PLEASE HELP ME, LORD
Dear Lord, sometimes it's difficult
To follow where You lead.
It seems that my plans differ so
And I know what I need.
But that is selfish arrogance
Since I belong to You.
O help me, Lord, to see things from
Your heavenly point of view.
And help me keep an open mind
For what Your love can do.
And as I trust Your perfect plan
I know You'll see me through.
-Carol Hopson
COME AND DINE…
1. What hinders you from finding joy in your trials?
2. Look at a recent trial or difficult time, and write out
how you could have grown in your faith if you had trusted
God with it. (If you did "rejoice" in your trial, explain
what God brought into your life to mature you.)
3. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, and write down why
we need to be obedient in this area of rejoicing in the difficult
times God allows.
4. Feast on James chapter 5, and write out all the
promises you find in this chapter; then spend time
thanking God for them.
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Trusting God-Mrs. Carol Hopson
Now it's time to explain the word perfect, because our
verse says that when we endure trials, they will have their
"perfect result" in us. The word perfect here means that we
will mature, we will grow, and we will be more like Christ
through each trial. We can rejoice in trials because the end
result is our growth! If our priorities are ease, comfort, and
self-will, we will see our trials as stumbling blocks rather
than stepping-stones to maturity.
This dear wife decided to try to open her eyes and heart
to what God might be doing in moving them to this new
place. I met with her several times, and after a few months,
she could hardly believe that she had been so unhappy. God
had provided great friends, a wonderful church family,
great weather, new excursions to the beach and elsewhere
with her family, and much more. But it wasn't until she
was willing to let go of her selfish agenda that she could see
what God wanted to give her.
I have to admit that I have had a closed fist at times too,
especially when I didn't like the direction God was leading.
But as I've opened my heart to do His will, not mine, He has
poured out His blessings in ways I never expected. No,
things didn't always go as I would choose or plan, but God
always brought peace, joy, and a closer walk with Him
through it all.
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a
little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by
various trials, that the proof of your faith, being
more precious than gold which is perishable, even
though tested by fire, may be found to result in
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of
Jesus Christ.
-1 Peter 1:6-7.
As a "partnership publisher," we partner you with a team of professional editors , typesetters , cover design and printers to create a high quality product and then we work with you to help market and distribute your book in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
verse says that when we endure trials, they will have their
"perfect result" in us. The word perfect here means that we
will mature, we will grow, and we will be more like Christ
through each trial. We can rejoice in trials because the end
result is our growth! If our priorities are ease, comfort, and
self-will, we will see our trials as stumbling blocks rather
than stepping-stones to maturity.
This dear wife decided to try to open her eyes and heart
to what God might be doing in moving them to this new
place. I met with her several times, and after a few months,
she could hardly believe that she had been so unhappy. God
had provided great friends, a wonderful church family,
great weather, new excursions to the beach and elsewhere
with her family, and much more. But it wasn't until she
was willing to let go of her selfish agenda that she could see
what God wanted to give her.
I have to admit that I have had a closed fist at times too,
especially when I didn't like the direction God was leading.
But as I've opened my heart to do His will, not mine, He has
poured out His blessings in ways I never expected. No,
things didn't always go as I would choose or plan, but God
always brought peace, joy, and a closer walk with Him
through it all.
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a
little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by
various trials, that the proof of your faith, being
more precious than gold which is perishable, even
though tested by fire, may be found to result in
praise and glory and honor at the revelation of
Jesus Christ.
-1 Peter 1:6-7.
As a "partnership publisher," we partner you with a team of professional editors , typesetters , cover design and printers to create a high quality product and then we work with you to help market and distribute your book in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
Trusting God-C. Hopson
A woman came to me who was furious with her husband
for moving her to California and away from her family in
another state. She was so miserable and so mad at her husband
that she couldn't see beyond her loneliness and anger.
She had heard me speak on accepting what God brings into
our lives and using it for His glory, but she was unable to
see how it applied to her situation. She was totally blinded
by her own perspective…wondering how God could use her
when she was lonely, miserable, away from her family, and
upset with God. I asked her if she had given her life to the
Lord, and she responded that she had. "So when did you
take it back?" I asked. She was stunned for a moment and
then asked what I meant. "Well, when you give something
away, it doesn't belong to you anymore; you have no rights
over it. So, since you are claiming all the rights over your
life, I'm assuming that you took it back and really didn't
mean it when you gave it to the Lord."
"But I don't like what He's doing!" she cried to me.
I then went on to ask her if she had given Him a chance
to show her what He could do in her, for her, and through
her if she let go of her selfishness, confessed her sin, and
allowed God to work. I asked her to close her fist and picture
me trying to give her a lot of money…would she be able
to receive it with a closed fist? No, it would fall to the floor.
But if she opened her hand, she could receive the gift I was
giving to her. I used this to explain to her that her mind was
like that closed fist and she couldn't see or receive any of
God's blessings until she opened her mind and heart to
receive them. God did open her eyes and revealed to her
that this misery she was relishing wasn't any fun, and she
finally admitted her sin and repented.
As a "partnership publisher," we partner you with a team of professional editors , typesetters , cover design and printers to create a high quality product and then we work with you to help market and distribute your book in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
for moving her to California and away from her family in
another state. She was so miserable and so mad at her husband
that she couldn't see beyond her loneliness and anger.
She had heard me speak on accepting what God brings into
our lives and using it for His glory, but she was unable to
see how it applied to her situation. She was totally blinded
by her own perspective…wondering how God could use her
when she was lonely, miserable, away from her family, and
upset with God. I asked her if she had given her life to the
Lord, and she responded that she had. "So when did you
take it back?" I asked. She was stunned for a moment and
then asked what I meant. "Well, when you give something
away, it doesn't belong to you anymore; you have no rights
over it. So, since you are claiming all the rights over your
life, I'm assuming that you took it back and really didn't
mean it when you gave it to the Lord."
"But I don't like what He's doing!" she cried to me.
I then went on to ask her if she had given Him a chance
to show her what He could do in her, for her, and through
her if she let go of her selfishness, confessed her sin, and
allowed God to work. I asked her to close her fist and picture
me trying to give her a lot of money…would she be able
to receive it with a closed fist? No, it would fall to the floor.
But if she opened her hand, she could receive the gift I was
giving to her. I used this to explain to her that her mind was
like that closed fist and she couldn't see or receive any of
God's blessings until she opened her mind and heart to
receive them. God did open her eyes and revealed to her
that this misery she was relishing wasn't any fun, and she
finally admitted her sin and repented.
As a "partnership publisher," we partner you with a team of professional editors , typesetters , cover design and printers to create a high quality product and then we work with you to help market and distribute your book in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
Trusting God in Times of Trouble-Carol Hopson
BREAKFAST #13
Preparing the
meal…
VICTORY IN THE TRIALS OF LIFE
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter
various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith
produces endurance. And let endurance have its
perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing.
-James 1:2-4
This is always a difficult passage to read, to believe, and
to teach. I have been asked over and over how we can consider
it "all joy" when terrible things happen in our lives. I
know that I can't understand the mind of God, so at times,
it's hard to give adequate answers. However, in looking at
the meaning of joy and perfect, it has helped me grasp the
meaning of this passage a little more clearly.
First of all, the meaning of joy is "a state of well-being
that comes from trusting God completely." It has nothing
to do with our circumstances and everything to do
with our relationship with and trust in God. It seems
that trials and adversity are God's tools for spiritual
growth. If we aren't interested in maturing in Christ, we'll
struggle greatly with our trials and circumstances.
As a "partnership publisher," we partner you with a team of professional editors , typesetters , cover design and printers to create a high quality product and then we work with you to help market and distribute your book in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
Preparing the
meal…
VICTORY IN THE TRIALS OF LIFE
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter
various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith
produces endurance. And let endurance have its
perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing.
-James 1:2-4
This is always a difficult passage to read, to believe, and
to teach. I have been asked over and over how we can consider
it "all joy" when terrible things happen in our lives. I
know that I can't understand the mind of God, so at times,
it's hard to give adequate answers. However, in looking at
the meaning of joy and perfect, it has helped me grasp the
meaning of this passage a little more clearly.
First of all, the meaning of joy is "a state of well-being
that comes from trusting God completely." It has nothing
to do with our circumstances and everything to do
with our relationship with and trust in God. It seems
that trials and adversity are God's tools for spiritual
growth. If we aren't interested in maturing in Christ, we'll
struggle greatly with our trials and circumstances.
As a "partnership publisher," we partner you with a team of professional editors , typesetters , cover design and printers to create a high quality product and then we work with you to help market and distribute your book in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
Trusting God-Mrs. C. Hopson
COME AND DINE…
1. What or who most often robs you of your peace?
2. Write out what your expectations were and what led
you to turn away from having a peaceful heart.
3. Read all of Psalm 56, and write what David understood
about God and the choices he made to trust God.
4. Feast on Psalm 103, and write down all the ways
God showers us with His benefits. (I find it absolutely
overwhelming!)
As a "partnership publisher," we partner you with a team of professional editors , typesetters , cover design and printers to create a high quality product and then we work with you to help market and distribute your book in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
1. What or who most often robs you of your peace?
2. Write out what your expectations were and what led
you to turn away from having a peaceful heart.
3. Read all of Psalm 56, and write what David understood
about God and the choices he made to trust God.
4. Feast on Psalm 103, and write down all the ways
God showers us with His benefits. (I find it absolutely
overwhelming!)
As a "partnership publisher," we partner you with a team of professional editors , typesetters , cover design and printers to create a high quality product and then we work with you to help market and distribute your book in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
Mrs. C. Hopson-Trusting God
TO KNOW DAILY PEACE:
1. Quickly recognize when you are focusing on problems
or people.
2. Confess it and change your thoughts to ones that
honor the Lord.
3. Focus on all you have in Christ, and choose one new
thing to praise God for all day long.
4. Choose, with God's help, to focus on pleasing the
Lord with your words, thoughts, and actions rather
than letting your emotions control you.
Remember that peace comes when our heart comes into
agreement with God's heart…not the opposite!
WHAT HAPPENED TO MY PEACE?
What happened to my peace today? I had it yesterday.
Did someone come and steal it and then just run away?
How did I give it up so fast, why did I not hang on?
It seems that oh, so suddenly, I lost my joy and song.
Let's see, what was I thinking, when my peace disappeared?
Oh yes, I now remember, I focused on some fears.
And then I listened to some words that hurt down deep
inside, and suddenly my joy was gone,
oh, what a downward slide!
What must I do to get it back? I so much want to rest
in what my Lord has promised, but I think I failed the test.
Oh yes, that's music to my ears, I know Your Word is true!
You say, "Just turn your heart to Me, for I've forgiven you.
Then focus not on what you hear or think or feel or see.
But on the truths of My own words, for they will set you free."
-Carol Hopson
As a "partnership publisher," we partner you with a team of professional editors , typesetters , cover design and printers to create a high quality product and then we work with you to help market and distribute your book in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
1. Quickly recognize when you are focusing on problems
or people.
2. Confess it and change your thoughts to ones that
honor the Lord.
3. Focus on all you have in Christ, and choose one new
thing to praise God for all day long.
4. Choose, with God's help, to focus on pleasing the
Lord with your words, thoughts, and actions rather
than letting your emotions control you.
Remember that peace comes when our heart comes into
agreement with God's heart…not the opposite!
WHAT HAPPENED TO MY PEACE?
What happened to my peace today? I had it yesterday.
Did someone come and steal it and then just run away?
How did I give it up so fast, why did I not hang on?
It seems that oh, so suddenly, I lost my joy and song.
Let's see, what was I thinking, when my peace disappeared?
Oh yes, I now remember, I focused on some fears.
And then I listened to some words that hurt down deep
inside, and suddenly my joy was gone,
oh, what a downward slide!
What must I do to get it back? I so much want to rest
in what my Lord has promised, but I think I failed the test.
Oh yes, that's music to my ears, I know Your Word is true!
You say, "Just turn your heart to Me, for I've forgiven you.
Then focus not on what you hear or think or feel or see.
But on the truths of My own words, for they will set you free."
-Carol Hopson
As a "partnership publisher," we partner you with a team of professional editors , typesetters , cover design and printers to create a high quality product and then we work with you to help market and distribute your book in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
Hopson Carol-Trusting God in Times of Trouble
Oh, how I love his attitude and what he chose to focus on.
I read this over twenty years ago, and I have truly never forgotten
it. In fact, in difficult times, I try to think of four
things, like Matthew Henry, that I can be thankful for, and
it always brings my heart to praise. I'm choosing to "rejoice
by choice!"
3. We focus on people and allow them to rob us of our
peace.
I am so guilty of this one! I have let so many people rob
me of my peace. Sometimes it was my husband or one of my
children. Other times it was a friend or co-worker or someone
in ministry that didn't treat my husband or me in a fair way.
But it was always my choice to give up my joy, be
angry, and lose my peace! David learned this so well when
he said, "This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word
I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I have put
my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
(Psalm 56:9-11). It's interesting and important to note that
he reminds himself in four different ways to put his trust in
God…then he concludes with, "I shall not be afraid. What
can man do to me?" The key is to put your hope and expectations
in God alone!
As a "partnership publisher," we partner you with a team of professional editors , typesetters , cover design and printers to create a high quality product and then we work with you to help market and distribute your book in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
I read this over twenty years ago, and I have truly never forgotten
it. In fact, in difficult times, I try to think of four
things, like Matthew Henry, that I can be thankful for, and
it always brings my heart to praise. I'm choosing to "rejoice
by choice!"
3. We focus on people and allow them to rob us of our
peace.
I am so guilty of this one! I have let so many people rob
me of my peace. Sometimes it was my husband or one of my
children. Other times it was a friend or co-worker or someone
in ministry that didn't treat my husband or me in a fair way.
But it was always my choice to give up my joy, be
angry, and lose my peace! David learned this so well when
he said, "This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word
I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I have put
my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
(Psalm 56:9-11). It's interesting and important to note that
he reminds himself in four different ways to put his trust in
God…then he concludes with, "I shall not be afraid. What
can man do to me?" The key is to put your hope and expectations
in God alone!
As a "partnership publisher," we partner you with a team of professional editors , typesetters , cover design and printers to create a high quality product and then we work with you to help market and distribute your book in today's rapidly changing marketplace.
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