There are times in our lives, when we would love to be able to look into and see the future, but it is really a good thing that we cannot, because our seeing into the future may actually cause more harm than good.  We need to be willing to go wherever our Creator may allow life to lead with the knowledge that wherever life takes us, He is already there.

When we accept the view that wherever life takes me, my Creator is already there, then we do not have anything to fear.  In fact we can walk wholeheartedly straight into whatever lies ahead knowing that our Creator will use even the bad for our good, as we love and trust Him.  Our confidence comes not from our knowing what lies ahead, but our knowing that He knows what lies ahead.

Some of the greatest blessings that you will ever experience are just around the corner.  You cannot see them, but they are there, waiting for you to take the steps of faith that will bring you into relationship with one another.  In order for you to claim those future blessings, you have to learn to “walk by faith and not by sight.”

This means trusting in the One that you can’t see to take care of what you can’t see.  The good news is that His hands are always present, wherever we may find ourselves.  With one hand, He gives comfort and support and with the other He directs and guides our steps.

You have amazing opportunities for joy in front of you, but you have got to start taking those steps of faith forward into His will and ways.  Give yourself totally and completely to the path that He has marked out for you and you will experience a glory that cannot be described with words and without doubt, you will live blessed!

Everyday I talk with people that are living through some of the most difficult times of the life.  One thing that life has taught me, is that almost none of us like trials, especially when we are in the middle of one.  But trials are not bad in and of themselves, unless we make the choice for them to be.  Trials can hinder us or help us, the choice is ours.

Next time you find yourself facing a trial, look at the trial as an opportunity to look to and trust in a higher power.  See the trial as an exercise that can develop your faith and grow it into a strong muscle that can work miracles.  We live in a time when man is having to face and fight some of the most fierce battles that we have ever been engaged in.

The enemy wants you to be paralyzed in fear.  If the enemy can keep you from moving forward, then he can keep you from the growth that you were created for.  Instead of allowing yourself to be immobilized by fear, take the opportunity to grow in your faith by trusting in the One Who created you and live blessed!

The Scriptures teach that if we will resist the devil, then he must flee (run away) from us.  We don’t need to be afraid of him, he needs to be afraid of us, because we are the ones that have unlimited power that flows from within.  Next time you find yourself in the midst of a trial, afraid and uncertain of which way to turn, turn toward your Creator and enjoy the warmth of His smile.

There is no condemnation for those that are in Him.  You have been judged by the only One that matters and through Grace, He has found you not guilty today and for all eternity.

I try to begin everyday with a time of quiet meditation.  Taking the time to sit in stillness and reflection is a vital part of my relationship with my Creator.  It is during my embrace of the silence that I am able to breathe in the awesomeness of something that is so much bigger than anything I know.  I talk about the practice, and will every now and then share some insight, but do not go into much detail about the moments, because for the most part they are private – between me and my Maker.

What I will tell you is that they are an essential and important part to my being able to do the things that I do.  I am not a perfect person.  I am just a man with all of the challenges and flaws that come with being one.  I understand where Paul was coming from, when he said:  “The things I want to do, I don’t and the things I don’t want to do, I do!”  This seems to be an ongoing battle in my life.  This is one of the things that has taught and encouraged me to not be judgmental, but more accepting and loving.

During these still moments with God at the beginning of the day, He speaks with me.  He reminds me that I am loved, forgiven, restored and on purpose.  With mercy, He empties my life of guilt and pain and with grace He fills my life with hope and promise.  What begins in still quietness, often erupts in rejoicing and celebration.

It is almost impossible to spend time in His presence and not walk away with Joy!  He has set me free from death and the grave and blessed me with an eternal inheritance.  I cannot help but to sing out loud with gratitude:  

“His grace is amazing, it washes my sins away.  His love is overwhelming, it gives me a place to stay.  I am rescued, redeemed and rejuvenated by His grace and through His love.  My quiet stillness erupts in song to my great God and King, Who is more than worthy of worship and praise.  May my life lived for You today, bring blessings to all around and glory to my Savior and Friend!”