God is in Control

The word foreknowledge means to sit at a place where you can see from horizon to horizon. I have sat in those places. I sat in a spot where I could look over the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan. I have looked over the city of Bombay, India. I have even looked over Tallahassee! I guess you could say I have foreknowledge. Not really.
My problem is that even when I sit in such places I don't know what I am seeing. I might pick out landmarks, spires of chruch buildings, distant lakes, or other such obvious stuff, but I don't see what matters. I don't see the the hurts and challenges of life.
That is God's foreknowledge. He sees what we can't see. He knows you and loves you. He sits at a place with your full life in view. He also sees your eternity and He longs for that existence to be with Him.
I can trust the God who sees it all and has the power to control it as well. Remember, God is good!

New week

I must remember that nothing catches God off guard. Nothing! What ever my life hurts, habits, or hang ups God has them in full view and He is the solution. No matter the twist and turns of my life the God who loves me is in control. Even when my life is filled with hurt, doubt and disappointment He is working it together for good. I can count on God. He is good.
Let this thought fill your week. I will write more this week on this subject!

Risk

This morning I was listening to a raido morning show on my way to the office. (Which is unusual for me, I normally just cruise to work in silience) Some girl was announcing her departure for the show. She explained that she had an opportunity to move to L.A. and pursue her acting dream. She rationalized that she was young, pretty, and unattached so this was the perfect time to step out.
As she talked I began thinking about my recent decision to step out of the large church and into church planting. This is the greatest risk of my life, or is it? Maybe the decision to stay safe and secure was far more dangerous. I truly believe that God is in the risk business. Unlike the girl on the radio I am old, ugly, and very attached. (two kids in college) This experience has taught me the most important thing I could ever do is to follow God.
Admittedly there are times that I wake and wonder where my mind has gone, how will the bills get paid, and who will care for me when I retire. Those thoughts are very real, and the risk of what I have done is overwhelming.
As those thoughts crowd my mind and rob my sleep I begin to think about the what ifs. What if God is doing something so great that if I failed to risk it all I might miss it. I don't want to live my life in the shadows of the what ifs. I choose to chase Jesus.
Am I crazy? Yes! Crazy for the sake of the call of God. This past week-end I met people who had never been to church at the church I am planting. I saw someone give their heart to Christ. Eternity was changed! It is worth the risk.