July 14, 2023

 

Wealth is Uncertain

 

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. – 1 Timothy 6:17

 

We live in a country where financial abundance is the norm. We don’t always feel that way, especially in these days of rising prices. But it’s true. The United States is a wealthy country filled with financial blessings that many in the world don’t enjoy.

 

In our own world, there’s a hierarchy that believes those with more wealth are “better” than those who have less. It’s a class system that has long existed and likely isn’t going away. The wealthy believe they have the right to run things. The middle class want part of that power. And the poor long to be middle class or wealthy.

 

James warns us not to treat people differently if they are affluent. (James 2:2-4) Yet we do it anyway. It’s expected. Certainly, the wealthy expect it.

 

The wealthy count on their money to always take care of them – except when it can’t. This is Paul’s warning as he writes to Timothy. Tell the wealthy not to be arrogant. Money can’t be counted on to save them. Did I hear a few of you scoff at that?

 

It all sounds good until bad investments or a downturn in the economy, wipes everything out. It is a wonderful concept until a family squabble liquidates an inheritance. And it seems like the best thing until money can’t buy a medical treatment that will cure cancer or other medical issues. Then all the money in the world won’t help.

 

Solomon had wealth and wisdom but he still sinned greatly. Why? He let others – mainly his many wives – lure him away from following God. Anything that entices us away from God is wrong and will only lead to disaster.

 

Money is not wrong. It’s not evil. But loving and trusting money more than God will lead to ruin. It leads to arrogance and self-serving desires. Use the gifts God has given you to do good. Know that God alone is responsible for your blessings. Trust God because only He can save you.

July 13, 2023

Trust God More Than Money

 

For the love of money is a root of evil of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. – 1 Timothy 6:10

 

As I write this, the Powerball jackpot has gone to $875 million dollars. How many of you have purchased or plan to purchase a ticket? How many of you dream about all you could do with money like that?

 

Most of us, if we’re honest, answered yes to both questions. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s when winning, when achieving financial success, becomes our obsession that our lives get out of whack. We’re so focused on the wrong things that we miss the right things.

 

Many people misread and misquote the Scripture above. Money is not evil. Having an abundance of money is not evil. It’s the love of money that’s evil. It’s a lure that draws us away from God and away from doing the right things.

 

We have a tendancy to depend on money, rather than God, to get us through. Certainly, we need money to survive. Money buys food, shelter, gas to drive to work, clothes to wear, school supplies for our children. The list goes on and on. I am not criticizing the desire to be able to provide for ourselves and our families.

 

It’s when we put money on a pedestal and count on it rather than God that our lives turn away from God and toward evil. We trust money more than God and nothing should usurp God.

 

We tend to “trust” God when all of our other options have gone away. We turn to God when we have no other choice, when we have used up all of our resources. What would happen if we turned to God first? Perhaps we would relinquish the sin of worry and be filled with the peace God gives us when we trust Him.

 

It’s okay to want financial security but learn to trust that God will provide all we truly need.

 

 

January 2, 2019

Change

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

I have become a word person. It was something I never intended. I simply wasn’t one of those people who chose a word each year. Life isn’t that predictable. How could it possibly be that I would choose a word in January and have it still be relevant in December?

Well, the short answer is that God has a way of leading us on the path of His choosing. That’s how I became a word person

This year’s word is change. I didn’t pick it out. I’m not someone who does change easily. While I certainly like to sometimes try new things and visit new places, I like my routine. What about you? Do you like change or do you prefer a predictable life?

I’ve come to understand that my resistance to change comes from a place of sorrow. Have you ever lost someone suddenly? I have. Have you ever been completely betrayed by someone you trusted? I have. Have you ever had your world destroyed by sudden health issues? I have. So while I recognize that some change can be good and wonderful, I also know firsthand that change can sometimes bring a broken heart and shattered soul.

My first response to God’s word for me was fear. It was that “oh no!” heart-pounding response from someone who has had way too much change in recent years. I’m fine where I am, as I am. And, yet, God has called me to more.

He is teaching me that all change isn’t bad. Some change redirects my path back to where it should have been all along. Some change restores what was lost. Some change forces me to grow, to trust, to open myself up to new challenges and opportunities.

I know I’m not alone in my doubts. As I speak to people, I hear again and again of their desire for comfort and stability. We like our vacations and new restaurants and shopping for new and better things. But we don’t want to risk too much. We don’t want to feel the earth shifting beneath our feet. We’d rather retain some sense of control, though that is cause for laughter. We are never, ever really in control.

Still, God is God and I trust Him. It is not a trust born of schoolgirl promises and declarations of faith. It has nothing to do with baptismal waters and years in church. It is a deep trust for the One who carried me when I was too broken and weak to take even one more step. It is in the valley where the roots of true faith sink deep in the unwavering promises of our Creator.

I’ve found there’s a huge difference between those of us who have endured deep grief and those who have been blessed with an easier road. Grief doesn’t always come from death. It can be triggered by so many things. But it does change each person who encounters it. Though we may reach the other side, we are never the same.

This year my word is change. I am afraid of it. But I trust God more than I fear what the year might bring. There is a time for everything. Apparently, this is my time for change.

December 6, 2018

What Does Your Life Say?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. – Philippians 2:3

It’s high school football championship week. The top teams have gathered to play for the titles in each of the divisions. It’s an exciting time in this football obsessed region.

The games are televised, so we all have the opportunity to see the games unfold. One team won by a significant margin. I was thrilled because I know one of the coaches and his family. It was a well-deserved state championship win for a man who has been through a tough time.

You know how it goes. The team doesn’t win and somebody has to take the fall. He and several other assistants were shown the exit door. It was sad. It was done in a horrible way. And, well you probably already guessed, the team didn’t win again this year. But this godly man went to another team and helped that team win a state championship.

It was a tough journey, one filled with tears, as his family had their lives uprooted. They were active in our church. They were kind and giving. They lived their faith and it drew others to Jesus. Then he lost his job.

What I admired so much is that his faith didn’t falter on this hard journey. He didn’t badmouth his bosses. He didn’t get angry at God. Instead, he handed it all over to God. He trusted that God would provide something even better. And He did. God gave this coach a state championship.

I contrast that with another man who was also happy with the win, though for an entirely different reason. He didn’t like the other team because the quarterback is the little brother of a player on the college football team he detests. You may need to read that again. Yes. It really is that ridiculous.

He’s entitled to his opinion, of course, but his ugly comments really contrasted so much with the coach and his situation. This man also is an active volunteer at his church. He does many good things and has spent much time and money on relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. But it’s easy to forget those things when hateful words come out about people he doesn’t even know.

Which man do you think shows the love of Jesus the most? The one who refused to badmouth those who harmed him or the one who badmouthed people he doesn’t know? Yeah. It’s easy to live our faith when things are going our way and we can give without cost to ourselves. But it’s when life gets hard, when it’s unfair, that people really learn who we are. It’s in that dark place where true faith can shine brightly.

The coach never lost his faith. He never doubted God’s goodness. He dealt with a situation he didn’t create, his soothed his wife’s anger and his children’s tears and unease. And he trusted God to give them all something better. And He did. Because God always gives His children more than we could ever dream.

No one is better or less because of the team they support. We forget that sometimes in our heated emotions of the moment. Watch your words. Live like Jesus when the days hurt and you don’t understand. People notice and they want to know why. Let your life point them toward Jesus.

November 2, 2018

Trust God

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. – Psalm 138:8

It was a normal day. He was up early, dropped the kids off at school, and headed to work. He had no idea it would be his last day at work. He had no warning of what was to come.

Another man talks about receiving the best evaluation he’d ever gotten at his job. That was in the morning. In the afternoon, he was let go.

A woman reminiscences about her days as a successful sales rep. She recounts the travel, the time away from her family, the cost of it all. And then the day came when her position was eliminated. She looked around to find all she had left was a severance package and a few memories.

We live in a world where we are defined by success in the workplace. Right or wrong, it’s just how it is. The question becomes do we buy into that? Do we believe how wonderful others say we are? Do we believe the sales figures make us better people? Do we think the sacrifices are worth it for the paycheck?

Whether we realize it or not, we’ve made an idol of our job. There’s certainly nothing wrong with enjoying your job and wanting to be good at it. The trouble comes when your job consumes your time, your energy, your everything.

It’s easy to slip into that mode. We sometimes spend more time with our co-workers than with our families. They become our reality, our priority. We tell ourselves we love our families more but, still, we sacrifice them for a job that demands no other mistress.

We’ve got our life out of order. That’s something that becomes abundantly clear when our job, our career, our livelihood, suddenly goes away.

The Bible is clear about priorities. Put God first. Put God above family and friends. Put God before job and church. Put God first. Love Him. Worship Him.

You might be asking why. I know. God says to do this but have you ever considered why? When we love God first, that helps us keep our priorities in the correct order. It helps us remember what’s important in life. It helps us remember that people, especially the ones we love, are more important than things.

Nothing in this life stays the same. We can pour ourselves into a career, only to have it snatched away at a moments notice. We can dedicate ourselves to a particular church, only to have it splinter over a disagreement. There are divorces, family feuds, broken friendships.

But there is One who stays the same. God. He never changes. He is our constant in a sometimes tumultuous world. He is our steady guide. God is the One who loves us no matter what because it’s not about us. It’s about Him.

God has a plan for your life and it’s a good plan. Trust Him. When things aren’t turning out the way you thought they would, trust God. Put Him first and trust that He will see you through whatever you are facing today.

October 4, 2018

What Feeds Your Frenzy?

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. – Philippians 4:8

We like to talk about addictions. Well, at least we like to talk about addictions that belong to someone else. We would never be addicted to anything. Not us. We know better.

Are you sure? There’s more than one type of addiction. It doesn’t have to be drugs or alcohol or gambling. It’s possible to be addicted to sex, drama, video games, center stage, political news.

What’s not so obvious is seeing ourselves in the mirror. We get so caught up in the frenzy that we don’t realize we’ve got a problem. Until we end up incredibly unhappy, even isolated, and we don’t know how we got to that place.

I have a sweet friend who is addicted to Fox News. I know. Maybe you like the news channel. It’s certainly possible to watch it without being addicted to it. She spends every waking moment tuned in. When she’s not focused on it, she’s watching shows like The View that leave her extremely agitated and upset. She is growing more and more unhappy with life and the condition of this world.

I’ve tried to help her. It makes me so sad to see her withdrawing more and more from the things that used to make her happy. I’ve encouraged her to turn the television off, to read her Bible, to have lunch with friends, or go for a walk. Anything to get her away from what upsets her so.

She can’t let it go. Or she won’t let it go. She’s becoming a Christian radical – does such a person exist – where she is obsessed with what she thinks others are doing to God and our country.

You probably know someone like her. It’s like a sickness that has invaded our country. We’re so busy defending God that we’ve forgotten He doesn’t need us to defend Him. We’re so busy promoting our own agendas, fueling our own anxiety, that we forget God is in control.

Why are we so worried? Don’t we trust God to handle whatever is happening in our nation, in our churches, in our hearts? Or do we just enjoy getting upset about things we can’t control?

My friend wasn’t always this way. She was sweet and kind, a devoted prayer warrior, an encourager. She loves Jesus. She does. I’m just not sure she trusts Him. Why? Because how can we get and stay so upset, how can we say we’ve turned issues over to God, and still get so angry and depressed every day about the same things?

We are in charge of what we focus our minds on. We can choose to fill our thoughts with Scripture. We can choose to think of the good and trust God to handle the good and the bad. Or we can let Satan fill our minds with rubbish, words of defeat, and news designed to fuel our anxiety.

The choice belongs to you. Are you going to hold on tight to your addiction or are you going to give it to God and trust Him with the outcome?

June 30, 2018

What Would Happen?

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

– Mark 10:51-52

Who would we be if we truly saw Jesus for who He is? What would we do if we truly saw Him?

We spend most of our lives being led by our own common sense and the world’s opinion of what we should do and who we should be. We not only deny Jesus but we deny the person He has called us to be.

We’re just so practical, you know? We don’t see a way so we assume a way doesn’t exist. We walk by faith – but only as far as we can see. We believe in miracles – for other people. We have great faith – but not when it means going where we are uncomfortable.

The sad truth is that we don’t want to cause ripples. And we certainly don’t want to ignite a storm. We just want to get along, to lead a good life, to be successful in the eyes of the world. If we want to be known, it’s for worldly achievements.

Sure, we want to go to heaven one day. Just not today. And we don’t really want to sacrifice anything to get there. We don’t want people to dislike us because we choose to follow Jesus rather than man. We want to do life on our own terms.

We know exactly what that looks like. We stay busy telling people how to live for Jesus. We insist that we know what is right. Yes, our biblical views benefit us. But, well, that’s just how it is. We’re not backing down. No compromise for us. We’re a hard-hearted bunch. All in the name of Jesus, of course.

But what would happen if we stepped back for a moment. Imagine yourself back in the days when Jesus was teaching and preaching and healing on this earth. Look down at your dusty feet. Feel yourself jostled in the crowd. Move close enough to hear His words. Do you still believe?

We’d like to think we would be one of those who gave up everything to follow our Savior. We want to believe that we would have given our very lives for the One who came to save us all. But the truth isn’t so pretty. Would we be like Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends, who denied Him three times rather than risk his own life? Or would we be like the Pharisees who “knew” so much but were really so focused on their own opinions and power that they missed the Messiah?

The blind man’s faith was simple and direct. He knew Jesus could heal him. There was nothing fancy going on. No rituals. No prayer circles. No debates. Just one man with great faith and a Savior who saw him and heard the cry of his heart.

Why do we need it to be so much more than that? Why do we need signs and plans and the support of all those around us? What keeps us from hearing His voice and walking toward Him with great faith? What would happen in our lives if we stopped looking around us and focused directly on Jesus? What would happen if great faith directed our steps?

Open your eyes. See our Savior. Start walking toward Him. It really is that simple.

April 22, 2018

Trust God

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

– Proverbs 3:5-6

A few days ago I wrote down a very specific prayer request. I’d prayed in general for this thing to come to pass but this time I got specific. Two days later, God answered my prayer.

I don’t know what surprised me more: That He answered my prayer so quickly or that He answered it at all. I was shocked at my reaction. I know God answers prayer. He does it all the time for me and for others. It’s something I talk about again and again. But this prayer was just so specific and He did it – for me.

What I prayed for doesn’t matter. I will tell you that it wasn’t something major. It was something much smaller. I know that God cares about the details of our lives. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. God has numbered the hairs on our heads. He cares about the little things. But He cared about my little thing and I was just so amazed.

Isn’t that just like God to show up when we really aren’t expecting Him? This is one of those things that had gone on for months. I’d really given up hope. My prayers had been general and maybe a little half-hearted. Did I really expect success in this? But when I got specific, when I really turned it over to Him totally, God showed up in the most glorious way.

Sometimes I think I hold back on my prayer requests because I am so aware of all that God has done for me. I have no right to ask for anything else. He has carried me through the worst of storms. He soothed my battered flesh and lifted my spirits with hope. I am just so very grateful. I didn’t deserve all He has done for me and I certainly don’t deserve anything more.

Yet, God shows up again and again. I implore Him to guard my steps so that I follow His light and not my own desires. I am so thankful for all the times He has told me “no” or “not yet”. Have you ever looked back and thanked God for His protection from something you thought you wanted? He is just so wise!

I am not a trusting person. Life has taught me that the people closest to you can and will betray you in the worst possible ways. Trust is something earned over time. Betrayal can come in an instant, slamming the foundation of what you thought you knew and battering it into tiny pieces.

But God. How trustworthy is He? I am just so grateful, so thankful, that He is always by my side! God loves us with a love we can never fully comprehend. He always wants what is best for us. He always tells the truth. And He never leaves us alone to deal with whatever heartbreak or mess we are facing.

God also celebrates with us. He draws us close as we tell Him our joys, as we smile at the beauty of today. He is never consumed with jealousy or envy. God loves that we are happy. God laughs with us and rejoices on all the good that comes our way.

I don’t know what the days ahead will bring. I have no map that shows the future. But I know that God is with me. I know that whatever comes – the good and the bad – God will guide me through it. My goal, my part, is to stay focused on Him and to trust in His light to show me the way.

January 2, 2018

Trust The Lord

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

I memorized those verse long ago. I’ve repeated it to myself so many times over more years than I can count. I believe it. I do. But right now I trust Him and my path is anything but straight. It’s hard not to feel betrayed.

Except this is God we’re talking about. He wants good things for me and you. He knows what He is doing. He always knows the best way. And yet I can’t shake that feeling that He set me up to fail.

Maybe He did. A good friend told me that. Maybe He wanted me to give up something and knew the only way that I would is if I tried it and failed. Really? Wasn’t there a better way – a less painful way – to do that?

This has been a season of much loss. Great loss. Heartbreaking loss. I was just so uncertain about anything and everything. I asked God again and again if this was the right move. I asked Him to block it if it wasn’t in His will. He flung the doors open wide. Or so I thought.

I have failed. Repeatedly. I tried harder. I failed yet again. I thought that maybe God was just delaying the blessing. After all, God led me to this place so He must want me to succeed. Mustn’t He?

How long do I wait? When do I stop believing in the hope I had at first and come to terms with the reality I am facing? And if I was so wrong about this, how can I ever really trust that I am walking in His will?

I don’t know how this journey will end. I don’t really know what tomorrow will bring. I simply get up every morning and work. I don’t know what else to do.

God is faithful. He has carried me when I couldn’t stand on my own. He has never let me down even though I have let Him down more times than I can count. I don’t understand His methods but I know He loves me with an everlasting love. In this life with so many betrayals, God is faithful. Truly. I hold on to that when nothing makes sense anymore.

June 8. 2016

Give Fear To God

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

-- Isaiah 41:10

Fear. Have you ever felt it deep in your soul? Do you know what it’s like to lie awake at night, worried about things that might come? Have you sat alone in a hospital waiting room, terrified, begging God for help?

The Bible tells us 365 times not to fear. I’ve never counted the words myself but I trust all those who have. One verse for each day of the year. God knew we would have trouble with fear.

It is a sin. How many times have I told myself that? Fear reveals a lack of faith in God’s ability or willingness to handle a situation. Fear means we don’t trust Him to look after us. Fear means we’re worried about things we can’t control rather that trusting to Him whatever happens.

I wish I had a magic wand to make fear disappear. Wouldn’t we all like that? Because if you’ve lived long enough, you know that terrifying grip that can wreck your peace faster than anything.

I’ve learned a great deal about taking it to God. There’s no point in trying to hide it. He knows anyway. I share with Him my concerns and try to leave it at His throne. I say try because my gut instinct is to take it back. Again and again I battle. Again and again I war within myself.

The thing about fear is that it challenges us to live in the moment. I can’t predict what might happen tomorrow. I can’t. No amount of planning will prepare me for what can happen. Anyone who has ever sat in a hospital emergency room while doctors, nurses and techs worked to save a loved ones’ life knows that plans aren’t really dependable.

It’s not that we should just kick back and do nothing. It’s important to save and work hard and to prepare as best we can. But it’s also important not to worry about what tomorrow might bring. Chances are all those imagined scenarios will never come to pass. And if they do? Well, we couldn’t stop them anyway.

I’ve learned a lot about trusting God. Ironically, as my distrust for others has grown so has my trust in God. He’s the One I’ve learned to hold on to.

I’m still fearful sometimes. I cry out in hurt and anger and my mind races with things that might happen. But I’ve learned to run to Him and ask Him to calm the storm raging inside of me.

I could never have predicted some of the things that have happened in my life. I could never have imagined the depth of betrayal and the lies that Satan aimed my way. But I learned a lot too. God is faithful to hold me close and protect me from whatever life flings my way.

April 28, 2016

Trust Jesus To Provide

15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. -- Matthew 14:15-18

The other day we were heading South when we spotted some teenagers waving signs to advertise a yard sale. Have I mentioned I love yard sales? We did a U-turn and headed back to the church.

The people were wonderful. Teenagers were everywhere helping, right along with the adults. Prices were reasonable. We were happy to buy more items we didn’t need.

They were raising money to send their youth to summer camp several states away. They collect items all year and have one large yard sale. They do it every year. One man noted that they always have enough money, with a little left over.

God provides. Always. We ask for His guidance. We work hard. And we leave the results to Him.

The disciples lived with Jesus day after day. They watched Him perform miracles. They saw Him interact with others. They heard Him teaching again and again. And, yet, their first plan was to send the people away to get food.

They didn’t have enough. They weren’t enough. And they didn’t think to ask Jesus to provide. They did what we all do. They did what was reasonable. They came up with a plan and presented it to Jesus, expecting Him to go along with it.

Just like we do.

I wonder what would happen to our lives if we simply gave Jesus all we had and expected Him to provide the rest? I wonder how our lives would change if we really understood we could count on Him to provide everything we need to follow His plan?

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. -- Matthew 14:20

Amazing what Jesus can do if we only trust Him to provide what we need.

April 3, 2016

Trusting God

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -- Philippians 4:6-7

This is one of my favorite passages of Scripture. Some days I don’t know why. I am an expert at worrying, something that is sadly distressing to me.

I read one of those Facebook graphics recently that said worry indicates that you don’t trust God. I thought about that for a moment. It’s true, you know. It really is. When I’m worried about something, it means that I either don’t believe God can handle or I don’t believe God will handle it.

None of us can control all the circumstances around us. Other people make choices and, whether we like it or not, we are left with the consequences. And the uncertainty. The list of things we can’t control seems endless.

But we can control how we react to the stresses of life. We can turn our worries into prayer. “God I am so worried that my child is mixed up with the wrong crowd. Please keep him close and protect him.” Or “God I scared my job will be eliminated. How will I feed my family? Please provide for us.”

Then what? Leave it with Him. That’s really where I face the greatest challenge. I give it to God. And then I take it back. Again and again and again. Truly, it as though I’ve got to fix it because surely He either won’t or He’s decided to wait awhile. I’m not good at waiting.

There you go. I’m not good at waiting. I not only want God to fix whatever it is, I want Him to do it right now! God’s timeline and mine are rarely the same. But you know what? He’s always right on time. Always. Never late. Never early. Always right. You would think I would learn to just let it go and trust that He’ll do whatever is necessary when the time is right.

Trusting God is a conscious choice. It is knowing that He loves us. It is believing that He will always turn bad to good if we will give it to Him. It is leaning into His embrace and letting His strength carry us when we are too tired to take another step.

Worry doesn’t belong in the hearts and minds of God’s children. He’s got this. Really. He does. So let Him keep it.

March 8, 2016

Trust God

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:

“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.

-- Isaiah 30:15

This verse has shown up at different times in my life, always when I needed it most. God is good that way. He gives us what we need, when we need it.

It’s very simple really. We are to repent when we sin, then rest in God’s grace. A sweet friend wrote about leaving our past in the past. We don’t. We keep dredging it up. God has forgiven us and forgotten it. Not us. We’ve got to go over it again and again and again, beating ourselves up over something we can’t change.

We also have a need to fix things, to change other people, to control what goes on around us. We can’t, of course. Only God can. But we are so determined to try.

God calls us to be quiet and trust Him. So simple and so strong. Give it to God and walk away. Stop obsessing and let it go. Your strength -- your true strength -- comes in trusting God to work things out for your good and His glory.

This message was aimed at Judah. They were looking everywhere for military might instead of trusting God to save them. We do the same thing. When we need help we look everywhere but to the One who can save us. He’s just waiting for us to ask, to seek, to count on Him to do what He wants to do for us. We belong to Him and He loves us unconditionally.

But we would have none of it. Let’s not forget that last line of this verse. We can choose to ignore God’s help. We can choose to go our own way. We can choose to do it alone. Or we can seek God and trust Him to do what is best.

It’s quite simple really. Trust God or wallow in the aftermath of your own choices.

February 12, 2016

Trust in God

This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:

“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.

-- Isaiah 30:15

Quietness is one of the hardest things to do. Resting in our salvation isn’t that easy either. Admitting our sins can be so hard. And trust, well, we could probably find thousands of reasons not to trust.

And yet that is what God calls us to do. Why do we refuse it?

We’d rather do it ourselves -- whatever it is -- than wait for God to save us. Then when we get in over our heads we cry out to Him because, really, He’s the only One who can save us.

Our lives are filled with busyness. We don’t know what it’s like anymore to be left quietly alone with our thoughts and our prayers. How can we hear God’s voice above the drone of all the noise? Is it any wonder that we are so lost even when we try to find His will?

Trusting God sounds so easy. We know He is Sovereign Lord. We know He can do anything. We just don’t always trust that He will do what we want. Okay. There’s the truth. What we want. Not what God wants.

Yeah, I know. We want God to want what we want. And we want to want what He wants. But, and you know this, God knows best. Always. So if He doesn’t want that for you or me, why in the world would we want it for ourselves?

There’s also that issue of timing. Sometimes God calls us to wait. We don’t want to wait. We live in an instant world and we really don’t know how to wait. But when God says to wait, we need to wait. No matter what we want. And no matter what anyone else says. God has a reason and rushing ahead could bring disaster.

Trust God to fight for you. Trust God to lead you on the right path. Trust God. Then rest in His peace.

February 3, 2016

Take The First Step

14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. 15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground. -- Joshua 3:14-17

Most of us are familiar with how God stopped the Jordan so the Israelites could cross on dry ground. But there’s one little detail that tends to get overlooked: The water didn’t stop until the priests touched it with their feet.

That’s right. They had to go forward in faith, trusting God to get them across safely. It was only when they demonstrated their faith that God stepped forward and did His part.

There’s a lesson in that for us. So often we hear God’s voice but we want to see the path clearly before we take a step out in faith. That’s not how God typically works. He wants to know that we trust Him. Really and truly.

Right about now you’re probably saying that of course you trust God. He’s God. He’s trustworthy, honest and true. But when we don’t trust Him enough to immediately obey His call on our lives, what does that say about our faith in Him?

I tell myself sometimes that it’s not God that I don’t trust, it’s myself. That is true. It’s also a convenient excuse. While I don’t always trust myself to make the right choices as I seek to follow Him, I should know by now that if I take a wrong step God will correct me. It might not always be pleasant but if I sincerely am trying to follow Him, God will guide me on the right path to bring Him glory.

There’s another reason that we don’t always take that first step. We don’t want to go. We don’t. We might not be entirely happy where we are at but we’re comfortable there. We know how it all works. The Israelites were slaves in Egypt but it was what they knew. When things got rough, they wanted to go back to what they knew rather than received the great blessings God had promised for them.

When God calls us to step out in faith, He always has something wonderful planned. But we’ve got to take the first step. Will you?

　

January 31, 2016

One Step At A Time

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. -- Proverbs 3:5-6

It was a rough time. A loved one’s health crisis hit unexpectedly and overnight the hospital became my home. I never knew what each hour would bring. It was a tough season.

Have you ever been there?

Most of you have. I have a sweet friend gripped with cancer (again) and severe depression. Her husband stands faithfully by her side, devastated by his inability to fix this. Another friend struggles to manage health issues that make each day seem as though she has the flu.

It seems like it is always something. Finances and health issues, family drama and work stress, troubles with children and daily chores that never seem to end. Sometimes it’s difficult to know the point and purpose of it all. We’re just so weary and we don’t understand.

That is when we most need to trust God. He has a plan -- a good plan -- for each of us. He will turn whatever is happening to something good if you just turn it over to Him. His ways are not our ways. We know that. It’s just so hard to let it go and take one step at a time.

But that’s the journey of faith: One step at a time. Frequently God doesn’t lay it all out before us. He simply asks that we trust Him. He’ll reveal the path one step at a time.

It’s not always a pleasant journey. Last month a friend buried her son. This young man was stricken with cancer shortly after he graduated from high school. He fought so hard. She did too. We all expected a miracle. We are grateful he’s no longer is pain and that he is now in heaven with Jesus. His faith was rock solid. But his mother will grieve his loss for the rest of her life. How can we understand that?

We can’t. It circles right back around to faith. We know that God is good. We know that God didn’t will this horrific death for this young man but He did allow it. That’s hard. But we cling to the promises of Jesus, to the resurrection and the certainty that we’ll see this young man again.

Trust in the Lord. He will direct your paths. It’s not for us to understand. It’s for us to believe. One step at a time.

January 18, 2016

All I Need To Know

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. -- John 3:16

There’s a song that’s been echoing in my mind for a day or two. It’s titled Don’t Know Much. Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville recorded it. I know it isn’t a “Christian” song but it sure has me thinking about God.

The chorus says: Don’t know much, but I know I love you. And that may be all I need to know.” That about sums up where I’m at right now.

Last year was a particularly tough year. People I thought I could trust, betrayed me. I never knew where the next attack would come from and, honestly, the battle still rages on. At least within me. I’m not a particularly trusting person. I’m even less so now. That is just sad.

Sometimes people just shock me. I have felt Satan’s attack again and again. I have clung tightly to Jesus. He has carried me, sending angels to guard and help me. I am stronger now. My faith is deeper. The scars are slowly healing.

I’ve got a long way to go. There are days when forgiveness seems elusive and the anger spills out of me. I am furious at the finger pointing and lies, the backstabbing and accusations. Then I take a deep breath and take it to God -- again. Stay silent. Let God handle it. Trust that He will.

But it hurts. And sometimes my soul just needs the soothing ointment of God’s love to ease its pain. Life’s storms happen without warning and can knock us on our feet. But if we are grounded in God’s love, we remain on the rock. I’m finding that out.

I don’t know much these days. But I know God loves me and I love Him. And maybe that’s all I really need to know.

January 12, 2016

Humbly Ask For Help

Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. -- 2 Chronicles 20:2-4

Why do we wait until we’ve tried everything else before we seek God’s help? We do. We wait until we’re out of options and the crisis is overwhelming before we ask God to help us.

Not Jehoshaphat. He learned that serious trouble was coming and he immediately sought God’s help. He understood that all the strategy sessions, all the men, all the plans, just wouldn’t work. The only way his people could survive was if God intervened.

I wonder what would happen if we went to God first when we were faced with a challenge. What if we asked God for help before our situation reached crisis mode? What if we asked for God’s direction before we went in the wrong direction?

We’re just so independent. We don’t want to humble ourselves before mighty God, forgetting that our Heavenly Father loves us so much and wants good things for us. His wisdom is perfect. His protection impenetrable.
‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’


Faith. Jehoshaphat had faith in God’s ability and in His willingness to save His people. He knew God would hear his prayer. Do you ever wonder if God hears your prayers? He does. He always helps His children.

Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” -- 2 Chronicles 20:12

I’ve always loved this verse. Jehoshaphat admitted that he didn’t know what to do. He didn’t try to pretend with Almighty God. He didn’t try to tell God what to do. He humbled himself and admitted he was powerless and needed God’s help. That’s a lesson for us to learn.

You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” -- 2 Chronicles 20:17

And He did. God fought for His people and saved them, causing their opponents to basically slaughter themselves. God delivered His people in a way they never could have imagined.

He’ll do the same for you and me. We just have to humble ourselves and ask.

January 7, 2016

Trust

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6

I wasn’t planning on having a special word this year. The word I was drawn to last year was “peace.” It was a really, really rough year.

But God has a different plan. Trust is my word.

I am not a trusting person, even under the best of circumstances. I’ve experienced too many letdowns from people who have knifed me in the back. I know. I should choose better but sometimes the people in your life as there from birth and they are your worst enemies. But that’s for another time.

I want to trust. I do. And, yes, I have trustworthy people in my life now. There’s something about walking through the fire. You learn who your real friends and family are.

And, yet, there’s a part of me that holds back. I am afraid. Here’s the thing: There are no guarantees. People mess up. They betray us. They lie. They get jealous and deceive. They let us down.

I am so thankful that my God is mighty and trustworthy and strong. He is so wise and caring. I put my trust in Him, knowing that I’ll never be betrayed and He’ll never, ever let me down.

This last year when my world was crumbling around my feet, I would repeat this verse silently as I begged sleep to come. Over and over again. Eventually sleep would come.

Trust. It’s a hard thing. But not impossible with God.

December 30, 2013

The following is the David Jeremiah post from today. If you haven't already signed up to get his e-mail devotionals sent to you each day, I surely recommend it.

The Detour Is the Route

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret....
Psalm 37:7

Recommended Reading Psalm 37:1-8

If life is a highway, most of us are racing down the interstate, hitting the breaks in the congestion, overheating our engines, and running out of gas. Well, take a detour for a moment and read Psalm 37:7. Think of this verse as a winding mountain road with relaxed speeds, glorious overlooks, and scant traffic. Now consider: This detour is the quickest way to the destination. We can accomplish so much more when we're relaxed as we trust the Lord and wait patiently for Him.

Resting in the Lord means recognizing He's in control. Your problems are His concern, and His promises are your inheritance. You may have reasons to worry, but you have better reasons not to. The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms, and the Lord knows your needs before you even ask. He will take care of you.

Resting in the Lord is the exact opposite of the spirit of our age. But who wants the spirit of this age anyway? Let the Spirit of God fill you with all joy and peace as you rest in the Lord.