BRANDON J. SUTTON
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The Other Side

7/23/2019

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  “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
 
This will make you stronger. Everything happens for a reason. All things work for the good of those who love the Lord. Your present suffering cannot compare to the glory to come. If you have ever been through a difficult time in your life then you have heard some variation of those adages/scriptures. Yet, oftentimes when we are going through a difficult situation, we do not feel stronger, loved or hopeful about the future. Instead we feel defeated, fearful, lonely and frustrated.
 
I cannot explain the steps God has preordained for you or me. I do not know why my father died when I was only two. I do not know why my aunt and uncle had to bury their daughter at 15. I do not know why some greedy and selfish people live long, prosperous lives, while some kind people suffer. What I do know is, whatever you may be facing, trust God. It may hurt, be confusing or even embarrassing, but know that God’s grace is sufficient for whatever we face in this life. Do not give up in the middle of your struggle, because on the other side of the loss and disappointment, there is joy, love and life.  
 
In Luke Chapter Seven, Jesus healed a centurion’s servant, raised a widow’s son and forgave a sinful woman. In Luke Chapter Nine, Jesus commissioned the 12 Disciples, fed five thousand, transfigured himself and healed a demon possessed boy. But in between these miracles, in Luke Chapter Eight, we also learn that there was a great storm. 

 
“One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So, they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples…”
– Luke 8:22 – 25
 

If you are going to walk with Jesus during the good times, you better be prepared to stay with him during the storms.

For some, it isn’t too hard to imagine what the apostles were enduring at sea. Instead of jumping off the boat and drowning in their fear, worry and anxiety, they called on Jesus. You may be currently in the midst of a storm, feeling distressed, forgotten by God, and like you could go under any minute now. Do not quit. Call on Jesus, for He will bring you through to the other side.
 
I know you are hurt but live again.
I know the situation was embarrassing but dream again.
I know they abandoned you but love again.
I know things did not go as you planned but hope again.
 
There is life and a better tomorrow on the other side!
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The God Equation

7/3/2019

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“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. “… so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:8-11
 
In mathematics, formulas are used to solve complicated problems. If you want to find the slope-intercept of a line, you would use y=mx+b. Or, if you want to find the length of one side of a triangle, you would use the Pythagorean Theorem, a2 + b2 = c2. To get your answers, all you have to do is insert numbers into the formula. As Christians, we often treat God like He is a math problem where we insert “righteous” behavior to receive an answer to our prayers.
 
I am especially guilty of this, and if you are honest with yourself, you may find that you are too! Often times, we find ourselves tithing hoping for a monetary blessing, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. Or fasting, because we think it will bring about a blessing. Corporate worship, tithing, praying and fasting are all necessary as you build a relationship with Christ. However, when we use these items as a way to “unlock” God’s blessings, instead of a way to build a meaningful relationship with Him, we are doing ourselves and God a disservice.
 
God is not a genie waiting to grant our wishes.  Neither is He a math formula, where we can just input perceived good behavior, and receive a blessing. Before He formed us in the womb, He knew us, before we were born, He set us apart. God knew what we would struggle with, the losses we would endure, the type of help we would need, and life we would live.
 
So no, God is not a math formula. You will experience hardships, pain, disappointments and loss. It’s during these times that God will comfort, protect and provide for you. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
 
Pursue a relationship with God- not for what He can do for you, but instead for what you can do for Him!
 
 
In Loving Memory of Uncle Roderick Moncrief
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