What State Are You In?

Volume 13 Issue 6

Greeting in His Name,

What a blessedness, what a peace of mind, leaning on the everlasting arm. Leaning... safe and secure from all alarms. This hymn reassures us that God is always with us and if we trust Him, no matter what, we have security, now and forever more. With that being said, today's blog is entitled What State Are You In? I hope you find some inspiration, conviction, and queries.

shalom and love,

heidi

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If you read a previous month's issue, you found that you must be there to be a good neighbor.  Well, this month, I found myself stuck on another insurance company—Allstate Are You In Good Hands.  As I probed into the role of an insurer, I discovered that insurance companies are known to pool many people's small, regular payments to cover the expenses of uncommon yet significant life events.  Even though the probability of a loss is slim to none, we can transfer the weight of the responsibility onto an insurance company.  Even though we complain about the bill because 9 times out 10, we never use the services we pay for.  It is known that most policies are purchased only for the policyholder's peace of mind.  Yet, when those life events hit, I can say, 'Thank God for insurance.'  This month, I want to take a look at our spiritual policy.  And I want to ask, "What state are you in?  Are you covered, or has your policy lapsed?"

Assurance (Psalm 138:8a KJV)

The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me. It's good to have insurance but even greater to have assurance.  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ [Philippians 1:6]. God decided long ago that He would do for you what most can't, and that is to fulfill every promise He has forecasted for your life.  Not only that, but at some point in life, we have the awesome privilege of bringing Him our unanswered concerns and finding the answer that continues the cycle of God perfecting or completing everything that pertains to us.  Even though He sits high and looks low, God has proven himself to be a Father to me in that He not only sees me, but He knows me and daily demonstrates that He cares for me.  Your concerns, great or small, are God's concerns.  In this verse, God is not agitated or overwhelmed by our earthly concerns, things we worry about, people we may fear, and anxiety that come when overcome by life.  But God is throwing out the assurance that He is completing those things that He has purposed for us from the beginning.  If I may give you my own translation of this section of scripture, rest assured that God is making those things He set in motion regarding you from the start of time happen, and His assurance is unwavering and reliable. 

Compassion (Psalm 138:8b KJV)

Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever. It's good to have coverage but it's even greater to have compassion.  The Word tells us that God's compassions fail not. This compassion that God extends to us is eternal, and it never changes – unless you play the part of a knucklehead and God has to extend his hand of wrath, which to me is a greater witness of his ever-loving compassion.  Have you ever heard people say that as a parent decides to bring out the chastening rod, 'This is going to hurt me more than it's going to hurt you?'  Of course, you couldn't find that true at the time, but with age and probably with children of your own, you now realize that sheer compassion shone forth. To love me is to correct me.  Well, God has that same enduring mercy and compassion towards us.  Unlike most insurance companies who offer differing forms of accident forgiveness (i.e., so-called compassion), the end result is if you don't meet their terms or if you have not proven yourself loyal, get ready for your premium to go up – SOME COMPASSION!  As I said before, insurance coverage has proven to be good at times, but all the time, God's continued goodness, kindness, and faithfulness have proven to go beyond good – absolutely grand!  In this section of scripture, in my own words, your ever-loving compassion, Lord, flows constantly to me like a river, and it is a love that never fades or changes, always there for us.           

Sanctuary (Psalm 138:8c KJV)

Forsake not the works of thine own hands.  It's good to have security, but it's greater to have sanctuary.  Because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, I can rest assured that God will secure his investment in me.  God has promised not to abandon His work.  Often, our overwhelming concentration on our inabilities casts us from his hand.  Do you not know that you are safe in His hands?  You have more than security from the mishaps of life in His hands, but in His hands is sanctuary.  No matter the event, His solace will be there.  Don't get me wrong, insurance can bring solace, but it is only through the security of having it that relief comes.  With God, because I am His handy work, it is automatic.  I don't have to work for it or toil over it.  Are you safe today?  Have you found a place of shelter in God?  Or has life been a series of one-night stands with God, using him only when you need him?  If so, it is still not too late to rekindle the 'policy' and let him bring security and sanctuary.  In my words, God will not turn His back on His work, and I'm His work.

Are You In Good Hands?

Most who are reading this are in good hands.  Most have found God to be assurance, compassion, and sanctuary.  This is the thing; Progressive Insurance has this representative called Flo.  It is her job to sell the product.  She assures you that this insurance will cover all your needs.  She sells security to those who don't want to be stuck in a rut trying to find a way out of a dilemma life may pose.  Have you discovered that you are in good hands like Flo from Progressive, Jake from Statefarm, or the Allstate man?  If so, let's progress Christ's work by becoming a non-paid salesman of the Gospel. We assure people that our God is still alive and willing to complete the work He has started.  You are in good hands!

LIFE QUOTE

“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands."

-Anne Frank

Let Us Laugh!

A small town had four churches: Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic, and Baptist. All four had a serious problem with squirrels in the church. Each church, in its own fashion, had a meeting to deal with the problem.

The Presbyterians decided that it was predestined that squirrels be in the church and that they would just have to live with them.

The Methodists decided they should deal with the squirrels lovingly in the style of Charles Wesley. They humanely trapped them and released them in a park at the edge of town. Within 3 days, they were all back in the church.

The Catholics also humanely trapped them and attempted to teach them the "rhythm" method which of course did not work.

The Baptists had the best solution. They voted the squirrels in as members. Now they only see them at Christmas and Easter.

Squirrels - https://www.makeitclearnow.org/relhumor.html#The%20doorbell

Hope to see you Next Month....

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