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March 16, 2009 - Despair

“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that worketh in us”  Eph. 3:20

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of the doom and gloom stories we get from the media.  Even those folks who are supposed to cheer us up are in a real frump. I rarely watch David Letterman, but lately his negative attitude and condemning spirit is indicative of a general national outlook of “grumpiness”.  The messages we hear on television seems to be froth with great discontent and cynicism.

Yes, the economy is in despair. Yes, we wish the wars were over so our brave troops could come home. Yes, our leaders have let us down.  But in all this there is so much to be thankful for.  Knowing Christ and living in a free America has so many benefits...  Instead of tracking with the pessimists, let’s remind ourselves that our greatest hope and dreams can be realized in Christ Jesus. 

If you are living a paltry life, resolve to stop it today.  Expect great things to happen.  Confidently receive God’s abundant blessings.  Do not think lack.  Instead, think prosperity, abundance, and the best of everything.  God wants to give us, His children, every good thing.  Don’t hinder His blessings with negative thinking.  Most of all, God wishes for us to discover His abundant and eternal love and peace.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us to seek after a peaceful mind and spirit.  “Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee.”  Is. 26:3  If our minds are filled with negative thoughts and an outlook of defeat we are bound to be in a state of mental unrest, even turmoil, and of course there can be no inner peace.

Let’s fix our minds and gaze upon the one who died on Calvary’s cross so that we might be able to experience His great peace and grace.  Let’s not de-value the suffering He went through by ignoring the comfort, love, and calm He offers. 

Christ’s resurrection, among other things, represents the new life we can experience when He is in control of our lives.  He can guide and direct us only when we allow His affirming Spirit to daily, minute by minute, enter our lives.  Remember, Jesus calmed the stormy seas for his 1st Century disciples and he can calm the seas of despair for his modern-day disciples.  Have a great week.

Did you know:  LGFP will be providing three Special Kids Day events for the disabled during the next 40 days? April 29 Lake Chabot, May 7 Shadow Cliffs and May 28 Lake Temescal.  Join us!