Category Archives: God leads me

God Leads The Way

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“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

With God as your life’s Heavenly Navigator, you never have to worry or be fearful when forging ahead into uncharted territory.  You can confidently trust that the Lord is going before you, guiding you in the path that is best for you.  He promises to be with you each step of the way…even in the deepest, darkest valleys and through the most treacherous terrain. When the going gets tough, He will never abandon you or forget about you.

Perhaps you are struggling with decisions about your career, finances, relationships, child-rearing, education, or even treatment options for a health crisis.  You would never travel to a new place without consulting a map or GPS system. Why do you think that you could blindly traverse though life’s journey without consulting God’s divine wisdom?  He is your holy Field Guide for your earthly trek. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or afraid, focus on the fact that God is already ahead of you, leading the way.  He knows the plans He has in store for you ~ seek His excellent guidance and ask Him for wisdom.   With Him by your side, you can have confidence that the choices you make are best

He’s already in your future…follow His lead.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Genesis 28:15
“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.”
Deuteronomy 4:31

Your Guiding Light

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Light at the end of the tunnelBecause of your great compassion

You did not abandon them in the wilderness.

By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path,

nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take.

Nehemiah 9:19 (NIV)

 Wouldn’t it be nice to have a guiding light shining on the path of your life?  You would never have to question which direction you should head, nor would there be any doubt about whether you were making the right decisions.

We no longer have a pillar of fire ahead of us like the Israelites did when God guided them through the wilderness, but the great news is that God’s Word is like a lantern that lights each footstep of our journey through life.  Psalm 119:105 tells us that, “Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” As we study the Bible, His Words illuminate our path and keep us from stumbling over obstacles in the way.  It’s our field guide as we navigate each twist and turn throughout our days.

If you feel lost in life right now, and the road ahead seems dark and treacherous, open your Bible and begin to read God’s instruction manual.  It will be your guiding light, and it’s the only road map you need as you travel your life’s journey.  Follow the Light!!

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.  Isaiah 42:16
 
 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
Proverbs 4: 18 – 19

The God Who Sees Me

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2011 Football banquet and Field Trip 254The Lord talked to Hagar.

She began to use a new name for God. She said to him,

“You are ‘God Who Sees Me.’”

She said this because she thought,

“I see that even in this place God sees me and cares for me!” 

Genesis 16:13 (ERV)

Mistreated, abused and rejected, Hagar was running away from her circumstances.  She found herself alone in the desert feeling frightened, forgotten and weary from her journey.   Yet, at her lowest point, the angel of the Lord appeared to her, calling her by name, and encouraged her…right in the middle of her wilderness.

Maybe you are in the midst of a “wilderness” in life.  The path you are traveling seems rocky and desolate, littered with extreme difficulties.  You feel that no one knows or cares about your dire circumstances.  You are lonely and afraid, and perhaps you feel the only possible solution is to “run away” from your problems.  The God Who Sees also cares about you.  He sees you right where you are, and He knows about every tumultuous detail of your life.  He knows your name…and your needs.  Turn to Him for guidance and direction.

As for Hagar, the Lord instructed her to return to her owner, Sarai, and to submit to her authority.  Notice that He didn’t remove Hagar from her circumstances, but He gave her guidance and encouragement on how to live the life she was destined for.  He also promised to bless her for her obedience and encouraged her concerning the child she was carrying, Abram’s son.  If Hagar had continued running, she and her unborn child would have met with certain disaster.  God knew His plans for her life…and the life of her unborn son…, and He gave her specific instructions about how she should live.

This story is a great example of how God causes all things…even bad things…to work together for good.  (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.  Romans 8:28) Hagar’s obedience brought God’s blessings upon her life.  God also sees you in your wilderness, and He has a marvelous plan for your life.  Listen to His instructions.  Remember that “running away” is not the solution, and it often leads to sure disaster.  Instead of running away…run into His arms and listen to His instructions.  Your obedience to His plan will bring divine blessings upon your life. Remind yourself that “even in this place, God sees me and cares for me!”

“…I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.”  Hosea 2:14b

Refreshment For Your Soul

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Peaceful Waters

“…He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.”

Psalm 23:2b-3a(NIV)

The 23rd Psalm beautifully illustrates our relationship with the Lord, describing Him as our gentle Shepherd who lovingly and tenderly provides for the all the needs of His sheep.  When we follow the lead of our Good Shepherd, He will guide us in the direction that is best for our lives. 

If you are weary from life ~ perhaps worn down from hard work, or weak from illness, or drained from mourning a loss, or exhausted from battling a difficult relationship, or tired from too many sleepless nights,or anxious from financial concerns, or fearful of dangerous living conditions ~ follow the lead of your loving Shepherd.  He is gently guiding you by peaceful streams so that you can take a long, cool drink of refreshment for your soul. He knows your every need, and He cares for you.  Follow Him to the path that directs you right into His loving arms.  Our loving Shepherd would never guide you to the stagnant waters of filth or corruption, nor dangerous, rolling rapids, nor a roaring, tumultuous sea.  His quiet waters are peaceful and calm.  He longs for you to take a soul-refreshing sip of His Living Water. Taste of His goodness and know the quiet contentment of His divine nourishment.

 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When can I go and meet with God?

Psalm 42:2a(NIV)

 O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You;

my soul thirsts for you.

Psalm 63:1(NIV)

 Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Psalm 34:8a(NIV)