Where Can You Turn?

Life can be tough, causing you to feel a range of emotions.  Many times the trial or situation is so bad, that the reality of a brighter future seems non-existent.  There are other times when decisions need to be made and the anxiety of making the right choice becomes overwhelming.  What does the future hold for me?  Where am I headed in life? Am I making the right decision?  These and many other questions plague the minds of people daily, and if we are not careful, fear of the unknown can mentally consume us.  Where do you turn when you need direction?  Who can you trust in times of uncertainty?

The psalmist experienced fear of his enemies, but his peace came when he made this acknowledgement, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”  Although it seemed as if his persecution would never end, he found comfort in placing His trust in God.  What did he trust God to do?  He trusted God to remove his fear.  He trusted God to give him peace.  He trusted his entire life in the hands of God, knowing that no matter what was going on, God would deliver him.  Where can you turn?

God never promised life would be easy, but throughout history He has shown Himself to be trustworthy.  It is very easy for us to become wrapped up in our circumstances while being blind to God’s outstretched arms, open to receive whatever burdens us.  Place your trust in 

God for everything.  There is never anything too small or large for God, and as soon as we realize He welcomes us to trust Him with all things, life can be peaceful.  You should never worry all night, if you have trusted the Lord.  You should never be afraid, if you trusted God.  You never need to wonder where you can turn, turn to God and place your trust in Him.   

Scriptural Challenge: Take this moment to think of at least one thing, recently, you have not trusted God with, and give it to Him through prayer right now. 

Written by Shad Comeaux

"Give Me You"

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires... ~ Ephesians 4:22

That's a challenging verse, isn't it?! We each surrendered our heart to God and our old self was crucified with Christ when we became Christians (Romans 6:6). Jesus reminds us that this surrender is something each of us should do daily (Luke 9:23). We need to put the old sinful life aside every day and choose to live for Jesus in response to God's grace. As we begin this fast, let's make it our spiritual habit to consciously offer ourselves to the Lord and joyously live under his lordship of Jesus each day.

"He is able to do exceedingly abundantly, Above all we ask or think"

I sometimes we forget how big GOD is.  I have spent so must time focusing on a situation, problem,  etc. that I've actually put limitations on God, saying "I can figure this out on my own",  "This is too big", and "Nobody can help with this one" and have made it even bigger than what is originally was or worried about it until I made myself a wreck.  Today's post is just reminder "He is able to do exceedingly abundantly, Above all we ask or think" 

"So take all your burdens and lay them at His feet
And watch Him meet the need
We have the victory
Because You are"

"I Come To You More Than I Give"

In this season of transition, even the way we approach GOD must different.  Not always with our hand out, asking for something.  Yet, with an open ear listening surrendering ourselves  to what GOD has planned for our lives, families, communities, and the kingdom. 

I come to You more than I give
I come to You more than I give

When the time comes for us to pray
We find other things to say instead of giving thanks
For what God has already done we're asking for more

But with a grateful heart we ought to pray
"Lord let Your will be done and if you never give me
Another thing I'll just thank You for forgiving me"

I come to You more than I give
Always with my hands out instead of lifting them up
I come to you give, oh Lord will You give me another chance

Always with my hands out instead of giving myself
Enough to say, "Lord I know that I'm in Your perfect will
Realizing as ungrateful as I've been
The giving you has removed all sin, I vow to never be the same"

I come to You more than I give
Always with my hands out instead of me lifting them up
I come to you more than I give, oh, I'm sorry

I give You my heart, my mind, my soul, my praise, Hallelujah

Romans 12:1 says, "I beseech you therefore brethren
By the mercies of God that ye present your bodies
A living sacrifice, holy, which is your job unto God
It is your job to give him everything, every part of you”

I give You my heart, my mind, my soul, my praise, my money
It all belongs to the Father, I give it all to You

"Love"

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Interestingly, the Bible doesn't ever just say that God loves us. Instead, it says: "God demonstrated his love..." "In this is love, not that we loved God but that God loved us and gave..." "For God so loved the world that he gave..." Love is more than emotion or intention. True love, redemptive love, God-styled love is active; it does something. For us, Jesus did more than something; he sacrificed everything. What's more, he did it when we most needed it. He demonstrated his love when we were sinners! ~ PW

(if you have any prayer requests, feel free to email them to info@brothaonline.com)

"Mountains" by Sean C. Johnson

This song say everything I want to say today. 

"I'm Coming Up On the Rough Side of the Mountain" 

Faith

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. ~ Hebrews 11:6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

And just why do we serve God? ... Fear? ... Sense of obligation? ... Because our parents did? How about because we want to please God and bring the Father joy? How about because of we believe in what God has done and will do for us? We believe that God sent his Son Jesus to die for our sins so we can be forgiven, cleansed, and adopted as his children into his forever family. What's more, we believe that God longs to share his blessings with us and loves to reward those who believe in his grace and love. We believe and so we earnestly, diligently, and passionately seek him! -PW