Why? Why? Oh, Why?

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then you barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
(proverbs 3 : 1 - 12)

Why must I suffer disappointment, sorrow, and tribulation? What have I done that God should send me trials? Is He displeased with me? These questions are constantly asked by God’s dear children.

Much of this fear and questioning is due to our misunderstanding of God’s dealings with His own. He has His good reasons. And one of those reasons is for our spiritual discipline. We should be far more afraid of being left alone than of God’s chastening, for He wastes not time on worthless objects that give no promise of fruitfulness.

On the shores of lake Michigan are great barren sand dunes that have never felt the point of a plow. But in the rich lowlands beyond them, the farmer is constantly cultivating the soil. The farmer knows what he is doing, so she keeps on breaking up the soil. The deeper the plow works and the more the sharp harrow, the more precious the crop will be when harvest time comes.

God’s plow goes deep, but it is only that in the end we may forget the plowing and rejoice in the blessing of bearing much fruit for Him. “No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:11). - - M.R. De Haan, M.D

When blades of distress cut deep in the soul,
Breaking up ground that was untouched before,
The Lord is preparing soil to bear fruit,
Fit for the harvest to feed many more - - Hess

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All sunshine and no rain make a desert
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Nest In The Greatness

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created.
When Lord God made the earth and the heavens- - and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground, but streams come up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground - - the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man become a living being.

Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, In Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground - - trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

The Lord God took the man and put him in Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
(Genesis 2 : 1 - 15)

In his historical novel Chesapeake, James Michener tells the story of multiple generations living near a marsh. One character, Chris Pflaum, is introduced as a restless 13-year-old sitting in class waiting for summer break. But when the teacher reads a poem by Sidney Lanier, the boy’s heart is stirred.

As the marsh-hen secretly builds on the watery sod,
Behold I will build me a nest on the greatness of God:
I will fly in the greatness of God as the marsh-hen flies.
In the freedom that fills all the space
‘twixt the marsh and the skies.

When Chris grew up, this poem motivated him to work tirelessly to preserve the precious wetlands and the wildlife he loved.

The poem’s words stir the heart because they use nature as a springboard of praise to the Creator. But, unfortunately, our living planet can be neglected and exploited. God’s mandate to Adam has been passed on to all believers. “The LORD God … put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it” (Gen. 2 : 15). The words tend and keep mean “to cultivate as servants.”

We are to care for and guard God’s creation as responsible stewards. - - Dennis Fisher

The natural world that God has made must not be used at whim, We serve as stewards of His earth, Responsible to Him. - - D. De Haan

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To mistreat God’s creation is to offend the Creator
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Words Of Life

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?
Aware that his discipleswere grumb-ling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you?
What is you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!
The spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe. “For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.
He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no-one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.”
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” (he meant Judas, the son of simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him)
(John 6 : 60 - 71 )

In his book Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the age of Show Business, Neil Postman warns us of the danger of a world of information overload. He reminds us of a chilling futuristic vision - - Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, which describes a world thoroughly flooded with information. But that data is manipulated so that none of it has any significance.

A glance at the Internet or a magazine rack hints that we are living in just such a culture. We're drowning in a sea of information often marketed by the unscrupulous. We need discernment to choose wisely whom we will listen to.

In John 6, Jesus delivered His "I am the bread of life" message (v.35). It was a sermon so controversial that, at its conclusion, many of His followers went away and stopped following him (v.66). They chose to stop listening to the voice of Christ. When Jesus challenged His disciples as to whether they would also walk away, Peter wisely responded, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (v.68)

In a world swamped with confusing and contradictory information, we can, like Peter, turn to Christ for wisdom. He cuts through the words of confusion with words of life. - - Bill Crowder

There's so much wisdom to be learned, So many ways for me to grow, Lord, I would listen like a child, and learn what You would have me know - - K.De Haan

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If you want to be wise, listen to Jesus
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What Should I Do?

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He hold victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair - - every good path.
( Proverbs 2: 1 - 9 )

My friend Krista is struggling with a decision: Should she keep her old car with its continual maintenance problems or buy a newer model? She wants to be a good steward of her finances and desires to make a wise decision. And most of all, she wants to honor God.

Financial decisions can be tough to make. Billy Graham even says, "if a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area in his life."

Here are a few ideas to consider about wisdom in money matters:

Do a checkup to be sure you're following God's priorities:

- Are you giving to Him and to others? ( 1 cor 16 : 2 ) :

"On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

- Taking care of family needs? (1 tim 5 : 8)

"If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family. he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

- Not letting money control you ? (Luke 16:13)

"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

Research the topic. Consider all the options and the pros and cons of each one.

Ask God for wisdom. Pray, pray and pray some more. He will direct you (Prov 2 ; 6 )

Trust God and make the decision. Use the knowledge and wisdom you've gained, and commit your decision to Him.

Obedience to God nurtures a growing love-and-trust relationship with Him. What's most important is that we see each decision as an opportunity to draw closer to Him. - - Anna Cetas

When you're facing a decision, And it seems a daunting task, Trust the Lord for true discernment - - He'll give wisdom if you ask. - - Hess

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The closer we walk with God, the clearer we see His guidance
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Right Place

To man belong the plans of the hearth, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.
All a man’s way seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
The LORD works out everything for his own ends - - even the wicked fo a day of disaster.
The LORD detests all the proud of hearth. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
When a man’s way are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.
In his Heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
(Proverbs 16:1-9)

They were in the right place, on the wrong day. Or so it would seem.

The dayspring Chorale, a traveling high school singing group, arrived at a nursing home for a Thursday concert. However, the folks at the home were expecting them on Friday. But they said if the group could get set up fast, they could sing for 20 minutes. Then they’d have to stop for memorial service for one of the residents.

The chorale hurriedly got ready and sang, and as they said did, the son of the man who had died heard them. When they were done, he asked if they could sing at his dad’s service. They gladly agreed and ministered hope and truth to all who attended. God used these young people in a special way - - all because of a secretarial error. But was it a mistake?

We carefully make schedules so we can be where we think we should be. But we always need to keep in mind the words of Solomon, “A man’s hearth plans his way, but The LORD direct his steps” (Prov. 16:9).

Do we seek ministry in life’s unplanned schedule changes? Do we turn detours into guided tours of what He wants to do through us? If we’re doing God’s will, we’ll be in the right place. Then, wheever we are, we can point people to Him. – Dave Branon

Sometimes our plan does not unfold, The way we thought it would; But God is always in control to use it for our good - - Sper

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Unexpected changes are opportunities in disguise
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Michael Cardinal

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Salomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "what shall we drink?" or "what shall we wear?"

For the pegans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow willl worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
(Matthew 6: 25-34)

Twig by twig a cardinal constructed a bowl-shaped home in the bush outside my office window. Soon she laid an egg and kept it warm until it hatced. I named the little bird Michael. Although he was tiny, he had a huge appetite. His parents worked hard to keep him fed and safe. In a few months, Michael was ready to leave, and I was there to witness the amazing event.

When Michael left, so did mom and dad. The nest remaind empty untul next spiring. When mama cardinal returned, I was happy to see her but also dad. We had sold our house and I was concerned that the new owners might chop down the bush. But my concern soon turned to amazement. As I dismantled my office, mama cardinal dismantled her nest. By the time left, so had the cardinal family. Mama cardinal's God-given instincts had told her to move.

This brought to mind another nature lesson. Using birds and lilies as examples, Jesus urged people not to worry. Since God takes care of birds, surely He will take care of His people (matt 6:26-30).

When concern for our own wll-being leads to anxious thoghts, we can look at the birds and be assured of our value to God and of His care for us. --Julie Ackerman Link

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me -- Martin

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We need fear the perils around us because the eye of The Lord is always upon us
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In The Driver's Seat

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

You are he light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.

I love the story of the stressed-out woman who was tailgating a man as they drove on a busy boulevard. When he slowed to a stop at a yellow light, the woman hit the horn, cussing and screaming in a frustration and gesturing angrily. As she was still in midrant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a police officer station who ordered her to exit the car with her hands up. He took her to the police station and placed her in a holding cell.

An hour later, the officer returned and said, "I'm sorry, Ma'am. This has been a big mistake. When I pulled up behind you, I noticed your 'what would Jesus Do?' license plate holder and your 'Follow me to sunday school' bumper sticker. I assumed the car was stolen!"

Satan doesn't care so much if you are a christian as long as you don't act like one. If he can get you to live by his signals, he can demage and disarm you every time and dishonor the name of Christ in the process.

Instead, Jesus calls believers to be "salt" and "Let your light to shine before man, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven. With jesus in the driver's seat of our lives,we can show off of love and glory of god. - Joe Stowell

Called to be salt and light in this world, called to preserve and to shine,
called to reflect the glory of God --Oh, what a calling is mine! --Fitzhugh

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Dont' let satan manage the details of your life.

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