TUESDAY IN THE PSALMS

Yesterday was a good day as much was accomplished around the church.  We are remodeling much of the buildings because of water damage during a December cold snap that froze a few pipes and they burst.  It was trying at the time, but I knew God had a plan.  Now it looks like we will get a remodel for the price of a small deductible.  God always knows what He is doing! Today, I'm in the Psalms again and here is just a thought or two.  I wrote a lot yesterday and hope not to write so much, though I enjoy it. 1) THE DESIRE TO ESCAPE- It rests in each one of us.  The desire to leave when pressure mounts.  David knew all about this.  He says in Psalms 55:6,7 "And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah."  We think it would be good, but remember that wandering in the wilderness is not a good retirement program!  Why do we get this way?  Well, usually because we focus on the problem instead of the God of the problem.  How do we deal with these feelings?  Let me suggest this:  a- Realize that God knew about the problem before it came your way.  (Everything that enters our lives is filtered by the hand of God!)  He knew all about it before you did! ; b- Focus on God's purpose, not the problem.  If God allowed it, what is it's purpose.  You know it is not to destroy you, but to strengthen you, and ultimately bless you!!  Yes, I mean just that.  Ultimately bless you!!  (How can God bless you with cancer?.... Oh, don't get me started: Draw you so close to HIm; Have hundreds praying for you everyday; Heal you for His glory, or Freshen up your mansion in Heaven..... either way.... you win!!) ; c- Realize that God wants you yield this problem to Him (I Peter 5:7), and allow Him to flow through you to be a blessing to others from what you learned going through the problem!  DON'T ESCAPE.... EMBRACE GOD!! 2) THE ATTITUDE OF THE EARTH- Throughout the Bible we see references to the earth doing things we would never think about.... like praising God!!  This earth has suffered, but not because of man's abuse of it, but man's sin and his fall.  When Adam fell, the earth was cursed and had troubles just like man has troubles as a result of the fall.  Romans 8 tells us that creation groaneth for the day of redemption.  How happy this earth will be again.... the new Heaven and the new Earth.  In Psalms 69:34, it says: "Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein."  (Do you know how many creatures move in the seas?  A lot!!)  If the earth can praise God..... let us do it today!!  Praise God! Have a blessed day!  Pastor Mike Mutchler