Starting Over - by Os Hillman

TGIF (http://www.marketplaceleaders.org/tgif/)

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. – James 1:9

Do you find yourself in humble circumstances? If so, James tells us that we are to take pride in this “high” position. These two things would seem to be an oxymoron. Most of us would not consider humble circumstances a high position. Successful business tells us that being on top means being wealthy, attaining favor and status, or having power to influence. However, Jesus influenced not from power, but from weakness.

J.C. Penney is a name synonymous with department store. He first launched his chain of “The Golden Rule” stores in 1907. In 1910 his first wife died. Three years later, he incorporated as the J.C. Penney company. In 1923 his second wife died giving birth to his son. In 1929 the stock market crashed and he lost $40 million.

By 1932, he had to sell out to satisfy…creditors. This left [Penney] virtually broke. …Crushed in spirit from his loss and his health suddenly failing, Penney wound up in a Battle Creek, Michigan sanitarium. One morning he heard the distant singing of employees who gathered to start the day with God: Be not dismayed, whate’er betide, God will take care of you…. Penney followed the music to its source and slipped into a back row. He left a short time later a changed man, his health and spirit renewed, and ready to start the long climb back at age fifty-six.
By 1951 there was a J.C. Penney store in every state, and for the first time sales surpassed $1 billion a year. [John Woodbridge, ed., More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 340-343.]

The success of J.C. Penney can be traced to God’s mercy in his life to bring him out of his humble circumstance. Do you find yourself in a humble circumstance? God is the only one who can help you see your humble circumstance from His viewpoint-a high position. It is a high position because of what God is going to teach you in this place. He does not intend you to stay there; it is merely a stopping place to learn some important things you would not learn otherwise. Press into God and trust Him for the outcome to your circumstances.

It is very difficult at times to pass through our own vision of something to achieve God's perfect will.  There have been MANY moments when my head and hopes dropped during the past 5 years of getting this organization off and running.  I pray that each time I get through that moment I am better prepared to hit the next disillusion with out giving up my hope and peace.  I am positive that is the pivotal transformation that places us in "Battle Creek" verses "Every State".  It is after all our "state of mind" that allows us to truly see God's perfect will.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

I thank God that his word is truth and trustworthy, that we can ask, know and be healed - today...believe!
In Christ,
Candace

When You Don't Know...

These are a few priceless nuggets by Dr's Henry Cloud and John Townsend.

Courage: You cannot journey God's way without encourntering risk and fear.  Sometimes the task looks too daunting to face.  There is safety in numbers, so just having a support team close by will build your courage.  But you also need people nearby who will tell you what Paul told his friends who wer in great danger.  "So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that is will happen just as he told me." (Acts 27:25)  

Accountability: Cars and airplanes have gauges which constantly report the status of the engine and warn of malfunctions.  Companies are periodically audited to inform their directors of needed corrections.  In the same way, you need to be held accountable by others who will monitor your progress and keep you on track.  You need people on your team who are interested enough to ask the touch quesitons:  How is your faith doing?  Where are you failing?  What kind of help do you need?

www.kaleidoscopebutterfly.org send those you support to this link to help the build the stong cord which is not easily broken.

Trust in the Lord's Help

God stated that all things are common to man.  KB's scripture of faith for what we do is Isaiah 50: 4-5.  It is difficult at best to put our selves out there day in and day out.  Knowing what the world thinks, whether they ever say it directly to us or not.  We are all human and at times it does hurt.  We know that Christ too had to face this, and at the end of His days He requested that God forgive them.  Why?  Because He knew that they didn't know what they were doing.  That my friends is LOVE.

We are to love because He first loved us.  We are to turn our cheeks and show love, no matter how angry we get.  We are supposed to be angry and NOT sin.  God promises that He is just.  Do we believe that?  I sure do.  I do not always do what I know to be right, but I know that God walks me through my mistakes and rectifies them.  This is of course depends on my alignment with Him, and the free will of others to do the same.  Sometimes it all works out and sometimes there is heartbreak involved.  But all the while, we must look to Him for our acceptance.  Otherwise we won't make it. 

The fullness of Isaiah 50 is what I am about to type.  These are God's words and honestly they help me believe that He is just, however my prayer is for everyone to believe that His way is the best and to Love him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  I pray that you chase after him in all ways..after all He is the lover of your soul...Above all else.

With Love,
Candace

Isaiah 50: 4-11 (GWT)

The Almighty Lord will teach me what to say, so I will know how to encourage weary people.  Morning after morning he will wake me to listen like a student.  The almighty Lord will open my ears.  I will not rebel, nor will I turn away from him.  I will offer my back to those who whip me and my cheeks to those who pluck hairs out of my beard.  I will not turn my face away from those who humiliate me and spit on me.  The Almighty Lord helps me.  That is why I will not be ashamed.  I have set my face like a flint.  I know that I will not be put to shame.  The one who pronounces me innocent is near.  Who will bring a case against me?  Let us confront each other!  Who accuses me?  Let hin confront me!  The Allmighty Lord helps me.  Who will find me guilty?  They will all wear out like a garment.  Moths will eat them.  Who among you fears the Lord and obeys his servant?  Let those who walk in darkness and have no light trust the name of the Lord and depend upon their God.  But all of you light fires and arm yourselves with flaming torches.  So walk in yoru own light and among the torches you have lit. This is what you will recieve from me:  You wil be tormented.