Faith

Two of my friends and I were eating lunch together. We talked of many things. They both love Victorian decor, figurines and so on. One of them was trying to think of a word to describe the place where; she stored her beauties. I suggested china cabinet. I was close. But, later she thought of the word. Hutch. I told her I would never have thought of that word. I didn’t ever use it.

I have heard some try to prioritize our relationships to God, family and ministry in different ways. Some have said, “God first, then family, then ministry.” I’ve even heard others say, “God first, then ministry, then family.” Of course, those who put ministry over family usually are looking for an excuse to neglect their family and it shows.

We were facing a very severe hurricane, and everything was being shut down. The hurricane was to hit us on a Wednesday night. Because we were in the center of where that hurricane was supposed to come, we were not allowed to get out and drive on the streets.

It was early morning. As I walked by the window, I glanced outside. And did a double take. Fog lay so heavy and so near the ground, it was hard to see anything. It looked like a dark cloud had settled down, in the field, in front of my house. My first thought was, I’m glad I don’t have to go out, in all of that. Followed by the thought, a lot of people, do have to. Some of them are my children whom I love dearly. I immediately started praying for them and others, that had to drive in this soup.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jer. 29:11) Some translations use the word “plans” instead of the word “thoughts.” The difference has created a misunderstanding and frustration in the hearts of many believers. If God has a “plan” for my life and I have somehow missed it, is there a “plan B”, or is my life hopelessly off the rails? What happens if I’ve missed the “plan”? Is there any point to life? The Hebrew word used is more accurately translated as “thoughts”, and can be better understood as “purposes.” The idea of a set plan falls more into the world of an all controlling God who micromanages our lives whether we like it or not. The concept of purposes opens the door to enjoying the blessings of God without fear. Remember that the point of His thoughts and purposes is that we have peace, a future, and a hope. When believers think they have missed the “plan” they immediately lose peace and hope. What are God’s purposes for His children? Besides any unique gift or calling that you might have, the calling of being His child is packed with good things. “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28) “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” (John 15:7-8) “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11) “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) These are just a few of the thoughts and purposes that God has toward His children: abundant life, rest, peace, joy, and the fruit of fulfilled desires. Those purposes are continual, and even if you have strayed from these paths, they are always available to you again. There is no “Plan B.” Just the never changing heart of God for your future. And your future begins today!

My internet was down last week. They got it fixed, just in time, for me to send my column in. Now, it is down, again. I didn’t feel well. So, I didn’t feel like fighting the complicated method, to get it reported.

Why do some hear the gospel and respond so positively, while others ignore the message of grace, and others get angry and aggressive against it? But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. (Jer.

I am finally, in what I think is the last phase of my recent health confusion. My nose is dripping, and I think I use at least one box of tissues daily.