Investments

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> I am sitting here pondering the state of affairs in the world in general and the church/religion/people in particular. Things are not very pretty. The church/religion/people is a cracked vessel, a smudged painting, a poor witness to the unconditional love of God. Maybe this is not a good investment. Maybe we should sell our stock and invest in something that at least will produce better results. ?????? The problem I have with these thoughts is that getting rid of them would be like throwing the baby out with the water. Whatever is decent in me came from these crappy conditions. I think I will continue to leave my investments where they are and count on the Kingdom of God that is actually relevant to what is going on in the world/church/religion/politics/people………In the meantime I will do all the good I can where I am…..
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> dad/papa

Fwd: thought

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> For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Energy is always working for one purpose and one purpose only. That purpose is to redeem, renew, create beauty, love, kindness, ……Trees burn. The forest is destroyed. Wait long enough and new life will begin to come forth out of the earth. Sin and evil destroys whatever it touches, but does not have the final act. Eternal Love eventually brings new life and cleansing….
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> dad/papa

Surrender

> "YOU'RE BLESSED WHEN YOU ARE AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE. WITH LESS OF YOU THERE IS MORE OF GOD AND HIS RULE." Human ego wants to be at the center and in charge. Sooner or later a person has to wake up to the reality that life happens and is out of our control. We can become bitter and cynical. The smart choice is come to terms with the Source of creation and make peace in your mind and heart. Now, with a proper reliance upon God, get on with the business of living.
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> dad/papa

I LOOK UP TO THE MOUNTAINS; WHERE WILL MY HELP COME FROM? MY HELP WILL COME FROM THE LORD, WHO MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH. (Psalms 121:1,2). These are still words that light my thinking and encourage my spirit. 

Don’t calculate without God. This thought spoke to me when I first read it. It flows out of Psalm 37:5 in which we are reminded to commit our way to God confident God will direct our path. The point is we may make all kinds of plans but Holy Spirit has final approval. Pause, pay attention to the counsel of Word within you......(something to consider.)