June 16, 2015 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Expedia or Rapture

No one likes ‘bad times’. We like the easy life—we relish things going well. I suppose that is why we plan vacations, take time-off from work, and ‘get-a-ways’ from people. Who doesn’t like a life free from problems, commitments, and those frequent phone calls?

But, we all know life has its ups and downs. Sometimes the downs seem more frequent and in control. I use to look forward to the ‘in your face’ daily problems. I loved to solve those issues no one else could solve. However, now I rather not be bothered with other people’s problems. I have enough of my own to worry about and work on.

God meant for us to have problems (contrary to many theological experts). Jesus said, “We would have problems in this world, but be a good cheer, I have overcome the world.” I am glad He said that—I do not want to be defeated by problems—I like success. Many verses in Psalms express that very hope in Christ.

Nevertheless, we have problems and we always will. Who wants to give up? Who wants the easy life all the time? Money cannot give us that neither being smart. Your and mine success depends not on having problems but on overcoming them.

God said we are like trees—Olive Trees to be exact. I like olive trees, in fact my ranch is called, Olive Grove Ranch. I have been trying to grow Olive Trees for a few years now. It has not been easy and the learning curve has been longer and steeper than expected.

Olive trees require a few specific climate requirements: four distinct seasons with rain & drought, wind & stillness, heat & cold, and sunlight & darkness. You and I need those qualities affecting our lives each year we walk with Christ: times of growth & times of hardship; times of producing good fruit and works & times of no fruit; and times of ‘where are you God’ & times of spiritual renewal/revival.

A wise person understands that and accepts what God chooses for us (this is the fear of the Lord). Proverbs is very clear about wisdom and promotes the realization that to walk with God is to walk (i.e. keep walking) in good times and bad. I look up in the valley when I am on my knees praying, and I look up praising God when standing on the mountaintop. Either way, both are God’s will for my life, but do remember, that the Evil One should never win nor make decisions for me when he shows up in the valley or mountaintop. The ‘easy life’ not in this life, but heaven, I am sure will be easy. I am planning to get there and Expedia cannot make reservations for me.

WWJWMTD

Steven J. Wentland, Ed.D.O.L

661.248.4008

www.stevenwentland.com www.wwjwmtd.com

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