4GIVEN

Do we really trust the known in the unknown or do we argue with or criticize God? From our vantage point when we look at what Job went through we can see that he had every reason to clench his fist at God and scream at the injustice and pain that was plummeting him like football size hail in a thunderstorm. Job was understandably angry. Yet he realize that he had no grounds nor was he worthy to critique God’s holy and righteous actions. How often do you criticize God through your whining, bitterness, and negative thoughts? Like our children, we complain because we haven’t gotten our way. However, it’s in times of adversity we need to remember Job and what he did when finally given a chance to speak: “I lay my hand over my mouth.” (Job 40:4) Even though we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, we do know that God will be there and if God is there, He will also be with us! 

I don’t know about you but it’s hard to face the fact that life is not about us! Yes, it’s important for us to do something with the life we have been given but the sum total of our life doesn’t terminate on this planet. Life on earth is transitory and preparation for a life that will be far greater! So don’t spend today is yesterday’s regrets! Move forward and remember God’s plan and purpose is far greater than our agenda! He knows what’s best for us because He planned the best for our lives! As it stands, life has always been about Him because all life was given by Him!

I’m learning that when things don’t work out the way I would have wanted, there is a greater plan in the future. My focus has to be taken off my doubts and placed on a promised word from God. When we’re in a tight spot and problems are raging all around, a sense of uncertainty tries to envelop the mind. If we are not careful, it is easy to get mentally sidetracked. By focusing on our problems and never looking up, we will fail to experience the peace of God. Isaiah 26:3 says, “God will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him!” You and I have to come to the place where we need to trust God completely and allow Him the freedom to point us in the right direction. Not only do we have to trust Him, we have to remember that “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Rom. 8:28 NLT).

God owes us nothing. Luke 17:10, “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.” As born again dipped in the water believers, we must realize that all our good deeds and righteous acts amount to nothing because that is what we were supposed to do! It is our duty!! I have heard it said that, “Gratitude begins when my sense of entitlement ends!” Therefore, all that we have and all the blessings of God are not due to us and are not owed to us. Everything is a gift of God’s grace to us. Those in the kingdom of God see everything as God’s grace, turn to Jesus, fall at his feet in submission, praising God and thanking him for what he has already done for them! 
Father, we release the ‘entitlement’ judgment lien that we filed against You and we thank You for everything thing You have done, what You are doing right now, and what You are capable of doing in and through our lives! Father, forgive us for having the audacity in thinking that just because we did something good for You that You are indebted to us! We are so ever appreciative for extending Your forgiveness, grace, and mercy. In Jesus name, amen! 
#HappyThanksgiving2016

#KeepingItReal

We trust people, elevators, chairs, vehicles, and many other made made tools and devices. One or more of these things has at one point in time failed to operate in one way or another. So let’s be honest; when has God ever failed us??? Hmmm, short answer never! It’s really NOT a question of God’s ability to fail (bc he can’t) rather it’s our ability to trust Him to come through. Waiting on God can be difficult bc we want the end result of His promise and solution NOW however and moreover, God desires for us to trust Him, be faithful, and possess a spirit of expectation and anticipation while we wait. He desires to build character in times of testing. It’s funny how our minds, the devil, and our problem perverts and converts expectation and anticipation which are good qualities into frustration, depravation, and aggravation. So today keep in mind that God has preordained, preorchestrated, and prearranged every majestic promise and ev’ry divine solution we will ever need in this life and the life to come. Many blessings to all and have a FAITH DRIVEN DAY!