Trying Times

During this unstable financial climate, many Americans are truly beginning to worry about their future. But the Apostle Paul faced a much more dire situation; while jailed for the sake of the Gospel, he didn't know if he was going to live or die.

Nevertheless, he had this to say:

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."

What great faith! But it isn't an unattainable faith. We need only be obedient and wait on the Lord. Truly, when it comes down to it, isn't that quite simple?

Love Lift Us up Where We Belong

Every Day Is a Sunny Day above the Clouds!

On my flight home from Denver I was reminded of a truth about God and his ways. Because of the clouds, the sky was dark and it seemed later than it was. But as we climbed to a higher altitude in our plane, the sun was quite evident.

Sometimes trials can mask God and his love, much like the clouds did the sun. Darkness surrounds us but God is there all the time; we just can't see him.

But when you get to the higher levels of faith, through obedience and spending time with God, you'll live at the highest levels, above the cares of the world, with a joy and peace that surpasses any trials that life can throw at you. This kind of living brings you in the realm of God, above the darkness.

That is why the Apostle Paul could sing hymns to God despite being chained to a post in the deepest, darkest bowels of a Philippian jail. Fly high and don't settle for anything less than that which God Almighty has ordained for you!

The Simple Life

Last Friday, my laptop died. It was a very disconcerting experience and I was wondering what I would do when it is sent for repairs. Although luckily for me I have been able to use Jachin's home computer, it is a lot slower than mine and I also don't have access to a lot of files because of it. I am wondering if God is trying to show me how dependent I am on my computer, and even internet access. Not having to check email or surf the internet so easily makes me feel like I have so much more time. And as I reflect back upon my message of peace from last Sunday, I begin to realize that the technology that in many ways has made my life easier has also been robbing me of some peace of mind. Getting weaned off of my laptop has been an emancipating experience. Sure I am not as connected and it does take longer to do things with this older computer than my laptop, but sometimes (more like most of the time) I end up spending too long at the computer when I could have been doing something else. My life has been simplified and slowed down a bit (Heck, I can't even upload a picture on this blog for whatever reason!) and I am sure it's not for the worse. (Of course I still have TV, but God is gracious, and to not have my laptop and TV at the same time might be more than I can bear. Thank you, Lord.) May you experience the simplicity and peace that comes from a broken laptop this week.