The Divine Coach

 I'm not sure what kind of tree this is, but the bright green leaves caught my eye. It is sitting next to a Magnolia (below) and it was a striking view!

Most of us are very familiar with Romans 8:28: "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." Nancy McGuirk, author of Rest Assured and leader of the Women's Community Bible Study, shared a different look at this verse.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." 

 Proverbs 16:9

"It's not that the choices we make don't matter; they do. And it's not that we are puppets with no say; we're not. But somehow in God's mysterious ways, He is able to incorporate our choices with His ultimate plan. It's kind of like having an invisible coach in the basketball game of life. God, the Coach, wants us to make the right moves, but sometimes we don't. And when we don't, He may change the flow of the game in order to work around our choices. No matter what moves we make, with God as Coach, you will win the game," Nancy shares in her devotion "The Divine Coach."

 We have free choice to make any decisions we want, but it's nice to know God doesn't leave us out on a limb. When we are His, our lives are under His umbrella and He guides us as we go.

"The idea that God ordains everything that comes to us is profoundly life changing," Nancy shared. "If we believe that God loves us, and nothing can separate us from His love, why do we worry . . . The one thing I know: I cannot play this game of life unless I read the Rule Book."

Charles Stanley shared these words from His book Wisdom From Above, May 7th devotion, The Healing Word: ". . . the most effective thing you can do is read Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you through it. Because when you immerse yourself in God's Word, the Father begins to renew you, changing the way you see things and giving you His perspective of the situations you're facing. He reveals the conditions that trigger your damaged emotions and teaches you to respond in a manner that builds you up rather than tears you down. And He shows you how to enjoy the abundant life He created for you." Charles F. Stanley, Wisdom from Above, May 7th devotion, The Healing Word

Read the Rule Book. "The Bible redirects my will, cleanses my emotions, enlightens my mind, and quickens my total being." E. Stanley Jones (1884-1973)

It's Dandelion time here in NW PA. Lawns and fields are covered with Dandelions and it really gives quite a show in color! But once I saw a few fields covered in dandelions, below, my perspective on the lowly Dandelion changed. Fields of yellow are quite attractive!

"The highest earthly enjoyments are but a shadow of the joy I find in reading God's Word,"

Lady Jane Grey (1537-1554)

Tell me, my heart. Do I feel like that reading God's Word. Do you?