I’m constantly looking for illustrations or videos that build momentum for the day. Here’s one that I think helps inspire the desire to continue the work just like put forth in my previous post on Ezra 5. Simply click this link: My Desire – Jeremy Camp or on the video below.
Each day with God is amazing when we desire to invest our time and energies to help Christian friends keep the will of God foremost in their undertakings. Let us rely on God’s timing to fulfill commands He has given.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he’ll give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
The rebuilding of the temple was put on hold as recorded in Ezra 4 but the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged that the work continue in Ezra 5; with vision, confidence, and a desire to fulfill God’s command.
The lesson for me in this passage is that we should encourage brothers and sisters in Christ by creating a picture of endless possibilities and through prayer, build confidence that all obstacles will be removed. Together, we will accomplish more than we could’ve ever dreamed.
The second of a four part series on “Stories for the Road” was brought to us last Sunday at my church. To catch up on the series or if you think it might be of some help for someone you know, click on or forward this Link of the podcast. Check out the story of the black Vietnam granite in the background of the podcast.
English: Road in the UAE. Français : Une route aux Émirats arabes unis. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
GOD WILL GUIDE YOU
“The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and to go the land I will show you.” Genesis 12:1 (NCV)
“The Lord is my shepherd … He leads me to calm water… He leads me on paths that are right for the good of His name.” Psalm 23:1-3 (NCV)
Direction is determined by the road we choose. The Spirit of God was set loose on Pentecost Sunday which was last Sunday and it guides us on the right path.
GOD WILL SPEAK TO YOU
“The Lord came and stood there and called as He had before, ‘Samuel, Samuel!’ Samuel said, ‘Speak, Lord. I am Your servant and I am listening.’ ” 1 Samuel 3:10 (NCV)
“For His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:16 (NLT)
At Pentecost, God started to be with us and speak to us. How do we apply what He is saying?
LIFE EVENTS ARE CONNECTED
“The wise see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get into trouble.” Proverbs 27:12 (NCV)
We pay attention to signs on the road, the stop sign and yield sign. Why don’t we pay attention to the signs in life that tell us we are going the wrong way? Life events are connected; they are tied together. What happened a long time ago is sometimes connected to the present. It’s important to stop and change course. Pray the prayer below.
“LORD, HELP ME TO SEE TROUBLE COMING LONG BEFORE IT GETS HERE, AND GIVE ME THE WISDOM TO KNOW WHAT TO DO AND THE COURAGE TO DO IT.”
THE ROAD BECOMES CLEAR WHEN WEAPPLY THE PATH PRINCIPLE
ACTION – What stepshould I take?
SACRIFICE – Make a phone call or ask for help or do something different
EMBARRASSMENT – Others may criticize for your admission of going the wrong way
RELIEF – You will be glad that you made the choice to change and go down God’s road
What lesson in the sermon did you learn? For me, the lesson is to realize that what happened a long time ago is sometimes connected to the present. The important thing to do is let God handle our yesterdays and our tomorrows so we can concentrate on today.
Here’s a video that emphasizes the need to pay attention to the signs along our journey: Stop The World – Matthew West. My hope is that it will provide a lift for your day.
Between the dates of a grave marker, a dash separates the birth date and death date. At a funeral, the dates are always mentioned but it’s the dash between the dates that really matters. The loved ones of those lost in the line of duty know what that dash means. It’s not fame, money, or even being a hero but how they lived. This Memorial Day, remember those who died for our freedom and how they spent their dash.
Memorial Day is observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May. It originated after the Civil War and honors all Americans who have died in all wars. As a marker, it typically marks the start of summer vacation season while Labor Day marks its end. It’s the end of school for many. Some have graduated and some are starting their career. It’s a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. It’s a time to remember the lessons of the past for each day that goes by gives us another day of recorded history we can model after or learn from or share with others.
I received an email a while back from a friend and in this email was a story of a lady who had started a long time ago to plant one daffodil at a time in a field. Now…
