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Getting past the past

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In American, it would be a rare Christian who hasn't heard Jeremiah 29:11. It reads, "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)

Jesus said, "...when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).

If we believe and confess that God's plans are to prosper us; to give us hope and a future why do we worry about the future so much? You, like myself, constantly hear the fear spoken from the mouths of Americans every day. Everywhere people are experiencing fear of healthcare. Fear of the economy. Fear of the stock market. Fear of the state of our government. Fear from residue of the Covid pandemic.

All these fears have merit, but as Christians we have an edge because we know our hope lies, not in our government, but in a power that is greater ... a power that cannot go bankrupt. "...When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth." In the Bible, God fed Elijah with quail. He fed the children of Israel with manna. He took five loaves of bread and two fish and fed more than 5000 people. How is it that we cannot get past the fear of what's happening in our own lives?

How big do you think your God really is?

The Church is supposed to be His voice in the community. The world should see us "above and not beneath," as Moses wrote in Deuteronomy. The Church should be the most blessed; have the least bondage; and the least debt. Is that what we see in the Church?

According to all the statistics, the Church is running pretty much neck and neck with the world. We have just as much debt, divorce, and bondage. ... But that is not God's plan for us.

Proverbs 2:10-11 says, "When wisdom enters into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee" (KJV).

I honestly do not believe any of us have it all together all the time, but maybe we be doing better than we are? Shouldn't we be shining in our communities as a place of peace and contentment if the Lord is our guide? Christian's have a guide (the Holy Spirit) in lead us through the world, but is that what people see from us? Or, do they see and hear us moan like the rest of the world?

Ask the Holy Spirit to be the inner voice that will direct you, daily, at every turning point. If we ask, then we certainly must listen. His Spirit will lead, but we must be mindful to hear the quiet voice of God speaking to our spirit.

So - what are his thoughts and plans toward you? .... I believe they are only for our good. Scripture says "Every good and every perfect gifts comes from the Father of Lights in whom there is no variance, nor shadow of turning." Even in the middle of trials and heartache, His ultimate plan is for your good.

From time to time, I struggle as much as anyone else, but my prayer is that the Lord will go before each of us and help us make good decisions whatever our situation. I pray that He will be our guide and source of direction and that our mind dwells on good thoughts. Not thoughts that continue to keep us defeated. Phil 4:8 says to think on these things: whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and if there be any virtue or any praise - keep your mind on these things. It is not easy, but it will get you through the tough times and on a path toward victory.

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