Tornado in a Trailer Park

One of our favorite "funnies" is when Mater (in Cars) says, he's "happier than a tornado in a trailer park!"

Just the thought of it makes me smile. No doubt, tornados seem to enjoy mutilating trailer parks!

But, that is not the point of this blog! I was just trying to get your attention!

Beloveds, life will occasionally be like a tornado in a trailer park! Strong storms and violent winds will rumble through your life. However, there is good news.

You are anchored! You are built on a sure foundation. No matter the wind speed, you will not topple. Wait on Him.
For the same God who sends the storm, will calm the storm.

In the mean time, don't fear the storms. Fear Him. Strengthen your foundation by spending time with Him. Meditate on His Word and obey Him. No matter the severity of the storm, Matthew 7 promises those who hear and obey Him, his house will stand.

Beloveds, by God's grace, we will never look like a mutilated trailer park. We will stand.

Perrienials

A Mountain I Can Not Move

Beloveds, there are mountains I can not move. In other words, there are trying situations that I can not change. You will face the same problem one day.

So, what are we to do?

Lay down and sleep. Trust in the Lord. Give your immovable mountain to Him. He is the One who placed it there, so commit that mountain to Him. He will move it in His time.

In Ps 4:8, David declares in the midst of his impossible circumstances, "In peace I will BOTH lie down and sleep!"

Beloveds, when immovable mountains materialize in your life, be still. Keep silent. Trust in Him. He will move it.

One Small Piece

As a child, I enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles.

Finding that perfect puzzle piece always gave me much satisfaction, especially when working a 1000 piece puzzle. Almost every piece would be tiny, with only a vague image splattered across it. Standing alone, the piece seemed insignificant. However, it wasn't. The puzzle was incomplete without it.

Beloveds, our lives are like those tiny puzzle pieces. We are a small piece in God's plan.

Seek to fulfill the ministry God has ordained for you. And although your role may seem insignificant, it's not. On that final day, you will be rewarded for being faithful, not for being great.

Whenever we couldn't find a puzzle piece, we would start searching through the shag carpet or under the couch. It was frustrating. Without it, there was no final rejoicing. Don't be AWOL. Report for duty. Be the small piece God has designed you to be.

Read Col 4:7-18: Identify some of the small puzzle pieces who have helped build God's kingdom.
What was their role? How does Paul describe Tychicus? How does Paul describe Onesimus? What is the common adjective Paul uses to describe them? What are some ways you can be faithful in serving the Lord today?

An Abundance for Every Deed

Today, I finally did the deed I dreaded. Taking another meal to a family in need. Short on money and low on energy, I drove to the grocery store. And as usual, with no time to spare, I had to shop at one of the most expensive grocery stores. I just prayed the ingredients I needed would be on sale. Praise the Lord they were! He intervenes for me in so many ways!

After returning home and unloading the groceries, I heard that voice I so love to hear. His! He whispered, “an abundance for every good deed”. What a comfort to hear His voice. Although I was struggling to obey Him, yet He spoke to me!

At that moment, I knew I didn’t need to worry. He would provide.

The story gets better. Strangely, I looked over the receipt from the store, which I never do. The store had overcharged me for the chicken. I called the store and the manager assured me, “no problem, we will give you full refund”. Rod returned with the receipt and the manager at first gave us full refund for only one package. And then, because of her frustration, just decided to refund ALL the money we spent on chicken. $38!!!!

Beloveds, God’s grace is sufficient. He gives an abundance for every good deed! (2 Cor 9:8)
Read I Kings 17 for a fitting illustration of this truth.