The Right Companion For The Journey

     "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.  She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."  Proverbs 31:25-26

    
Who doesn't want that perfect companion to journey with, down the path of life?  I doubt anyone could honestly say that they wouldn't.  I know that I do!  What should this "perfect person" be like?  What qualities should they possess?
     Today, I would like to focus my attention on the qualities of the woman.  For the guys, I'm going to share with you the type of woman that God says to look for.  Ladies, here is the type of woman that you should want to strive to be.  We all have our "requirements list" of whom we are looking for.  What should we really be looking for and what are the most important qualities that we should hope to find?
     For starters, read Proverbs 35:10-31.  Scriptures say that men should seek a woman that would do him good and not evil (vs. 12).  She takes joy and pride in her work (vs.13).  She tends to the needs of her household (vs. 15) and uses her earnings wisely (vs. 16).  As you read on, this passage tells that the woman should be a caregiver.  She is willing to lend help to those in need and does so with an open heart. 
     The key component is found in the latter part of verse 30.  "But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."  First and foremost, she is a child of God.  A grounded faith is her foundation.  Consistent and unshaken morals are her character. 
     I am blessed to be continuing my journey with just such a woman.  She inspires me to be everything that God wants me to be.  She is a guide to me, when I tend to get a little off track.  Not only does she care about my life, she cares about my soul.  That is a deeply woven love, provided by God, that cannot be matched.
     Ladies, may you endeavor to become the woman that God intends for you to become.  Guys, may you be searching for these qualities in a woman that will walk with you, in God's path; not try to pull you away from it. 
     With the right companion to hike down life's trail way, both of your lives will become more enriched over time.  Sure, you both will age.  Those steps may become a little slower but, the journey continues.

Because, It's There

     "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has given to us."  Romans 5:3-5

     WHY would anyone want to go rock climbing?  Putting one's trust in a rope and a few metal wedges, to keep from falling hundreds of feet....are you insane???  Of course not!

     Why do it, then?  It is a challenge, pure and simple.  It is a test of endurance.  A test of strength.  A test of courage and character.  Hmm, this sounds a little like what Paul was writing to Corinth, doesn't it? 

     If we want to build ourselves up, we need to step up and face the challenges!  God never said, "Hey, choose a life in Me and I will make everything easy for you."  Instead, He tells us that we are going to be tested.  We are going to struggle.  We are going to suffer. (Revelation 2:10)  God puts our faith to the test.  He wants us to look forward, with each challenge that we have faced, pushing onward to the next challenge.  With each trial conquered, the more prepared we are for the next one.  After a while, we become the "experts" in facing challenges.  We delight in God's power and look for the victory that is gained through service to Him.  (Revelation 2:6, 3:21)

     Do not fear what lies ahead of you.  Instead, put your complete faith in the Father.  Only then, will you reach the summit of glory and stand on the highest peaks, in God's light.

    

    

    

From Fire and Lions

“Daniel said: ‘Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.' ” Daniel 2:20

Don’t you love to read about the magnificent things done with faithful people of long past? Do you remember these names: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego? Men who were given great intelligence and clairvoyance to interpret dreams. Men whom were put into the service of the king yet, kept their service to God first.

They elected to turn down certain provisions from the king, in order to remain true to what God had commanded them. Many of the kings company did not like the fact that they worshiped anyone other than the king.

First, they made up lies about the latter three, in order for the king to have them perish in a furnace. They were cast in yet, unharmed. It was even witnessed that a fourth man (an angel of God), was walking around with the men in the furnace, all completely unharmed (Dan. 3:19-30).

Later, the men tricked the king so that Daniel would be cast into a den of lion’s, for serving God. To the king’s relief, Daniel was untouched by the lions. (Daniel chapter 6)

The king could see that these men were protected by a higher power and sought to lend his protection to these men, from those who would want to see them discredited.

How strong is your faith? I hear a lot of talk but, ask yourself: How strong is my faith? Would it stand strong even in the opening of a blazing furnace, or the den of savage lions? Or would it buckle under the pressure of self-preservation? This is a true test of faith. If someone held a gun to your head today, because you serve God, what would you do? Tough decision when put on the spot, right?

Remember this: the final goal is eternal salvation in God’s Kingdom. Ask yourself, today: How strong is my faith, and can I make it stronger?

Difficult Travels

“…Whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11

Have you ever suffered? I know we have all suffered physical ailments, financial problems, personal worries; but, have you ever suffered for your faith? I have. I have suffered by the hands of those that would fail to acknowledge God in all things. The apostle, Peter, understood suffering for his beliefs in the divine. This suffering should be a challenge to be conquered.

Now I LOVE a challenge! Do you? Any time I have prepared to go to another hiking adventure, I study the trail maps. I look for the trails marked “moderately difficult” or “challenging”. Hey, there is NO FUN in me finding an easy, wide path to walk on. After all, I go to hike, not stroll! It’s the paths that you walk up to and have to pause for a minute to decide how best to get through the obstacles. This is called FUN! It’s also the road to Christianity. We will face these paths. When you come to these points, you have a moment to decide: go back and take that easy trail, or keep moving ahead and facing the challenge. You want to come out stronger? Move forward. Don’t wuss out and look for the easy way. Matthew tells us that there are to paths to take and where they both lead (Matt. 7:13-14).

Through your faith, and God’s grace, you can face any challenge that comes your way.

Let's Go A Sowin'

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8

When I read the Parable of The Sower, in Luke 8:4-15, I always picture the fabled legend Johnny Appleseed; a man who travels around, tossing his apple seeds everywhere he goes. That’s what Jesus did, as He went about, on this earth. He scattered the seeds of God’s Word, everywhere He went.
Now, my mom always was, and still is, the green thumb. She can make practically anything she plants turn into a something of beauty. She makes sure she puts in good soil, clears out the rocks, pulls out the weeds, and water the plants, to bear a bountiful harvest. (Hey, home grown vegetables beats the store, any day!) It takes time and commitment.

As Jesus spread the seeds of the Word, it is up to us to make sure that the soil, in our hearts, is in good condition for planting. There is so many rocks and thorns in peoples’ hearts, the Word cannot sink in properly. We need to do a better job at the gardening, folks!

Ask yourself, what is in your garden that will either help or hinder God’s Word to root deep down, so that it cannot be plucked up before harvesting time? Let’s clear out those weeds and move those rocks out of the way. As we allow the harvest to spring forth within us, let us continue to sow new seeds to others and help God’s garden to expand and thrive.

About This Blog

The great outdoors has always held a deep connection to me.  Whether exploring the woods at my grandparents’ orchard in Newgulf, TX. or, fishing on Lake Livingston and Limestone with my daddy; that love for the outdoors never died.  It was part of me, no matter where I was.

For a great many years, I had begun to lose touch with that connection.  Between my college years and work, I found myself spending less time around God’s blessed land.  I had to do something, and fast.  So, five years ago, at the age of 35, I set my mind toward a new mission: to hike the trails in as many of the state parks that I could.  Let me tell you, Texas offers some exceptionally beautiful natural sites.  I have been to several and have found something new and wondrous at each one.  What I didn’t expect to find was even more spectacular.

I started these adventures to get away from the every day hustle and bustle.  I need a place to rejuvenate my mind.  Little did I know that my soul would also be rejuvenating, as well.  As I would be out on the trails, amongst the beautiful trees, rocky inclines, and crystal clear rivers; my mind would turn to the magnificent Creator that made all of this that surrounded me.  I realized that I was just getting away from all of the business that life brings.  I was also blessed with spending some one-on-one time with my Heavenly Father.

Inspirational Navigations will allow you to share in my journey to become closer to God and gain a deeper understanding for His Word.  It is my hope and prayer, this will help you to take up your own staff and continue your own journey with God.  He is waiting at the trailhead to guide you.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”  Matthew 16:24