For most of my life I made decisions, followed opportunities and selected between choices based on how I felt, or how I would benefit and or avoid a consequence. I reserved prayer for the times when I really got in a bind, hit a dead end, or had no other option. It was as if I had some sort of mental block that only allowed me to discuss a situation with God if it was "big enough". I still struggle with this although I will say that prayer has become a much bigger part of my life. Consulting God has become less of a fire drill and somewhat more routine. I am thinking about this today because my family has been making a-lot of decisions lately. I have decided to take a new job and move my family to Bend Oregon, we have decided to sell our home and search for a new one, and we will soon be deciding which church in Bend will be a good place for our family. My wife and I have done a-lot of praying as we have made these decisions, and in much of it we can genuinely say that we see God's hand at work. It is my prayer today that I will continue to partner with my wife in prayer, seeking God's will for our family in all that we do each day. For whether we are coming or going I pray that we give thanks and rejoice in the loving God that we serve.
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Blessings on all of you as you transition to Bend. You will be missed indeed.
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