Creole | His Perfect Timing

For if I do this work of my own free will, then I have a reward; but if it is not of my will [but by God’s choosing], I have been entrusted with a [sacred] stewardship.
‭‭1 CORINTHIANS‬ ‭9:17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Good morning! We are so thankful to have survived the storm with no damage. Today, Britt and I are celebrating our anniversary a little late by spending the day together.

The subject of “choices” is heavy on my mind. God is a respecter of people. He gives us free-will. Yet, we struggle with our choices. How many times have you been in the store or maybe on the Internet shopping, and seen something you feel like you can’t live without? You can’t afford it, but really want it. Have you ever juggled bills mentally? I am reminded of a time that I fell in love with a special Bible. It was beautiful. The pages were embossed with roses. There were beautiful images in the Bible and I loved the way the synthetic pink leather felt. For a year I visited the book store and walked around carrying the Bible like it was a baby. Every time I put the Bible back on the shelf and didn’t purchase it for myself. I did, however, buy the Bible as a gift for someone else. The recipient seemed pleased at the time, but I later learned that they didn’t like it. One day I was driving down the road and saw the book store was closing. I rushed over, but the Bible was gone. As soon as I got home from work, I searched the Internet and found one for half the price on Amazon. I ordered it right away and felt that immediate contentment. The next day I learned it was on back order. It stayed on back order for six months. However, individuals were selling the once $40 Bible ($25 on Amazon) for over $2,000. I gave up and ordered a similar Bible, which I didn’t need. The next day the Bible I wanted shipped out. I ended up spending $50 for two Bibles I didn’t need. Yet, I was excited to receive my beautiful Bible. Guess what? It’s untouched in the same place I set it when it arrived. The truth is I have several Bibles and I didn’t need another Bible, especially because it looked pretty. Bad financial decisions are painful down the road and take a toll on relationships. In fact, how many divorces have you noted due to finances?

Have you ever fallen in love and wanted to give into physical desires when you weren’t married? It seems commonplace now, but Paul covers this sin of the flesh in the Book of Galatians. Maybe you have already succumbed to the passion and now you are in a difficult situation related to that decision? Or maybe you are stressed at home and a pretty face provides a temptation you are unable to resist. Have you resorted to crime in order to feed your family? Have you ever been faced with a difficult ethical decision at work? Have you made bad decisions in how you treat others?

The list goes on and on. Not only do your decisions affect you, but also others. Even if no one knows about your bad decision, your attitude and actions will show what is going on inside of you. Some decisions take many years to overcome. Some decisions may change your life forever or even result in a physical death.

So, what do you do? You can’t be indecisive for long periods of time. The answer is accept Christ as your personal savior. Build a good relationship with God. Study your Bible daily. Build relationships with other Christians. Then, when you have an important decision, ask for God’s guidance. It’s that simple! What a super gift! Yet, it does take a little effort every day. The good news is that if you have made bad decisions, and we all have, you can ask for forgiveness and realize that it takes time overcome bad decisions.

Have a wonderful Wednesday and spread God’s love everywhere you go. God bless you.

Clarifying note. After I posted today, my husband pointed out that the Bible tells us in Acts 10:34-35 that “God is no respecter of persons”. However, the phrase is used in a different context. My reference was in regard to personal free-will. God respects our free-will. Acts 10 is referencing God showing no partiality.

Grace to you and peace [inner calm and spiritual well-being] from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
‭‭GALATIANS‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Good morning from the very beautiful New Orleans. The sky is cloudless this morning as I prepare to depart this city rich with culture. The visit has been a wonderful opportunity for me professionally and personally. However, I miss my husband and I’m ready to return home. If you ever visit New Orleans, the food is magnificent.

During my stay I worked on my studies some at night. I’m currently studying the Book of Galatians. The first chapter is packed full of information. I spent three or four hours last night studying Galatians 1 and I’m still working on it. One theme that jumped out at me and I wanted to share is “Grace versus Legalism”. I often hear people say legalism, but I didn’t realize what they meant until now. It’s completely understandable as Christians that we feel obligated to do something, but that is legalism. It could be dressing a certain way, following Old Testament laws, or feeling obligated to go or serve at Church. Legalism puts the focus on us rather than on our sweet Lord. Rather that working to please God, we should focus on working for God because we love Him so much and in thanksgiving for all our blessings. You see, we have salvation by faith and spirituality by grace. There is nothing we can do to be saved, but accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. As our verse today tells us, peace is a part of that grace (Galatians 1:3). Isn’t that great! Then, the “works” we do should be in thanksgiving and a way of honoring our Lord.