Out of the Box

"The heavens and their own heavens cannot contain You! How much less this house that I have built." - 2nd Chronicles 6:18

My father always tells people that God is not a feeling. People tell him, "but if I don't feel like going to church, I shouldn't go," or, "but I just don't feel like praying." In these things, we try to conform God into the areas we want Him to be. It's like we put Him in a box on a shelf; when we want something or need something, we pull Him out, but most of the time our relationship with Him is kept separate from the rest of our lives, collecting dust. I was thinking about this today on the train and it got me so upset! Who do we think we are that we feel we have the right to have God fit into our lives the way we want Him to?! In this verse in 2nd Chronicles, it says that not even the heavens' heavens can contain God, so how dare we try to define Him, tell Him what to do and how we want it done? If the heavens cannot contain Him, much less my little mind that has no idea about what's even good for me!

Here's the deal, we need to take God out of the box. He should be in control, not us. God shouldn't have to bend for us, we need to stretch for Him and allow for Him to do what's best for our lives. And don't think, "well, this just isn't for me" because there you go putting God in a box again! If that small box is all the space you give Him, then small things is what you'll see! He cannot be defined and you cannot tell someone who created the entire universe what to do in the little itty bit of time you have here on earth. He is so much bigger than our minds could ever comprehend. Once you tell God you agree to stretch for Him and let Him define who you are, I guarantee your life will change because you will finally have the right perspective.

Today's Prayer:
Lord, I have such a small mind and cannot possibly comprehend even a little bit of Your works and Your wonders. Forgive me for believing myself wise or smart enough to tell You what to do for me. Open my mind and help me to know that You're the one that should define me, not me try to define You. In Your Name we pray, amen.

Let Him Be Your God

"We ourselves do not know what to do; but we look to You." - 2nd Chronicles 20:12

God gave us many wonderful qualities but one of them is definitely not omnipotence. Many times we throw our problems on our shoulders as impossible as they are, as if we could actually do something about them. Problems at work, with money, in health and in relationships often times lead us to brick walls that we try to break down. It's great to work hard, it's great to perservere and that's what God wants us to do, but we need to understand that we ourselves are not God. We do not have the power to work out all of our problems. He is God for a reason and we should let Him take care of our troubles.

If there is something you are facing or something you know you need and there is no conceivable way of breaking through, place all of your worries on Him and do the best that you can. Sit and wait for His deliverance because although you might want it immediately, He will send it at the perfect time. How wonderful it is to know that we have as God someone so powerful that we can rest in Him while He sorts everything out, out of His love for us!

Yesterday I asked for you to encourage one another with your testimonies. It is in the praising of God's work that our faith is strengthened. I was sent a couple of stories and I chose the following as two different examples of how God works. In the first, this person experienced a hardship that needed an immediate solution. Placing all his faith in the Lord, he let God assume the role of God in his life and was blessed. In the second story, this person went through a longer struggle, but all the while, God was with her as well as she chose to look to Jesus Christ as her example. In both cases, God showed His loving care and mercy and in both cases, God acted at the most perfect time.

Testimony #1:"
Being self employed, I've always conditioned myself to make sure I have money set aside for all my bills.During a particularly slow period, I had been down to my last $400 in my checking account.Now most folks would've panicked becausemoney was not due to me for several weeks (Most clients pay within a 30 day window!).But I was extremely calm and at ease during this week because I knew that God would be there for me.Now, I think God won't "hook you up with $50 bucks so you can go to the club", but if there is a REAL need, sincerityand love in your heart, God will never let you down.A week before my bills were due, I received a check "earlier than expected".By the end of the next month, I had roughly $8200 in my checking account.Was I surprised? No. Grateful. Yes. And always astounded by God's gestures. Large and small.My Mom would always tell me, "God will squeeze but he'll never choke you!". LOLI've lived by that since the late 80's and I've always been thankful and faithful that Godwill "hook me up". When I am in real need, truly sincere and honestly grateful.Whether it's a check to pay bills, a friend to talk me off a "ledge" or just a perfect parking spot!God always "hooks this brother up"!"

Testimony #2:
"My goal is to make it to grad school. My professors and advisors tell me I need to be above a 3.5 average. This semester I took 19 credits (6 classes), worked part time, volunteered in a psych lab, started to cook everyday, and had to manage spending some time with my son. Having gone to school all year long I felt I was burning out. It was towards the end of the semester, and I knew I was not doing well. I wanted to give up. My grandfather saw me one day and told me I looked skinny and pale - he said he was going to pray for me and then advised that I should pray also. I ignored him as I always did, but that night at 3 am whileI was up cryingfrom stress and exhaustionI asked God to give me strength --- I did not pray I just asked but I asked with my heart truly open. He answered my prayers.Next day I woke up and did not rush. I was calm as if I had nothing to do.I thought Ihad just given up butthen realized that I had foundpeace - I was able to just live and realize I need to take it one day at a time and not try to conquer the world in an hour!Anytime I see my selfchasing after my tail I stop and and remember the stories my Grandfather once read to me describing Jesus' patience. I remind myself to be more like that. Surprisingly,I ended my semester with a 3.64."

If you have anything you want to share, please send them along because this is all for the glory of God!

Today's Prayer:
Thank You my Lord for being my God and Savior. Thank You for looking kindly upon me and for promising to take care of me no matter how great my troubles are. I believe in You and ask for the strength to continue in Your path everyday. In Your Name we pray, Amen.