Thank you Lord for forgiveness and the gift of reconciliation.

Ephesians 2:11-22

Singles

Cheese! This past week I have had a few conversations with friends regarding their singleness. I kept thinking about 1 John 3:1 "See what love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God." It is amazing to think about how much God first loved me, when I turned my back on Him. Yet, in his love for us, He humbled Himself and was made Man. He then promises that He knows even when a sparrow falls, how much more does He pay attention to the details of us.

Then, this morning the sermon just about rocked me. Michael spoke on "God is love." He spoke to the singles in the church that have the desire to be married. I was overwhelmed by the truth presented, though I've heard it many times before. He said that while sometimes we think that we are unloveable or loveless, God still loves us. He loves us perfectly all the time, wherever He has us. So, regardless of if we are single or married, His love is perfect for us, and that is all that is needed.

Yeah, I know I know, it's not always easy to be happy with the circumstance of being single (I'm on of them :) -- but what a beautiful reminder of how much and how well we are loved.

I encourage you to take a few minutes this week to journal, pray, talk to friends about how the Lord has been lavishing you with His love, even when we don't deserve it.

Sufficient

The love of Christ the past few months has been overwhelming. He has been sufficient although I thought all I needed was a job to fix things. He had a different plan (as He always does) - a plan to use my circumstance for my ongoing sanctification.

He has been gracious and provided me with a job that I will start in about a wek and a half. I am looking forward to working with friends from church and being challenged.

Thank you all who have been praying for me. The Lord has been so kind in giving me friends like you all.

To Him be the glory.


II Corinthians 12:9 "But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Job n' jobs

Job

Job or job -- This week I sure feel like Job from the bible in the circumstance of the job. Today has been quite a day. It appears that I was mislead about a position that I was told was mine, just a matter of some logistical matters. I've turned down other positions because I really wanted to work for this organization... then today was left a voice mail that they have decided not to increase the size of their staff for a while.

Praise God that He has a plan in all of this. As I am discouraged and sad, He is in control. He knows how my circumstance will bring glory to His name. For that I am grateful. This past Sunday our sermon mentioned that this side of heaven is temporary and so thinking on heaven was helpful today. Knowing the Lord sees things the opposite way that we do. He sees eternity and looks back at the today. We see today and don't trust eternity.

Thank you Lord that you have chosen to refine me, humble me, and given me a thankful heart amidst life's circumstances. Thank you for Job as his life has been encouraging and motivating to me. Thank you that you are showing me just a glimpse of how Christ must was poor, yet rich in Your love.

Psalm 138:8 "The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love O lord, endures forever -- do not abandon the works of Your hands."