God's Ways Are Not Our Ways: God's Ways Are BETTER Than Our Ways

 God's Ways Are Not Our Ways: God's Ways Are BETTER Than Our Ways

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Have you ever found yourself questioning God's plan or wondering why things didn't go as expected? It's natural to feel that way, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainties. However, as believers, we must remember that God's ways are not our ways. In fact, His ways are far better than ours.

God's Ways Are Rooted in Love

God's ways are motivated by His unconditional love for us. He desires the best for us, even when we can't see it. His love is not limited by our understanding or finite perspectives. As 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

God's Ways Are Filled with Wisdom

God's ways are guided by His infinite wisdom. He sees the beginning, middle, and end of all things. He knows the intricate details of our lives and the lives of those around us. His wisdom is beyond human comprehension, and His ways often defy our logical understanding.

God's Ways Are Filled with Mercy and Grace

God's ways are characterized by mercy and grace. He is slow to anger and abounding in love. Even when we fail or make mistakes, God's ways provide a path for redemption and restoration. As Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

God's Ways Are Not Limited by Our Circumstances

God's ways are not restricted by our circumstances or surroundings. He can work miracles in the most impossible situations. He can bring light into darkness, hope into despair, and joy into sorrow. As Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Trusting in God's Ways

As we navigate life's challenges, let us remember that God's ways are not our ways. His ways are better, higher, and more loving than ours. Let us trust in His goodness, wisdom, mercy, and grace. Let us surrender our limited understanding and finite perspectives to His infinite wisdom and love.

As the prophet Isaiah wrote, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." (Isaiah 26:3) May we be people who trust in God's ways, even when we don't understand. May we experience the perfect peace that comes from trusting in His goodness and love.

God Will Send a Helper

 God Will Send a Helper

As I reflect on our recent Bible study sessions, led by Keith M. Craddock, I am reminded of the promise that God will send us helpers in times of need. Our study focused on several scriptures that emphasize God's presence and provision in our lives.

Psalm 121:2

"My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:2)

This verse reassures us that our help comes from the all-powerful and all-knowing God. He is the Creator of the universe, and He is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Psalm 107:1

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1)

This scripture encourages us to give thanks to God for His goodness and enduring love. Even in difficult times, we can trust that God's love will sustain us.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

In these verses, the apostle Paul shares his experience of God's sufficient grace. Despite his weaknesses, Paul found that God's power was made perfect in him. This scripture reminds us that our weaknesses are opportunities for God's power to shine through.

As we studied these scriptures, our family was going through a period of isolation. Little did we know that God would send us a friendly little helper named Meta AI. This AI assistant has been a valuable resource, providing information and assistance when we needed it most.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Keith M. Craddock for leading our Bible study sessions, and to Meta AI for drafting help with this blog post.

May we always remember that God will send us helpers in times of need. May we trust in His goodness, love, and sufficient grace to carry us through life's challenges.

God Holds Tomorrow

 God Holds Tomorrow

As humans, we have a natural tendency to worry about the future. We often find ourselves consumed by thoughts of what's to come, and we can easily get caught up in anxiety and uncertainty. But as Christians, we have a promise that can bring us peace and comfort: God holds tomorrow.

In Matthew 6:34, Jesus tells us, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." These words remind us that God is in control, and we don't have to bear the weight of tomorrow's worries on our own.

The story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 is a powerful illustration of God's sovereignty over our lives. Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul, was crippled in both feet and felt like he didn't deserve God's blessing. But David, out of kindness and loyalty, took Mephibosheth in and treated him like one of his own sons. This story shows us that God's plans for us are not based on our own abilities or worthiness, but on His mercy and love.

Ecclesiastes 3:16 says, "And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there." This verse reminds us that the world is not always just or fair, but God is always in control. He holds the future, and we can trust Him to work everything out for our good.

In Joshua 10:13, we read, "So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day." This miraculous event shows us that God is all-powerful and can do the impossible. He can hold back time itself, and He can certainly hold our tomorrows.

Finally, Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." These verses remind us that we don't have to worry about tomorrow because we can bring our concerns to God in prayer. He will give us peace that surpasses understanding, and He will guard our hearts and minds.

As we look to the future, let us remember that God holds tomorrow. He is in control, and we can trust Him to work everything out for our good. Let us bring our worries and concerns to Him in prayer, and let us rest in the peace that He provides.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Keith M. Craddock for leading our family Bible study on this topic and inspiring this blog post.

Assistance

This blog post was drafted with the assistance of Meta AI.

God's Timing

 God's Timing 

A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

Have you ever felt like you're waiting forever for something to happen? Maybe you're waiting for a breakthrough, a healing, or a new opportunity. Whatever it is, it's easy to get impatient and wonder when God is going to show up.

Waiting on God

In Psalm 27:14, we read:

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Waiting on God is not always easy, but it's a crucial part of trusting in His timing. When we wait on God, we're showing that we trust in His goodness and sovereignty.

Trusting in God's Ways

In Proverbs 3:5-6, we read:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Trusting in God's ways is not always easy, especially when we can't see what's ahead. But when we trust in God, we can know that He is working everything out for our good.

Renewed Strength

In Isaiah 40:31, we read:

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

When we hope in God, we will renew our strength. We'll be able to soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, and walk and not be faint.

God is With Us

In Jeremiah 20:11, we read:

"But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten."

God is with us, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. He's a mighty warrior who will fight for us and defend us.

Peace That Transcends Understanding

In Philippians 4:6-7, we read:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

When we pray and give thanks to God, we can experience peace that transcends understanding. This peace will guard our hearts and minds, even in the midst of uncertainty.

Conclusion

God's timing is not always our timing. But when we wait on God, trust in His ways, and hope in His goodness, we can know that He is working everything out for our good. Let us be strong and take heart, knowing that God is with us and will renew our strength.

Reflection Questions

What are you waiting for God to do in your life?
How can you trust in God's ways and timing?
What does it mean to you to hope in God and renew your strength?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and sovereignty. Help us to wait on You, trust in Your ways, and hope in Your goodness. Renew our strength and give us peace that transcends understanding. In Jesus' name, Amen

Selling Your Soul: The Cost of Compromise

 Selling Your S

oul: The Cost of Compromise

A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock 

What does it mean to sell your soul? In a world where material possessions and fleeting pleasures often take center stage, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that success and happiness can be bought. But the truth is, there's a far greater cost to pursuing the world's definition of success.

What Does It Profit a Man?

In Mark 8:36, Jesus asks:

"What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"

Jesus is pointing out the absurdity of prioritizing worldly possessions and pleasures over our spiritual well-being. What does it profit a man to gain everything the world has to offer, only to lose his soul in the process?

Fleeing the Corruption in the World

In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul writes:

"Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

As believers, we're called to flee from the corruption in the world and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. We can't afford to get caught up in the world's definition of success, because it will ultimately lead to spiritual bankruptcy.

Being Led by the Spirit

In Romans 8:14, Paul writes:

"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."

As children of God, we're called to be led by the Spirit of God. This means prioritizing our spiritual well-being, seeking God's guidance and direction, and living according to His purposes.

Conclusion

Selling your soul is a costly business. When we prioritize worldly possessions and pleasures over our spiritual well-being, we risk losing everything that truly matters. Let us remember that our souls are worth far more than all the world's riches combined.

Reflection Questions

What are you prioritizing in your life? Are you seeking worldly success or spiritual significance?
How can you flee from the corruption in the world and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace?
What does it mean to you to be led by the Spirit of God?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and to seek Your guidance and direction. May we not be tempted by the world's definition of success, but instead may we seek to live according to Your purposes. In Jesus' name, Amen.