Category: Stay the course

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Master

On By AnnetteIn Encouragement, Focus on Christ, God, Salvation, Stay the courseLeave a comment

High up in a bucket truck, my son towered over the roof of the house. As he trimmed the tree, something below caught his eye. It was his German Shepherd. Ever so loyal, she was watching his every move. Longing to be with her master, she had climbed straight up a ladder onto the roof, in order to follow him. Pups are wired to follow their masters, wherever they may go.

How this German Shepherd climbed up the ladder is beyond me, but she was so driven in her pursuit, that it didn’t hinder her. Dogs are so faithful. To quote author Roger Caras, “Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps.”

Are we wholly devoted to following the Lord, our Master, with our absolute all? Is God the center of our universe? Is He the focus of our love and faith and trust? Are we serving Him with our lives? Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus laid down His life for us, that all who accept the gift of His salvation would have eternal life.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” We, too, are wired to follow our Master, the God of the heavens and the earth, the Creator of all things. So keep your focus on the Lord, stay as close to Him as possible, keep climbing the ladder he has set before you, and follow Him wherever He leads you! 

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” ~Romans 5:8

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” ~Luke 9:23

“He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.” ~Psalm 146:6

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Enjoy the Season

On By AnnetteIn Acceptance, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Handiwork, Life lessons, Stay the course, ThankfulLeave a comment

Spring had officially sprung! The grass was a lush green, flowers were in full bloom, the clear morning sky held the promise of the warmth of the sun, and the beauty of the season that promised new life was in full force. In the midst of it all, stood a tall oak tree. A gentle breeze created the feeling that autumn was in the air, as the dried brown leaves softly drifted down and littered the ground. The oak was beautiful all the same, standing so strong, tall, and majestic. I thought to myself, Why was this tree only just now dropping its leaves when all the surrounding trees were budding with fresh new growth? 

The tree seemed to be out of season, in comparison to the others standing in its midst. Seeing that spring ushers in budding, blossoming, and new life, it didn’t seem to be doing as well, and it appeared to be off in its cycle of growth. But in actuality, this tree was right where it needed to be in terms of seasonal growth and right on track with it dropping its leaves in the spring, even though most trees experience this months earlier. The tree was healthy and thriving in its own way and timing, according to its original design by its Maker, the God of all creation!

It is easy to fall into the trap of comparison in our own lives too. If you feel out of season right now, instead of getting frustrated or down on yourself, I encourage you to savor the season. Accept yourself, and where you currently are in life. Seek to continue to grow and blossom, by learning something about yourself, and what the Lord is teaching you. See the beauty in the day, and enjoy the time you have been gifted. All things are passing by, nothing stays the same forever. Life is a precious gift from our Creator.

Thank you for reading my blog. If you enjoyed this post, please use the share buttons at the bottom of the page instead of doing a copy and paste. All rights reserved by copyright. Thank you. Blessings to you!

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Our Hope in Christ

On By AnnetteIn Encouragement, Focus on Christ, Stay the course1 Comment

We are all on our own path and journey with the Lord. If we are seeking the Lord and walking with Him, then The Lord has us right where He wants us in this present moment of time. He knows what we need, so stay true to Him. He is Faithful to provide all our need. Only seek God’s affirmation. It is God’s approval that matters. Comparing oneself to another is unprofitable. Instead, let’s walk with the Lord and do our best, being confident and secure in who we are in Christ, and where God has us in life. We are where we are for a reason. We have purpose. Let’s learn what God is teaching us and use the gifts the Lord has given us. Let’s be who God designed us to be. We are His masterpiece. We are all unique and different, and that’s more than good. It’s perfect!

1 Peter 1:3-9

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”