timewithgod

10-29 Never Count God Out

Bad days. I try not to have many of them. Life doesn’t seem quite as good during bad days, and Lord knows that I like to enjoy life, so I focus on rejoicing in the Lord, looking on the bright side, thinking on things that are good, and avoiding the bad stuff. But every so often a real hum-dinger comes around. Some of you can relate. One day you awake, sit up in bed and look around at all the problems staring you back in the face. You’ve got company! “Hey! It’s too early for this!” You hope they’re just visiting, but fear they’re here to stay. Yesterday was one of those days. Finances, family, church… you name it, it happened. Al came in at just the right time. He looked like he needed a hug, so I stole one from him. If YOU are having one of those days, here’s a hug for y’all.

Today’s Scripture reading is 2 Chronicles 1; Isaiah 52; Acts 17:1-15

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Today’s thought comes from Matthew 28:16-20 “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

The task ahead of us is never greater than the power behind us. The power behind us is immeasurably greater than the task ahead of us! Lord don’t give us tasks according to our powers, give us powers according to our tasks. To reach the world! That is a task and a half. Whenever I tell the people of the church that our mission is to reach the world with the Gospel of Christ, they smile knowingly. “Sure thing, I’ll get right on it.” And whenever I tell the people of the church that our mission is to reach every single person in Roseburg with the Gospel of Christ, the eyebrows come up! That’s a lot of people! We’re having a hard time keeping our heads above water! OK, let’s be honest. I’d be happy to reach a few hundred with the Gospel… be realistic, how about just four or five new families in church this year… that’s reachable. Even that seems out of reach right now. Imagine the Disciple’s thoughts. There were a few hundred people at most gathered together for prayer on Pentecost… Can you hear the Apostles consternation… “And we are supposed to reach the world? I’m going fishing!” And look at us today. Christians spread across every continent, in every land… amazing. How did we get from a handful to a FEW BILLION! The odds are so against that! That’s how I feel sometimes in my little church, with our modest congregation. The odds are against us! The culture war is raging, threatening to shut us down! Where are the young people! The economy is down, giving is down! So many of us are apathetic! Some, to my grief make horrible life choices. They choose to be sinful, irresponsible, uncommitted, uncaring and yes, even hostile! The chorus of voices shout in my head, “IT CAN’T BE DONE!” The shoulders droop. The tears drop. Time to cash in the chips? How about that still small voice? “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” Never count God out! NEVER! In quiet confidence Jesus whispers, “ALL power is mine! The odds are never against me! I can still heal, transform, revive, regenerate, save, provide, comfort and empower. No matter what you are facing I’m up to the task. I can do immeasurably beyond what you can ask or think! Need abundant life? I’ve got it.” Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? Got any mountains you can’t tunnel thru? God specializes in things thought impossible, He does the things no other can do. Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed, For I am your God and will still give you aid.

Dear Lord God. We need roots more than we need wings. When through fiery trials my pathway shall lie,

Your grace, all sufficient, shall be my supply: The flame shall not hurt me; You only design, My dross to consume and my gold to refine. Teach me to believe that. Loudly if necessary. In Jesus Name, Amen.

All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose