Swedish Proverb

There is an old Swedish proverb that says,

"God provides food for all the birds;
but He doesn't throw it in their nests."

Here-in lies a human problem that takes a lot of prayer.  When do we use our God given talents to accomplish a task and when do we rely totally on God to provide.

This blog does not have the answer - only poses the question.
If you have an idea, please respond.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a difficult task at best.  We all have times we need to forgive others or long to be forgiven from another we have wronged.  Two books that deal with this tough subject are:
"A Tale of Three Kings", by Gene Edwards and
"The Bait of Satan", by John Bevere.

They both deal with the responsibility we have, as Christians, to forgive but from very different stances.  Both leave the reader with the clear message that forgiving another is not an option, but a command from scripture.

Being forgiven is another issue.  We can go to another and ask them to forgive us but may never see that forgiveness materialize.  I can read lots of books on that subject but I find that running to the Psalms brings me the most peace.

February Retreat

Broom Tree's February Retreat at the Shack Country Inn in Michigan brought folks from Ontario, Ohio and Michigan.
Henry & Marnie Kranenburg, Tadd & Lindsey Sponseller, Tim & Betsy French, Ray & Grace Brandon, Wayne & Amy Otto, and Joe & Kerri Kilcoyne.

Lots of snow but cozy rooms with hot tubs and fireplaces help!

TIME

TIME
It runs our lives, traps us into living by the clock.   Our phones, calendars and daytimers are divided into parts of each hour so we can make it to our next appointment on TIME!

The beauty of retreat is that TIME stands still for awhile.
Now what?

How can that be productive?

Spending time with our Lord - now that is using time wisely but how to listen to Him is the challenge.
That often takes TIME!
If you knew that you could be certain that you could hear from God about what you needed to do about a question in your life - would you take the TIME to ask and then take the TIME to listen?

Prayer in a snow drift

The fire can be roaring inside while the snow piles around outside. What a cozy place to dwell with the Lord.  I love that word, dwell or abide which brings a picture to mind of spending time with Jesus, enjoying each other's company and drinking in the favor of it.
Psalm 91 says, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

In Peggy Joyce Ruth's book she states; "Man has no innate, built-in shelter.  Alone, he stands unprotected against the elements and must run to God.  Indeed, in the very first verse of Psalm 91, God offers us even more than simple protection.  He rolls out the hospitality mat and personally invites us in."

Here is a place you can be invited to come and read the rest of God's promises to you.  Call 262-646-7774 to reserve your time in the Prayer Cottage in Delafield, WI.

No Regrets Conference

Broom Tree goes to Elmbrook and Westbrook Churches with information for pastors and men who would love to give their pastors our brochures.  This will be our 10th year to bring Broom Tree's booth to No Regrets and the booth has changed every year.

A short presentation of what is provided at the retreat with pictures of the Michigan and Wisconsin facilities helps give the passerby a glimpse of Broom Tree between sessions.

If you are attending No Regrets; please stop by the booth and say hello!

Charles Spurgeon on Prayer

"It is good that we are commanded to pray or else in times of heaviness we might give it up.  If God commands me, unfit as I may be, I will creep to the footstool of grace; and since He says, 'Pray without ceasing.' though my words fail me and my heart itself will wander, yet I will still stammer out the wishes of my hungering soul and say, 'O God, at least teach me to pray and help me to prevail with You."