Life Is Difficult

Read Job 1:1–12

Life is difficult. That blunt, three-word statement is an accurate appraisal of our existence on this earth. When the writer of the biblical book named Job picked up his stylus to write his story, he could have begun with a similar-sounding and equally blunt sentence, "Life is unfair."

No one could argue the point that life is punctuated with hardship, heartaches, and headaches. Most of us have learned to face the reality that life is difficult. But unfair? Something kicks in, deep within most of us, making it almost intolerable for us to accept and cope with what's unfair. Our drive for justice overrides our patience with pain.

Life is not just difficult, it's downright unfair. Welcome to Job's world.

Job was a man of unparalleled and genuine piety. He was also a man of well-deserved prosperity. He was a godly gentleman, extremely wealthy, a fine husband, and a faithful father. In a quick and brutal sweep of back-to-back calamities, Job was reduced to a twisted mass of brokenness and grief. The extraordinary accumulation of disasters that hit him would have been enough to finish off any one of us today.

Job is left bankrupt, homeless, helpless, and childless. He's left standing beside the ten fresh graves of his now-dead children in a windswept valley. His wife is heaving deep sobs of grief as she kneels beside him, having just heard him say, "Whether our God gives to us or takes everything from us, we will follow Him." She leans over and secretly whispers, "Why don't you just curse God and die?"

His misery turns to mystery with God's silence. If the words of his so-called friends are hard to hear, the silence of God becomes downright intolerable. Not until the thirty-eighth chapter of the book does God finally break the silence, however long that took. Even if it were just a few months, try to imagine. You've become the object of your alleged friends' accusations, and the heavens are brass as you plead for answers from the Almighty, who remains mysteriously mute. Nothing comes to you by way of comfort. It's all so unfair; you've done nothing to deserve such anguish.

Pause and ponder their grief—and remember that Job had done nothing to deserve such unbearable pain. If it had been you, how would you have responded?

God will see me through!

This month is almost over, and I am having the worst month in sales that I have ever had in my career.  I can rest assured knowing that God is in control, and though I may not understand it all, He is faithful.  He doesn't stop supplying our needs just because we can not see the outcome with our physical eyes.  I look at my situation with the eyes of my flesh, and I don't see how I could pay my bills after the month that I had.  Then I look at it from a Godly point of view, and I hear Him reminding me that He never fails, and He is in control.

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
   and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
   and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

That's the thing with us....we want verse 6 without submitting to verse 5.  Only when we fully trust God, can He do an amazing work in our lives.  Wait a minute!  Did the scripture say that we didn't have to understand our situation?   I don't know if God is shutting a door in my life, and preparing another door to be opened.  I don't know how I will pay my bills, but I am going to seek God constantly.  I will look to Him to make my path straight.  Im not going to try to figure it out on my own any more.  The devil wants me to feel sorry for myself, but I am seeking God's word for answers instead.

Matthew 6:33

New International Version (NIV)

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well

Philippians 4:19

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Our you ready to trust God? Or, are you better off on your own?

Persecution and Blessing?

Read Matthew 5:10 

Do you usually associate persecution with blessing? Jesus did. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness" (Matthew 5:10). I don't know how this strikes you, but it seems misplaced at first glance. Especially on the heels of what we have learned about being "peacemakers." But it is not misplaced.

Realistically, wrong treatment often comes upon those who do what is right. We who genuinely desire to serve others soon discover that being mistreated isn't the exception. It's the rule! Christ knew that was so. Read His words carefully.

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:10–12)

Did you notice something? Not "if" men revile you . . . but "when" they revile you. And not only will they revile you, they will persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you—lies and slanderous accusations. Clearly, Jesus is speaking of being viciously mistreated. It's tough to bear! But the Savior says you will be "blessed" when you endure it—promising a great reward for your patient, mature endurance.

There are times when the only way servants can make it through such severe times without becoming bitter is by focusing on the ultimate rewards that are promised. Jesus even says we are to "rejoice and be glad" as we think on the great rewards He will give to us in heaven.

The Enemy's Deception

In HIS Presence;  The serpent was more crafty [shrewd] than any beast of the field (Genesis 3:1).

We may mistakenly believe that we get to decide what our families do and don't do.  However, God is the architect of the family.  When we choose to bypass His principles, we set ourselves up for failure.  Adam and Eve discovered this in a very painful way.  They knew what God had commanded them to do.  Yet they made a choice to do the opposite.

By yielding to Satan's wicked scheme, they lost everything—their home, the opportunity for a safe family environment, and, most importantly, the loving fellowship they once had with God.  Suddenly, they felt emotions that they did not know existed—guilt, fear and isolation.

Under no circumstances is sin acceptable. For example, adultery is always wrong.  Yet often, what we see portrayed in our society is the opposite of this. Why? The Enemy wants to trick us into believing that sin is just a normal part of life, and God is the one who is out of touch with reality.

The family is under Satan's full attack today. In fact, from that moment in the garden of Eden, the Enemy has been seeking to destroy what God created because he knows it is the very best and will lead to eternal joy and fulfillment. 

If you have fallen prey to his attack, ask the Lord to forgive you.  Turn back to God's principles, love your spouse and joy will return to your heart.

Satan must destroy the family in order for his plan to work. 

BETTER READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

In HIS Presence:  Make me understand the way of Your precepts (Psalm 119:27)

Have you ever found yourself in a mess and wondered why things have gone so wrong?   Most of us have.  We can remember times when we rushed and tried to put an item together quickly, instead of reading the instructions that came in the package.  Suddenly, we discovered that they pieces didn't quite fit correctly or that something seemed to be missing.

One man was determined to do minor word on his small car.  Every few thousand miles, he would drain the oil and then refill it.  When the car needed a tune up, he did it.  Over time, he began to notice that every time he put the car back together, a couple of bolts or screws were left over.  The automobile always seemed to run fine, so he didn't worry about it.  In fact, his leftover bolts became the source of much fun and laughter among his friends.

This continued until one day, while driving down the road, he heard a loud knocking noise.  After taking a look at the engine, his mechanic told him, "Your engine is about to fall out of your car!"

Everything you need for a successful marriage can be found in God's Word, but your must take time to read His instructions.  Leftover bolts and overlooked items—such as an unfaithful heart, bouts of anger, impatience, or a careless attitude—can lead to serious results where everything falls apart.

One Minute Please:
Be sure to read the fine print—for best results always follow the instructions!

LIVING WITH A SUBSTITUTE

                                                                The "new" soda
In HIS Presence: The Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it (Genesis 2:15).

We live in a world where substitutes are often accepted as being the real thing. Years ago, a leading soft drink company decided to change the way its soda tasted. The company created a new drink and rolled out an elaborate ad campaign calling the drink the "new" cola.

When the public realized this new product would replace the original, there was outrage. People vowed to boycott the company by refusing to drink any of its products. Immediately, company executives realized that they were in trouble and withdrew the new product line. They quickly adopted a new marketing slogan regarding the original cola: "It's the real thing!"

What potentially could have spelled disaster for the company became the basis of a marketing program that is still going today—"It's the real thing!"  In other words, there are no substitutes or fakes. The original thing is the real thing.

When it comes to the subject of the family, we have cast aside the original plan God gave us in Genesis and adopted a "new" plan. Instead of turning to His Word for advice, we now switch on the television and tune in to the talk shows and our families are suffering. If this is all we hear and practice, then we will be headed for deep trouble. God has a plan in mind for the family. It is real and amazing, but first we must be willing to embrace it.

One Minute Please:

We live in a day of substitutes and in a time when the real thing looks cheap. 

BIBLE PATHWAYS

Read I John 4 – 5

Highlights:

Try the spirits (I John 4:1). Avoid false prophets (4:1-6). What is real love (4:7-21)? Compare prayerfully I Cor. 13:1-12, especially vs 12. Assurance that Jesus is the Son of God and our faith in Him (I John 5:1-12). The family of God; children of the living God (5:13-20). Don't let anything take the place of the will of God for your life (5:21).

It can honestly be said concerning most of us that, before and after our worship service, we talk a lot about the weather, health, economy, and politics, and say very little concerning spiritual values. In contrast to this, God has provided just one Book, but each sentence is exceedingly important.

A general rule to be remembered concerning the importance of what God has said is this: When He has spoken once concerning any given fact it is important to our eternal welfare, but when any one fact is repeated more than once we must give it exceptional consideration.

In view of this, consider His subject in the twenty-one verses of this 4th chapter where the Christian's responsibility as stewards of the love of God is mentioned more than twenty-five times.

The disciple who really takes Christ as his Guide will do as Jesus said: Love one another; as I have loved you. . . . By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:34-35).

Furthermore, the people of God are instructed: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:44-45).

We ought (are obligated) also to love one another (I John 4:11), regardless of what they "may" have done to us.

It is of utmost importance that we realize the consequences of an unforgiving attitude toward anyone. Jesus taught that our eternal destiny depends upon it, saying in the parable of the unforgiving servant: O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall My Heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses (Matt. 18:21-35).

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen (I John 4:20)?

Thought for Today:

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly. . . . But his delight is in the Law of the Lord; and in His Law doth he meditate day and night (Ps. 1:1-2).

COMFORT AND REASSURANCE IN THE TRIALS OF YOUR FAITH

Read I Peter 1 – 2

Comfort and reassurance in the trial (testing) of your faith (I Pet. chap. 1). Ye have obeyed the Truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned (genuine) love of the brethren . . . Being born again . . . by the Word of God (1:22-23; comp. James 1:18).

Frequently we find ourselves in circumstances beyond our ability to find a solution; and often (intuitively), we begin to inquire of God as to HOW He will help us. How will He guide us in our present perplexity?

Our natural reaction is to question HOW— one way or another — the Most High can see our need and supply it. Sometimes we're confident that God will provide in a certain way or through a particular person. But, on other occasions, we don't see any way possible HOW the Almighty can undertake for the needs that face us — even though we are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. He tells us togreatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations (all the problems we face): That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (I Pet. 1:5-7).

Our fears are turned to faith when we exchange HOW for WHO. Our assurance comes in knowing WHO hears and answers our prayers. Since God is the One who controls the outcome, we can depend wholly upon Him who knows what is best. Therefore, it need not concern us HOW He will help us.

Recall the Word in Isaiah 55:8-9 in which the Almighty assures us: For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. Actually, God always has the best plan for our lives, and it is beyond our imagination or understanding. He is not limited to our thoughts and ways, and we should not allow ourselves to limit the Creator. It is never a question of how but of trusting the All-Powerful One.

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:1-2). Peter was led to remind us that the spiritual nourishment of the Word is essential if we are to live as obedient children (1:14). Our desire to know the Bible in order to do the Lord's will is always in our very best interest. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the Truth through the Spirit (1:22) explains how one's surrender to the Lord's authority and the power of His Word transforms lives. Peter describes Christians as a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (I Pet. 2:5).~Bible Pathways~

FROM ONE FATHER TO ANOTHER

This isn’t the way I planned it, God. Not at all!  My child being born in a stable?  This isn’t the way I thought it would be.  A barn with sheep, donkeys, hay and straw?  My wife giving birth with only the stars and animals to hear her pain?  This isn’t at all what I imagined, or wanted for her.  No, I imagined family.  I imagined grandmothers. I imagined neighbors gathering outside the door and friends standing at my side. I imagined the house exploding with the first cry of  my baby, your son. Loud laughter, overwhelming excitement. That’s how I thought it would be. But now, who will celebrate with us?  The sheep?  The shepherds?  The stars? This doesn’t seem right. What kind of husband am I?  I provide nobody to help my wife with the birth.  No bed for her to lay in. Her pillow is a blanket from my donkey.

Did I miss something? Did I God?

When you sent the angel in my dream, and spoke of the son being born, this isn’t what I pictured. I imagined the temple, the priests, and the people gathered to watch. A parade! A banquet at least. I mean, this is the Messiah, your son! I would have thought this would take place in a palace, or at least at my own house. Out here what do I have? A tired mule, a stack of firewood, and a bunch of nasty animals watching. This is not the way I wanted it to be! Forgive me for asking but, is this how God enters the world?  The coming of the king, I’ve accepted? The questions people asked about the pregnancy, I can handle. The trip to Bethlehem, I can deal with. But why did his birth have to be in a stable? God!

Any minute now Mary will give birth. Not to a child, but to the Messiah. Not to an infant, but God. That’s what the angel said.  That’s what Mary believes. And God, my God, that’s what I was told and want to believe. Surely you can understand, it’s not easy.  It seems so … so … bizarre. I’m not used to such strange things happening.  God, I’m a carpenter. I make things fit. I square things up. I follow the lines that I measure out. I measure twice before I cut once. Surprises are not friends of a builder.  I like to know the plan.  I like to see the plan before I start. But this time I’m not the builder, am I?  This time I’m a tool.  A hammer in your hand. A nail between your fingers.  A chisel in your hands. This project is yours not mine. I guess it’s foolish to question you. Forgive my struggling.  Trust doesn’t come easy for me.  But you never said it would be easy did you? One final thing Father, the angel you sent, any chance you could send another?  If not an angel, maybe a person?  I don’t know anyone around here and some company would be nice. Maybe the innkeeper or a traveler?  Even a shepherd would do. I'm lonely God. 

And then all the sudden I felt your presence. You've been here all along. I heard you say: JOSEPH I AM HERE, DO NOT BE AFRAID. MY SON WILL BE HERE SOON.

FACING THE TRUTH

Psalm 128 (New American Standard)

1How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.2When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, You will be happy and it will be well with you.3Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine Within your house, Your children like olive plants Around your table.4Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD.5The LORD bless you from Zion, And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.6Indeed, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel !

Many of the struggles we face today come as a result of something we learned as a child.  For example, think about how children develop insecurities.  Many do not know whether they will be living in one place today and another tomorrow.  Even more frightening is how many children wonder whether they will be greeted at home with a hug or a slap.

This level of doubt and fear causes many situations of emotional frustration in a child's life, and has created damaging uncertainty.  More than we care to acknowledge, members of our police force, members of our church are now seen as agents of discipline.  This is shocking to consider, but parents say their children are out of control!  They are the ones who need our prayers because they don't know what to do.  Moms work long hours, and dads are sometimes non-existent. 

When Christ is no longer the  focus of your affections, your family will suffer.  God has a plan for your family. He wants to give each person a future that is full of hope, but this requires making Him Lord of your life,and especially of your family.

It is wonderful to go to church together; where you can sing and worship the Lord.  But it is even better to know you are living in the light of His love, and that you have made a commitment to one another, and more importantly, to God.Lastly, the devil will try to destroy the church by attacking the home. If he can destroy the family, then the church can not stand!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!

Yes I said it, Merry Christmas!

   I received a flier from my son's school yesterday that has set me off.  I know this world we live in is going to hell in a hand basket, when "Christ" is no longer part of Christmas.  This isn't something new, but it is something that is getting worse every year.
   2000 years ago, the Creator of the Universe, sent his only Son to save us.  His Son's name is Jesus Christ.  His birthday is the only reason we ever had this holiday in the first place.  I don't expect the world to grasp their Creator all at once, but I do think Christians need to set the example of the Christmas season.  Starting today, and every time someone proclaims to you" Happy Holidays", with confidence answer back "Merry Christmas".  We need to evoke the change ourselves.  We shouldn't wait for the world to conform, instead we should all choose to be transformed. What if we all took this approach?  Would it change down the road?
   The world has set the expectations for the season.  I choose to proclaim the name of Jesus every chance I get.  For me, it won't be: "Happy Holidays", "Winter Holidays", or "Season's Greetings".  It will always be, every time, Merry Christmas.
  I saw a picture of a manger without anyone in it from my son's school.  This made me cry, to think that we have come to a place that we think we have no need of a Savior.  What if God had never sent his Son?  Do you think that you and I would even exist?  When God was taken out of the schools, we opened the door to let Satan have free rein on our children!  The only one that can save the world is our Savior, Jesus Christ.
   So, when schools let your kids out for the "Winter Holidays", take the time to explain to them who orders the winds to change and the air to get cooler.  Let them know who the reason for the "Winter Holidays" is. Tell them that without Christ there would be no Christmas. Is your manger empty?  This Christmas fill it with Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Savior.  Merry Christmas to all!!

P.S.- Nothing will change in our schools, unless we all stand up for what is right. If we all sit back and say nothing, we are all accepting the wrong. 

QUIT YOUR COMPLAINING! GOD IS IN CONTROL

Exodus 15:22-26 (New American Standard)

22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur ; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 When they came to Marah, theycould not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter ; therefore it was named Marah. 24 So thepeople grumbled at Moses, saying, "What shall we drink ?" 25 Then he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree ; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet.There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them. 26 And He said, "Ifyou will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians ; for I, the LORD, am your healer."

For years, the Israelites had complained about their Egyptian bondage. Finally, God began to move them and set them free. However, no sooner had the waters of the Red Sea settled behind them than they began to grumble. First, they needed water to drink. Later, their issue was a desire for meat. 

When they reached Marah, they found a pool of water, but it was bitter, and thoughts of replacing Moses filled their minds. Isn't it a little odd that after they witnessed God's mighty deliverance, they would fail to believe He had the ability to provide for their every need? However, instead of calling out to Him for help, they threatened Moses. 

The next time life turns rough and seems ragged along the edges, refuse to become mad at your spouse, children, or even your superior at work. God holds your very life within His hands, and He knows your every need. Make your request known to Him, and He will provide sweet water - enough to refresh and renew you.

IN GOD'S HANDS

  Today I wake up in God's hands. My problems are in God's hands.
   My finances are in God's hands. My outcomes are in God's hands.

  Today is the day we have been waiting for. My son ,Michael, will undergo heart surgery in a little under 2 hours. We have put all our faith in trust in Michael's creator, our heavenly Father. We will update Michael's status on Facebook, and this blog. Until then, we will look to God for our security, understanding, and peace.

   I have found, in my experience, that when I put all my faith in trust in God, He always comes through for me.
To God be the glory! He will see us through, again.

WE ARE ALL IN HIS HANDS!!

GOD IS NOT DEAD, NOR DOES HE SLEEP

   I hope you listened to the above song carefully. Most everyone has heard this awesome carol, but not everyone has heard the story behind the song.
 
   In 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, wrote this poem on Christmas day. This was written in a time of grave depression for Longfellow. The previous year He had lost his wife to a house fire, and currently, His son was missing in war. He was there all alone on Christmas day, wondering if life was worth living anymore.
Then, in the distant, He heard church bells. This instantly gave him hope, as he realized he was not alone. God was there! Read what he wrote.
And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."


   All the things that were going wrong in his life, suddenly were forgotten, if only for a moment. God met him where he was at in his time of need. Have you lost focus on what Christmas is about? Are the worries of this life overwhelming you? Be still for a moment, and know this, you are not alone. God is always there with you. Will you let him help you? Or, can you do better by yourself?
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
  
   

ARE YOU LEAVING A LEGACY

Proverbs 22:6 

6 Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

This passage implies that we should instill Godly character in our young ones. This was not meant for parents only. This training should be done by grandparents, aunts, uncles, or anyone else that has direct influence on young ones. 

So often we see a situation in disarray with a youth, and think because they're not our child, we have no impact in the outcome. The saying, "It takes a village to raise a child", is true. God does not ask us to stand on the sidelines, and watch things fall apart! What kind of legacy are you going to leave? Is it going to be that of Godly character, or will you waste a golden opportunity to impart Jesus in someone's life? You may be a parent that is struggling with disciplining your child. You may be a grandparent that is afraid to offer your direction. Or, just someone that has contact with a youth in some way. My question to all of you is, are you a Godly example? Are you teaching Godly character? 

I think back to the scriptures, and wonder about Jesus' childhood. We discount the upbringing that He was given. Remember that God chose Mary and Joseph to raise His son. Now we all know that Christ lived a perfect life, but His "God chosen parents" instilled a Godly character in Him. Living a life of Godly character is a learned lifestyle. That's why the common denominator throughout the New Testament is discipleship. 

We are all very busy, as the Christmas season approaches, but we all should take the time to effect someone's life for Christ. What an awesome way of honoring Christ's birth! Lastly, what kind of Legacy are you going to leave?  Will people remember you for the lives you have touched, or will there be opportunities that you pass up, because you're too busy. I have seen God turn peoples lives around time after time. The common theme in all those situations was that someone shared Jesus with them in their youth. Let  us all focus on leaving a Godly legacy. Let us start today.   

I CAN DO ALL THINGS BY MYSELF?

Philippians 4:10-13 (New American Standard)

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me;indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along withhumble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity ; in any and every circumstance I havelearned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Proverbs 30:7-9 (New American Standard)

7 Two things I asked of You, Do not refuse me before I die : 8 Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches ; Feed me with the food that is my portion, 9 That I not befull and deny You and say, "Who is the LORD ?" Or that I not be in want and steal, And profanethe name of my God.

I encourage you to read these passages at least twice. Then ask yourself, when was the last time you really trusted God? Could you handle a blessing if He gave you what you asked for?

Often times, I will pray for God to move in my life, finances or health. I will put all my faith in the Lord that I know will come through for me. I wait a little while to see what God will do. I practice patience, knowing that God hears our prayers and will give us the desires of our hearts. And then, I decide God is not working fast enough in my situation. I decide I can take charge and take over the situation. So many times we all have this same idea that we can do it better ourselves.

 Proverbs 3:5 says to "Trust the Lord with all your heart".

How many times have you taken life in your own hands, without God, and it worked out the way you planned it? I'm not saying that everything will always be perfect. I'm saying that we can not do this alone. We need divine intervention. My prayer is that of Proverbs 30:7-9. I don't ever want to get to a place in my life, where I am so comfortable that I assume that I don't need God anymore. It is scary to think of life without God, but we can all get to a place where we think we can do all things without Him.

The way I am going to try to avoid this is to pray that God only give me my daily portion. I want to stay at a place in my life where I am completely reliant on God.

Are you praying for a need or a blessing in your life?  Then let God know what it is, and then sit back and trust Him. Don't interfere!!  Don't get in the way!! Just be patient and trust God. He will always come through when you trust Him completely. Make yourself available for God's blessing. Remember that He will take you through a valley to test your faith, and to increase your faith. He is there with you every step of the way. Will you make it to the mountain top with God?  Or will you give up, do it yourself, and fall off the cliff?