Michael Mason Ministries 2014

As 2013 draws to a close we seem to naturally reflect on the events of the past twelve months.  It has been a busy year for sure.  While there have been highs and lows, it has been a good year.

While I am reflecting n the past year, I am also thinking about the past six years.  I came to be the pastor of Trinity Baptist in January 2008.  In many ways it seems like just yesterday.  I knew at that time that God had called me to be the pastor.  Six years later I have the same confidence that he has called me to move in another direction.  While there have been some long months, these have been six short years.  While I have loved the people of Trinity Baptist dearly, my heart has never left the work of itinerant evangelism...that is being a "traveling preacher."  And while I will miss the people of Trinity Baptist, I would be out of God's will to stay as their pastor.

I hope you will pray for me.  I am stepping out on faith...believing God to open doors and provide opportunities for me to preach in revival meetings, in conferences, retreats, on the mission field, and wherever else God may direct.  Michael Mason Ministries is an incorporated non-profit organization that exists for the sole purpose of spreading the Gospel of Christ.  If you would like more information as to how you might support the work of our ministry I would be happy to answer any questions.  My email is michael-mason@charter.net.  Contact number is 256-306-6645.  Thank you.

Michael Mason Ministries Preaching Schedule 2014

January 18  Walker Baptist Assoc. Men's Conference
January 27 Morgan Baptist Assoc. VBS Rally

February 2 Austinville First Baptist Day, Decatur, Al.
February 6-13 Guatemala Mission w/ Friendship Baptist, Grand Bay, Al.
February 16  19th Ave. Baptist Revival Wknd, Hattiesburg, Miss.
February 23 Danville Baptist Revival Day, Danville, Al.

March 1 Belmore Baptst Men's Conference, Belmore, Al
March 2-5 Southside Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 9-11 Solitude Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 16-19, Harmony Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
March 30-April 2 Family Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.

April 3-5 Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tn.
April 7 Bethel Baptist Revival Night, Dora, Al.
April 10 & 12 Morgan Baptist Assoc VBS
April  13-16 New Center Baptist, Somerville, Al
April 20 Friendship Baptist Revival Day, Grand Bay, Al.
April 27-30 Sardis Springs Baptist Revival, Athens, Al.

May 2-3 Couples Retreat Wilsonville Baptist, Al.
May 4 Revival Day Wilsonville Baptist, Wilsonville, Al
May 6 Sweet Home Baptist Revival Night, Guntersville, Al.
May 18-21 Union Hill Baptist, Moulton, Al.  


(If you or your pastor would be interested in having me speak at an event you are planning feel free to call or text me at 256-306-6645.  Or you email me at michael-mason@charter.net.)

Changes...2014

Life is full of changes and challenges.  While it would be easier at times to refuse the challenge and choose not to change, if we're interested in seeing what God has for us we must take the step of faith. I really don't know what awaits me but I am certain my ministry at Trinity Baptist is finished.  My last Sunday as their pastor will be January 26, 2014.  I sure love the good people of this fine church.  To some this is a foolish decision - Others see it for what I believe it is...following the leadership of God's Spirit.  Pray for me as I move in that direction.  And pray for Trinity Baptist.

Michael Mason Ministries Preaching Schedule 2014

January 18  Walker Baptist Assoc. Men's Conference
January 27 Morgan Baptist Assoc. VBS Rally

February 2 Austinville First Baptist Revival Day, Decatur, Al.
February 6-13 Guatemala Mission w/ Friendship Baptist, Grand Bay, Al.
February 15-16  19th Ave. Baptist Revival Wknd, Hattiesburg, Miss.
February 23 Danville Baptist Revival Day, Danville, Al.

March 1 Belmore Baptst Men's Conference, Belmore, Al
March 2-5 Southside Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 9-11 Solitude Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 16-19, Harmony Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
March 30-April 2 Family Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.

April 3-5 Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tn.
April 7 Bethel Baptist Revival Night, Dora, Al.
April 10 & 12 Morgan Baptist Assoc VBS Rallies
April 20 Friendship Baptist Revival Day, Grand Bay, Al.
April 27-30 Sardis Springs Baptist Revival, Athens, Al.

May 6 Sweet Home Baptist Revival Night, Guntersville, Al.

(If you or your pastor would be interested in having me speak at an event you are planning feel free to call or text me at 256-306-6645.  Or you email me at michael-mason@charter.net.)

Hearts On Fire

Luke 24:13-35

John Wesley had a heart for God…but only after God stirred his heart – turned his heart – changed his heart. Wesley said it like this: “I felt my heart strangely warmed…” He said he had gone unwillingly to a church service…and as someone began to read Martin Luther’s preface to the book of Romans, he felt his heart changed. He said, “I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins and saved me…”

There’s nothing like a heart burning by the very presence of God. This burning is not always comforting – it is most often convicting… It is often an uneasy feeling as God is showing us something we need to see – telling us something we need to hear – leading us to do something we need to do – calling us to trust Him in a way we’ve never trusted Him. It is God getting our attention…

• A Burning Heart can be a Fearful Heart… Anxious about the future…Worried
about the present…Sleepless over things beyond your control. People live in fear – Fear that they will get sick or not get well. Fear that their children will be hurt or do something crazy. Fear that they will lose their job, lose their home, lose everything they worked for. Our hearts burn with worry and fear. Martha and Mary are examples of this as they dealt with the death of Lazarus, the absence of Jesus, and uncertainty about the Future.
• A Burning Heart can be a Foolish Heart… Regretting spur of the moment
decisions… Reaping what was sown in haste… Wishing you could change the way things are. For a year or month or week or day in your life you did what you wish you had never done. You sinned. You forgot God. King David is an example of this as he sinned with Bathsheba, was then confronted by Nathan, then faced the death of the child.
• A Burning Heart can be a Faithful Heart… A heart yearning to know God as
much as possible… A heart seeking to know God’s will… A heart hungering to know God’s word. The women in Luke 24 are examples of this as we read about what they remembered, what they believed, and what they hoped for.

1- Their Eyes Were Opened v31 They had watched...but had never seen. Like many of us who’ve done everything religious – but knowing Jesus seems out of reach or maybe just a little far fetched… We might ask, "Where is God in all of this?"

2- The Scriptures Were Opened v32 They had listened...but had never heard. I wonder how many sermons we’ve listened to but never heard…how many Bible studies…how many devotionals…yet we have never heard – Our heart has never turned?

3- Their Understanding Was Opened v45 They had thought...but had never understood. Ephesians 1:18 “...that the eyes of your understanding may be opened...” How does that happen? How are the eyes of our understanding opened? God does it through the Word of God – and the work of the Holy Spirit. Our understanding is darkened – we’re spiritually blinded by strongholds – and then the Power of God begins to break strongholds… How? Listen to 2 Corinthians 10:5… “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…”

Is your heart burning within you – in much the same way as we read in the Bible? Burning because of sin – worry – or wanting to be closer to God? Jesus opened their eyes, the scriptures, and their understanding – and if you’re interested He will do the same for you. M

Arvid

Not many people have a friend named Arvid. I don't know of anybody else with that name. Well, I have a good friend named Arvid and I've never met another person like him. We've been good friends for close to thirty years.

Back in the fall of 1985, Arvid was the guy who told me that Crystal wasn't dating anyone and that I should ask her out. He also gave me a picture of Crystal...one that Crystal had given him. He went back and told her he needed another picture because he gave the other one to me. I took his advice - Crystal and I went out on our first official date on October 5, 1985. It has proven to be one of the best days of my life.

I have many stories to tell about Arvid. More stories than I can share right now. Maybe later in another blog. This is what I want to tell you about Arvid today and ask a favor. Arvid was diagnosed with ALS about three years ago. Would you pray for Arvid? Pray first of all for a miracle and second for doctors to find a cure. Either one would be wonderful.

I visited with Arv this morning. As I pulled out of his drive, my mind was flooded with memories and my heart with emotions. I thought the least I could do is tell people about Arvid...about the friend he's been for all these years...and ask you to pray for him. I hope you will.

MM

2013 Preaching Schedule

February 17 FBC Milan, Tennessee - Revival Day

February 23 Belmore Baptist, Belmore, Al. - Men's Conference

March 5 New Life Recovery, Decatur, Al. - Preach

March 7-9 Trinity BC, Trinity, Al. - Adult Retreat Pigeon Forge, Tn.

March 28 Harmony Baptist, Moulton, Al. - Easter Revival

April 7-10 Eastside Baptist, Jasper, Al. - Revival

April 23 Marion Baptist Association, Hamilton, Al. - Ordained Men's Evening

April 27 FBC Holly Pond, Holly Pond, Al. - Senior Adult Revival

May 5-8 Wilsonville Baptist, Wilsonville, Al. - Revival

June 21 Alabama Deacons Retreat, Shocco Springs, Al. - Preach

October 28 Morgan Baptist Assoc., Morgan County, Al. - Preach Assoc. Mtg.

The Ugly Truth About Forgiveness

John 3:16

Somewhere along the way we’ve been misinformed, deceived, and confused about the message of forgiveness. The cross has become a piece of jewelry – Forgiveness has become something we get if we do the right things. We’ve memorized the words of John 3:16 but we’ve missed the message. God so loved the world that He gave. He gave… He gave His Son. He Gave to Save. He gave so that we could be Forgiven – Forever.

The ugly truth of the cross includes bloodshed, an angry mob, lies, hatred, and a long list of all that happens when God is ignored and hatred rules. …But before we get too far into the message of the cross and God’s forgivness for us – Let’s think about us forgiving others. And the ugliness behind that.

.....FORGIVING may be the most difficult thing you’ll ever do in this life. It is more difficult than any manual labor you can imagine. More difficult than facing a terminal disease... more difficult than confessing your faults, admitting wrongs, and repenting of sins. Truly forgiving someone for the wrong they have done to you or your family...is the most difficult thing a person will ever do.

Have you ever been so hurt – so disappointed… that you found it almost impossible to forgive? Has someone ever hurt your child or your wife or husband or friend in such a way that you simply couldn't forgive? Have you ever been so hurt in church and by church people that you felt like quitting and never going back? A country song says, “Forgiving you was easy but forgetting seems to take the longest time…” While that makes for a good country song I am afraid the reason most of us don't forgive is simply because - Trulyforgiving someone is the most difficult thing a person will ever do. NOBODY ever said this was easy.

What does forgiveness look like anyway? When Jesus taught His disciples to pray He taught them to pray like this… “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us…” Did you read that...did you read what Jesus said? He said, “As we forgive…” “As we forgive those who sin against us…” Wow. Personally, I have found it easy to say “I forgive you” but difficult to actually forgive. But my fellowship with God hinges on my forgiveness toward others.

.....If someone asks for your forgiveness and you withhold it, you are as guilty as the one asking for forgiveness.
.....Just because you forgive someone doesn’t mean you forget what they said or did. That’s why Paul said, “I die daily.”
.....Jesus mentioned forgiving someone 7X70 times. That’s 490 times. My pastor, when I was a child, preached about this one time. He said, “If a person needs forgiveness 490 times, for the same sin, he’s got bigger problems.” Which I took to mean there are other issues at work in their life which we know nothing about.
.....Forgiveness is more difficult for you than the person you are forgiving. It’s never wrong to do the right thing – but it’s usually more difficult.
.....Satan won’t let you forget what they said or did. He’ll remind us of what they did to us and how they “got away with it” and how “it’s not fair.”

.....Not forgiving stalls the effectiveness of your prayer life. (Mark 11:25) That means your prayers don’t get answered. That means you can’t experience the full benefits of God’s forgiveness if you are not forgiving others. That means God puts your blessings on hold and waits until you take care of that unfinished business.


.....Not forgiving steals your joy. (John 10:10) When you don’t forgive, it brings up a barrier to the joy God has for you. No one is ever truly happy if they have unforgiveness in their heart.

.....Not forgiving swings open the door for the enemy to work in your life. We have to forgive “lest Satan should take advantage of us” (2 Corinthians 2:11). We invite the enemy in if we harbor unforgiveness. And when you treat others as if they are enemies — you align yourselves with your true enemy and his plans for your future.

.....Not forgiving stagnates your soul. The Bible says, “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” (James 3:11). If you have unforgiveness, the water in your soul becomes bitter.

.....Not forgiving means seeing the failures of others, but not your own. “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye?” (Matthew 7:3-5). Not forgiving means you are walking in darkness. “He who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes“(1 John 2:11).

This is bigger than forgiving the guy who just cut you off in traffic on the way to church... This is bigger than forgiving the girl who broke line at the all you can eat buffet... This is bigger than forgiving the kid at school who pushed your little boy down on the playground... This is bigger than forgiving your neighbor for borrowing your rake and never bringing it back...This is bigger than forgiving the gossip who felt led to share her opinion about your new hairstyle.

This is more than putting on a smile and being nice even when we want to take matters into our own hands. This is forgiving - doing only what we can do with the help of God. And if we don’t, we sever our fellowship with God and ruin our relationships with others.

God so loved the world He gave... "Gave" says it all. If I am going to forgive those who have offended me I will need to "give" also. I need to give it up, quit digging it up, forgive and get on with my life - and let them get on with theirs. Life's too short to live in perpetual unforgiveness - and life's too long to carry around bitterness. Forgive and ...well, just forgive. How bout it?

Direction

Mark 16:15-16

Guys, is it you or your wife who refuses to stop for directions when you’re lost? Even with the help of GPS and smart-phones, sometimes I still get lost. Crystal and I are known for taking shortcuts that end up being longer than the original plan. Our kids will tell you that. On a trip to the beach several years ago we took a shortcut that ended up being at least an hour longer than what we would have traveled if we had stayed on the interstate. Sometimes I think I’m smarter than my smart-phone. But sometimes I admit I’m lost and I’ll stop to get directions. The sad thing about that is, the number of times I’ve stopped to ask directions from the locals…and they don’t know how to get there either.

One of the best apps on my really smart phone is the compass. I use it a lot. Because I have preached in a number of places that aren’t on the map - GPS can’t find them. But out in the middle of Pickens county the compass is a savior. I may feel like I’m headed south, but the compass tells me I’m headed west. For those of us who are believers, the Holy Spirit is our internal compass. The Holy Spirit will always lead us in the direction of God.

Hang on to this idea… Whatever direction you’re traveling will take you where you’re going. Listen to that again… I didn’t say the direction you’re traveling will take you where you want to go – it will take you where you’re going - like it or not. The only way to change your destination is to change your direction. If you don’t like where you’re headed, turn around.

If I want to go west but I’m walking toward the east…regardless of my intentions – my direction determines my destination. In another blog I talked about INTENTIONS. I said, “Good intentions without hard work, effort, sacrifice, early mornings and late nights, are nothing more than good ideas.” Regardless of how much I intend to go west, if I don’t do what’s necessary I will never be where I want to be.

In yet another blog post I talked about ATTENTION. I said, “Whatever has your attention will drive you, guide you, and to some extent – control you.” I might say I intend to be a better dad…I want to be a better father – I want to spend more time with my daughter like going to a movie and getting a Starbucks – I want to…I intend to… But if something or someone else has my attention I will never be the dad I want to be and need to be. Whatever gets my attention determines my direction. My direction determines my destination.

Whether it’s being a better father, a better husband, or a better Christian…the sad news is that one day the door of opportunity will close and with it goes all my good intentions.

We’re talking about DIRECTION. Where am I going? If God’s will for me is west, why am I traveling east? This may sound elementary but let me explain how to change directions.
1- Stop. (stop doing what you're doing)
2- Turn around. (change directions)
3- Go. (pursue your dreams and goals)

Yes it’s that simple…but it can get complicated. Because changing directions means breaking bad habits. It may mean breaking with relationships. It means sacrificing – giving up things you wanna hang on to. It means growing up. It may mean swallowing your pride. It may mean admitting you’re wrong. But first you have to stop.

Let me be perfectly clear, I’m talking about going in the direction of God and God’s will. Let’s think about the Prodigal Son. He traveled to a far country which was a place he thought he wanted to be. Which is a perfect example of a sad truth. Sometimes when we finally get what we’ve always wanted we discover it’s not what we thought it would be.

In the far country, the Prodigal wanted to go home. He made up his mind he would rather be a slave in his father’s house than to be free in the far country. So he stopped - turned around - and went back. His direction changed – and so did his destination.

Where are we going? Jesus said simply, “Go” into all the world. It’s easier believers and church attenders to go to church – go to Bible study – go to a prayer meeting – go to a seminar – or go to a conference… But Jesus said go into the world. Are we going in God's Direction?

It's a narrow way and difficult to follow at times. MM

Lance Lied

I am almost fifty years old. For most of my adult life I have been disappointed by preachers, politicians, and professional athletes who lied. Maybe I shouldn’t have put them on such a pedestal to begin with. But I did.

Lance Armstrong has evidently lied about his use of performance enhancing drugs. Who cares that he lied to me and millions of others? Who cares that he lied to fellow athletes, journalists who tried to get an honest interview, and reporters from ESPN, CNN, etc… What bothers me more than the lies to the world are the lies he must have told to his family…his children…his wife. And he not only lied to his family – he lied to himself. What a terrible way to live. I guess it could be said he was living a lie.

Before I get too prideful, too confident, and too full of myself – Let me be the first to admit that I am just as prone to lies, deception, and inconsistency as anyone. I thank God that over the years I have had people who didn’t mind getting in my face…getting in my business so to speak, and loving me enough to tell me what I was doing was wrong, dangerous, or just plain stupid.

Someone probably tried to talk to Lance Armstrong. There were those who probably warned him about the consequences of taking such drugs. But he didn’t listen. I wonder how many people have thrown away their “Live-Strong” bracelets since the news of his lying began to spread?

I can learn from this. I am a pastor of a church with over a thousand members. I preach and teach in churches across the southeast. I have an audience, much smaller than Armstrong’s, but an audience nonetheless. I must guard about being the least bit deceptive. Who knows, I may be a role model to some young fella out there who looks up to me. Who knows, there may be someone in my church who feels like I’m one of his only friends. Who knows who all I would disappoint if I became deceptive – and was eventually exposed as a liar…

Most of all I need to learn again the importance of being honest with the ones who love me the most – my wife and children. And I need to learn again the importance of being honest with the man I see in the mirror each morning.

Lance is gonna tell it all on Oprah. I wish he wouldn’t. I wish he would just issue a statement saying he lied and then go home and be a father to his children and a husband to his wife. The world doesn’t need to hear it all on Oprah.

Lance lied. And, we can learn from his mistakes....Don’t lie to God…Don’t lie to others…Don’t lie to yourself. And, if you do…please don’t go on Oprah and tell the world.

MM

2013 Preaching Dates

February 17 First Baptist Church Revival - Milan, Tennessee

February 23 Belmore Baptist Men's Conference - Belmore, Al.

March 7-8 Trinity Baptist Young@Heart Retreat - Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

April 7-10 Eastside Baptist Revival - Jasper, Al.

May 5-8 Wilsonville Baptist Revival, Wilsonville, Al.

June 21 Shocco Springs Deacon Retreat - Talladega, Al.

October 28 Morgan Baptist Associational Meeting - Morgan, Al.

Paying Attention

Hebrews 10:24-25

One of the first things to get my attention in the first grade at Cotaco Elementary was a little blond-haired girl named Tammy. She was six years old. She was missing her two front teeth...and she rode the same bus as me. I thought she was the prettiest thing I had ever seen. She got my attention. I got on the bus every morning hoping she had saved me a seat. She’s one of the reasons I started wearing my dad’s cologne - English Leather. But evidently that’s a common thing. When my daughter Alyssa was in preschool she had such an effect on one of the little boys that, according to his mother, he started taking baths without being made to.

I remember when Crystal got my attention - and by the way, she still does. I was working with her sister at a bank in Hartselle and Crystal came in to see her sister. And when she did, I saw her. She was fifteen. I was nineteen. I remember thinking, “wow.” We didn’t start dating till three years later – but I remember making sure I was around whenever she visited her sister. She had my attention.

Whatever gets your attention will direct your life. I don’t remember my mother ever having to make me get on the bus in the first grade. I wanted to because I knew my little toothless friend had a seat saved for me.

Whatever has your attention will drive you. It will push you. You’ll do whatever you have to for the thing or for the person that has your attention. Whether it is your job, your children, your family, your hobbies, your interests, your church, or your relationship with God.

It's important for me to think about what has my attention. In this brief blog let me mention just a few things in ministry that get my attention. It's important for my church to know such things because the attention of the pastor often becomes the attention of the church he pastors. I have a real and definite conviction about making sure that I preach the Bible as the sole authority for our life. The greatest question we can ask when we face a difficult circumstance is, “What does the Bible say?” So, needless to say – the Bible has my attention.

Also, the simple Gospel message is important to me. I have a real conviction that the Gospel should be clear in our messages whether it is a song or sermon. The Bible is clear that the “Gospel is God’s power that saves.” Something amazing happens when the Gospel is presented clearly and with convictions. So, again – the Gospel has my attention.

Also, reaching the unsaved and unconcerned is a priority of mine. I see no reason why every event connected to the church shouldn’t be an evangelistic event. Everything from a preschool egg hunt to a Christmas communion service to a breakfast just for men. If something is happening at church, it should be perfectly normal and expected that we present the Gospel in some way. So, also – evangelism has my attention.

But most of all, Jesus has my attention. I really believe Jesus changes people. I believe Jesus makes a real and lasting difference in people’s lives who trust Him to save and forgive them. His birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and second coming is the only message we have. Everything we do as a church is built on one message – one person. Jesus. Jesus has my attention.

All that being said, I don’t believe we have to be boring to be Biblical. I believe we have every reason to be the happiest and most content people in the world. I believe our worship should be filled with anticipation and joy. I believe God speaks through His word - and we should listen as if we are the only one He’s speaking to. I believe we should be passionate about what we do as believers and as Christian leaders. I believe if we’re going to do something we should do it well or don’t do it at all. And we should do it to the glory of God. So, those things have my attention. Those are the things that drive me as a preacher. And, chances are those are the things that are defining the church I pastor.

In my last blog I talked about the word Intention. I said good intentions without effort, hard work, some early mornings and late nights are nothing more than good ideas. Many of us spend our life intending to do more for God. But too few of us ever do.

This week we are thinking about Attention. Whatever has our attention will guide us, shape us, and to some extent control us. That being said, what is guiding me, shaping me, and controlling me? Wouldn’t it be great if we gave the Word of God such attention? MM

Good Intentions

Proverbs 3:5-6

Most of us have good intentions… We intend to lose some of the weight we gained over the holidays. We intend to pay down the credit cards for the charges we made while buying Christmas. We intend to do better and be better in the coming year. A couple of years ago, in January, I had good intentions of improving myself in every way I could. I printed off the slogan, "Do Better" including the scripture Philippians 3:14. I placed my printed off slogans everywhere...in my car, on my desk, on the mirror, etc. I had really good intentions of doing better and being better. But by February of that year my slogan had become something like, "Hang in there!" Can you relate? It's much easier to hang on than do better.

Intentions… Preachers have preached for years that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. That sounds a little harsh but it’s true. Your doctor might tell you the road to obesity is paved with good intentions. Your banker might tell you the road to bankruptcy is paved with good intentions. Your marriage counselor might tell you the road to divorce is paved with good intentions. Your high school teacher might tell you the road to failure is paved with good intentions. Truth is, we simply don’t go where we want to go with good intentions alone.

As well intended as most of us are, without work, effort, sacrifice, paying attention to details, sometimes doing things no one else will do, late nights and early mornings – our good intentions are nothing more than good ideas. Intending to do something…and actually doing something are miles apart.

How many of us can look back at a list of things we intended to do but never
did? Maybe it was losing weight…Or maybe it was not gaining it back. Maybe it was spending time with our children. Maybe it was writing a letter we needed to write or making that phone call or sending an email. Maybe it was an apology. Maybe it was forgiveness we intended to give. We meant to but we never did. Maybe it was reading our Bible more… praying more… or getting closer to God. Good intentions are nothing more than good ideas if we don’t do what we intend to do.

For well over twenty years, Proverbs 3:5-6 have been my life verses. I have enjoyed them, embraced them, battled with them, at times ignored them....but over the course of all these years, I have found these verses to be wonderful promises, a great comfort, and a source of strength and help. Years ago, when I first read these verses and believed these words were from God just for me,...and I was convinced if I would do my part, God would do His. My part was to trust Him with all my heart…and lean not on my own understanding… To acknowledge Him in all my ways and He would direct my paths. My life, so far, is living proof of these simple verses.

Trusting God has been the greatest adventure of my life. Look at verse 6. Build a fence right down the middle of it. One side of that fence is yours and the other side is God’s. You stay on your side and do your job, and God will stay on His side and do His job. You can’t do His job and He can’t do yours.

Do more than intend to trust the Lord. Trust Him. And he will direct you. Michael