Do you ever wonder why we have troubles in this life? Are troubles necessary? Are troubles helpful? Many people have asked "why do bad things happen to good people?" God has a purpose behind every problem we have. He uses these problems to develop our character.
Read MoreEach spring we celebrate the resurrection of Christ Jesus on Easter Sunday. Easter is past, but it’s always a good time to remember those events surrounding Easter. The events of that one week in history became a corner stone; the strong foundation of our Christian faith, and we should keep those events uppermost in our mind. But do we remember Jesus’ life up to that point?
He had grown up as the son of a carpenter in the small town of Nazareth. Only he knew, the hands that were pierced by splinters while helping Joseph would soon be pierced by nails.
Do you struggle to have a regular time to meet with God? Finding a time when you’re thinking of nothing but spending time in God’s presence. A time when you talk with God and listen when God speaks to you. We call this our “quiet time”.
For years I had trouble finding time to spend a few quiet moments with God each day.
George Bernard Shaw said “You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?"
That’s the way dreamers are. Dreamers see opportunities, where others see problems. Dreamers are the cause of many impossible things becoming reality. Dreamers are sometimes called visionaries. Sometimes they are called foolish. Are you a dreamer? I have been a dreamer most of my life. We all have a Big Dream that has been with us from a very early age. These big dreams challenged us to try harder and not give up too soon on our dreams.
Do you ever wonder why we have troubles in this life? Are troubles necessary? Are troubles helpful? Many people have asked "why do bad things happen to good people?" God has a purpose behind every problem we have. He uses these problems to develop our character.
We will soon begin our plans for the holidays. Thanksgiving is a few days away. Our plans will include a big meal with friends or a visit family. Someone always prays before the meal. Some prayers will be short, some will be long, but all prayers will thank God for the food…but what else?
In the hot days summer, a cool rain shower would be nice. We unconsciously pray for rain, but when it comes what do we do? Do we stand outside and enjoy it? I like to walk in the gentle rains of summer, but I always remember what Momma said and take an umbrella. When the grandchildren were young, every year we had an Easter egg hunt in our back yard.
Do you ever feel that you don’t fit in? People around you have everything they try turn out great. You want that kind of life, but you’re either a little short or a little late when opportunities arrive. Is your life all scrambled up? Is it like a puzzle with some pieces missing or the pieces you have won’t fit? Do you wonder, where is my place? Where do I fit in?
I like country music. The singers seem to say what I’m thinking. Most are not afraid to say the words Jesus, God and Heaven in their songs. Some are a little rough around the edges, but most are pretty solid citizens. Their songs aresimple and honest; dealing with real life experiences.
Ever have a day you wish you could start over? You woke up late, no coffee, rushing to get dressed for work, out of toothpaste, and of course the car needed gas. Every traffic light was red. You shout, “I need a reboot.”
We all have days like that. You wanted to wake up from the nightmare and start over. We can’t re-live a day that has passed or start over one we don’t like.
© 2014 Harry L McCoy • Photos of Harry by Mary Decrescenzio • Website by Michael McCoy
Our Christian experience, here on earth, is surrounded with mystery. The Bible speaks of the mystery of godliness. In 1 Timothy, Paul says this. “Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great. (3:16). He speaks again in 1 Corinthians about the mystery of the resurrection. “Listen I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep but we will all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of eye, at the last trumpet.