DON'T ANTICIPATE

HAVE FAITH

I arrived in Little Rock as the sounds of the sirens were blaring into the sky.  The sounds are all too familiar and ones that bring that of anxiety.  As I jolted into my daughters apartment I reminded myself of one of the great lessons from my spiritual weekend, don’t anticipate. 

When we anticipate we are predicting what will happen or expecting what will happen.  Anticipation is a difficult action not to do, but that is where we must bear the fruit of the spirit patience. Patience is an outgrowth of deepening faith. 

As we Arkansans awaken to this new day and see the devastation from the deadly tornado we must reach to find the blessings that arise from the unexpected difficult circumstances.  Even through the trail of rubble, God is working.  Even though at the present moment it is difficult to see we must have patience, not anticipating.   In time we will see His handiwork in action.    

It is hard to see, through the debris, that this is part of Gods master plan.  God will do miraculous things through this storm.  We mustn’t anticipate just have faith, faith in knowing that His plan will unfold for the good of those who believe.   It is during times like these that we must demonstrate to God that we have full trust in Him. 

Mark 11:22

New International Version (NIV)

22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.

GIFTS AND TALENTS

GIVE TO OTHERS

Melissa Mainier was going to school to become a nurse.  While doing this she was working at a restaurant to pay for all of her massive student loans.  One day while working she waited a table where Benjamin Olewine III sat.  As she served him they visited about what she was doing and she mentioned her large sum of student loans.  Olewine offered to help her out.  At first Mainier refused, but after his third visit to the restaurant and third offer of assistance she finally said yes.  Olewine paid Mainer’s student loans no strings attached.   Another twist to this story is now Mainier works as a nurse at a local hospital.   The wing, where she was hired, is named after Olewine because of his large donation to the hospital. 

What a blessing this man was to this young woman.  These are the kinds of things God wants us to do.  Yes God is pleased with us when we are involved with spiritual activities, but He is also pleased with us when we are blessings to others.  Everything we do should be done to please God.  God has given us all gifts for us to use and share.  We may not be blessed with a large sum of money to share, but we are each blessed with talents that God has given us.  .  We can do for others everyday.  It may be in different ways, but the Lord doesn’t care how, just so we are being kind.  It can be a nice word or a simple task of carrying someone’s groceries. 

 Doing random acts of kindness with no strings attached can change the world.  This is the way for us to show the love of Jesus to those around us.  These acts nudge people closer to God. 

Romans 12:6

New International Version (NIV)

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith;

To read the full story visit: https://shine.yahoo.com/author-blog-posts/woman-goes-waitressing-nursing-school-generous-stranger-help-221600622.html Woman goes from waitressing to nursing school- with generous customers help

RELY

NO PLANS

I got home from running errands and started picking up and cleaning up, my Bible study group was going to be here in 30 minutes.  I walked into my closet turned around to walk out and noticed that there were two footprints.  I thought to myself, “ok did someone break in the house while I was gone.”  I walked out turned back around to see four footprints in the closet, they were my footprints.  I started stomping and noticed more and more, what was going on.  Then I listened closely it was water.  My hot water tank is located in my closet, yes it was leaking.  I gathered everything on the floor and got it out of the closet then placed towels under the leak.  My go to fixer guys came over, hooked up a hose and drained the water out the window.  Oh well what could I do it about it? Nothing!  I didn’t get stressed or anxious, it was out of my control. 

There are many times in our lives when things that are unexpected interrupt our lives.  These situations are out of our control.  There isn’t anything we can do differently to make them not happen nor is there anything we can do to make them not happen.  How do we prepare ourselves with the unexpected?

We must be willing to set aside all of our plans, everything we have listed on our calendars for whatever the Lord brings to us.  All of our dreams and priorities must be placed on the back burner when the unexpected jumps onto our list of things to do.  We must become totally led by God, relying on Him.   There is no self-reliance in these situations.  It is only with Him that we can journey through the situations that throw us for a loop.

Let God in your life on an everyday basis.  It is only then that you will be prepared as the unexpected jumps onto your calendar for the day. 

Isaiah 26:4

New International Version (NIV)

4 Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your pathsstraight.[a]

REACH

JUMP FOR JESUS

Everyone in our town is “Jumping for Jesus” and donating to many different charities.  Jumping in pools, ditches, reservoirs, and ponds.  Anywhere people can find frigid water in they go.  People started challenging people in other towns and now they are jumping.  From the top of Arkansas to the bottom of Arkansas and in between, people are jumping for Jesus!  

The timing of “Jumping for Jesus” is perfect.  It is taking place when we need to be reminded of what God did for us by giving us His son.  Just imagine if we were this excited about jumping for Jesus all year, If we were this enthusiastic to give to others.  If we were this excited to share His word everyday just think what impact we would make on those around us.

Don’t stop jumping for Jesus because you have already jumped.  Don’t stop being excited about Easter because it is over.  Keep being enthusiastic for the Lord.  Share His word, share what He has done for you, and share how He has changed you life.  Let others see Him through you everyday.  As Brother David said in church yesterday, “Each one reach one!”  That is our new quote for the rest of this year.  Go out and reach out to someone and share the good news!

John 1:35-46 KJV

35 Again the next day after John stood , and two of his disciples; 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked , he saith , Behold the Lamb of God! 37 And the two disciples heard him speak , and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned , and saw them following , and saith unto them, What seek ye ? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say , being interpreted , Master,) where dwellest thou ? 39 He saith unto them, Come and see . They came and saw where he dwelt , and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is , being interpreted , the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said , Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation , A stone. 43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write , Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see .