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Several years ago as a submarine was being tested it had to remain submerged for many hours. When it returned to the harbor the captain was asked, "How did the terrible storm last night affect you?"

The officer looked at him in surprise and exclaimed, "Storm? We didn't even know there was one!"

The submarine had been so far beneath the surface that it had reached the area known to sailors as "the cushion of the sea." Although the ocean may be whipped into huge waves by high winds, the waters below are never stirred.

God provides that kind of “cushion” for Christians. Let's see how we can have that kind of peace in our lives.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Paul wrote these words while sitting in a prison cell in Rome awaiting possible execution. If anyone had a reason to be anxious, it would have been him. But, Paul knew that peace didn't come from our circumstances, but from the One who gives peace – God!

The word "guard" is the same word that was used of the soldiers who were responsible to keep prisoners from escaping. Since their life depended on it (Acts 12:19) they were very careful not to let anything happen to the ones they were guarding. What circumstances might be disturbing your heart or your mind today? Make a list and take them to the Lord.

As you pray about your situations, be sure to give thanks, both for the circumstances and for your God who is bigger than your problem!

Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 10.20. Live for God, on purpose, no matter what the outward situation may be.

God is Still on the Throne!

The Bible says that in the end times certain things will happen. For example:

• “...you will hear of wars... famines... and earthquakes...” (Matthew 24:6-7) For much of the world, these things are now a daily reality.

• Jesus said, “...many will come in My name... and will deceive many.” (Matthew 24:5) In recent years we've seen the rise of false prophets claiming to speak for God.

• Jesus also said, “...you will be hated... for My name's sake.” (Matthew 24:9) Christians are under attack worldwide especially in places like China, Sudan, Africa, Saudi Arabia and North Korea.

• Another example is when Jesus said, “...this gospel... will be preached in all the world... the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Technology is making this increasingly possible through print, TV, radio and the internet.

• God said, “...the removal of those things that are being shaken... that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.” (Hebrews 12:27) All around us corporate executives are caving in to greed while our financial security goes up in smoke.

But take heart! When governments flounder and leaders fail, God still rules, His Word still stands, His plans are still being fulfilled. Isaiah wrote, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted...” (Isaiah 6:1) That's all Isaiah needed to know, and it's all you need to know too! God's not pacing the streets of heaven worrying about what's happening. He's still on the throne, so fix your eyes on Him and keep them there! Charles Spurgeon said, “God has promised to keep His people, and He will keep His promise.”

Have a “Not-To-Do” List

Jesus wants you to enjoy a “...rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10), without getting bogged down by things that don't add value or meaning. Life coach Robyn Coffman says, “Clutter isn't only what you can see; it's what you can't see. It perpetuates your overloaded schedule, endless commitments and overwhelming fears. A cluttered mind means over-thinking, over-reacting, over-analyzing, over-worrying and over-committing.”

So, de-clutter your mind by giving yourself permission to have a not-to-do list: Not to feel guilty for saying no to something that may be good, but not right for you. Not to worry about how well adjusted your kids will be as adults. Not to hang something new in your wardrobe without giving something away. Not to feel over-responsible for everybody else's well being. Not to answer the phone after a certain time each night. Not to say yes just because you've been invited. Not to schedule busy activities on Sundays and family days. Not to buy something just because it's on sale. Not to think you have to make a meal requiring more than three ingredients, do laundry, clean the house, and spend quality time with your family all on the same day. Not to spend time worrying over your own, or other people's mistakes. Not to compare yourself.

The more you give yourself permission not to do, the more you free yourself to live a God centered, abundant life. And God will help you to live this way. Listen, “He gives power to the weak... those who trust in the Lord will find new strength...” (Isaiah 40:29-31) Make spending time with God each day a priority, and everything else will fall into place.

A Modern Parable on Stewardship

The treasurer of a congregation resigned. The church asked another to take his position, a man who managed the local grain elevator. He agreed under two conditions:

1. That no report from the Treasurer for one whole year be given.

2. That no one ask him any questions during this one year period.

The church gulped, but finally agreed, since he was a trusted man in the community, and well known, because most of them did business with him as manager of the local elevator. At the end of the year he gave this report:

The indebtedness of $250,000 on the church was paid. The minister’s salary was increased. Missions giving had doubled. There were no outstanding bills, and there was a cash balance of $12,000.

Immediately a shocked congregation asked, “How?” Quietly he answered, “Most of you bring your grain to my elevator. As you did business with me I simply withheld ten percent on your behalf and gave it to the church in your name. You never missed it. Do you see what we could do for the Lord if we were willing to give the first tithe to God, who really owns it?”

Swapping Alligators for Sharks

An African proverb says, "Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet." Without realizing it, many of us do exactly that, vainly hoping to gain a better life.

It was a hot summer day. Jason, a visitor from the city, wanted to take a cool swim in the river. "Are there any alligators in this river?" he asked a local man who was fishing from the river bank. "No, not a single one," assured the fisherman.

Jason was still disturbed. There seemed to be some gray forms beneath the water's surface, moving in circles. So he asked the fisherman, "If there are no alligators here, what are those gray forms I see? Are you sure there are no alligators?"

"Certainly," replied the fisherman, "There are no alligators down there. Those gray forms you see are sharks that have chased the alligators away."

How does this apply to our lives? The fisherman was right. Alligators were not a threat to Jason. But the fisherman didn't warn Jason about the sharks. If Jason had gone swimming, he would have faced a danger that was just as bad, if not worse, because the sharks were waiting for another meal.

We also face danger as we seek better and happier lives. For example, television programs and advertisements depict the "good life" in ways that are carefully designed to gain our attention, our time, and our money. But after watching just a few minutes of news, the long-term results of blindly following the world's approach to life can sadden and even depress you.

Many of us rely on advice about life from those who know only part of our needs as people. Or we seek relief from pressures and problems by turning to material possessions and ways to have fun. Either route is like swapping alligators for sharks. The real, underlying issues in our lives are neglected, and therefore grow worse, while we end up with disappointment, more possessions and less money.

It's really a matter of where to place your trust. Turn to the one dependable Source that has your best interests at heart. That one Source is God Himself, the Creator of all that exists Who loved you enough to sacrifice His son just for you. God also loved you enough to provide His Word, the Bible, to guide you and help you through the good times, and through the bad times.

So test your actions, your opinions and your decisions by God's Word. Reliable advice about the alligators, the sharks and the water awaits anyone who looks to heaven.

The Debt

An employee in the bill-collection department of a large store gave me an insight into human nature. He told me that he repeatedly gets the following response from customers who are delinquent in paying their bills: “I know you must have others who owe a lot more than I do. Get off my back will you!”

The employee then told me, “They miss the point entirely. Sure, there are a lot of others who owe more. But somehow I have to tell them in a nice way, ‘Look, what somebody else owes isn’t the issue. Our records say that your account is overdue!’”

The tendency of sinful man has always been to shift attention from himself by pointing the finger at others. Religious people excuse their inconsistencies by referring to the “pagans” around them. And the “pagans” try to sidestep the issue by talking about the hypocrisies of the religious. But God is not fooled by finger-pointers.

When someone else appears to be a greater sinner than we are, it’s just an illusion. The sooner we realize that no one owes more to God than we do, the more likely we are to receive His free forgiveness. He extends His pardon only to those who humbly acknowledge that they are hopelessly in debt.

The Last Impression

While waiting in line at the Department of Motor Vehicles for my personalized license plate, I heard the clerk shout out, "E I E I O."

"I'm here," the woman standing next to me answered.

Curious, I asked if she was a farmer or maybe taught kindergarten.

"Neither," she replied. "My name is McDonald."

You don’t want to miss this week at WFA! I am confidant that God is going to speak very loud and clear to us this week, and that our lives are going to be changed forever. Come with and expectant heart, and open mind, and a receiving spirit, and you will not be disappointed!