Ancient Words For Today - 78
Reflecting on the events of the past two years, I am amazed at the manifold awesome things God accomplished during that time. Starting with my early retirement (I was not contemplating retirement for at least several more years) and our move from California to Florida (which was never a place we considered making our home) - God orchestrated all the details and gave us a heart to do so. Most difficult of all the changes was leaving behind our wonderful friends, our pastor and the church we had attended since becoming Christians over 25 years earlier.
We felt much like I imagine Abraham felt when God told him to leave his country, family and friends and go to a new place that God would show him. We sold our home not knowing where God would be relocating us and I resigned from my job of 12 years. We certainly had not thought about Florida as the place God would want us to move, but it turned out that way. Now that we are here, we are delighted and love it! Many of our close friends have visited us and some of them have purchased property near where we now live!!
As an integral part of our move to Florida, God also provided for my brother Mark. He had been living and working in Las Vegas for several years. About the same time that Carole and I were led by God to sell our home, Mark began to experience serious back pain (from a previous injury) and lost his job as a result. From the beginning of this adventure, Carole and I believed Mark's future was being intertwined with ours by God. The three of us moved to our new home in Florida together. Mark remained with us for several months, after which God provided Mark a place of his own near our house. It has been so wonderful being near Mark and doing things with him after being separated by distance and circumstances for so many years. Thank you God!!!
The most important event since our move to Florida is that Mark received Jesus Christ as his savior and Lord! Praise the Lord!!! Mark is continuing to grow in his Christian walk and seeking to know God's will and plan for his life. This has been such a blessing for us to see and experience with Mark!
We have all been blessed with health, interesting surroundings and abundant things to do and and to become involved with. Our new church has been a continual blessing to us and it is so special having my brother joining us there for worship, communion and to hear God's word preached in its fullness. God is so faithful! He has provided for our every need - physical, emotional and spiritual!!
Considering what God has done brought several scriptures to mind. I hope they will comfort and encourage you as you walk with Him.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jer 29:11
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phi 4:19
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 1Thessalonians 5:23-4