Romans 8:14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. NKJV
One of the greatest things about being a follower of Jesus Christ is the knowledge of His continual guidance. I know I am His son because He leads me in such a way as to let me know it is He who is at the helm of this ship I call “life.”
As my family and I continue to walk through this sabbatical we are engaged in, I have been made aware on a number of occasions that my Father in heaven is arranging divine appointments that evidence His providence and love. I have met several people from Washington State, including a man from Ephrata and another from near Quincy, both close to our city. To the readers out there this might not mean much, but to my family and I, it is quite amazing.
Everywhere we turn, we are meeting fellow believers in Jesus Christ as well. Friday, I found out that the wife of the man who owns and operates Rico’s Coffee shop is an American and a follower of Jesus. (Rico’s is the place I go several times a week to blog and email friends and family.) The pastor of the Vineyard Church we attended has also opened his heart to us and offered to take us to dinner. These and many other people have expressed great warmth and favor toward us while they offer help and friendship to our family. All of these events are a manifestation of the Presence and Voice of God saying, “I love you, I’m in charge of you, I’m leading you and I am arranging things for my purpose and will in your life.”
Skeptics would simply say it is coincidence and explain these events as circumstantial only. Many people would chalk up our “divine appointments” as the power of positive thinking and say they were only the manifestation of our belief in these events. I would listen to these explanations and then quietly smile inside and look up to heaven and wink at my Father. We have a secret, and I know I am a son who is led by One who is lovingly crafting a life story that will glorify Him and make Him more appealing to people everywhere. Go on Creator and Maker, guide me with your eye, for I am your son!
Psalms 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
I was encouraged to hear of your divine appointments. He is with you!
ReplyDeleteDaleen Anderson delivered a great prophecy today in 1st service. It mentioned that God is doing a great work in your heart during this sabbatical, imparting the stamina and endurance of the OT prophets. You will "run and run and run!" Her "word" went on encouraging GHC members to find there place of service in the Body. Keith tag teamed with a "word" to "only...only...only...be STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!" Marc Doney, Jeff, Matt, Lisa and Paul were especially graced as a worship team. Caleb took the pulpit, imparting his passion for the presence of God. The service began with the pics you emailed from "The Pearl."
Your family is missed!!!!
2 Posts At Once? You aren't supposed to do that to us!
ReplyDeleteMy youngest daughter asked me a question, a deep question. It was one of those kind of questions you rejoice in your kids' asking because it shows they are thinking and pondering life for themselves. "Mom, what is at the beginning of eternity and at the end of life?" I gathered her up close and in all my great wisdom I replied, "Well, honey, eternity doesn't have a beginning or an end - that's what eternal means. As for the end of life, it is going to depend on who you have given your heart to." A twinkle appeared in her eyes as she replied, " 'e', Mom, 'e' comes at the beginning of eternal and the end of life!"
Twirp! too smart for her own good.
I say that to illustrate that sometimes we complicate things when there is a very simple explaination. An answer that, even given in all our great wisdom, doesn't change plain fact!
"it is coincidence and explain these events as circumstantial only" ... "the power of positive thinking ... only the manifestation of our belief" are fallen, unregenerate human responses to God's gracious involvement in our lives. We desire to be inerpreters. Some things don't warrant intrepretation, however, just acceptance.
"It is the nature of desire not to be satisfied, and most human beings live only for the gratification of it." ~Aristotle
Hello Doug,
ReplyDeleteI like your new blog site! We've been talking about the "Kingdom of God" in our church here in NW Washington. It is cool to hear how the Lord continues to demonstrate His love to us no matter where we may travel to. The Kingdom of God can be found wherever we are if we are willing to keep the eyes of our hearts open enough to recognize it. I like that about you, you are always looking around to see God in everything and everyone.
I like what Pastor Ted said about the Kingdom of God. It has to do with a covenant of intimacy with the Father. He is our God, we are His people and it is about God and people living together. It[the Kingdom of God] is not about stuff,but it affects your stuff! The Kingdom of God is in your heart (because of Christ) and your future is determind by what is in your heart!
Anyway, good to hear the Kingdom of God is alive and well in your heart my friend. We miss you all. Give our love to your family.