God's plans

Proverbs 16:1-3
NIV
1 To man belong the plans of the heart,
but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.

2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.

3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.

How often we set out to achieve our goals. We are on a mission.
We get into a mode of setting plans and moving forward. Checking
off the marks as each task is completed. Never taking our eyes
from the goal.

Set you eyes on JESUS. Lay down your plans, watch and listen to
what God is doing and join Him. Let God set the plans, commit your
life to completing the goals that God has set. These plans will
succeed. In God's time. In God's will.

Have a great day!

Father, Forgive Them!

Luke 23:34 (NIV) Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Yesterday morning I had the wonderful privilege of attending a little country church for the Sunday morning service. As the pastor began speaking, he quoted Luke 23:34. Many thoughts filled my mind as he delivered his message and continued to speak about loving and forgiving others. How could Jesus forgive His enemies after receiving painful, agonizing punishment that was delivered so brutally and spitefully? And how could Jesus forgive his enemies when he did nothing wrong? He did not deserve even the first strike on his body, but yet as He continued to endure the pain, He sought the Father's forgiveness for their sins. There are a couple lessons that I learned yesterday that are very valuable and worth sharing. Forgiveness only comes from our Father in Heaven. Jesus didn't say I forgive you, he pleaded with the Father in Heaven to provide them with the ultimate forgiveness. In the same way, when we forgive each other, we are asking God to cancel the sin. Isn't that awesome?! The second main point is that forgiveness is available for everyone. Everyone is eligible to receive God's forgiveness! Matthew 6:14-15 says, "If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." In Mark 11:25, Jesus said, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins." Dear Friend, how about you? Have you forgiven your enemies? Jesus said to 'forgive them for they know not what they do' but sometimes this is the most difficult task, especially after enduring hardship and suffering. Take a few moments right now and ask God to cleanse your heart and to show you how to love and forgive others as He has so lovingly demonstrated on the cross. Blessings to You Today, Dave Henry

Be Healed, But Return Thanks!

Luke 17:12-19 (NIV) As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." Today's message is very clear—I am returning to give praise to God! Until last week, I had suffered for the two previous weeks from severe, ongoing shoulder and arm pains. I was so very stiff and uncomfortable that I wasn't able to be in the same position for more than a few minutes without squirming and desperately trying to reposition myself to find a position of comfort. Our band practiced Monday and Tuesday evening for about an hour. I had struggled to hold my left arm in an upright position to play my harp as I normally play. At the end of the hour on Monday, the guys from the band laid hands on me and offered a prayer of healing. I was reminded of today's verse as I heard Jonny pray for me. I want to make sure that I recognize and publicize God's healing powers, and that I also am not ashamed or too busy to return thanks to our God who cares for me. I have no aches or pains in the same area that gave me so much trouble for two consecutive weeks. Hallelujah, and Praise God! Dear Friend, how about you? Do you have a need for healing in your life? Suffering comes in many forms. You may suffer emotionally, physically, or spiritually. Whatever you suffer from today, our God is an awesome God who loves you, provides for you, and will heal you, especially when you come to him in faith as His child. When you receive your healing, be like the one who returned to Jesus to give thanks. For He alone is worthy to receive all glory and all honor and all thanksgiving. Blessings to You, Dave Henry