Dear family in Christ,

It shouldn't amaze me but it does! How easily distracted and off course in my thinking I can be when I don't spend time first in God's Word. I mean, the news, which is hardly ever good, can redirect me in ways that I least expect. But, I am getting wiser. The very best thing for each of us to do is Stay On Course.

Have you ever received a card or letter that the person put a scripture in it for you? My birthday was Monday and two cards sent scripture. Psalm 34:8 says, "O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him."  So, this is the best news of the day! A precious reminder that the Lord's goodness is for us as we trust in and let Him be our safe place.

Another one reads from Romans 15:13..." May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope."  Oh, this is my desire! Is it yours? It can be fulfilled in Christ!

What I experienced this morning was a snag in how I should spend my time at the rising hour. It was a dumb thing going right to the news media.  Sadly, it had nothing to offer me but seeing the lack of integrity, morality and godliness in people. It shook me and I turned it off. When I reread the verses on my cards I took them personally. I asked Jesus to wash away the anxiety caused by bad news with His good news.

I am not saying to never listen or be aware of what is going on around you. Not by any means! We are to keep watching. First and foremost is to read our Bibles daily and then stay informed of the events around us so we can know how to take a safe course in the dangerous days ahead. We are to be wise and constantly communicating with our Father and bring these happenings to His throne room in prayer. 

It would be quit the voyage if there were not a navigator on board. The navigator for our journey is the Holy Bible. If you haven't picked it up in some time begin now! Allow the Holy Spirit to speak into your heart and bring His grace over your mind as you tackle the days events. Whenever I have asked God to make all my appointments I find His grace leading me where I might not have gone before. He will even bring someone to cross my path that needs to know the love of Jesus over their life. I have never been disappointed when I place my trust in God!

Jesus is coming! Keep watching! We have this promise in Titus 2:11-14..."For the grace of God (His unmerited favor and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind. It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temporate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world, awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One), Who gave Himself on our behalf that he might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds."

That is a mouth full and worthy of meditation! Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone determined to live according to God's Word?Are you ready for this kind of life? If you are then we are commissioned to (verse 15) "Tell [them all] these things. Urge (advise, encourage, warn) and rebuke with full authority. Let no one despise or disregard or think little of you [conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect]." Amen!

When we stay on course, keeping the Lord about us and taking time daily to read His instructions then, and only then will we be able to walk in full authority. Because our self will be humbled before God we will be respected; His character working in us.

I pray that you will look these passages over again and really ponder the truth here. We are living in a time when we need to hear our Navigator's voice and follow explicitly His directions. He will tell us go to the left or the right or just be still and know that He is God. Where You lead me Lord, I will follow. In Jesus name, amen.

Abundance is...staying on course, of course!