1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Kids are home from college.  My anxiety rises as I wonder if Luke is planning for his next step after he graduates in December.  I want to jump in and take action, tell him what to do.  But I know that won't work.  I've been praying for what feels like forever for him to find his passion, get some work to learn good habits but I don't see progress on my timeline.  Praying to remove anxiety and trust in God's plan for Luke.

knut

James 1:15

 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

I have access to the one who created the universe, yet how often do I go to him to help me with decisions?  I tend to go my own way until it gets really rough then I call on him.  How about I seek him in daily conversation and learn to go to him with all my decisions and also take the model he shows me and use it when asked for insight from others---don't judge just help.

knut

1 Peter 3:15

 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...

I tried to do this with a very good friend of mine who was having suicidal thoughts.  I have no idea how he received my message but we are still best of friends so he didn't apparently take my approach as too preachy so I thank God for showing me how to share.  Far too often today I see people mixing their politics with their faith and the approach to sharing their belief in God is definitely not gentle or respectful.  Pretty sure it doesn't help make His Kingdom better.  He lays out the the blueprint for us right here.

knut

Romans 14:11

 So where does that leave you when you criticize a brother? And where does that leave you when you condescend to a sister? I’d say it leaves you looking pretty silly—or worse. Eventually, we’re all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren’t going to improve your position there one bit. Read it for yourself in Scripture: “As I live and breathe,” God says, “every knee will bow before me; Every tongue will tell the honest truth that I and only I am God.” So mind your own business. You’ve got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God.

Found this one today......speaks to me.  Our society seems to be built on cutting others down.  In the end, we all wind up in the very same place, being asked the very same questions.

tp

1 Corinthians 15:1

 15 Dear friends,[a] let me give you clearly the heart of the gospel that I’ve preached to you—the good news that you have heartily received and on which you stand.

For all the complexity and noise of life, Paul reminds us of the simple truth that cuts through it all.  Its gospel and the 7 words you highlighted in the last post.  Don't over complicate.  He died for me and you.

knut

Matthew 28:6

  He is not here: for he is risen,....

Most powerful 7 words spoken in human history

nuff said

Proverbs 10:7

The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

Short and sweet.  I think of my Grandpa and Grandma when I read this and know that I want to do my best to continue their legacy.  They didn't live a life that you might consider to be super memorable or impactful in the small town of Treynor.  Yet all these years later they have a few dozen grandkids and great grandkids not to mention people in their community that still remember how they lived as a blessing.  Simple, friendly and following God.  

be a blessing.

knut