In James Chapter 1 the bible talks about trials and the Christian and that through those trials we gain perseverance and joy.  Even though I know those verses in James I still get frustrated with the rough terrain of the Christian life.  I ask God, why are you making me go through this.  I’ve already persevered through this once, what did I miss.  I get the attitude that I’m a Christian and that I already know the answers to Gods pop quizzes.  I was ready the other day in Hebrews and came across something that caught my attention.  “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” Hebrews 5:8. This basically says that even though Christ was the God’s very son, the prince of the heavenly kingdom, 1/3 of the triune God, when he came to earth he left glory to take on humanity and all the pains that come with it.  He experienced much more heartache and physical pain than most people ever will.  Yet through those trials he persevered and learned obedience from the tough times.  The question I have to ask myself is, who am I to think I am so much better than Christ that I am exempt from suffering? My goodness the ignorant pride there is in thinking that.  Christ modeled life as we should live it on earth.  Jesus didn’t live a perfect life, he lived a sinless life, but his life was not perfect.   If his life had been perfect he wouldn’t have had to go through the pain that he did or experience the trials that He had on earth.  Instead, out of obedience to the Father, he suffered through the rough terrain forging the path that we should follow. 

You have blessed me God so much more than I deserve, I have failed abundantly in my life and you’ve loved me in spite of it.  How can I repay that?  I can’t. Period, end of sentence.  You have the power to wipe me off the face of the earth, yet you pick me up out of the mud when I’ve fallen on my face after slipping on my own selfish desires.  My life is nothing but a vapor, worth nothing.  I bring you pain from my times of rebellion, turning my back on you running as you call for me.  How deep is your love for us, it truly is vast beyond all measure.  We can’t begin to understand.  When someone wrongs us once we hold a lifetime of resentment and anger against them, yet you loved those who brutally killed, mocked, spit, cursed, beat, and whipped your only son.  We were those people.  We are those who put your son on the cross.  And you look past that and you love us still.  Thank you doesn’t cut it.  There is no way to repay you for what you’ve done.  Total service and devotion is all that we have to offer, which is as filthy rags.  Lord I pray that you will use me today.  Show me what you would have me to do.  I pray for an open heart and mind to see and hear what you want me to learn.  It’s only by your Grace that I am here on earth. Period. End of sentence.

What do Saddam Hussein and The Pope have in common?  Donald Trump and a bum on the street?  They ALL have the same 24 hours in a day, no more no less.  Time is the great equalizer.

How often do we take the Time to think about time?  We often hear phrases like "time flies," "save time" or "lose time."  Stop and think about God's time, it's hard to because He has no time, he made it.  We were made for eternity as well, but because of sin we hit a dead end.  When we go through hard times in life we need to remember that this too shall pass.  "The brevity of life should cause us to perservere not give up."  That basically means that life is short here on earth and because it is we shouldn't give up, we should give our best.  Our time here on earth is like a vapor, here today gone tonight.  That being said, hard times won't last forever.  If we are saved by grace, through faith In Jesus Christ the end of our life on earth is the beginning of an eternity of peace and joy beyond anything we can imagine.  So as we go through times of heartache, stress, sickness, etc... remember "this to shall pass." 

God bless,

Will   

Oh how God teaches us lessons.... I was walking to class the other day and as I made my way up the stairs I saw a guy slip on the stairs.  He didn't fall or get hurt so I felt like it was ok to laugh about it to myself, besides it was only Him one more guy and myself on the steps.  I figured no harm done in a little giggle( idont really giggle).  God definetly has a sense of humor.... I was in class later that day, a crowded class I might add for some simpathy, and as I was making the walk to my seat it came, the inevedable- no- way- to- play- it- off trip.  Now luckily I didnt fall down, but it was just enough to get my foot planted in my mouth.

A lot of times as Christians we do that, we're walking along and see someone trip and fall into sin for what ever reason, and all we do is stop and laugh, gossip, or just keep on walking.  The reality is that we are no better than those who have fallen because eventually we are going to trip up and fall as well.  We are human and though we are no longer slaves to sin through the blood of Christ, we still give in because we are fighting flesh. (Romans 7:18-25).  What we need to consider when we see others are falling around us and when we are falling is WHERE we will fall, to our face or to our Knees.

God bless!

Yet another lesson learned..... When we are down on ourselves or just feel inadequate, God uses us the most.  Its the times when we've been put into a job or given a responsibility, that we feel we are not ready or equipped for, and others might agree, which makes it seem even worse.  But here's a thought.  Do you think God could use us as much if we think we can conquer the world? Now we now that God can use anybody or anything for His glory, but does he want someone who will try to hog the spotlight.  Its the times when we feel puny that he will bring oppertunities to let Him shine.  So when your classes are getting you down, or work has got you tired and someone comes to you for advice, or just to talk be aware that this could be the time to let God use you to glorify Him.

God bless!