In the Midst of the Valley

Valleys = Opportunities

2007-07-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

Acts 18:40 - After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydie's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.

Here are Paul and Silas - working for the Lord, doing the godly thing, sharing the gospel, casting out demons, being arrested and severely whipped, shackles around their ankles, locked in an inner cell of a Philippi jail, and being closely guarded. So what do they do? That begin a praise and worship service. They being began praying and singing hymns to God!! In spit of what we would clearly claim to be heinous treatment by the people and government of Philippi, they worshiped. They weren't complaining or whining about their circumstances. They weren't inciting the people over their mis-treatment. They didn't run to every person who would lend a sympathetic ear and share their sob story. NO!! I don't think Paul and Silas would stoop to that. Instead they turned to their Lord and praised Him.

I recently ran across a definition of worship I like very much. I can't remember where I read it, but I like it. It goes something like this: "Worship is when we take the focus off of what's wrong with us and place it on what's right with God!" Now that's worship. And this is exactly what Paul and Silas did. They didn't even consider what was wrong with them and, instead, focused on what was right with God.

It was also while in the midst of this valley that hey were sensitive to opportunities to minister to others. Take the jailer, for instance. It says that God used this opportunity to use Paul and Silas to minister to and lead the jailer and his entire family to received Jesus as Lord and Savior. They even baptized them afterwards. They didn't run the first chance they got. They could have. The doors were flung open and the shackles had fallen from their feet. They had every opportunity to hit the road and never look back. They could have said, "Adios amigos!" But they didn't. Instead they used their valley experience to make themselves available to God and lead a man and his family to the Lord.

Then, after finally being released. . .appropriately, according to Paul. . .they went directly to Lydia's house. Why? To tell them about their unfair treatment and to solicit sympathy? I think not! Verse 40 says they went and when they met with the brothers Paul and Silas encouraged them. I can hear them now, telling the brothers - many may have been new to the faith - how God used them in spite of their circumstance to share the gospel.

I do believe there was probably some shoutin' and hollerin' going on. Worship probably broke out there as well.

If you're like me, you can use a reminder like this to help us keep in mind that we need to stop whining and complaining about our valleys and 1) worship our Lord, 2) look for opportunities to minister and be used by God while we are in the midst of a valley, and 3) encourage others when we come out on the other side. If you're in the midst of a valley I hope you will take your focus off of what's wrong with your or your circumstance and place it squarely on what's right with God. Remember, the "what's right with God" is way more powerful than what's wrong with you!

Mike

My Sign

2007-05-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

This is my sign. No it's not a peace sign made popular in the '60s and '70s. It's the V-sign. As in V for victory. It was originally made popular during WWII as a sign of victory and encouragement. I use it all the time. When you ride a motorcycle - like a Harley - you wave not like you do in a car, but by lowering your left hand as you pass another rider. I do this, but with the V-sign.

I have found myself using it more and more these days. I'm not sure I know why. Maybe it's the victory I find myself experiencing every day since the loss of Karen. I don't always feel like I'm living in victory. As a matter of fact, some days I feel downright defeated. Then I'm reminded that the only victory Satan and this world have over me is the victory I give them. I choose to live in victory or defeat.

I write about it today. . .well. . .because today is the the second anniversary (for lack of a better term) of her death. That's right on May 8, 2005 Karen went to worship her God for eternity. As this day approached I've asked many to pray for God's grace for me for today. I wasn't sure what to expect or if I should expect anything. I didn't know how I would feel or if I should be feeling anything. Many have reminded me of their prayers for me. Thank you. I really do appreciate it. Those prayers remind me that I can live in victory.

I know the day's not over and something could still happen. And to be honest. . .that would be OK. I hope I would still choose to live in victory.

What about you? What about you, fellow Valley Venturer, are you living in the victory you have in Christ? You do have victory. Allow me to encourage you to live in victory. Start today. . .right now!

V,
Mike

Struggles

2007-04-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

When I began this blog it was mainly centered around my journey in the valley of dealing with Karen's death. I recently realized that not all valleys are centered around such deep struggles. I knew that, but it just didn't occur to me as in "a ha!"

Many of us, probably all of us, deal with daily struggles. . .our own little personal struggles. I do. Everyday I wake up I struggle with something - pride, arrogance, demanding, a quick tongue, lust (yeah, I'm such a guy), and some I probably don't even realize. God reminded me that it's these little struggles than lead to a life of victory or a life of defeat. I desire to live a victorious life, but often times I fall and stumble and my struggles overwhelm me.

In Romans 7:13-25, Paul shares with us his own personal struggle - it's mine too. It's the struggle of the flesh against the Spirit. Paul says that he often fell in defeat, but he doesn't stay there. He knows there is victory. That victory doesn't come in our will, ability or our conscious decision to do right. For if that's all there is then defeat overtakes us every time. No, Paul tells us that victory comes in the person of Jesus Christ

I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. (v. 24-25)

Ohhhh baby!! Thank you Paul for reminding me, and everyone else, that we don't have to live a life of defeat. Thank you for reminding us that there is victory, even over the daily struggles we get up with, live life with, do our jobs with, do family time with, love our families with, and go to bed with in the person of Jesus Christ.

Today I can choose to live in defeat and wallow in the mire of self-pity or I can get up, wrap myself up in the presence and power of Jesus and live a victorious life. . .daily conquering my struggles. You can too!

Won't you choose victory over defeat?
Mike

Forgiveness

2007-04-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

Friday night I led our 20-30s Singles Bible study. For some reason I felt God leading me to teach about forgiveness. As I was preparing I noticed that God's forgiveness has always been a vital part of His relationship with His people. In the Old Testament it wasn't so much a person forgiving another person as it was God forgiving the Israelites - corporately or individually. There are exceptions of course: Joseph's brothers asking his forgiveness after realizing who he was; and Saul asking Samuel's forgiveness after Samuel caught him keeping some sheep from the Amalekites when Saul was supposed to wipe them from the face of the earth.

In the New Testament, forgiveness, for the most part, moves from a corporate to a personal experience. Jesus, we find, ushered in a personal relationship with God and with it personal forgiveness. We also find that Jesus expanded the concept of forgiveness from God-to-man to man-to-man. Jesus thought so much of forgiveness that He reminded us that unless we forgive each other God won't forgive us. If you think about it He can't. Unforgiveness puts us on the throne of our lives, not God. In Matthew 6:12-15 Jesus is in the middle of teaching the disciples what is now known as the Lord's Prayer when he says. . .

Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.' For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

He says, "forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." The tense is such that we ask God's forgiveness because we have forgiven others.

In Mark 11:24-25 He also says . . .

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Again, Jesus emphasizes forgiveness of others so our Father in heaven will forgive us. The problem is that forgiving others seems to be one of those innate things deep down inside us that is so difficult for us to do. Why? Control - to forgive someone else means we release them and our feelings so that we don't hold it against them any longer. Pride. Emotions or feelings. Lack of understanding who we are in Christ. I'm sure there's some I haven't listed. These are usually mine. You may even have one or two that are just yours.

Dr. Howard Zehr (pioneer and internationally known lecturer, writer, and practitioner on the subject of restorative justice) reminds us of a couple of things about forgiveness.

Forgiveness is a process, not an event
Forgiveness is a decision not an emotion
Forgiveness can't wait until you feel like it or you may never forgive
Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting - remembering can help you so you don't find yourself in the same or similar situation again
Forgiveness isn't letting people off the hook - there may be still consequences they may have to address
Forgiveness can't be willed to happened
Forgiveness doesn't mean you deny your hurt or pain
Forgiveness is an acknowledgment of the intrinsic worth of the offender - they, too, have a God-given value

Jesus reminded us that it is not only important, but imperative for the believer. If that's so, then who do you need to forgive? A friend? A family member? A co-worker or boss? What about yourself? I have found that the valley can be a difficult place to forgive, but it's forgiveness while in the valley that moves us forward. Like eradicating yourself of boots caked with mud, the journey through the valley is made easier without the baggage of unforgiveness. It may be difficult. It may actually be the hardest thing you've ever had to do. Just remember, your relationship with God depends on it.

Mike

The Journey Continues

2007-04-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

Several months back - November, I think - I wrote my last post here. Thinking I was somewhat out of the valley I moved on to other passions. . .new passions. This past weekend made me think, was I out of the valley, or was I encountering a new valley? What have I learned during my time in the valley? Am I different because of my valley experience? Was that difference good or bad? Positive or negative? I could go on, but you're probably getting the picture by now.

This last Saturday I posted about a song I heard and how it made me feel - click here to read it. In that post I spoke of loss - the loss of someone you love to death, illness, drugs, alcohol, pornography, an accident, or to anything else. When I say "anything" I don't necessarily mean a physical death, it could be anything that takes control of their life and leads them to a detrimental result.

I got to thinking. . .Did I lose something or someone after Karen's death? I'm not thinking in terms of Karen, obviously I lost her. I'm also not thinking of losing something in me associated with Karen, like I wrote about here. No, I'm thinking more in terms of me personally.

Actually, I'm thinking more along the lines of did I lose something in me. . .a part of me. . .that has made me different? I seem to be more cynical these days. I'm definitely less trusting. I worry about things that Karen used to worry about. I'm less carefree than I used to be. I used to think I had that wild-man faith that John the Baptist exhibited. Now, I find myself needing more confirmation from God about things. I think that's it. I've lost my deeper sense of trust - in God, in people, even in myself. For good or bad, I think I have lost someone I loved to this situation. I've lost the man that once ran wildly, chasing after God, while everyone else sat on the sideline telling him how crazy he was.

I miss that guy. I miss his willingness to go all out for God no matter the circumstance or the obstacles. I've asked God to bring him back. Like the father of the prodigal son, I long to see him again. I watch the horizon for his figure to come racing home - full bore, head low, stride wide open. I wait with anticipation and expectation. I wait for "one day". One day when my heart will be united with my passion for God and the pursuit of His heart above everything else.

Ever feel like that? I know some of you have. I know some of you are feeling like that now. I know some of you feel like you've lost something. . .something very deep within you. . . through the valleys of life. Don't give up. Like the father of the prodigal son, don't lose hope. Don't give in to fears. Don't stop looking forward to "one day."

Until "one day",
Mike

New Blog

2006-11-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

Alrighty then!

Some of you have been wondering and asking about my new blog. Well here it is.

Here's the link to my new blog. It's in WordPress 2.0. I'm still learning, updating, and modifying. Eventually it will be part of a new website/ministry called ManHeart Ministries. For now, though, check out the blog.

Its called "Man Words"

Oh! I'm using a theme I downloaded and some of it is in German. So if you run across something in German or something isn't quite right ignore it - I'm in the process of tracking down all the changes that need to be made - or email me and I will get to it as soon as I can.

Thanks for your support.

Mike

Is the End in Sight?

2006-10-04T06:44:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I journal. In my journal I write my thoughts, lessons God is teaching me, struggles I'm wrestling with, the good-the bad-the ugly. It's all right there in my journal. Some days I write pages and pages. Some days I don't even complete an entire paragraph (remember, I'm A.D.D.). I write in first, second, and third person - sometimes in the same paragraph, maybe in the same sentence. I don't really care - it MY journal. :)

Here is what I wrote on October 2, 2006:

I haven't posted anything to the In the Midst of the Valley blog in a while. That has taken a back seat to my new passion. I'm thinking of wrapping it up and closing it. It would still be available, but I don't know what else to add. I just don't know if I could add anything new. I have considered turning it into a book. That would be a lot of work - organizing it, re-writes, publishing, etc. I don't know if I'm ready for a new responsibility. Maybe Gene (my friend and mentor) could give me some insight.

I also dont' know if I've learned all there is to learn about living in the valley. What if there's something else (to learn)? What if I have this big "AHA!" moment?

Then there's the "Have I made it to the mountain top yet?" question. I don't know if I have or not. When will I know? What sould I expect? Do we have mini-mountain top experiences along the way to the "BIG" mountain top - whatever that is?

Then there's the "How do I wrap it up?" question. Do I just say thanks and that's the end? Do I explain myself and what God's doing in my life now and say good night?

Father, grant me the wisdom to move forward. I sense it's time to move on. And if you should want me to put the stuff in a book for others to have in the midst of their valley, please let me know.

**********************************

So there you have it. Word for word straight from my pen - my thoughts, my struggle, my heart. Is it time to move on? God has definitely impressed a new passion and ministry on my heart and I desire to pursue it at some point. And, of course, what do I do with all this stuff. Believe me, it's good stuff - ok, so I'm a little biased. There's about a year and a half of lessons, insights, thoughts, emotions, and struggles right here for anyone to see and read. Should I publish it? If so, how? Do it myself? Use a publishing company? I just don't have a clue.

Please pray that God would give wisdom and clear direction.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

P.S. - Let me know what you think about the publishing stuff.

Men of God

2006-09-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

I've been spending time recently reading through Genesis. As I do, I have been focusing on the men Moses writes about. There are a lot of men listed in Genesis, but God has been leading me to study Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

This morning I finished. There is some good stuff here for us guys. Here are some lessons for us men (and for some women) out there.

It doesn't matter if we start out in the wrong direction as long as we end up in the right direction - Jacob began as a con-man - a swindler - but ended up being used by God
Some men were meant to leaders from birth - Joseph
It was intended that all men lead their families - spiritually, provisionally, & relationally
Living out an adventure is all part of our makeup - Noah, Abraham
Men, we need to fight for our beauty - Jacob fought for Rachel, he worked 14 years just for the privelege of marrying her
Even though we may be arrogant, we need to learn to be humble (yours truly fits into this one) - Jacob & Joseph - like father, like son
We need to pursue the heart of God - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, & Joseph

These were incredible men. Men who made mistakes, just like we do today, but they continued to serve and pursue the hear tof God. They listened to the voice of God. They served God, in spite of their circumstances. They clung to Yahweh. And they modeled for their sons God's desire for men to be leaders of their families.

Listen up men!! If you have a wife who is expereincing a valley time right now, she needs you to fight for her. Lift her up in prayer - privately and openly. She needs to hear you and see you fighting for her. And lead your family - stop allowing her to do it. It's your responsibility.

I remember when Karen was sick. I would pray for her - her healing, her comfort, her encouragement. I often prayed privately for her. But I also prayed openly for her and with her. She needed to know that I was fighting for her. She needed to know she wasn't alone in this fight. I remember when God told me she would die of cancer. I told God he wasn't going to get her without a fight. I was not letting go of her that easy. I never told Karen God told me she would die of cancer, but I did let her see me fight for her and she knew of it.

If you're experiencing a valley time in your life right now remember to be obedient to what the Lord is telling you. Be found faithful. And trust God for the details. Continue leading your family. Continue serving God. Let your wife and children see you struggle, but let them also see you trust God. It will scream volumes to them about the importance of a relationship with God -especialld in the midst of the valley.

There probably haven't been too many days that I haven't struggles since May 12, 2003, when Karen was diagnosed with cancer. Whether during Karen's illness, her death, or with life after Karen, I have struggled. And there have been days when I wasn't faithful to God (always faithful to Karen), when I didn't follow God, when I didn't listen to His voice. Thre were times when I didn't want to lead anymore. I was tired. I was worn out from the fight. At times, I was ready to give in. But I didn't. I continued to fight, to lead, to provide, to serve. I continued to trust God, even if I couldn't see His hand. I let Karen into my struggles - women pay attention here - and in doing so I know Karen prayed for, encouraged, and supported me as a husband and a leader. I allowed her to see my fight and my trust.

Ok. . .enough about me. Men, this is about you! For some of you, I want to encourage you to keep up the fight. If you need someone to pray for you email me and let me know - please incude your name and your fight. For some of you, it's time you stepped up the plate. Quit letting your wife lead and fight for your marriage and family. Stop being such a wuss. You're in a battle for your family and the longer you wait to take the lead the greater the chances your family won't survive. C'mon man, grab that sword and take on the enemy!! If for nothing else, for your wife and your children.

You may be hearing more on this subject in the days ahead. The passion to see men become what God designed and desires them to be is something God has really laid upon my heart recently. I may even choose to start another blog or web site devoted to this issue.

Let me know where you are, how I can pray for you, or how I can help you.

Taking up the sword and fighting the good fight,
Mike

Noah

2006-09-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Reading Genesis 6:1-8:17 and a few things occured to me. Here we have Noah - a man minding his own business, taking care of his family, but caught the eye of God. Of all the people on earth only one man was pleasing to God - Noah.

Noah then embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. No man before or since has ever been on such an adventure. He would experience something no man before him had ever encoutered. Hold up a minute. Let's think this through for a moment. Why would this simple man risk it all for a flood to destroy all the earth? Because God made man for an adventure to live and Noah was a man of God. A man who heard the voice of God, no matter how eccentric the message. And he obeyed . . . and survived.

After reading account of events a few things occurred to me:

Noah was righteous in the eye of God
Noah obeyed the voice of God
Noah was protected by the hand of God
Noah was blessed by the heart of God

FYI - You need to read the account of events to have an understanding of these points.

Here was a man who lost everything - house, all his earthly belongings, everything! But in doing so he gained the favor of God. God protected he and his family. When everyone else was suffering the horror of death, Noah and his family were beneath the caring hand of God.

Wonder what Mrs. Noah thought early on when Noah came home and told her God said to build and ark and get two of every kind of animal on it? Wonder what she thought when the rains came? Wonder what she thought when it kept raining and the ark began to move, then float? Wonder what she thought when the waters receded and she realized they were the only humans on the face fo the earth?

If you're in the valley - or not - and God speaks to your heart, guess what? It probably won't make sense. Probably didn't make sense to Noah, nor the Mrs. I would imagine it definitely didn't make sense to his neighbors or community leaders. In spite of everything, Noah was obedient. And becaude of his obedience he not only experienced the adventure of a lifetime, but the blessings of God.

Listen. No, I mean it. Listen . . . listen to the voice of God. There's more there than meets the eye, including blessings you never imagined. All it takes is obedience.

I can imagine,
Mike

Can You Imagine?

2006-09-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:20-22 (NLT)

Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God's curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

**********************

Don't know about you, but imagining a place and/or a time where there is no death or decay is pretty hard for me. Not that I don't believe it exists. I do. I really do. But trying to envision a place where there are no hospitals, doctor's offices, emergency rooms, or funeral homes is kind of hard for me.

You have to understand that growing up my brothers and I practically lived in the emergency room. As we got older we just started patching ourselves and each other up - saved time and money. So thinking that I won't need a doctor. . .there won't be a need for funeral homes. . .hmmmmm.

Then again, won't that be amazing? C'mon, think about it. It's not like being out in the middle of jungle and need a doctor and can't find one. It will be like we won't NEED one. Now that's cool!!

It's there, you know. That time and place is there. It awaits all who are called sons and daughters of God. There is a day coming where in the glorious presence of Almight God we will no longer experience death and decay.

It gives me great hope, and while my heart longs for Karen at times, my soul rejoices in knowing she is no longer suffering. She no longer is hurting. Her body is no longer withering away. She is in the presence of the ultimate healer - dancing with Jesus and worshipping her God!! (her words, not mine)

So while I continue to experience death and decay here on earth at this time, there is hope that one day I will be liberated - set free - from this current bodnage and worship my God for all eternity!!

What about you? What about you, valley experiencer? What about you, flock? Struggling with earthly death and decay? Remember, a day is coming when it will be no more and you will be set free from the bondage of hurt, of disease, of the painful experience of this earthly existence.

Can you imagine?
Mike

Our Present Sufferings

2006-09-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready to teach this Sunday on Why do Good People Suffer? Going through some Scriptures I this morning I read Romans 8:18.

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. (NLT)

The NIV calls what we suffer now "our present sufferings." Thinking on this passage and "our present sufferings" in view of the glory that is to come, here are some questions to ponder:

How are you responding to your "present sufferings?"
- To tell you the truth - I stink at at it. There are more times than I care to count when I'm just really tired of my "present sufferings." I'm ready for them to be over. Then, again, that's just me.

What are the benefits of enduring suffering (see v. 17)?
- It's what I often forget - I have the wonderful privilege of sharing in Christ's glry as co-heirs with Him. Is that not the coolest thing ever?

Do you find it difficult to view today's trials with eternity's rewards in mind?
- Most definitely! I'm carnal - part of fallen humanity. That side of me desires relief and healing now. I don't think I'm mature enough in my walk to think "eternally." Maybe I should be.

Sometimes I think it's difficult for me to have an eternal perspective because I have so much going on in the here and now. My mind, my heart, my eyes are focused on all the stuff around me. I'm afraid that if I take my eyes off of the stuff something will slip through the cracks - it will sneak up on me. Then what will I do?

What about you? How are you handling/viewing your "present sufferings?" Where's your focus?

Father, give me an eternal perspective. I know, in my mind, that today's "present sufferings" don't compare with the glory that's to come. Help me see the comparison in my heart where it really matters.

Gloriously adopted,
Mike

God's Seasons

2006-09-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

Do you ever think of God's seasons? I did. I mean. . . we experience different seasons of life. Like new chapters in a book that keep the story going, seasons reflect periods of time in our lives. God has seasons - not like fall, winter, spring, summer - He created those. Im talking something along the lines of chapters in history.

Ever think God does something just for the heck of it? Mmmm. . .come to think of it, I don't ever remember thinking along these lines. You may have. I may have. I just don't remember.

Was reading the first chapter of Titus this morning and this phrase kept sticking in my craw, "His appointed season." For the entire passage and it's context click [here]. Basically, Paul was speaking of the God's use of Paul's preaching of the gospel at God's appointed season, or time.

Make no mistake about it - God doesn't do stuff just for the heck of it. He always has a plan and a purpose for everything He does or allows. Take Jesus' coming, for instance. In Galatians 4:4 Paul writes, " But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son." In other words, Jesus didn't come to earth until God was ready for Him to come. For in God's timing, His season, Jesus came to redeem us - not a "season" sooner or later.

It is also no mistake to think we are tested and tempted when we are. It is not by fate, coincidence, or just plain bad luck when we encounter valley times in our lives. He (God) has appointed us to enter into the valley at His appointed season.

And just like the seasons of the year, our seasons in the valley have specific time frames. Now these time frames, these seasons, may be dependant upon our learning and applying specific lessons to our lives or a need for growth and dependence upon God. I don't think we can just sit around and wait it out. Try that and you/I could be spending a long time in the valley - much longer than we care to.

So. . . what do I do? What do you do? Let me suggest. . .pursue the heart of God. Asking Him to show me, to show you, the lesson(s) we are supposed to learn - AND LEARN IT!! I'm here in this valley for a season. I'm here because God appointed me to be here. I'm here because God loves and and desires me to grow in my faith in and knowledge of Him.

So. . .make no mistake. . . it's no accident. . .no coincidence. . . that I'm in the valley right now. So, I should thank the Lord for loving me enough to want me to learn and grow.

Thank you Lord!
Thank you for this season of life in the valley
May I learn and grow as you desire

May you do the same.

Mike

Equilibrium

2006-09-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

I am NOT, let me repeat, am NOT a person of balance. All my life I have given my all to whatever I do, often at the expense of something else. I think it's a combination of my drive to be the best, the fear of missing out on something, and the pursuit of constant affirmation. Whatever the reason(s) my tendency is to completely jump into something with both feet.

Yesterday I was having my quiet time and encountered this struggle - quiet, meditating, writing with God or getting up and doing the things that needed to be done.

For some of you it's a no brainer - time with God. For others it would be getting up and doing. For me it's difficult to find balance - equlibrium. I don't know how to quite explain it so those on either end of this continuum can understand. Let me see if I can help you guys out.

I love hanging with God. I love reading His Word. I love just sitting and thinking about things with God in mind. I love writing. I love talking to God.

I also love getting up and getting stuff done. Though I am a procrastinator by nature, when the time comes I HAVE to get things done. That's the OCD in me. They will drive me crazy until I get them done. Yesterday was cleaning house, having to register the cars, laundry, and other things that have been put off to the point that they drive me crazy.

So what did I do? I had my time with God. . .wishing it could last longer than it did. Then I got the house cleaned, laundry done, loaded up the Harley to drive downtown Mobile to register the cars, hanging out at Barnes & Nobles, the mall, then to see a movie with some friends, and wrap up the night at Starbucks.

Let me ask, is it important to find balance? Is it ok to move from one end to the other at times? Maybe so, just so long as you don't remain there. I think, knowing my tendency, this is my greatest danger. So I must continue to wrestle with this.

Now. . .am I the only one who struggles with these two things? Am I the only one in the valley that hates trying to find this equlibrium. . .this balance? What about you? To which end do you lean - time with God or get stuff done? I'm sure there are some of you who serve as my hero - you don't struggle with finding equilibrium. For you it's all about balance. Congratulations!!

For the rest of you let me know what you think and where are you in this battle.

Mike

Pursuing the Heart of God

2006-09-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

My-o-my, how time flies when you get caught up in the business of life. Sorry gang, but that seems to be what has happened to me this past week. Hopefully it's all behind me and I can share some lessons God has recently been speaking into my life.

Take a look at 1 Timothy 6:11-12

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

There is some good stuff in here. First, Paul commands us to flee from all this - in previous verses he speaks to greed and false doctrine (see here). Both of which moves, or sways, our focus away from God and places it squarely on us.

* * * Valley experiencers - might want to take a look to see if one of these might be the reason for your valley right now. * * *

Then Paul contrasts these with where our focus should be. I love the word he uses - PURSUE - actively chase - these things:

Righteousness
Godliness
Faith
Love
Endurance
Gentleness

Then we are to fight the good fight of the faith. We are to persevere and trust God. We are to cling to our faith in God.

Next we're to "take hold of the ternal life to which you were called." Hang on - put the death grip on your hope, your assuarnce, in the eternal life you have in Christ Jesus.

It's about our focus - my focus. . .your focus. There are so many things that can be a distraction to you and me that shouldn't be distractions. If I want to maintain my focus on God, then I'm to make the things of God a part of my life. Things like . .

Righteousness
Godliness
Faith
Love
Endurance
Gentleness
Fighting the good fight - standing up for my faith
Grabbing hold of the eternal life - the hope - I have in Christ Jesus

As I look back on this list I see Karen's life right in front of my eyes. She was such a woman of righteousness, godliness, and faith. She loved God and everyone she came in contact with. Her endurance and gentleness in the midst of her valley was so obvious. She definitely fought the good fight as she pointed us toward Christ and gave God the glory in spite of her circumstances. Lastly, she clung to the eternal life promised her through her Lord and Savior. Thank you, Father, for such a wonderful example of a woman who pursued the heart of God.

What about you? Do you exemplify these qualities in your life? What's keeping you from being the example of these qualities? Karen didn't begin exhibiting these qualities in her life when she was diagnosed with cancer. They were always a part of her life with Christ. I do think her battle with cancer just brought them to light. That's what the valley does. It brings our true character to the forefront for others to see.

What do others see in you?

Fighting the good fight,
Mike

Wounded

2006-09-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

I'm leading a single men's Bible study on Thursday nights. We're walking through the study, Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. This is the second time I've gone through it with a group of men. It's been a good study for me.

Eldredge speaks of "the wound." It's the wound that men receive from their fathers. It's the wound that tells sons, "You're not good enough." "You don't have what it takes to be a man." "You don't measure up." So these sons grow up, living with this wound, never to be the men God had designed them to be - men who desire a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.

This got me to thinking about valley experiencers. We're wounded, too. Sometimes by circumstances beyond our control. Sometimes by bad decisions we have made. And sometimes by those close to us. For whatever reason, we're wounded.

Eldredge reminded us of a verse in Isaiah that Jesus read when He began His public ministry.

Isaiah 61:1
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to the prisoners;

I love what it says, He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted. Did you get that? Jesus has come to heal our inner wounds! To comfort our broken hearts!!

I want to encourage you this morning. If you find yourself in the midst of the valley and you are a Christ-follower, take heart, Jesus came so you may find healing and comfort in Him.

Recognize your pain, your wound. Identify its source. Then try these steps (I'm borrowing them from John Eldredge).

Surrender your life and your wound to Jesus - quit hanging on to it, give it up.
Invite Christ into your wound - allow Him access to your pain and the deepest parts of your soul.
Confess how you've mishandled the wound - many of us don't know how or don't want to face our wound so we mishandle it.
Grieve the wound - it's ok to feel the pain of your wound, if you don't you will live with it for the rest of your life.
Let God love you - allow God to get very close to you, quit acting like He doesn't already know about it and open yourself up to Him.
Ask Christ to set you FREE!! - That's why He came, remember?

I hope this helps. It is a wonderful feeling to be set free from the pain of a wound. It's glorious to see and feel the healing take place. Don't waste another moment hurting and carrying around a wound Christ came to heal.

Stop hurting and start healing
Mike

Hope

2006-09-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

. . . that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. - 1 Timothy 4:10

As Paul says, this is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (v. 9). So, if it is trustworthy - something I can put my trust in - and it does deserve full acceptance - no partial acceptance here - the I must ask myself, Where is my hope?

Is it in the living God or in my abilities? Is it in the Savior of all men or in the desire of a mate? As a believer, is my hope in the one who has redeemed me or in the affirmation of men?

Where is my hope?

As far as hope goes, I'm not rattling on about wishes or something that turns into desparate exasperation. No, what Paul is talking about is the hope built on assurance that leads to expectancy. It's the same word Peter uses in 1 Peter 3:15-16

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

It's having my assurance in the living God, knowing He is the living God. It's having an assurance that He is the Savior of all men. As a believer I have the assurance that He is God - living, active, caring - and He is the Savior of all men.

My part in this relationship is to put that assurance to work, living a life of expectancy. It is up to me - no one else - to live my life with that expectancy. It's not up to my parents, my friends, my pastor, or even God. It's up to me! It's up to you to live that kind of life.

Listen. . .I know what it's like to be in such a place and know such a depth of despair that you start placing your hope in anything and anyone. I've been there. I know. I also know the blessing of living my life with an expectancy. . .an assurance. . .a hope in the God who created me and redeemed me.

If you're in the valley and things are looking pretty bleak ask yourself, Where is my hope. . .my assurance? If it is any place other than the living, caring, loving God of this universe I encourage you to stop what you're doing, confess to God that you've placed your hope in someone or something else, then ask Him to help you place your trust. . .your hope. . .your assurance in Him, and Him alone.

Whether you know it or not, He's waiting for you to do this very thing. I don't guarantee it will make things easier or better, at least not right now, but I do know there is a peace that comes with a hope placed in God that doesn't come from anyone or anything else.

Today, while it is still called today, place you're hope in Him.

Mike

What's love got to do with it?

2006-09-03T05:26:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah. . .I know I'm not the only one who remembers this song. Some of you remember it as well. It's an oldie, but goodie recorded by Tina Turner. For those of you who don't remember it, well. . .sorry. Go to iTunes, download it and enjoy it.

Ok, regardless of whether you're familiar with it or not, this is a great question for those of us in the valley. Read Lamentations 3 and God pierced my heart with verses 21-26 -

21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

The writer begins with the word "Yet." Which translates "In spite of." In spite of what?, you may ask. In verses 19-20 he says

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.

20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.

What he is saying is that in spite of all the stuff I've gone through and am going through. . . YET! He's stating that now matter how deep my valley gets. . . YET!!

We all go through valley times in our lives. Each of us will, at some point, experience the valley of life. If you haven't or are not now, you will. Jesus' brother, James, reminds us of this. It's the "whenever" in verse 2 that tells us that this is a when, not an if statement. So take it to the bank - you're going to have valley times in your life.

Now that that's settled, let's move on to the purpose of the question, What's love got to do with it?

In verse 21 we find that we have hope. So many of us are looking for a glimps of hope. Let me assure you it's there for you. Why? Because of God's great love. It all hinges on God's great love for you and me. I'll show you.

Because of God's great love we have God's fresh, new mercy, or compassions, each and every day - no left over mercy here.

Because of God's great love His compassion never fails - it's always there.

Because of God's great love we receive God's faithfulness and He is our portion - He'll never let us down or walk away from us.

Because of God's great love we can wait on God - and stop trying to force or manipulate things on our own.

Because of God's great love He is good to those whose hope is in God and seeks, or pursues His heart - He takes care of His children.

Because of God's great love we can wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord - we can wait for his rescuing and leading us out of this valley.

Don't know about you, but those are some powerful words. They speak truth about God. They teach you and me that because of God's great love we have hope in Him.

Thank you, my Lord, that in the midst of my valley you still extend your great love and with it, its many blessings. . .its benefits. My life, nor my situation, is too far from you and your great love.

So what DOES love got to do with it? Everything.

Valley experiencers thank the Lord this morning for His great love.

Mike

Tears

2006-09-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

Reading through Lamentations this morning this verse jumped out at me -

She sobs through the night; tears stream down her cheeks. - Lamentations 1:2 (NLT)

These are the cries of Jerusalem after the fall and exile to Babylon. These are deep words. . .deep wounds. They are wounds that can only be expressed through tears.

For some, even me at times, it seems the valley is full of tears of those who tread its paths.

There were so many nights I cried myself to sleep - my pillow soaked with tears of sadness. . .of distress. . .of desparation. . .of pain.

There were the tears I cried the week after Karen's death. They accompanied the "Why?" question, along with the gaping hole her death left behind. There were the tears that were shed later on that partnered with the hurt & pain I finally realized I was experiencing. There were tears of struggle as I worked towards putting my life together without Karen. Tears also flowed as I realized God would not give me the desires of my heart. Then, finally, came tears of healing - the sweet drops of cleansing and setting things in God's perspective.

Tears are good. Tears signal pain. They let us know we hurt. They bring cleansing and, ultimately - for me - usher in healing. And with healing comes the journey to an "other side" of the the valley. Don't be afraid to allow them to flow. Sometimes it could just a trickle. At times a full-blown raging river. It's alright, take it from someone who knows.

I continue to have tears of sadness. At times I still miss Karen. It could be when I hear a song, see a visual reminder, or think of a situation and I think of Karen - and I cry. These times usually sneak up on me. They're not bad times, just "missing" times - tearful times.

If you're in the valley, there may be times when the valley seems flooded with your tears. It's OK, let them flow. And as you do pursue God's heart. Remember, Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with night (Ps 30:5, NLT). There is hope. There is a morning. There is a new day bringing refreshing and healing.

Thank you, Father, for such wonderful tears and the seasons of the valley they represent to me.

Where's my hanky?
Mike

Cleaning House

2006-08-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

Now I've been cleaning house since I was about 7 or 8 years old. I didn't have any sisters - only two younger brothers. So when Saturday came around. . .well, let's just say my parents were under the impression that mom didn't dirty up the house on her own. And the rule was, no TV/cartoons until the house was clean. That means we were up at 7:00 changing sheets, dusting, sweeping, cleaning bathrooms, doing laundry, mopping, and the like. Sometimes mom thought we ought to clean a little more. That entailed wiping down baseboards, stripping and waxing floors, and other things that still cause me nightmares to this day (the therapist says I'm making progress).

Mom taught me about cleaning house. I like a clean house. Do I keep it as clean as mom? Probably not, then again, not many people do. One lesson she taught me was that it's much easier if you do it a little at a time. But when spring came around, we opened the windows and went through the house top to bottom.

Reading Jeremiah 47-49, you'll find God cleaning house. And when God cleans house, He really cleans house. He is about to clean house, not just with Judah, but the surrounding nations as well.

I don't know why He's taking out His anger on these other nations. Maybe it's their influence on His people, the Israelites. I guess that's one way to get rid of negative influences in their lives. Then again, this would not be the first time He's wiped out nations. In Genesis He destroyed the entire population of the world because of man's corruption. Again, I can only speculate that God is tired of the influences and distractions these nations have become to His precious children.

I do know that God is sovereign. And He is both merciful and just. There is no one who escapes His eye. He also desires us to worship Him and Him alone. He rewards the faithful - like the Recabites. But He punishes the disobedient - just ask Zedekiah. You see, God wants their obedience, their faithfulness, their worship, too.

I remember mom would tell me to clean up my room. After several warnings, she finally had enough and all hell would break loose. Believe me, it wasn't pretty. Guess what? My room got cleaned up, but it would have been so much eaiser if I would have just kept it clean or cleaned it when she told me to the first time. A lot less crying and gnashing of teeth - if you know what I mean. Does your "room" need to be cleaned up?

God wants us clean. . .He wants our obedience. . .He desires our heart. . .He loves our worship.

So, how's your room. . .your life? How many times does He have to tell you to clean it up? What do you need to do to clean up your room? What's laying around that needs to be picked up? What dirt needs to be identified and scrubbed away?

Sometimes we become so accustomed to the grime in our lives that we don't even recognize it for what it is. If you don't realize you've got some stuff that needs God's scrubbing bubbles, ask Him to show you what needs to be cleaned away. He wants you clean, so He will definitely help.

Now where's that Windex (I thought I didn't do windows. Oh well),
Mike

Idolatry

2006-08-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

If you read the entire 44th chapter of Jeremiah you soon come to realize it speaks of idolatry and how the love for anything or anyone above your love for God, well. . .pretty much makes Him mad - I wanted to say "Pisses God off," but thought that may piss some of you off, so I used "mad." I'm not talking about mad like "I'll get over it," but mad like, "I'm ready to destroy you!" That's pretty mad, wouldn't you say?

If I think about it, or think through it, why wouldn't it make Him mad? Here are the Israelites whom God has protected, provided for, and rescued time and time again. And all He asks of them is their worship of Him; that they make Him first in their lives, in their marriages, in their work place. As much as He had done for them you would think they would run from worshipping idols. But . . .no.

And there's me . . . there's us. Here God has rescued me from an eternity in hell by giving me His most precious relative, His Son, as payment for the penalty of my sin. When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, as my payment, why shouldn't He expect that I have no other thing or person greater than He in my life? If that weren't enough, He provides protection, He provides for my needs, He encourages me. And still I turn my attention and affections toward other things - my desires and my will (that makes me lord of my life, not God), my abilities (that makes me arrogant), my stuff, my activities, my computer (that makes me slave to stuff).

Hope you're gettin' the picture here.

What about you? In light of all God has done for you, where does He reside in your life? Are there things or people or relationships that He takes a back seat to? What about your spouse? Your children? Your job? Your attitudes? Your hobbies? Your schedule?

Now, put yourself in God's place - just for a moment - and try to imagine how He must feel right now.

If you're in the valley - your valley shouldn't be the most important thing in your life. It's part of your life, but if you're focusing on it more than you love God, your valley has become your idol. If you're focusing on how you feel more than loving God, your emotions have become your idol.

Take some time right now and ask God to help you see what idols you have in your life. When God reveals them to you confess them, repent (turn from them), and ask for God's help in making Him the focus of your life.

I assure you, you will see a difference. That and, well. . . God won't be pissed off at you. :)

Mike

Discipline

2006-08-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up my parents believed in discipline. I received so many spankings, I think there were days my mom spanked me not because she caught me doing something wrong or bad, but because she suspected it. Now. . .mom didn't abuse me. I willingly admit that that I deserved most, if not all them.

Now when she disciplined me, whether I liked it or not (ok I don't remember ever liking any of the times I was disciplined) it was for my good.

When God disciplines us it's for our own good as well. His word tells us that He disciplines those He loves. The question is, will I accept His discipline. . .or not?

In Jeremiah 38:17-18, Zedikiah, King of Judah, could either accept the Lord's discipline and live in Babylon healthy, prosperous, and safe or he could resist His disicpline and die right there in Jerusalem.

The sad thing is that many of us - including myself - try to "survive" on our own. It only makes things worse. Zedikiah thought he knew better when he tried to escape, but he was caught and before his eyes all of his officials were put to death, then his own eyes were gouged out.

I think, sometimes, we don't want to hear of God's discipline. We think we know better and we snub our nose at God or we run away.

When I was younger I would have never snubbed my nose at my mother or father while they were about to discipline me(I wouldn't do it now, either). Doing so would have only made it worse. I would have never run from my mom or dad (mom is 5'11" - she was the living version of Stretch Armstrong and would snatch me back before I could get away - and you just didn't run from dad - bad move). Same thing with God. Running or disrespecting God only makes it worse.

I don't know all the ways God disciplines, but I know He does. I also know His discipline makes us better and it requires faith in believing God wants what's best for you and me. So. . .we grow in our relationship with God and our faith grows as well.

As I wrap this up remember, as hard as it may be - accept God's discipline. Ask Him what He wants you to learn. And praise Him for loving you enough to discipline you.

Oh, the extra padding in the seat? Doesn't work with God.

Mike

To Be Found Faithful

2006-08-24T05:15:00.000-07:00

I have written many times, in several different forms, that we are to be obedient, be found faithful, and trust God for the details.

Recently, He has confirmed that this concept.

I was reading Jeremiah 35 when I came across the Racabites. Not much is said about them throughout the Old or New Testaments. As a matter of fact this may be the only mention of them (I haven't confirmed this, so don't call me on it yet).

As it turns out the Racabites are a remnant of faithful people among those in Judah. In the midst of all the sinning, turning from God, debuachery, hedonism, and idol worship going on among the leaders and people of Judah, there remains a group of people who are faithful - the Racabites.

God tells Jeremiah to bring them into one of the inner rooms of the temple and offer them some wine. Jeremiah, being the obedient prophet, does as the Lord commands. When the wine is set before the Racabites they respond . . .

"We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jonadab son of Recab gave us this command: 'Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine. Also you must never build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards; you must never have any of these things, but must always live in tents. Then you will live a long time in the land where you are nomads.' We have obeyed everything our forefather Jonadab son of Recab commanded us. Neither we nor our wives nor our sons and daughters have ever drunk wine or built houses to live in or had vineyards, fields or crops. We have lived in tents and have fully obeyed everything our forefather Jonadab commanded us." - vv. 6-10

Then see what the Lord says,

Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Recabites, "This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.' Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a man to serve me.' " - vv. 18-19

Oh to be found faithful - faithful in all thinkgs. Oh to be equated wtihthe Racabites - to do what you know is right, when all those around think and do differently. We may not realize it at the time - don't think the Racabites thought much about how God would belss - they just did it. They were found faithful.

Allow me to encourage you. It doesn't, or shouldn't, matter what the Lord will do, we should be found faithful. It shouldn't matter our valley - be found faithful. It doesn't matter how deep, how long, or how hard the valley is. It doesn't matter what all your friends say. It doesn't matter what think or how you feel - be found faithful.

What has God asked you to do? What is God expecting you to do? Be found faithful. I don't have the slightest idea what God will do for you - it shouldn't really matter. Just be found faithful.

So. . .today, while it is still called today remember. . .be obedient, be found faithful, trust God for the details.

Mike

Taking a Break

2006-08-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

I'll be taking a break for the rest of the week - unless I can get connected to the internet somehow.

Our staff will be on it's annual staff retreat. Please pray for us - unity, fellowship, focus, and productivity.

Until then, remember "Baby steps. Baby steps. Baby steps." (think What About Bob?)

Mike

What is He talking about?

2006-08-22T04:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wonder if God has lost His ever lovin' mind? Oh, don't act so pious and righteous, you know what I'm talking about - God asks you to do something and you're thinking, "What in the world? God, have you lost your ever lovin'?"

I guarantee you I have. On more than one occasion.

I think this is what Jeremiah must have been thinking when God told him to buy a field from his cousin, have the purchased witnessed, sealed, and the documents placed in a protective clay jar. [click here to read the entire story]

I get the feeling as I read the story that Jeremiah didn't quite get it when God told him to pruchase the field form his cousin. I'm not too sure I blame him. Think about what God has been telling him to proclaim to the people of Judah and its leaders - "Get ready to surrender or die." Then God tells Jeremiah to purchase some land. Don't know about you, but I would probably be mumbling something about throwing good money after bad.

You know what I've discovered - Sometimes God doesn't make sense and that's OK. It's called faith. It's believing God has our best interest at heart. It's also realizing and accpeting the fact that God's ways are not our ways.

I can attest to the fact that God doesn't always make sense. Like watching the life slip from the love of my life after more than 20 years of marriage. Or, that not even two months later He has me in Mobile, Alabama. Don't get it. But one thing I do get is that He's still God and He's still right.

You know. . .I'm so glad I serve a God that I can't figure out, especially with the few brain cells I have left. I serve a God who is still mysterious. One who allows me to get to know Him and is deeper than I could ever go with Him.

Listen. . .if you're in the valley of life and God asks you to do something - just do it. If you don't understand it, don't worry about it - just do it. If you can't figure it out, it's OK - just do it. Remember it's called faith.

Jeremiah didn't understand either. Not until God came to him and explained His plans to restore both Judah and Israel in the future. You see, Jeremiah's purchase of that field was a sign that God was going to bring His people home one day and there would be a day of restoration - a day of hope.

There is a day of restoration. There is a day of hope. There is an "other side".

Ours is a journey of obedience.

Remain obedient. Be found faithful. Trust God for the details.
Mike

What a Promise!

2006-08-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty pumped this morning. Let me tell you why.

Yesterday, I read Jeremiah 29. In it is verse 11 - you say, "Why of course. It's always been there." I say, "But have you read it in context of the entire chapter?" You say,. . .

In case you're wondering why I'm carrying on this conversation with you - and by the way, thank you for playing along, it really helps - I, too, have read this verse over and over and over. I have had it emailed to me, I have seen it as signatures on emails, and I have read it in devotionals. But until this morning when, while I was crunching on some cereal and bananas, it hit me that this verse must be read in its context. So, I re-read chapter 29.

Why of course, I will set it up for you.

This one verse is part of an incredible letter from God, written by Jeremiah to those Israelites exiled to Babylon. You see, God had been telling the Israelites they were headed to Babylon. Because of their sin and turning away from God, He was sending Nebuchanezer, King of Babylon, to take them back to Babylon as exiles.

Then He gives Jeremiah this letter to give to those who are in exile. It's a letter of promise. It's a letter of encouragement. It's a letter of hope. It's a letter to those Israelites who are in the valley.

It's also letter to us. It's a letter of promise to us, you and me - those who God has allowed to journey into the midst of the valley of life. If you're experiencing a valley time in your life right now, take God at His word. And here it is.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

What a wonderful promise. To know that my God has plans for me. That my God's plans don't include harming me or hurting me, but blessing me. That in God's own words, there is an "other side!"

Now, these blessing may not come in the valley. And I can't tell you what your blessing will be, that's up to God. But I can tell you this promise is for every Christ-follower who is experiencing life in the valley right now. I want to assure you. . . there is an "other side". There will be a time of restoration. There will be a time of blessing. There will be a time when you and I will stand on top of the next mountain with our arms raised in sa-weet victory (this is where the theme to Rocky starts playing in the background) and do the Rocky dance - OK, so I don't dance, but I can jump up and down.

So. . .if you feel like you're stumbling around in the valley, be encouraged.

If you're a single mom struggling to make ends meet and be both mom & dad, be encouraged.

If you're a student struggling with relational issues. . .school. . .peer pressure, be encouraged.

If you're a dad wondering how you will provide for you're family, be encouraged.

If you're wrestling with a divorce or the loss of a loved one, be encouraged.

If you're haggling with God over His plans for you, be encouraged.

If you're wondering how long you will be in this valley, be encouraged.

If you're a pastor wondering why you are where you are, be encouraged.

Remain obedient, be found faithful, and trust God for the details. Follow your Shepherd and allow the flock to love on and minister to you. Because, there is a "one day" coming. There is a promise to you and me that God will restore you. There is a promise that He will bless you.

There is a promise of hope for you.

Hey, anybody seen my old grey sweats and bandana?
Mike