I'm reminded of the phrase; "It's Not About Me, It's About God"! As I begin this New Year I want to encourage everyone to keep this powerful phrase alive & well. Every waking moment keep your eyes peeled for someone to encourage, help, lead to the Lord and love!!

"IT'S IN CHRIST THAT WE FIND OUT WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE ARE LIVING FOR. LONG BEFORE WE FIRST HEARD OF CHRIST,...HE HAD HIS EYE ON US, HAD DESIGNS ON US FOR GLORIOUS LIVING, PART OF THE OVERALL PURPOSE HE IS WORKING OUT IN EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE." Ephesians 1:11 (Msg.)

How honored I am to be living in these times because EVERYONE is looking for something to bring them fulfillment. Can we possibly put ourselves aside and search for those who are searching. A dear friend of mine told me last month that her son has been searching and was leaning toward a Monk of Buddha - my heart sank as I thought if only someone can find him and show Him the Son of God who will fill every void in his heart & life.

"A LIFE DEVOTED TO THINGS IS A DEAD LIFE, A STUMP; A GOD-SHAPED LIFE IS A FLOURISHING TREE." Proverbs 11:28

Rick Warren has said: "Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life's purpose!"

Last week a friend of mine called me to say she was at the end of her rope and could not take any more. My heart went out to this dear lady, whom I have watched go through a devastating time in her life. I barely had time to process her words until a thought came to me that God placed in my heart.
I told her to tell God exactly that: “I’m tired, I’m worn and I cannot take any more!” NEXT STEP: ASK God to give you a sign that He is there with you and knows exactly what’s taking place in your life. The Word tells us to “Ask and Ye shall receive”. I went on to tell her to then start watching for a sign. God shows up when we stand still and listen.

Job 23:14 says: “HE PERFORMS WHAT IS APPOINTED FOR ME.”
Romans 8:28 says: “AND WE KNOW THAT GOD CAUSES ALL THINGS TO WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD, TO THOSE WHO ARE CALLED TO HIS PURPOSE.”

From God’s Word to us, we are told that circumstances in our lives are NEVER IN VAIN. We read that the battered apostle Paul was pushed to the very edge of his endurance. And then a little bit further, as there were no more rungs on the ladder. PERHAPS THESE WORDS ARE YOUR WORDS. Unbelievable as it may seem, God has a reason. Psalm 46:10 says, “ CEASE STRIVING AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD…” ASK HIM TO SHOW YOU HE IS THERE WITH YOU!!! His Word tells us He is – ASK Him to let you know!! He will!

WE WERE CREATED TO NEED HIM!
C.S. Lewis has said: “GOD WHISPERS IN OUR PLEASURES, BUT SHOUTS IN OUR PAIN.”

LORD, I’M DROWNING IN A SEA OF PERPLEXITY.
WAVES OF CONFUSION CRASH OVER ME. I’M TOO WEAK TO SHOUT FOR HELP.
EITHER QUIET THE WAVES OR LIFT ME ABOVE THEM—
IT’S TOO LATE TO LEARN TO SWIM.” unknown author.

WHY? THAT WE MIGHT BE PREPARED TO COMFORT OTHERS.
THAT WE MIGHT NOT TRUST IN OURSELVES, BUT LEAN ON HIM!
THAT WE MIGHT LEARN TO GIVE THANKS IN EVERYTHING!