FT Chronicle

Many people believe that whatever happens to them, good or bad, has been decided by a force greater than them. For example, the 16^th-century reformer John Calvin wrote: “We define predestination as the eternal design of God, whereby He determined what He wanted to do with each man.”

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…” – Ecclesiastes 3: 1-9

Does God really ordain ahead of time what our actions and our destination are going to be? Some who believe in predestination reason basically as follows: God is omniscient (Isaiah 46: 10). He knows everything, even what is going to happen in the future. He knows what each person is going to do with his life. So, according to their thinking, when the time comes for an individual to make a decision, his choice cannot be other than the way God has foreseen and foreordained it; otherwise God would not be all-knowing.

God can not only foreknow but also foreordain events whenever he chooses to do so. However, does God foreordain the destiny of every human or even the total number who will gain salvation? Not according to the Bible.

If some force has already determined your actions, then trying to take care of yourself is useless. If God chooses to foreknow everything, then even before He made Adam and Eve, He would have known that they would disobey Him. Did He know that their wonderful prospect of life in a paradise was doomed to failure? Would He promise everything good in sight if He knows that they are only bound to fail? That will be hypocritical.

The Bible teaches that God is selective when it comes to foreordaining the future. For example, God foretold that “a great crowd” of righteous humans would survive the destruction of the wicked at the end of the present system of things. (Revelation 7:9, 14) Note, though, that God did not give a specific number for that great crowd. The reason? He does not predestinate individuals.

Taken to its logical conclusion, the idea that God foreknows all decisions would mean that He is responsible for all that happens – including wars, injustices and suffering. Is that possible? No! For “God is love” and “a lover of justice” (1 John 4: 8; Psalms 37: 28).

Did God establish ahead of time the choice that those individuals would make? Evidently not. Going back to what Ecclesiastes 3: 1-9 says, it’s right that everything has its time but it does not mean a specific time but rather an appropriate time like the ebb and tide of the waves in the ocean. And He made us know that “no man knows when his hour will come…, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.”(Ecclesiastes 9: 11-12)

Our future is not written before us but it is being molded by the present. Life is a gift from God, He created us in His own Image (Genesis 1: 27). He gave us freedom to decide and made us superior than animals, having the ability to think. God does not say for us to believe something inevitable but instead He said “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Ecclesiastes 9: 10). He also said that we “also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands” (1 Thessalonians 4: 11). He also wants us to choose and urges us to “therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deutoronomy 30: 19).

“You will also declare a thing,
And it will be established for you;
So light will shine on your ways.” – Job 22: 28

No, your future is not planned out before you, and your own decisions determine what your life will be. However, though it is not entirely God’s Will whatever you are doing right now, we must do everything for His Will.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.” - Proverbs 3: 6

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12: 2

God only has one great plan for us… (Isaiah 65: 17-24)

Carve out time to spend

with you people-

whoever and wherever

they may be.

As teenagers, many of us couldn’t wait to get out of the house, get out on our own-forge a life in newfound autonomy. Our society- and in part, instinct-tells us this is the way it should be. This can be a great time of growth. Yet the longer we are away, the more we may realize that home isn’t such a bad place to be. If we are willing to admit it, we may actually long enter the familiar door, see the comforting sight, and take in the unforgettable scents that comprise our past.

There’s nothing like the sense of ease and fulfillment we experience when we are in the presence of those who know and accept us. Some people may not have that kind of association with family; but there are friends whose very presence is like going home.

As we grow older, we often find it difficult to make time for the places and people we cherish. Like the little five-year-old who found school an alien place devoid of “his people”, we look forward to being in the presence of “our people”. Family, friends, and the familiar places they inhabit can be a shelter, a refreshing relief for mind, body, and spirit.

It is right for me to feel this way

about all of you, since I have you in my heart.

PHILIPPIANS 1:7

From- Coffee Break Devotions: Cappucino

When fear keeps you

from living to the fullest,

look to the One Who

gives fullness to life.

Agoraphobia is the fear of public places. If this condition isn’t treated, people who suffer can become paralyze by fear. Usually agoraphobic can articulate what they fear and where they fear it. Some only know a sense of serious apprehension. Aside from traditional therapy, treatment for this condition may include having a trusted companion accompany the patient on small outings.

Agoraphobia is an extreme manifestation of fear. Yet many people suffer from social anxiety and other fears to a lesser 9but no less real) degree. If fear is causing you anxiety or holding you back, know that each of us a Companion, one who goes with us wherever we go. This Companion fully understands our fears and tells us to cast all our anxieties on Him. He offers peace, rest, and grace beyond measure. All we must d is trust and lean on Him, and He will help us progress and gain courage to face the future.

The LORD is the stronghold of my life-

of whom shall I be afraid?

PSALM 27:1

Resource reading: Coffee Break Devotions: Cappuccino

The grass always looks

greener from a distance.

Kids always seem to want to be older. Many single people of marrying age wish to have the stability of marriage. And a whole lot of married people wish they could have the freedom of being single again. Some couples can’t wait to have kids-other would give anything to recapture some of the old carefree lifestyle. There must be something hard-wired into people that cause them to look ahead, to desire something other than their present lives or situations as the ones they would really like to be in.

We’ve all heard the adage, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Many of us spend such a great amount of time craning our heads toward our neighbor’s “grass,” that we don’t tend or even see the beauty of our own yards (so to speak). If we’re not giving attention to our own yards, then their beauty might just fade. What would happen if we decided to try to find contentment right where we are- in our present situations? What if we gave as much attention to tending the present as we do wishing for something different? Get out the lawnmower and try it.

Not that I speak in respect of want:

for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,

therewith to be content.

PHILIPPIANS 4:11 KJV

From Coffee Break Devotions: Cappuccino

Wherever you are , speak from the heart.

In the Newton house, there is a family tale that is sure to live on for generations. It’s the “gelatin story”. It’s a yarn that’s told to every guest who has any meal in their house when the guest is asked if he or she would like a second helping of something. It’s the father’s story, taken from an experience he had when he was a child. It goes like this:

As a young boy, the father had to stop by a friend’s house to see if the friend wanted to play. l it was warm summer night, and the family was just finishing dinner. For dessert, the mom took out a bowl filled with glimmering, brightly-colored, fruited gelatin. The mother said, “Young man, would you like some gelatin?” The boy, trying to be polite, said, “Oh, no thanks you.” |The boy, however, really did want some gelatin. He was just waiting for the second offer, the “Oh, c’mon, have some gelatin.” But the second offer never came. So he sat, wishing and hoping and longing for a bowl of gelatin that never would be.

Moral: Manners and courtesy ring true. Superficial niceties rinf false-and, worst of all, can leave you bereft of a dessert.

“Let your statement be,

‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’;

and anything beyond these is of evil.

MATTHEW 5:37 NASB

from: Coffee Break Devotions-Cappucino

Nothing stimulates the senses like coffee or tea with friends

The English have an enviable tradition of enjoying afternoon tea with friends and family. Silver teapots filled with Earl Grey, silver trays displaying raspberry scones and lemon curd- these make up the familiar sights and sound of a traditional English tea.

What a lovely way to get off of life’s carousel for a time to re-focus on one of the most important things in life-our relationships. There’s something incredibly inviting about a coffee and teashop, where the smell of freshly ground coffee beans and hundreds of varieties of loose teas mingle in the air. Soothing jazz or classical music often provides a delectable environment for good conversation and a great opportunity to unwind. Coffee bars and tearooms are springing up all over the country. Why not invite a friend to linger with you over a warm, soothing cup of premium coffee or tea in a relaxed atmosphere? Enjoy the rich rewards of uninterrupted, relaxed conversation and a growing relationship.

Growing relationship take time and planning-coffee grounds and tealeaves may just be the best fertilizer of all!

Let your conversation be always full of grace.

from CoffeeBreak Devotions: Cappuccino

COLOSSIANS 4:6

Learn from your mistakes,

But leave them behind

As you move ahead

“I can’t believe I did that!” How many times have you made this declaration to yourself after making a mistake? It is easy to fall into a self-loathing pity party when we don’t measure up to our expectations to the expectations of others. Sometimes we say things we wished we had not, or we miss an important appointment or engagement, and sometimes we even break our promises. These kinds of mistakes- as well as a million pitfalls at work, home, and leisure- can make us feel like failures from time to time.

The truth is that no one likes to make mistakes, yet, everyone makes them. So how did making mistakes get such a bad reputation? Ask any optimist and he will tell you that your mistakes can be your best teacher. He will also tell you that what separates a growing person from one who is stagnant is the ability to learn from mistakes rather than wallow in them. The next time you “blow it”, “miss it”, or “foot-in-mouth-it” big time, ask your self, “Why did it happen?” Then ask, “How can I avoid making these same mistakes again?” Then take responsibility, make adjustment, and keep moving forward.

I lift up my eyes to the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord.

PSALM 121:1-2

Resource Reading: Coffee Break Devotions-Cappuccino

Try to take on

another’s perspective on life,

and it might just change yours

for the better.

We often smile sheepishly when we hear the old adage, “Opposites attract!” We may even laugh as we contemplate couples of contrast such as the Odd Couple-the classic embodiment of Mr. Neat Orderly vs. Mr. Messy Chaos. The contrast can make even the most open-minded person shake his head at the mystery of such relationships.

It’s only natural to see life through out own eyes and experiences. Our own perspectives are all we have to go on- until we purpose to look at life through the eyes and experiences of someone else. Even if we don’t fully agree with or understand another person’s point of view or paradigm, we should seek to respect differences rather than belittle them- we may prove once again that opposites attract.

“Treat others the same way

you want them to treat you.”

LUKE 6:31

Resource Reading: Coffee Break-Cappucino

The deepest communication often happens outside the place where we live.

Some couples or friends realize that they haven’t had a decent conversation-for months. They don’t really know how the other person is doing or how the relationship is going. It’s easy for people to coexist and not really communicate. That’s one reason why it’s good to break away from normal routines of home and work and get out, even if just for a short time.

Don’t use cost or busyness as reasons not to get out and visit with someone who’s important to you. Hit an inviting coffee shop, grab dessert, or get an inexpensive breakfast at a favorite greasy spoon. If it works, make it a tradition, so you can be sure to reserve some time to really get back in touch with someone who’s important.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

ROMANS 12:10

Resource reading: Coffee Break Devotions: Cappucino

One who recognizes

the everyday “miracles” of life

can’t help but live

with a hopeful heart.

Recent studies performed by UCLA and the Mayo Clinic revealed that optimists are not just happier, but they are also healthier. They get sick less frequently. They recover more quickly from surgery and injury.

God, through Scripture, gives us so many reasons to have hope. He loves us unconditionally. He promises to guide and comfort us when we seek Him. He guarantees to give us wisdom when we but ask.

Those are big-picture ideas. But how do we get from “half empty” to “half full”? Start by noticing and being thankful for the small things: your health, the fact that you have food, live in a warm house, and can get a good cup of Java on nearly every street corner. Practice taking that same thankful attitude to larger situations and work at steering clear of negativity. You will be happier, healthier- and you may even live longer.

I will hope continually,

And will yet praise thee more ad more…

PSALM 71: 14 KJV