Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

On November 2, 1947, the largest plane in the world, the "Spruce Goose," designed, built, and flown by Howard Hughes, took off for its maiden flight. It traveled about one mile, about seventy feet above the ground, and never flew again. Hughes' great plan failed. The $25 million he spent on his aviation failure could have helped many people.

God's plan and purpose was to save people from eternal death. He sent His Son to pay the price. The cost was enormous, but it was worth it. It did not fail. Jesus' life, His suffering, death, and resurrection won eternal victory for us all. That gospel message is still flying high today. Check your plans with God's good purposes. God's plans will not fail you.

Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,

 

Luke 24:32 They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?"

You probably know that walking is good for your physical health. Did you know it's a good way to connect with Jesus too, especially if you are upset?

Scientific research shows that when we are flooded with emotions, our bodies need 15 minutes of calming activity to metabolize stress hormones. When we're upset, one of the best things we can do is take a walk with Jesus.

Like He did with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, Jesus opens our eyes to new things when we walk and talk with Him. We pour out our complaints to Him, and He gives us peace in exchange. Just 15 minutes on the road with Jesus always improves our mood.

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Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,
 

2 Corinthians 5:20  Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

This verse clearly states that even in my mature years, I am an ambassador for Christ. God makes His appeal to family, friends, and neighbors through me. It makes sense when God uses vibrant, energetic, young people to tell His story. But weary old me? The Bible assures me, yes, even when my energy is not like younger years. He tells me to carry His message of reconciliation to others. I am equipped with the joy and wisdom gained through trials and experiences.

God sends the Holy Spirit to strengthen and enliven me with the right attitude, words, and actions. I am blessed to be His voice, His heart, His hands, and His feet.

Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,

 

Psalm 147:11 ...but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.

A life without difficulties is something that is not realistic. Our Father gives each of us a number of days or years to spend in His world. Each of us can expect difficulties, health, financial, or relationship issues.

When difficulties arise, it is how we deal with them that is most important. Do we try to handle them on our own, do we seek assistance, or reach out to our heavenly Father to lead us? Our heavenly Father gave His one and only Son to die on a cross for us to give us eternal life with Him in heaven. He is the only one who has the perfect plan or solution.

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Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,

 

Ezekiel 3:3  Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.

I remember the time when a member said to me, "I really feel for you, Pastor - you work so hard on your sermon, but in a week or so, I don't remember your words." I asked him, "Do you remember a dinner you had over a week ago? At that time, it was good for you. God's Word tasted sweet as honey in his mouth. He may have been bitter in sin, but God's Word immediately gave him the sweetness of His mercy, so he could preach to His people.

That's how God's Word works for us; it sweetens us right away and strengthens our faith. Each time we hear or read God's Word, we have something sweet!

Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,

 

Hebrews 13:16  Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

At age ninety eight, Carolyn longed to worship at her church and visit friends, but physical challenges hindered her. Her ninety-year-old friend, Betty, brightened Carolyn's days with cheery visits, devotional magazines, and special treats. One of those treats was muffins Betty baked with blueberries from her backyard bushes.

The two friends chatted over muffins and coffee about the welfare of friends and how God had blessed them. Betty could've rested on visiting day, but she exemplified the character of Christ by following the teaching of Hebrews 13:16, "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Blueberry muffins may seem like a small gesture, but they added joy to Carolyn's days.

-- Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,

 

Luke 4:16-21

What's your job description as a Christian? That's a little bit of a dicey question, isn't it? Most of us have job descriptions that we agreed to when we accepted our current role. Certain tasks we need to perform and certain levels of accomplishment we have to meet or else we get shown the door, right? We Christians often feel as if we have a job to do, and it's pretty common for people to take this section of Luke 4 as their Christian job description. After all, it's what Jesus said He had come to do, so shouldn't we do the same?

The people who think this way end up exhausted, burned out, and resentful. Thinking of this passage as your job description misses a crucial point: Jesus has fulfilled His job description. In other words, He did His job and did it so well that it no longer needs doing, and it certainly doesn't need doing by the likes of us!

So as we go about this life, let's be honest about who is poor, who is held captive, who is blind, who is oppressed. Sure, it's the people on street corners, the people in Third World countries, but it's also the people to the right and left of you. The people in your house. The preacher at your church. Everyone you see as you walk down the sidewalk. You. But know, always know, that on that day, all those years ago, Jesus unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 

Jesus' job is finished. Forever.

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Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,