Todays Topic is Time Zones

Ps 37: 7-9

7  Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who
brings wicked schemes to pass.  

8  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret-it only causes harm.

9  For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, They shall inherit the earth.

Time Zones-God is always on time!

You know how the world is divided into segments called time zones.  Suppose you live in Maryland and call a friend in California
asking them to call you back at five o'clock.   You could be waiting by the phone for nothing, if you fail to specify whose time zone to
go by.  Your five o'clock won't be the same as their five o'clock.  They may call you up three hours later!  Does that mean that they are
not on time?  No.  If they call you the next morning at five are they on time? Technically, Yes, because you were not specific.  

Well, let me tell you something.  God has His own time zone!  He goes by His own clock!  That is why He is always on time.  He
knows what you need and when you need it, but sometimes we ask amiss (James 4:3).  We are not specific enough or are asking
for the wrong things altogether.  

Ps 37:4 says He will grant you the desires of your heart if you delight yourself in Him.  A person who delights in the Lord is someone
who only wants and desires God's will for their life.  When you prayed to be 30 lbs lighter (by Friday), you were praying amiss which
is why He probably didn't answer.  Not that He won't answer, but He is going by His own time.  Friday for Him may be twenty years
from now.  

Why?  Because, He knows that if He answered that prayer right away, you wouldn't be able to handle it.   1 Samuel 16:7 "The Lord
does not see as man sees; for the man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."  Your mindset would
go back to what dress/suit you could get that would make everyone's heads turn.  But in God's timing your response would be to
thank Him and glorify Him and delight in His goodness.  The weight would come off over time because of your diligence to His word
and being obedient to Him in all aspects of life.  

It doesn't have to be weight, it could be financial debt, unsaved spouse, children, or whatever else you've been praying for.  You
know what you would really do with the million dollars that you asked God for. Like I said before, not that He won't answer you.  But it
will be according to His time zone.  Remember that God is faithful.  He is also your Shepherd and will provide all of your needs (Ps
23:1; Ps 37:24-25).  God promises that they that wait on him shall renew their strength (Is 40:31).  Here are a few other promises to
apply to your situation:

Jer 17:7  Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.

Jer 31:17  There is hope in your future, says the Lord...

Ex 14:13-14  And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid, Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will
accomplish for you today.  For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.  The Lord will fight for
you, and you shall hold your peace."

2 Chr 20: 17  You will not need to fight in this battle.  Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is
with you....

Rom 8: 37-39  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither
death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any
other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Phil 4: 6-7 Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ
Jesus.

I hope we all know that God cannot lie.  Believe me, I can go on and on.  Just know that He can give you peace, that will help you to
wait patiently for Him.  During this Holiday season, be at peace.  Know that His promises are good all year round, because in
Heaven, His time zone, they never sleep!  That is why God always knows what time it is, and He is always on time.   

Merry Christmas and God Bless,

Sis. Shatika Gray

Scripture References:

James 1: 2-4  My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces
patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 4:3  You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Ps 37:4-5  Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass.

Ps 23:1  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Ps 37:24-25  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.  I have been young, and
now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread.

Is 40:31  But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run
and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Phil 4: 11,13  Not that I speak in regard to need for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content.  I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me.