Say....Yes! to Life !

 

 Scripture:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."         Jeremiah 29:11

  Commentary:

When the bad news gets "badder," your God does not get smaller; He just opens up His large inclusive umbrella. He is still in control of the universe. So, recognize God's ultimate say and take solace in the knowledge that He has plans for and that....who can be against us..if He is for us.  God is our reservoir of strength when the clouds set in. The same God that created the universe can bring about sunshine...and just in the nick of time.

A book I read many years ago came to my mind in this early morning.  The book is Say "Yes" to Life!  by Anna B. Mow.  Mow dedicates her book to "those who know about being born into a new life but are puzzled by their growing pains".  Are we not shackled so many times with the depression of failure, the anxiety of life's circumstances, or the inability to discern God's Will for our lives.  Oscar Wilde had a hold on this concept in his words:  “What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise”  Two thoughts come to my mind here.  From the Old Testament Proverbs...the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom and from the New Testament the declaration that...who Jesus loves, He chastens. The adversities of life serve to both test and advance our faith.

When we revere God and His Son we exhibit our faith. When we rebuked, we can know that it is in love, "Agape love". Saying Yes to Life leads us to examining ourselves and by doing so we are guided by God...on step at a time.

We have two major purposes in our lives.  The first is a common denominator for believers...to glorify Christ.  We also have our own personal purpose that God uses many different ways to reveal.  The Bible is not only the story of God redeeming man, but it also offers guidance with our life's purpose.  Prayer, those with special insight, fellow church members, and service are some ways God reveals His Will for our personal lives.

No Christian is alone in his relationship with God.  Others stand beside offering support and affirmation.  When I was still working, one of the most prevalent courses we took was group dynamics.  The concept of teamwork became almost a fanatical concept and was not a suggestion but a command from on high.  The goal of the team was for the sacrifice of all  for the good of the goal at hand.  Many times the groups became an end unto themselves and the goal fell victim to all the meetings, minutes, agendas and

communication equipment failures.

The unity in Him is led by a master leader...the Holy Spirit. All become ambassadors for Christ and take heart and hope in the promise of....when two are more are gathered. A modern team with an old message.  God is Love.

Rest peacefully in His Grace and be not afraid for the team will leave it's mark...written on the heart of man.  "Say Yes to Life" .  A life in Christ Jesus and for His glory.

Lord...

Fill our hearts with hope and our minds with an understanding of Your 

promise to be with us always....even until the end of the age.

Plant us where you wish.

Use us in your plan.

Help us to stand ...tall in adversity

and upright in prosperity.

Either way we can be assured that our Hope

rest in His sacrifice of the past

and a second coming in the future.

Amen