We live in a time where there is much confusion, especially when it comes to understanding the heart of God. Insurance companies label great disasters as “Acts of God”. Religious leaders label killer storms like “Hurricane Katrina” as the judgment of God. As a result, many people have a vision in their head that God is sitting in Heaven with a big stick just waiting for the opportunity to smack them and he takes great delight when they lose. This is not the God of the Bible and not the God that we know!!

The heart of God is reflected throughout the scriptures as one that is compassionate and loving with a deep desire for his kids to prosper, succeed, and win. Jeremiah 29:11 says “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace (not calamity), and not for evil (but good), to give you an expected end (hope).

In Hebrews 12:1 it describes a great cloud of witnesses. We have always looked at that as God, the angels, and the saints that have gone before us, looking over the banisters of Heaven and rooting for you and I. Why is all this so important? As a man thinketh, so is he. If you and I think that God is against us, are we encouraged or discouraged? The knowledge that God is for us, rooting for us to succeed, prosper, and win, is very encouraging to Cheryl and I and helps us through the tough times and helps us beat back all the confusion and doubts that the world and religion can throw at us. You have to personally know God’s heart for yourself. Be encouraged! God is for you! He wants you to succeed, regardless of where you have been in the past. He wants you to win.  Go for the gold!!!!

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