why do we worry

Why do we worry? It is because we are in control of our life versus God. I am certainly a worrier. Overtime I have learned to take my worries to God sooner. It's not easy when we wonder about our families and loved ones futures. It's not easy when life is in upheaval. Prayer - I thank you that I can trust you in all things, help me to cast my worries and fears at your feet. Help me to seek you first. Amen

“Mathew 6:25-34 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[a]?

²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

slowing life down

Sometimes it's important to slow life down, to take stock, regroup and re-energize. Many do this by taking vacation. Sometimes that's not an option. How do we slow life down in the midst of chaotic health challenges? What will people think if I seek more solitude. It's interesting to me that Jesus sets the example of solitude and prayer "Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." This is the most proactive Solitude we can take, to simplify life and come before our Lord and savior. Prayer - Lord please help me to seek you and to come before you to lay my burdens at your feet. Help me to be proactive and make quality time with you. Amen

Corrupt governments

Greed, misuse of power are words that come to mind when we consider some of our world leaders. It is simply ugly what people in this world are subjected to. In Canada we have had it good still. I don't know what it's like to feel the threat of a Hitler like my grandparents did on my father's side. This impacted my dad too as they lost their home in Hungary, lived for a bit in Germany where they were not wanted and eventually came to Canada. Our physical well-being is not a threat right now but perhaps our rights and economy are. Mr Trump has seen fit to threaten tariffs again as he did during his first reign in power and now he also feels we should become the 51st state. How real the latter is I don't know. The reality is he keeps saying it and even during the recent four nations hockey tournament he saw fit to mention it in his speech to the American team. Our economy is already in dissmay with the price of things being ridiculous, let alone 25% tariffs being a threat. Who does he think he is to swing his power and make threats to various countries in the world? What right does he have? What is his purpose? We have become used to the Canadian way and have no real interest in being Americanized. That is not to say we lack respect for Americans or their way of life. We are simply patriotic to our way of life and the things we have become accustomed to. So as Christians what are we to do when we see misuse of power. Too often we stand pat. Our biggest weapon in all things is prayer and we are urged to pray for our leaders. Prayer is so often seen as a you mean that's all we can do kind of thing. But hey when we are talking to the King of Kings and putting our petitions to him, it's not a last resort small thing. It's a big deal to talk to the king, be real with him, and explain our petitions. He wants to know them from us even though he already knows them. He wants to know our heart from our lips so let's do as he asks and pray for our leaders."1 Timothy 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior,  who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

Wisdom comes from the Lord

"Proverbs 2:6a For the Lord gives wisdom".  "Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!" It would seem by God's word that wisdom comes from God and that it is more precious then gold. The Bible talks about asking for wisdom being a very good thing. King Solomon was rewarded for asking for wisdom. Is it as simple as asking or are there other ways to get wisdom. Being in relationship with God I believe is the key. That seems obvious perhaps, but many of us find spending time with God a challenge especially when things are going well. Being in true relationship means being in his word and talking to him. It means doing life with him and in surrender to him. These things are often grown by difficult experiences. Those experiences when we are in fellowship with God throughout them also gain us insight and wisdom that we could not gain otherwise. Going through the Refiner's Fire seems to be the process for most of us to develop a closer relationship and grow in insight and wisdom. What a painful and yet rewarding process. Perhaps one of the reasons we are to try to look through God's eyes and find joy in the midst of trial. Prayer - Lord as I wallow in my own trials, I thank you for your patience as you mold me and make me.

spite house or grace house

Do I live in the spite house or grace house? Sad to say, too many times I have dwelt in the spite house holding a grudge against Christian brothers and sisters. It's easy to do because Satan is working overtime to accomplish it. He wants even the slightest of grievances to become massive. He wants our service towards our Lord to be disrupted and uses any means he can. Max Lucado writes " forgiveness has fits and starts, good days and bad. Anger intermingled with love. Irregular mercy. We make progress only to make a wrong turn. Step forward and fall back. But this is okay. When it comes to forgiveness all of us are beginners. No one owns a secret formula. As long as you are trying to forgive, you are forgiven. It's when you no longer try that bitterness sets in". How true Max's words are. “The bible has this to say

 Ephesians 4:26-27 In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold". Prayer - search my heart oh God. Show me where I need to have a hard change and forgive . Grant me a heart of forgiveness and a willingness to reconcile.

how technology has ruled me

We are all wired differently. I marvel at people who have a cell phone and they are able to manage it in such a way that checking it seems like a very low priority. It's not constantly in their hands. Perhaps it's harder for us administrative types. It feeds right into how we are wired. We like to be organized and on top of things and it's a contagious tool that helps us do that. For my kids it's just part of their lives, they grew up with it and think no different than to rely on it for all aspects of their lives. Their social dependence on it is huge. I have wondered to myself for a while now, what is of more importance to me, to start my day by checking my accounts or start it listening to the voice of God. Most of the time lately, I do it in the wrong order. Sadly it is really telling of what voice is more important to me. When life gets ugly, this pattern tends to reverse because there is nothing like Gods soothing voice. Prayer - father help me to prioritize you. Amen

God does not waste disappointment

God does not waste disappointment, he wants to use it. Lord do you care, do you see what's going on down here, why are you letting this happen in my life. Isn't it true that many of us ask those questions. I remember being a candidate for two different job promotions at a place I worked. I was declined for both. Interestingly my friend who got the job gave me a book about doors closing. If he wouldn't have been from such a gentle soul I may have taken it as a slap in the face. The reality is we are often guided through disappointment to the next step. God had other things in mind and soon presented me with a business opportunity. This was only after I wrestled through the disappointment and tried to give it over to God. Funny fact is that sometime later, in fact a few years later, one of the hiring bosses told me I would have been the better selection. That was comforting for sure and reassuring. The whole opening and closing of doors in our lives kind of reminds me of the story of when God put a angel in the road to detour Balaam. I wonder how many times there are there angels in our path placed there by God to redirect us. We might see it as disappointment at first but later see God's design. Prayer - Lord please work out your design and our lives, amen