GospeLines Ministries

My Rainbow

It was just one of those particularly difficult days at work!  I walked outside to take a deep breath (and count to ten).  Hands on hips, I leaned back to look at the thunderstorms overhead, and there it was, painted in the northwestern sky by the hand of a gracious God.  He gave me a rainbow at the very moment I needed it. 

“I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind.  Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.  Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”  Genesis 9: 15, 16

No matter how deep the waters of my own personal travail may become, there is a God of hope standing nearby, telling me that the worst situation I face will not destroy my most precious possession, my relationship with the Father.  The evil of this world may disappoint me, bankrupt me financially, and it may even take my life.  But evil can never win out over God’s promise of eternal life. 

Tommy Harrison

www.gospelines.com

Working His Plan

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

When you were a young adult did you have lots of plans for your life?  Perhaps you planned to backpack in Europe; to study abroad; to marry the star quarterback on the football team; to have a high-powered job on Wall Street; to be a stay-at-home mother or to be a successful politician. 

Where are you now?  Did your plans materialize?  According to Proverbs 19:21(NIV),

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails

Many of us didn’t realize until much later that God has the perfect plans for our lives, but we have to do our part to accomplish them.  As Rev. Mia Wright pointed out recently, our “attitude determines our altitude.”

There are several steps needed to adjust our attitudes.  We must –

1.   have an open mind to accept God’s will

2.   have a discerning spirit

3.   have determination to see the best despite a bad situation

4.   completely trust God

Some of us have taken detours along the path of life; some because of our own choices and some situations that God has used for His purpose.  Things haven’t always gone as planned. 

Rev. Wright made that message apparent when she highlighted the excuses given to Jesus by the invalid at the pool of Bethesda.  The man explained that he had been waiting for someone to help him into the pool for 38 years.   People always jumped in ahead of him.  He chose to be a victim.  (John 5:1-9)

In another example, Jesus healed the infirmity of a crippled woman, bent over for 18 years, who gave no excuses.   She was set free because of her obedience to God.  (Luke 13:10-13)

Different situations for the two examples, but both gave praises and thanks and told others. 

Which one are you; a victim or a victor?  Are you crippled by sin?  Are you on the same Ferris wheel?  Can’t go forward and can’t go back?  If so, God wants to deliver you from your rut.

Many of us have demons to be conquered.  It’s a fact that we will always be in a spiritual battle.  But, hear God’s promise in Malachi 3:6-7

6-7"I am God—yes, I Am. I haven't changed. And because I haven't changed, you, the descendants of Jacob, haven't been destroyed. You have a long history of ignoring my commands. You haven't done a thing I've told you. Return to me so I can return to you," says God-of-the-Angel-Armies.

Prayer:  What a mighty word, Lord, I haven’t been destroyed and Your unchanging hand is still there for me!

Help me to reposition myself to serve You and to continually sing your praises.  I am not a victim; I am a victor! 

Help me to stop ignoring Your commands and to start working Your plan!  I have a hope and future with you.

In His Love,

Carla ÿ

O.B.O.

Is it some rite of passage for teenagers that they expect a car when they reach sixteen or seventeen years of age?  With careful negotiation and clever parenting, we put off the inevitable until Jonathan was a senior in high school, and it was time.  Besides, that’s what dads do.  Thankfully, the rage for guys at his school was not the newest and most expensive vehicle, but a big old ugly truck with potential.  Hence, I searched the ads until I found it…"1985 Chevy Blazer, good work truck, 305 V8, $3500/ OBO." 

When I called the owner I had to ask about "OBO."  It means "Or Best Offer."  We met with him, checked out the truck, and gave him our best offer, which was less than the value he had placed on his truck.  The next day we would learn if it was more than the offer of the other person, who wanted it as much as we did. It would be a long night for Jon and me.

When you and I were conceived in the mind of God, He looked across eternity and determined our value.  With precious love and resolute intent He made His best offer.  Our souls cost Him His only Son.  Sometimes I want to say to God, "You made a mistake!  I’m not worth that much."  Surely He couldn’t have known that I would fail Him as often as I have.  How could He have paid so much for someone like me?  I often marvel at His incredible passion for His children, so deep and complete that He has never forsaken me. 

I could have paid what the guy was asking for his truck but I didn’t.  I made what I thought was a fair offer and afterward I stood a chance of losing the deal. God could have paid less for us than He did, but He didn’t want to take the risk of losing us.  So He paid it all, everything He had.  What a noble price to pay for sinful humanity!

GospeLines Prayer:  O King of kings, You could have paid a high cash price for me, because you are the owner of everything.  Your riches are beyond my comprehension!  But in Your wisdom, You offered something money cannot buy.  I will never be able to repay the debt I owe for your ultimate sacrifice. Thank You, Father, for giving Jesus as a bounty for my sins.  I love you.  Amen and amen.

Tommy Harrison

www.gospelines.com