One Glad Dad

One Glad Dad

Happy Father’s Day!

Let's all take a moment today to thank God for that very special person God put in our life: Our dad!

"Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate." (Ps. 127:3-5 NIV)

I am one glad dad these days. I feel so very blessed. Everyday I thank God for these three wonderful souls He sent to be my children. They all have such beautiful spirits. They all bring joy to me and to the world around them every single day. It is always such a pleasure to take walks around town with my oldest son. He has more people say "Hi" to him in a day than I do in a week. This is because his goodness and friendliness touches the hearts of everyone he meets. My youngest son rarely speaks at all, yet his spirit shines in other ways. His spontaneous joy and delight in the simplest things makes me smile and his wonderful laughter sounds as beautiful as an angel's song. Both of my sons do have Autism, but Autism doesn't have them.

My boys also remind me that sometimes the brightest souls come to Earth in disguise. They come hidden in broken bodies and handicapped minds. They come needing our help and care, yet at the same time they show the rest of us how to live. They go around spreading love, sharing joy, and shining God's light. And they help us to realize that we can do the same.

Those who know them often become better because of them too. I know that my daughter's kind, giving, and loving heart has grown stronger and more beautiful because of them. She has had to face a lot growing up with two "special" brothers, but she has used it all to become the wonderful, young woman she is today. Her own spirit glows so brightly. She has already become one of those shining souls who makes the world a better place just by being in it.

I think that I will remain one glad dad for all of my days here. Life has given me a lot of challenges and struggles to face, but God has given me the love, joy, and strength to face them. Life has given me two handicapped sons to raise and care for, but Heaven has blessed me with three shining souls to show me what it means to live and what it means to love.

Joe Mazzella

When You Can’t Find Hope

When You Can’t Find Hope

Romans 15:4 (NLT) “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us HOPE and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises”

There have been a few times over the course of my life where I was in a bleak situation that seemed to only spiral downward. In each of those cases, I was pushed almost to the place of no hope. I should have never allowed myself to feel like that no matter how bad things got. In Jesus there is always hope!

The spark of hope is the beginning of hope. If you could not find initial hope, you would then have no hope. If you have no hope you are hopeless. If you are hopeless, you’ll cast off the very faith in God that would have saved you again and again.

If the devil had his way, he’d keep you hopeless at all times. He’d beat you down in your circumstances. He’d beat you down in your walk with God trying to make you feel shallow, disgusting, or lost. He’d beat you down in your imagination trying to strip any life and joy from it. He’d work to drive you to hopelessness. Why? When you allow yourself to become hopeless, he’s got you right where he wants you. Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy (literally a refreshing that makes you feel alive again!) The devil is the author of death and destruction – the stealer of life. Jesus is the giver of abundant life!

People are pushed by the devil into negative circumstances, in self disgust, and in absolute mental hopelessness, every day – by the boat loads. He tries to pluck every last image of hope from our heart like plucking petals off a flower. He reminds you of every failure - never successes. He points out every flaw - not the transformations of good that God has done in you. He paints the picture of bleakness and hopelessness – never the promise of God’s Word. Jesus taught us through His Word how to handle this enemy of your soul. Matt. 8:16 says that “Jesus would cast out devils with His Word…”

You do the same. Rise up and cast him out of your life now! Jesus would say to the devils, “Get out, be gone, I rebuke you.” You do the same in Jesus name!

Jesus always offers hope! His love toward you is tender. He is called the “Blessed Hope.” Jesus is the spark of hope that leads to full blown hope that will cause faith to rise in your heart, then momentum, and ultimately, God’s deliverance in your life. So, when you are feeling hopeless – it’s time to get that spark of hope.

First we need to understand hope. Romans 8:24-25 gives us insight. “…But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

Then realize that Jesus, our “Blessed Hope” is calling out to you saying “Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24


He cries out to let us know He has got His eye – which means His care - upon us saying, “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who reverence Him, on those whose HOPE is in His unfailing love – His unfailing mercy.” Psalm 33:18

Today’s Fresh Manna verse teaches and reminds us we are those who can have hope! They were written for that very purpose – to give and continually rekindle our hope in a loving God and Savior Jesus Christ whose mercy is greater than your ability to live perfectly right before Him. It says, “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us HOPE and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises.”

Whether you have fallen down and blown it or you’ve just been beaten up in circumstance or in imagination by the devil, YOU ARE NOT HOPELESS and God has not abandoned you! Let these verses of hope spark your hope in the “Blessed Hope” - Jesus who loves you so that you may trust, have faith, draw courage, and see the hand of God fulfill your hope and faith’s desire again and again!

Pastor Tim Burt
Fresh Manna
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com

Is Fairness Possible?

Is Fairness Possible?

1Th. 2:3-4 “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted.... We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts."

When I talk to Christian people doing business daily in the workplace, I hear of problems they often face because of their Christianity. Because of their faith in God and the compelling by the Word of God to live honestly and uprightly, they often feel that they are competing on an uneven playing field. The world doesn't deal with honesty and fairness, yet they are expected to! Christians work hard and trust in God for their promotion and advancement while other people play "politics" and play up to the boss. Job estimators will bid on jobs that they want to win for their companies giving the best price they can give, while other companies pay money under the table to get the work. The list of ways worldly people compete unfairly is never-ending.

Too often we try to find "fair" out there but the truth is "fair" isn't out there. Fair isn't available because we live in a world run by the god of this world - Satan. He is the corrupter of anything and all that would be fair. Most of the world lies and cheats because they feel it's the norm and the standard it takes to get by. The deluded standard creeps into every aspect of life – not just business. Most couples now-a-days live together in fornication even though the Bible says in Ephesians 5:3, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality - fornication, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." Christians have to work harder to remain pure while the world “parties” not paying attention to or caring about God's standard for moral relationships or ethical thinking and behavior. Then what can really seem unfair is, it looks like they get away with it! Trust me no one will!

There are many ways people play unfair in their lives, manipulation being one of them. Manipulation is something that people in the world get caught up more than they realize. So do Christians. What is manipulation? It's the influencing of or managing shrewdly or deviously to get a desired outcome. When people manipulate they are often dishonest, even if ever so slightly, for personal gain. Many people manipulate through lying only they don't call it that. It's rationalized as just “a slight exaggeration.”

When people have a situation that they want to go a specific way, but the honest facts don’t feel like they will have enough impact to draw their desired response, they exaggerate to persuade toward their desired response. A conversation might go like this. "Boss, no one likes the new office arrangement." "Oh really? Tell me who said they don't like the new office arrangement - give me their names." "Well, I don't know exactly who but a whole bunch of people said they don't!" "Give me the names of three of these people." "Oh, never mind, I can see you aren't even open to any feedback!"

Manipulators exaggerate or give false information to win their way. It's not honest and it's not right but it can get results. The method may be dishonest but results are what manipulators are after. They don't care about what is right and just.

For Christians, we can't play that way. We have to abide by God's Word and do what's right. Apostle Paul sets the example for us. He says, "For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted.... We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts."

God wants us to be trustworthy with the truth, trust Him for the results, and then He will be able to ultimately work things out. He will make things fair. Prov. 2:7-9 says, "The Lord holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones. Then you will understand what is RIGHT AND JUST AND FAIR -- every good path.”

If you are looking for “fair” in life, remember that in this world, fairness is only available from God. He alone has the knowledge of absolutes, right and wrong, and all necessary details. For us, much of fairness is a matter of perspective. We all simply do the best we can with the information we have. When my children say they want fair, what they are saying is they want equal treatment. That is difficult since what they need in not equal treatment. They themselves aren't equal. They have different gifts, talents, and needs within their life’s destiny. It was up to Renee and my discretion to determine what was fair in our parenting years.

I have one son whom Renee spent more time helping with in his academic studies. Was she trying to give him more intimate help out of favoritism? No, his siblings didn't need as much help. There were other things they needed.

There are some perceived injustices that God alone understands - usually having to do with reasons of His mercy to reach others. Some justice may be delayed until the final Day of Judgment. Then all injustices will be made right.

When as Christians, we have to deal fairly and do what is right in an unfair world, it can seem like we are going to end up on the short end of the stick. Don't let the devil talk you into that lie. That's not faith and we can not allow ourselves to think like that. Always act honestly and no matter what anyone else does, just do what's right. Petition the Lord and He will help make things work for you. The fact is, we have what some could call an unfair advantage. We are God's children and we have His love, power, authority, help and many precious promises to help us in our time of need. That more than balances the scales!

Pastor Tim Burt
Fresh Manna
http://readfreshmanna.blogspot.com

The Meaning of Sex in Marriage

The Meaning of Sex in Marriage

The Christian worldview must direct all consideration of sexuality to the institution of marriage. Marriage is not merely the arena for sexual activity; it is presented in Scripture as the divinely-designed arena for the display of God's glory on earth as a man and a wife come together in a one-flesh relationship within the marriage covenant. Rightly understood and rightly ordered, marriage is a picture of God's own covenantal faithfulness. Marriage is to display God's glory, reveal God's good gifts to His creatures, and protect human beings from the inevitable disaster that follows when sexual passions are divorced from their rightful place.

The marginalization of marriage, and the open antipathy with which many in the culture elite approach the question of marriage, produces a context in which Christians committed to a marriage ethic appear hopelessly out of step with the larger culture. Whereas marriage is seen as a privatized contract to be made and unmade at will in the larger society, Christians must see marriage as an inviolable covenant made before God and man, which establishes both temporal and eternal realities.

Christians have no right to be embarrassed when it comes to talking about sex and sexuality. An unhealthy reticence or embarrassment in dealing with these issues is a form of disrespect to God's creation. Whatever God made is good, and every good thing God made has an intended purpose that ultimately reveals His own glory. When conservative Christians respond to sex with ambivalence or embarrassment, we slander the goodness of God and hide God's glory which is intended to be revealed in the right use of creation's gifts.

Therefore, our first responsibility is to point all persons toward the right use of God's good gifts and the legitimacy of sex in marriage as one vital aspect of God's intention in marriage from the beginning.

Many individuals -- especially young men -- hold a false expectation of what sex represents within the marriage relationship. Since the male sex drive is largely directed towards genital pleasure, men often assume that women are just the same. While physical pleasure is certainly an essential part of the female experience of sex, it is not as focused on the solitary goal of genital fulfillment as is the case with many men.

A biblical worldview understands that God has demonstrated His glory in both the sameness and the differences that mark men and women, male and female. Alike made in the image of God, men and women are literally made for each other. The physicality of the male and female bodies cries out for fulfillment in the other. The sex drive calls both men and women out of themselves and toward a covenantal relationship which is consummated in a one-flesh union.

By definition, sex within marriage is not merely the accomplishment of sexual fulfillment on the part of two individuals who happen to share the same bed. Rather, it is the mutual self-giving that reaches pleasures both physical and spiritual. The emotional aspect of sex cannot be divorced from the physical dimension of the sex act. Though men are often tempted to forget this, women possess more and less gentle means of making that need clear.

Consider the fact that a woman has every right to expect that her husband will earn access to the marriage bed. As the Apostle Paul states, the husband and wife no longer own their own bodies, but each now belongs to the other. At the same time, Paul instructed men to love their wives even as Christ has loved the church. Even as wives are commanded to submit to the authority of their husbands, the husband is called to a far higher standard of Christ-like love and devotion toward the wife.

Therefore, when I say that a husband must regularly "earn" privileged access to the marital bed, I mean that a husband owes his wife the confidence, affection, and emotional support that would lead her to freely give herself to her husband in the act of sex.

God's gift of sexuality is inherently designed to pull us out of ourselves and toward our spouse. For men, this means that marriage calls us out of our self-focused concern for genital pleasure and toward the totality of the sex act within the marital relationship.

Put most bluntly, I believe that God means for a man to be civilized, directed, and stimulated toward marital faithfulness by the fact that his wife will freely give herself to him sexually only when he presents himself as worthy of her attention and desire. Perhaps specificity will help to illustrate this point. I am confident that God's glory is seen in the fact that a married man, faithful to his wife, who loves her genuinely, will wake up in the morning driven by ambition and passion in order to make his wife proud, confident, and assured in her devotion to her husband. A husband who looks forward to sex with his wife will aim his life toward those things that will bring rightful pride to her heart, will direct himself to her with love as the foundation of their relationship, and will present himself to her as a man in whom she can take both pride and satisfaction.

Consider these two pictures. The first picture is of a man who has set himself toward a commitment to sexual purity, and is living in sexual integrity with his wife. In order to fulfill his wife's rightful expectations and to maximize their mutual pleasure in the marriage bed, he is careful to live, to talk, to lead, and to love in such a way that his wife finds her fulfillment in giving herself to him in love. The sex act then becomes a fulfillment of their entire relationship, not an isolated physical act that is merely incidental to their love for each other. Neither uses sex as means of manipulation, neither is inordinately focused merely on self-centered personal pleasure, and both give themselves to each other in unapologetic and unhindered sexual passion. In this picture, there is no shame. Before God, this man can be confident that he is fulfilling his responsibilities both as a male and as a man. He is directing his sexuality, his sex drive, and his physical embodiment toward the one-flesh relationship that is the perfect paradigm of God's intention in creation.

By contrast, consider another man. This man lives alone, or at least in a context other than holy marriage. Directed inwardly rather than outwardly, his sex drive has become an engine for lust and self-gratification. Pornography is the essence of his sexual interest and arousal. Rather than taking satisfaction in his wife, he looks at dirty pictures in order to be rewarded with sexual arousal that comes without responsibility, expectation, or demand. Arrayed before him are a seemingly endless variety of naked women, sexual images of explicit carnality, and a cornucopia of perversions intended to seduce the imagination and corrupt the soul.

This man need not be concerned with his physical appearance, his personal hygiene, or his moral character in the eyes of a wife. Without this structure and accountability, he is free to take his sexual pleasure without regard for his unshaved face, his slothfulness, his halitosis, his body odor, and his physical appearance. He faces no requirement of personal respect, and no eyes gaze upon him in order to evaluate the seriousness and worthiness of his sexual desire. Instead, his eyes roam across the images of unblinking faces, leering at women who make no demands upon him, who never speak back, and who can never say no. There is no exchange of respect, no exchange of love, and nothing more than the using of women as sex objects for his individual and inverted sexual pleasure.

These two pictures of male sexuality are deliberately intended to drive home the point that every man must decide who he will be, whom he will serve, and how he will love. In the end, a man's decision about pornography is a decision about his soul, a decision about his marriage, a decision about his wife, and a decision about God.

Pornography is a slander against the goodness of God's creation and a corruption of this good gift God has given his creatures out of his own self-giving love. To abuse this gift is to weaken, not only the institution of marriage, but the fabric of civilization itself. To choose lust over love is to debase humanity and to worship the false god Priapus in the most brazen form of modern idolatry.

The deliberate use of pornography is nothing less than the willful invitation of illicit lovers and objectified sex objects and forbidden knowledge into a man's heart, mind, and soul. The damage to the man's heart is beyond measure, and the cost in human misery will only be made clear on the Day of Judgment. From the moment a boy reaches puberty until the day he is lowered into the ground, every man will struggle with lust. Let us follow the biblical example and scriptural command that we make a covenant with our eyes lest we sin. In this society, we are called to be nothing less than a corps of the mutually accountable amidst a world that lives as if it will never be called to account.

Albert Mohler

Generation of the Righteous

Generation of the Righteous

There is a statement taken from the Bible that every Christian should memorize. It is found in Psalm 14:5 and says, "...for God is in the generation of the righteous." This "generation" refers to a certain class or race of people. They are the ones who display manifested proofs that God is among them. They are led by the "new man" which is "created in righteousness and true holiness" (Ephesians 4:24). They are the ones who live soberly and righteously in this present world (Titus 2:12). They are also the ones among whom the Lord affords His gracious Presence.

Besides being the "generation of the righteous," they are also referred to as the "generation of them that seek Him" (Psalm 24:6). They are characterized by an earnest desire to know God and obtain His favor. They are after the discoveries of His love and the "light of His countenance." They also walk with humility of mind and display a sense of dependence on Him. These true seekers are very dear in His esteem because they desire communion with Him and make it the summit of their ambition to be accepted of Him.

In Psalm 73:15, they are referred to as the "generation of Thy children." They are a set of individuals who love and hear God as their Father.

Psalm 112:2 calls these children the "generation of the upright" because they are upright in heart and conversation. They are honest and sincere in their professions and intentions. They deal faithfully with God and man. Resultantly, they are seemingly under the care of heaven - blessed with spiritual and eternal things. They ever abide under the blessing of God.

This "generation" of people have a declaration that they are very bold in declaring to this present world. That statement is implied in the following Scriptures which say -

"God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early." (Psalm 46:5).

"The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" (Psalm 46:7, 11).
"...God is with us..." (Isaiah 8:10).

"...great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee" (Isaiah 12:6).

"Fear thou not, for I am with thee..." (Isaiah 41:10).

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee..." (Isaiah 43:2).

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23).

What do all of the above Scriptures have in common? They are all emphasizing that - "God is with us."

The "generation of the righteous" have God's gracious Presence in their midst as a sufficient antidote against all fear of men and devils. He is their sure and near help in trouble. Even though the world seems to be turning upside down, they are not moved because He is in their midst.

Their cry is - "God is with us."

He is commanding, ordering, and marshalling the hosts of heaven on the side of His people. Hence, they have nothing to fear. God is on their side... He takes their part...He is present with them...and He is chief over them.

"God is with us..."

This truth cannot be wearied by any believer. It is a fact that is too often forgotten. And it is a privilege that cannot be too often considered.

"God is with us."

Because this is true for the "generation of the righteous," they have no reason ever to be afraid. God guards and protects His people... supports and supplies for them... and comforts and strengthens their hearts.

"God is with us."

He is on their side to take their part and fight for them. Even though they may face calamities that are intended to consume or overwhelm them, they are secure - knowing that He will deliver them out of the greatest difficulties and dangers.

"God is with us."

His Name is Emmanuel - God with us. His Name will never change. He will always be the God Who protects and saves His people. His helpful and saving Presence comforts, enlightens, protects, and defends them in the hour of temptation and trial as well as in the hour of death.

"God is with us."

Are you a member of the "generation of the righteous"? Are you a part of the "generation that seeks Him"? Do you belong to the "generation of the upright" who are honest and sincere in all their professions and intentions?

Then you need to get this truth deep down in your heart and soul – whereby it totally transforms your life.

You shouldn't be "moved" like you are by your present-day circumstances. They shouldn't be causing you fear like they do.

Why not begin declaring to the demons of hell as well as to this world system - "God is with me and my family"? Mean it when you say it! You might have to say it a thousand times a day - but just say it!

"God is with us." "God is in the generation of the righteous."

And that means that you don't have to be depressed or fearful ever again.

Get a hold of this truth, and let this truth get a hold of you. If you will do this, you will not be the same person. A holy boldness will come over you and lift you to a higher spiritual plateau in Jesus.

Go for it!

Connie Giordano

How You Can Live Victorious Over Worry?

How You Can Live Victorious Over Worry?

Let's admit it; we all are tempted to worry at times. It is very easy to become anxious about our children, our finances, our work, and our relationships.

A few years ago, I heard about a couple who dealt with worry in a unique way. Whenever they faced a situation that tempted them to worry, they would earnestly pray about it and give it to God. And once they had put it in God's hands, they would write that worry down on a piece of paper, fold it, and put it in a big brown paper bag that had the word "God" written on. Next they would tape that bag high on the back of their kitchen door... out of reach and out of sight.

"It's now God's, not ours!" they would declare.

The couple would agree together that if they ever started to worry about that situation again, they would have to get the stool out, stand on it, and fish that worry note back out of the bag... because God no longer had that worry, they did!

You know, if we're honest, a lot of us would spend quite a bit of time up on the stool fishing our worries out of that bag. Potentially, we all have a lot of things to worry about, don't we?

Add to that, the devil wants you to worry! First Peter 5:8 speaks of Satan as an adversary and a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The context for those statements is worry! Worry is one of his many strategies to defeat you.

The truth is that you and I are in a battle. And our foe is not made of flesh and blood. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10-12, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

I want you to take special note of verse 11: "Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." What are "wiles"? Well, other translations refer to "the devil's strategy" or "the schemes of the devil." One translation even says "the evil tricks of Satan."

So how can we resist the devil's attacks? What should we do when we're next tempted to worry? First Peter 5:7 gives us the answer: "...casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." That's what you can do... cast your care on God, who cares for you. Give your worry to Him!

Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you." Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing...." In other words, don't worry about anything. That same Scripture continues, "...but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

The fact is that God is big enough to take care of the worries we commit to Him. Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it just empties today of its strengths. Worry is a waste of our time! We should be doing more productive things with our time than worrying.

So the next time you're tempted to worry, turn it around. When you understand the methods the devil uses to steal, to kill, and to destroy, you can shut down the devil's attack. You can defeat him and live victorious over worry!

Let's close that door of worry on the devil. Put your worries in the open and loving hands of God, who cares for you... and who is more than able to deal with the issues in your life.

Bayless Conley

Who's in Control?

Who's in Control?

... a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23

Just when you think I've done the craziest things, I come up with another one. Some months back, in a moment of hilarity, a friend asked me a question no one had for twenty-three years. "Do you want to drive my car?" I laughed, and so did she. Then I thought what a thrill it would be to get behind the wheel after over two decades of riding in the passenger's seat. "Yes," I said, fueled with foolish courage.

She gave a mischievous chuckle. "Really?" I nodded, "Yes, really."

My blindness hadn't stopped me from doing a lot of things, and driving would now be added to the list. I settled in the driver's seat, gripped the wheel.

And woo hoo! What a thrill it was to feel the car move as I pressed on the gas. "Doing well; just a little to the left. Now straight," she instructed. "You're doing fine." But when the groan of other car engines drew closer, concern flickered through. "It's okay," my friend reassured. "Just keep it straight." We are both alive to tell about it, but not without an important lesson. One that slammed hard into my soul.

How many times had I taken the same control of my life? Perhaps blinded by greed, skewed values, desperation to succeed or a need to just survive. Unaware of what lay ahead, I would get behind the wheel of life and off I'd go. And so often, I'd crash into the wall of disappointment.

We all do that sometimes, don't we? Deceived by the world's lures, we dash to reach goals, chase illusions, and pursue our share of happiness. But we're all blind when it comes to seeing tomorrow, shortsighted about pitfalls, and visually impaired to see icy bridges ahead. We plop into the driver's seat and with a 'get-out-of-my-way' attitude, zoom down roads unaware of the danger ahead. We commit way over our head, sign on the dotted line, plunge into business ventures, hop in relationships, or dive into a career – fooling ourselves into thinking that we're in control.

Then as things don't work out just the way we planned, anger and bitterness set in. We slam on the brakes and turn a confused head from side to side, wondering where we'd gone wrong. Those dark moments, painful episodes, and even dreaded news from the doctor, they all blare the awful truth - we're never really in control.

So why don't we let God take the wheel? Because fear blows its horn. We're afraid God might not react quickly enough. He might not bring the answer we seek. He might require a change in us. Or He might even turn deaf to our plea. So, we take charge once again and race away, hoping to reach that destination where peace will wave like a flag. But it just doesn't happen.

...it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But He said to them, “It is I; don't be afraid.” Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. John 6:17-21

On the highway... or waters... of life, deep down we're like those scared disciples. They were just like us. Plain, ordinary guys, doubting at times, often foolish, and this time, terrified. But they did something simple – they took Jesus into the boat. And surprise, it was then they immediately reached the shore where they were heading. Don't you just love the fact it was immediately?

How far are you from the shore you're trying to reach? Are you still in control but terrified at the rough waters of life? In your effort to take control, maybe your ears missed His gentle reassurance, "It is I; don't be afraid.” Let go of that steering wheel, invite Him in. He'll lead the way, direct the turns, calm the storms, and ease you to shore.

May God bless you this day... to lose your own control!

We naturally do not so much seek direction in life, as the power to direct it. Isn't it interesting God would require that the only true way for us to be in control... is to give it all to Him.

Janet Perez Eckles