Being Late To Church And It's Benefits

This past Sunday morning, we were running late for the first service at church because I was having a fat day and changed three times. We arrived just in time for the offering. I listened to the verse being read, but I really didn't listen to the words. After  the service ended, we were visiting with friends and before we knew it, the second service was starting.. so we stayed (since we'd missed part of the first). 

The same young man came back up to read the verse for the offering.. this time I heard the words. He read this passage:

Psalm 112

1 Praise the Lord.t
Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands.

2 Their children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures forever.

4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.

5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.

6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.

This next one really jumped out at me-

7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their hornt will be lifted high in honor.

10 The wicked will see and be vexed,
they will gnash their teeth and waste away;
the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

At this point, I was sobbing on the front row.... God knew that I needed  to hear this, right then. It was such a gracious reminder to my troubled, doubting heart of His guidance and protection. He knew that we would be facing challenges this week and He helped my heart to be settled and secure in His timing and His will. He understands our concerns and all that He asks is that we trust Him. How easy and pain free is that?? 

Deep Thoughts On A Snowy Day

I'm sitting here at my desk with a fresh cup of coffee.. honestly, I should be doing something a little more productive. Have you ever had so much on your mind that you really couldn't focus on all those things on your list? Believe me, right now, there is so much to be done that I don't know where to begin. Dan and I have some big decisions ahead of us, but I've talked to lots of my friends and it seems as though many people are in that same boat right now. Along with decisions, there seems to come the struggle with keeping peace, joy, and grace in our outlook. Yesterday, I had the thought.."Too bad you can't buy the fruit of the Spirit at Target." (Target has everything else, doesn't it) Silly, I know, but I wish it were that easy. Reality is that you just can't find love, joy, peace, patience and all of those other qualities on Aisle 3 at Target.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 AMP Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes]. So my realization was that peace really is that easy, it's reaching up, and accepting what God has already given us. What I need to do is simply set aside my cares, fears, and needs..then just let the peace of God fill my heart. One of the most amazing things that I have discovered is that when you start walking in just one of these gifts, when you accept what is already provided by our Heavenly Father.. then all of the other things come right along. His Word tell us that He has given us HIS peace at all times for all circumstances. So I remind myself that He sees my needs, He knows what I need, He knows every single care in my life.. AND, God has every answer. Waiting can be the hard part, but choosing to stay at peace, not fretting that God won't hear my prayers.. but rather trusting and remembering that Numbers 23:19 says- God is not man, one given to lies, and not a son of man, changing his mind. Does he speak and not do what he says? Does he promise and not come through? Yes, He will come through .. and until then, I'm off to tackle that list!!