God's Word, Our Destiny...

Part 1. “My Plan for You -- Your Heart’s Desire”....continued

In my last post, months ago, I commented that through knowing and obeying God’s Word, we will find the way to the abundant life that Jesus spoke of in John 10:10b, when He said, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” The abundant life that Christ wants to give us is a life lived to its maximum. I want to “max out” my life here on earth. I want to fulfill my greatest potential and to have the greatest success in all aspects of life that is possible for me to have. I believe most of us really desire that kind of fulfilled life. But, I have to admit that I have often lived in mediocrity and have fallen short of my best, which is God’s best for me. Because of that, I am sure that I have missed out on blessings and accomplishments that God had planned for me. The following poem expresses these thoughts:

Beyond Myself

Beyond myself -- God's Word is true.

He teaches me my whole life through.

Though life brings trials, toils and snares,

Beyond myself, I cast my cares.

I say, "But human's all I am"

He says, "You're more than just a man."

I have excuses for my short comings.

He says, "With Me, you quit your slumming."

Mediocrity has been my ride.

"Just get by." has been my pride.

But Jesus said to come up higher.

My plan for you -- your heart's desire.

"But, Jesus, how can I do so?

I'm only human, that you know.

My weaknesses, my faults, my doubts!

Go figure, Lord, what I'm about!"

"Am I a man that I should lie?

My Word is Truth, so don't be shy.

I shed my blood that you could be

Beyond yourself and be set free!"

Connie Wohlford, June 22, 2000

I repent of not living my life to it’s fullest -- which, by the way, is to live God’s plan for me and not my own puny plan or even someone else’s plan for me. Speaking of which, that “someone else” includes Satan. He has a plan for me and for you as well, and it’s not good and it’s not abundant. His plan is for my destruction and for me to adversely affect all I can on my way down. And you can be certain that he has that same plan for you! But God...! (To be continued)

-Connie Wohlford

Praise report from Crossroads Ministry!

It is always exciting when God opens doors for new ministry opportunities and last Friday we were able to experience that once again at Crossroads Ministry. Last week Charles Poff, superintendent of the Western Regional Jail in Salem gave the go ahead to officially hire us on as one of two chaplains within the facility. This will open doors to potentially minister to the more then 650 male and female inmates, as well as providing some necessary financial support for the ministry. It just further reinforces within me the heart of God for the population we minister to and of His faithful support toward those who trust Him.

(Php 4:19) But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

- Pastor Ted Farmer
Director, Crossroads Ministry

Being Content...

A few days ago, I passed a billboard at a church near West Virginia that had posted “For The Person Who Is Praying For Snow, PLEASE STOP, God Has Heard You!”. I think this sign is funny, but it does reveal a little about each of us during this very difficult stretch of winter weather.

I think most of us have had our fill of snow this winter. We are all a little tired of shoveling snow and having to stay indoors being restricted to our homes because the roads are not safe to travel, especially in the evening hours. Parents are getting more impatient with each day as schools continue to announce that they are closed. We are bothered by long lines at the grocery store to buy milk, juice and bread . . . and are even more disturbed to find they have run out of these essential items. Snow shovels break, and then we discover the local hardware stores no longer have snow shovels in stock. As the frustration of winter and the severe weather continues to build, we even suffer from cabin fever. If you are like me, you are longing for spring days with sunny skies, moderate temperatures and a renewed spirit that usually comes with that season of the year.

However, we should examine ourselves during these kinds of trials. To some, this kind of weather may not seem like such an ordeal, but to others, it is the worst time of year. Are we struggling to be happy in these dreariest of days? Or, are we “content”? Paul wrote a letter to the people of Philippi giving them the secret to being content regardless of their circumstances. It is in this scripture that we can examine our own hearts and emotions during these hard winter months.

Philippians 4:11-13 says “I’m not saying this because I’m in any need. I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

So, despite all of the limitations that 18-36” of snow can bring and the problems that come with all of the recent bad weather, ask yourself this question . . . am I content? If not, stop looking at the weather forecast for good news. Instead, open up The Word of God and read what He has done for you and what He promises to do for you! Pray and ask God to speak to your heart. Pray for those who are in need. If nothing else, look for ways to be an encouragement to others by giving them a quick call, write a letter or even offer to help shovel a driveway.

In the meantime, if YOU are the one praying for all of this snow . . . you can stop, He HAS HEARD YOU!!

In Him,

Pastor Chris Blackburn