules and too many commitments. ‘No’ is not a bad word when used correctly. It can actually help bring margin to our lives. However, sometimes we get into the habit of saying ‘no’ so much that we dismiss the best things God brings into our lives. We can even take it a step further and start saying ‘no’ to God…