Success and Failure Blog

When I wake up in the morning and see the sun is again shining;  and when I walk along the seashore and notice the wonder of nature:  there I remember my Maker’s awesome power (Genesis 1:1-31).

When I look at the sky and witness the birds fly; and when I gaze at the ground and view the beautiful flowers around: there I remember my heavenly Father’s loving care (Matthew 6:25-34).

When I listen to somebody teaching and preaching in a rally; and when I watch someone seeking and evangelizing for the lost one: there I remember my Lord and Savior’s mission order (Matthew 28:19-20).

When I come across a couple whose love to each other is truly noble; and when I chance on children who obey their parents in great passion: there I remember Paul’s letter (Ephesians 5:21-33, Ephesians 6:1-3).

When I commit a mistake and repent for my soul’s sake; and when I forgive a fellow and forget the peccadillo: there I remember the “Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13).

When I am given a blessing and to my neighbors share the good thing; and when I really have nothing and still never go wanting: there I remember my God is a great provider (Philippians 4:19).

When the day’s work is over and the sunshine is nowhere; and when the evening sets and it’s already time to rest: then I remember to go to the Lord and whisper a prayer (Matthew 6:5-8).

When I gazed into the multitude of stars I am always amazed at their brilliance even when the countless stars are so far away. God has instilled in me a wow factor that continues into my daily walk with Him. My God is amazing with his ever ending thoughtfulness.

Today is no different than any other day with the Lord He still amazes me. I have been spending many days at the lake this summer; in it and around it. The summer has been hot and I have no air conditioner only fans in my house. The Lord has given me opportunity after opportunity to take care of my sisters dogs on the lake. The Lord has been taking care of me so I can endure this heat. What a blessing the Lord has been this summer. His word in Philippians 4:19 says: But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

There was a time when I thought my Father didn’t care about me and He didn’t see the trouble I was in. Sometimes we assume that the Lord is off doing God’s business and we are left on our own. The Lord gave me a vision several years ago. The Lord came to me in this vision and told me to walk with him. The walk took me straight up a mountain peak and I was trying to get hand and foot holds. Calling out to Jesus “where are we going?” there was no answer. I was trying to see Jesus up ahead and lost my balance and hurt my hand. Finding a cave up ahead ‘I thought of resting my hand’ but the Lord appeared and said “no time to rest we need to keep moving”. This time going up the mountain there was a light that lit a path straight up the mountain. Many hours later tired I began to sing I will not be afraid of the tens thousands of people who set themselves against me round about. Finally, I reached the top of the mountain and there right before me is this old lit lantern. Turning, I heard someone coming up behind me on this dark mountain path and it was Jesus. He was with me all this time and He took my injury hand in His and the pain was gone.

During those times that you can’t hear Him or sense his presence just know that your Father in heaven is right there with you fighting your battles and slaying your giants.

Jesus promises in his word:
•“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
•“Don’t be afraid of them, because the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” (Deuteronomy 3: 22)

Jesus also promised it wasn’t going to be easy that we would be tested. My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways. (James 1:2) The Lord is fine tuning us into that jewel that shines like the stars in the sky. Life just doesn’t come up roses when you want to follow Jesus. Sometimes life just gets complicated and throws you curve balls to where you have to really look for those “my God is amazing moments. If your life is a roller coaster ride embrace it and love it. Why? During this ride you will desperately need the Lord and He loves it when we need Him. You will begin a journey that will bring your relationship into a new awakening in the Holy Spirit that will blow your mind.

Lord Jesus, I pray for my brothers and sisters in the Lord that they will embrace your light. When they are tested let them cling to you and be molded to your image. During the hard times draw them close and let them see the showers of blessings that you have in store for them. I ask this in your precious name Lord Jesus.

Those of us who grew up in the 60′s and 70′s may remember the  ”What, Me Worry?” catch phrase from Alfred E. Newman, the poster-boy for Mad Magazine, with his ragedy smile and his boyish-looking face.  However, Alfred E. Newman did make a  valid point.

Anxiety and worry distracts us from worshipping and serving God.  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:27)   Since the faithful disciple should commit himself to representing God on earth and bringing glory to Jesus, he should also be able to trust God to provide for him as he lives one day at a time.  ”This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.  O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success.”  (Psalm 118:24-25 NIV)