Week Forty, 2024
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
When our feet hit the floor each morning we have a choice. The world’s way—do this, go here, be this, seek these things. Or God’s way—be who God created you to be, honor God, follow God, build your life on Him.
And we see people everywhere, near and far, dreaming dreams they hope will be fulfilled by following the temporary, transient ways to which the world calls them. Hoping to reach whatever those dreams may be, climbing ladders seeking after success and fulfillment conforming to the ways of the world.
Worldly dreams seeking after wins, money, success, stuff, image, acceptance by and meeting the expectations of the world. Realizing when they reach the top of the ladders they’re climbing—it’s not there. Rather than seeking after dreams aligned with the God who created them.
Submitting to the God who walks with them. Remembering that He is God of it all—everywhere as far as we can see and be.
So, where will we find the dreams, God created us to dream, and is always pointing us toward? Maybe starting here as you seek to embrace the dreams God places in your heart—
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Remembering as your feet hit the floor each morning, this reminder from God—
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
And throughout the journey of each day, to be empowered by believing that the God of all creation is there above it all, guiding your life of obedience to Him, with this sacred and eternal promise—
“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.”
Following the dreams God has implanted in your heart and mine, to be who He created us to be, not someone we are not. Following our dreams with God always alongside, always out-front, behind, above, and even carrying us when we need a lift up, to climb over and beyond whatever is before us, as we search, follow, find, and embrace our God-inspired dreams.
Like the words of this beautiful hymn, “Climb Every Mountain,” from “The Sound of Music” remind us:
Climb every mountain, search high and low, follow every byway, every path you know. Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, till you find your dream. A dream that will need all the love you can give, every day of your life, for as long as you live.
Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, till you find your dream.”
When our feet hit the floor each morning—follow God’s way. The God who created you and me, and always knows who we are.
Follow God’s dreams for your life. As I follow them for my life. Till we find our dreams. Scott Whitaker
Sometimes True Stories
Words of Wisdom from Pastor Edgar Aponte:
Don’t run from God, but run to Him.
The work of God needs to be accomplished by the means of God. Not by the means of the flesh.
Not everything that is legal is permissible.
Spiritual shortcuts are destructive because God’s work is to be accomplished in God’s way.
Taking matters into your own hands leads to pain and suffering. Trust God’s faithfulness and wait on Him.
Sometimes the pressure to compromise will come from those closest to you. Resist compromise.
You are never alone because God sees and hears your pain. Pray to Him in your distress.
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”Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
The Israelites were about to go into the promised land which the scouts had told them was inhabited by giant people. Joshua needed encouragement to lead his people, and God wanted to assure him that He had his back. After all, Satan was behind the effort to prevent the Israelites from entering the land and Who better to have on your side than God Himself.
Satan is trying to prevent us from doing God’s will today as well. Satan causes us to doubt, he causes our sickness, he causes all kinds of logistical roadblocks. Since Satan is in the heavenly places doing his dirty work, God gives us a full set of armor. We must stand for Truth, righteousness and the Gospel of peace. We must have faith to block attacks, and we must be assured of our salvation. Lastly, we hit Satan and his minions with the Truth of the Word of God.
God has your back! Rich Jensen
Quotes You Can Use
The next time you’re tempted to prioritize politics over your higher purpose in Christ, remember that this world—as important as it may be—is not our home, and our ultimate allegiance belongs to God. Jim Denison
A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury. John Stuart Mill
It’s not how much you know the Bible; it’s how much you live the Bible. R.C. Sproul
A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you just the way you are.
It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Mark Twain
Dead people receive more flowers than living people because regret is stronger than gratitude. Anne Frank
God’s truths are not bricks to throw at people. They are bread to feed people.
We are all a little broken, but the last time I checked, broken crayons can still color. Trent Skelton
Hell can’t be made attractive, so Satan makes attractive the road that leads there.
We are lost when human opinion means more to us than God’s opinion. D.A. Carson
Tolerance is the last virtue of a depraved society. When you have an immoral society that has blatantly, proudly all of the commandments of God, there is one last virtue they insist upon: tolerance for their immorality. D. James Kennedy
Going to church doesn’t mean you are a Christian. It just means that you go to church.
As we grow up, we realize that it is less important to have lots of friends, and more important to have real ones.
You don’t have to attend every argument you are invited to attend.
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