Treasures

I wanted to continue today looking at how we can pull down these false strongholds that bind believers from receiving the beautiful benefits of living full in the spirit and finding that peace.


First, we have to believe they exist in our life and we need to name them. I am sure you have heard the saying, "confession is good" for the soul, and so it is. 


Our most powerful offensive weapon in tearing down these strongholds is prayer, and God's word- combined with faith. We must come to God in prayer, and trust He will demolish these strongholds and replace them with the desire for heavenly treasures. 


One common area that can entrap us today is materialism- the acquiring and maintaining of stuff and more stuff. Having nice things is not in itself the stronghold- it is the idea that our worth and value lies connected to these things.


We spend way too much time working for, wishing for, and acquiring more. We become enslaved to the pursuit of riches instead of seeking God and his kingdom first.

Your barometer, given to you in God's word, says-

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Matthew 6:19-21

The heavenly treasure should be our goal- and that comes from giving away our stuff to help other's in need, for Jesus also said-

"Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:33-34

Strongholds

Strongholds in the physical definition represent a fortress with difficult access, for the believer a stronghold in the spiritual represents Christ.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is the stronghold of my life-

of whom should I be afraid?

False strongholds are anything that steals our focus from God, consuming too much of our emotional and mental energy, and strangles our abundant life. These strongholds come from false ideas, lies, and deceptions. They are born of Satan, in our mind and can be subtle in the beginning and grow stronger as we begin to act upon these ideas. 

How do we know in the beginning of the deception if this idea/ ideals we are entertaining are contrary to God's will for our life?

We must have a barometer, and that  barometer is God's word. Scripture teaches us through the Holy Spirit. 

There are thousands of measures to use for gauging the worth of activities in our lives in the Bible. Here's just one to think about today.

Colossians  3:23

23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for men..it is the Lord you are serving."

Peace

John 14:27

Jesus died so that we could have peace with God through the gift of the Holy Spirit. This precious gift to mankind cost him dearly. Do you have peace in your life? Is it well with your soul today? 


Peace is the absence of strife in our live's. The unnecessary strife I am referring to, the strife that comes from our own doing. It is the by product of unforgivingness, resentment, unresolved anger, and bitterness- just to name a few common areas we habitually get caught up in repeating over and over. 


These character defects of the soul (our mind, will and emotions) rob us of the peace that God sacrificed so much for us to have.

The Bible says in Hebrews 12:14 that we must strive for peace to see God- follow after, seek it out, work at it. 


All the fruit of the spirit-  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control- start from a decision, and an action on our part. Then God works perfectly, in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, to bring beauty to an imperfect soul. 

There is no peace outside of God, dear ones. The gift Christ left was for all who know, love, trust and seek Him.

Seek  and you shall find.

Trust Him and you will know Him.

Marvelous Happenings

Today's "God Calling" Devotion-

Our Lord, with hearts full of joy we thank Thee for Thy marvelous blessings showered on us today and every day.

I am beside you. Follow in all things My Guiding. Marvels beyond all your imaginings are unfolding. I am your Guide. Joy in that thought. Your Guide and your Friend.

Remember that to Me a miracle is only a natural happening. To My disciples, to My chosen, a miracle is only a natural happening. But it is a natural happening operative through spiritual forces, and therefore the man who works and understands through the senses only, regards it as something contrary to Nature. 

Remember too that the natural man is at enmity with God. Realize fully, and pray to realize more and more fully, that there is no wonder too marvelous to be with you an everyday happening, if you are guided and strengthened by Me. My children, the children of My Kingdom are a peculiar people, set apart, different hopes, and aspirations, and motives, and sense of reward.

  

You see a marvelous happening (as that today), happening so easily, so simply, so free from all other agency, and you wonder. My children, listen, this has not happened easily and simply. It has been achieved by hours, days, months of weariness and heartache battled against and overcome, by a steadfast, unflinching desire to conquer self, and to do My Will and live My teachings.

  

The frets and the worries and the scorn patiently borne mean spiritual Power acquired, operating marvelously. 

The Lord is my shepherd; Psalm 23

This is such a beautiful reading from my  "God Calling"  book, I have used this devotion book for years- underlining, making notes in the margin, highlighting, rereading over and over. Jesus is speaking directly to me- just me, and I grow closer and more intimate with my savior; a deeper understanding evolves as I daily walk and talk with Him. My spirit is strengthened with every devotion. Today's reading  is a good one, it helped me to understand why God's ways are different from my ways, and dear reader's, that is a  very good thing- for God is so good. Amen!

Walk Humbly

Today's devotion in my "God Calling" book:

"Fear of what other's will say is want of trust in me. This must not be. Convert all these difficulties into the purification of your character. See yourselves as those around you see you, not as you wish. I will set you on high because you have known My Name, but it must be a purified you to be so exalted."

Matthew 5:8
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

Hurts in the Past

An excerpt taken from a page in my notes last summer. A candid answer, I share candidly with you now.

The question in my Bible Study asks "What comfort has God given to me as I have sought comfort from hurts in the past? Journal about that, focusing on whether or not you are willing to pass on the comfort?

"I was angry and hurt when my life's plan for marriage and motherhood was shattered. I was raw with emotions, feeling no comfort, because I had turned my back on God. It was a dark and lonely place, the only light inside my heart was artificial and burned out repeatedly- I was running on empty. I had to run  into the desert, for a season of barrenness and drought. As I reached the end of myself, fallen face down, exhausted and lost, I finally surrendered and gave it all up to God. I had a lot inside that literally was making me sick. I purged and purged (prayed and repented) and sought the help of God (forgiveness), and life (love) began to come back into me. I still felt so alone, but continued to seek God for my daily manna. My prayers were on my knees, and Jesus was comforting me through the healing process. He is my rod and staff, and my desert is now a beautiful highland meadow, full of lush green grass and a babbling brook- My God sent me a help mate to stand with me. He was in need of the savior too, and we comforted each other. Today I am writing in a blog  "Dreams Do Come True"; I am doing this to help other's. I want my readers to see Jesus as the only way to true comfort."

Storms

There is a very beautiful poetic passage in Isaiah 43:2-4 where God reassures the Israelites that He will be with them during their exile in Babylon. He loves them, for they are His chosen people, and He will not let them perish His words given to the prophet Isaiah are to encourage them to endure this season knowing that He is still in control and will guide them through the trials of life and give them rest.

Today is no different. When we find ourselves in the storms of life, some of our making, and yet many times at the hands of things out of our control, we must still trust God is there right in the middle, and we should find our rest in Him.

We live in a fallen world that will rain down on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). God will be in the rain and He will continue to purpose His will. The circumstances of our life does not change God's providence.

We must not let the enemy pervert or take away our hope and faith in God during the crisis. We must stay calm- this is our way out. We must not loose our perspective of God's word. The storms will come, and dear ones, please prepare by knowing and trusting God today- while the sun is shining down on you.

Isaiah 43:2-4

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

         And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
         When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
         Nor will the flame burn you.

“For I am the LORD your God,

         The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
         I have given Egypt as your ransom,
         Cush and Seba in your place.

“Since you are precious in My sight,
         Since you are honored and I love you,
         I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your   life.

Rooted in Love

Ephesians 3:14-21

New International Version (NIV)

A Prayer for the Ephesians

 ¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family^[a]in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Seasons

Life is hard. It can get you down. If you fail to realize the absolute necessity of taking time to work, rest, play, love, laugh; and instead all you do is work, you will experience burn out. 


I used to be a very serious minded person who felt the need to manage, control, dictate and perfect my every experience- and everyone else around me. 


As a result of years of that routine, I can tell you what happens- you will burn out, lose your self, and quite possibly the people you love- at least for a season. 


The Bible speaks very clearly to the seasons of a person's life- Listen and take this wise instruction.

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

 1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,

 3 a time to kill and a time to heal,a time to tear down and a time to build,

 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,

 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

 9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 

10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men.

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 

12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 

13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 

14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men        will revere him.

My controlling ways were ultimately a distrust in the plans God had for me. I was going to do it my way, which is not the way to finding yourself.


I had to learn this truth; that the one who created me knows me the best. The way to finding myself was the way of losing myself. I had to learn this the hard way, and with great cost. 


I think of the many times I've heard it said; if only I had listened to wise instruction, or listened to my parents as I grew older... or if only I knew then, what I know now. Truth is, I did know enough to see where changes were needed. I just refused to obey.

So today I follow the divine design of my creator God. He instructs me and tells me to take the time to go outside and play, to laugh, to love, and to share my life- and most importantly, to rest in Him. 


It's really not that hard, if I remember the command, to love others as Christ loves me. It's just not all about me.

How about you? Has it been too long since you played with your kids, ate a hot dog all messy and just let it drip on your shirt or walked the dog who worships your every move. 


Do you give love freely? Just now my husband jumped up spontaneously and grabbed me to dance to one our favorite Van 
Morrison songs. 


What inspires you?  Do you wake up and spend time alone with God, or in the evening watching the sun set. When was the last time you ended your day down on your knees, praying for your family and friends? 

Oh, loved ones. I know how miserable it is to live inside the walls. So I ask with honest care and concern. What's blocking your life from a life that flows? What dams have you built up to control your life? 


You know it will break down, for you weren't made to carry the heavy burden alone. The dam will break and over flow, leaving you, and those close to you, with only the remains of rubble, and trouble. 

Listen as I say this again, life is hard, yes, but it doesn't have to be as hard as we make it. 

Let go. Live in God. Life can be good and you know it, for your heart beats in the secret place with a plan and a purpose- placed inside of you long ago. 


So go, and get outside of your own self, and let God lead you to the life He designed; a life of love and laughter. 

Abiding

John 15: 9-13

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

 ¹² "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

My purpose for this blog "Trusting God" is that you would be encouraged to know your Creator and Savior as I do, and that you would daily seek him in the truth of his word and through the love of his spirit. 


To continue to trust in God (abide) we must know his words- through study, preaching, teaching, praying and hearing the word. We must also be doers of the word to see God working in the natural.   

Reading God's word daily, even if you only focus on one verse, the truths will begin to abide in you, and here is where the transformation of the mind to be more Christ like will begin- in the abiding. 

Today's truth is that God loves you so much, and wants you to really experience "true love"- the love of Christ. A love that is so full that it naturally overflows, never stopping, always seeking to share, giving new life to the wounded or dead in spirit. Love is the greatest gift from God. 

Just remember- Christ's command to love other's is spiritual, and must come from our yielding to his spirit. The natural man (our flesh) can only love selfishly. We battle with our own judgmental mind and prejudices. Only as we begin to learn how to daily abide- relying on the power of the indwelling Spirit to act on our behalf, do we begin to conquer hate and indifference- the opposite of love.

The spiritual truths of abiding in Christ are deeper than words on a page or spoken in a pulpit. We must believe and trust God; that the Holy Spirit will teach us as we walk in faith and share God's tender mercies. 

In Christ's love I am  praying for all of you dear ones seeking Him today.   

1Corinthians:13:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

The God Formula

James 3:17

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. It is peace loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is whole hearted and straight forward and sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. (The Living Bible Translation) 
                                                                           

Pause

 

Yesterday my husband said something to me that hurt my feeling's. He turned to me and said, "Would you just pause for a moment?" He was a bit frustrated with my habit of jumping in with suggestions on how he should do something. I thought I was being helpful (thus the hurt feelings), but instead I was being inconsiderate.

Later that day I was thinking about this habit I have of speaking before thinking. I considered the word pause and what it would look like if I took the time to stop and wait before making a judgement, correction, or rendering even well intended advice.

I had to admit to myself that this is an area in which I could use God's wisdom and instruction. I thought how often God tells us to be still, and rest in him- trust him to do the work that is his to do, and for me to just be quiet.
.

Consider Psalm 46:10-  "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth".  

     

The "be still", means in Hebrew translation- to let go, release, surrender. Webster's dictionary defines the word pause as a temporary stop, or rest- as in music. Both mean to give in to something (time/God).

My husband wanted something more than for me to stop talking- he wanted me to recognize that he had everything under control. I need to just rest (pause) and let him take the lead. God deserves the same respect and recognition. "Trust me" he is saying , or simply put- hit the button and...

 let go (pause) and let God.(rest).

Poem: The Bend in the Road

When we feel we have nothing left to give
And we are sure that the song has ended,
When our day seems over and the shadows fall
And the darkness of night has descended,

Where can we go to find the strength
To valiantly keep on trying?
Where can we find the hand that will dry
The tears that the heart is crying?

There’s but one place to go and that is to God,
And dropping all pretence and pride,
We can pour out our problems without restraint
And gain strength with Him at our side.

And together we stand at life’s cross roads
And view what we think is the end,
But God has a much bigger vision,
And He tells us it’s only a bend.

For the road goes on and is smoother,
And the pause in the song is a rest,
And the part that’s unsung and unfinished
Is the sweetest and richest and best.

So rest and relax and grow stronger
Let go and let God share your load.
Your work is not finished or ended
You've just come to a bend in the road

By: Helen Steiner  Rice

Exercising Faith

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,'  says the Lord.

'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

When I was a new Christian I found it hard at times to understand how this faith concept worked. I knew I was a believer and my commitment to follow Godly principals was strong-or so I thought.    


It just seemed that when the world's standard collided with godly principles, I would feel weak and confused as which way to go. It was awhile before I realized I just needed some time exercising my faith to learn trusting God did not always mean understanding God's way's all the time. 


As seeker's of the way we will always rely on God's leading and direction. We must trust that the victory is already won and that His solution is always best. What the world sees- he sees beyond. Of course the Bible is that instruction book I find the answer to most of my questions. My part is to read, study and then exercise this understanding through faith.  


If you compare this discipline to that of exercise for physical fitness you know that in the beginning there will be some pain and a time of adjustment.  It was for me at least, when I was breaking free from the painful habits of my past that I knew were not good for me. 


I had to rely on God to help me, and to trust him that I would grow stronger against the enemy's attack on my new faith. There were times I wanted to quit, and do it my way (but  thank God) I held on to my Bible and prayed in sheer obedience for God to take this temptation away. I knew he could see beyond my limited view and that relying on my own "feelings" was a slippery slope. 


My trust was to hold on to the promises within this love letter he gave me. I am so glad I did I pray that you can too. 
Hold on dear ones.

David's Song

Psalm 32

Of David


 ¹ Blessed is the one
   whose transgressions are forgiven,
   whose sins are covered.
² Blessed is the one
   whose sin the LORD does not count against them
   and in whose spirit is no deceit.
 ³ When I kept silent,
   my bones wasted away
   through my groaning all day long.
⁴ For day and night
   your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
   as in the heat of summer.
 ⁵ Then I acknowledged my sin to you
   and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
   my transgressions to the LORD.”
And you forgave
   the guilt of my sin.
 ⁶ Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
   while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
   will not reach them.
⁷ You are my hiding place;
   you will protect me from trouble
   and surround me with songs of deliverance.
 ⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
   I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
⁹ Do not be like the horse or the mule,
   which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
   or they will not come to you.
¹⁰ Many are the woes of the wicked,
   but the LORD’s unfailing love
   surrounds the one who trusts in him.
 ¹¹ Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
   sing, all you who are upright in heart!

A Prayer

Today's Verse from Philippians 3:13-14

"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind . I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

My prayer-

Lord,

You have revealed to me a wonderful message (May 29- Forget) in my "God Calling" devotion book. The message-

"regret nothing, not even the sins and failures, for when a man views earth's wonders from some mountain height he does not spend his time in dwelling on the stones and stumbles, the faints and failures, that marked his upward path. So with you. Breathe in the rich blessings of each new day- forget all that lies behind you."

Upon this mountain I will stand with you Lord, seeing the beauty is in the vista, and knowing the climb is behind me. We have made this journey together for a reason. I had a lesson to learn and a time of testing to endure.

On the other side of this mountain, I do see the green pastures, lush valley's, clear sparkling streams and mirror lakes. The pathway is smooth and gentle, bordered by shade trees to rest beneath. 

A wonderful respite from the climb upward. "Look up. Look up." You call to me, as the eagle takes flight from her nest among these great trees. "Now remember, look up each day and see my face in the morning sunlight that will light your path through these vistas up ahead."

I will, I will my Lord. You will be my guide and my strength as I continue to trust and seek you early each day. This is my prayer to you, my Jesus.

Amen

Stand

Yesterday I wrote a post in my blog "Dreams Do Come True" entitled "Stand". The focus was on the tradition of standing and placing our hand over our heart in honor of our American flag when she passes by- and how many Americans will stand simply because the crowd does, but they will not place their hand over their heart.

I ended the writing with the saying, "If you don't stand for something,  you'll fall for everything."


I don't know about you, but I personally have a fear of falling. It hurts. Then there's the scraped knees or busted ankle to deal with, taking a while to heal, and most of the time leaving me with a scar. 

 Looking back, most of those accidents could have been avoided had I  just paid a little more attention to what I was doing, and not rushing into some decisions without giving proper consideration to the potential outcome.


Some of the falls I have encountered in life that hurt the most- came later, during times I let complacency guide me. Most of those times I was spiritually lukewarm and living in the "all about me and my needs" phase of life. It's one of those pits you can easily slip in to and not even realize you've fallen until it starts to get dark and lonely.


These lukewarm days of living in Christ ( but not really living for Christ) produced some serious mental and spiritual falls, and they were very painful, taking years to heal the wounds, leaving some tender scars.


An excerpt from my journal during a season of recovery from one of those times reveals the importance of standing in the grace of God. I wrote this-


"The spring rains and thunderstorms are here to replenish and renew mother earth. The blooms of scattered jonquils in my yard, produced perhaps from another time of rain, washing the bulbs down the hill. There is no pattern or bed- just naturalized."


I am reading your word and praying for the thunderstorm in my life to wash over me and renew my soul- strengthen my connection to God. I am dedicating (standing) this season to focus on my renewed relationship to God and to continue to seek repentance (change ) in areas of my life that need correction. Today I read in Romans 5:1-


"Therefore (because of that), having been justified (to be proven right) by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have access by faith into the grace (unearned favor with God) in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope and glory of God.


And not only that, but we also have glory (praise) in tribulation, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance and perseverance, character and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."


My Bible foot notes says that biblical peace means having a right relationship with God and others. Spiritual peace describes a sense of well being and fulfillment that comes from God and is dependent on His presence alone.

God protects our heart and mind from fear and anxiety. It transcends all logic. To receive this protection I must always stand close to God. However, being human, if I slip, trip, and fall, He will understand and pick me up and heal my wounds, just as any loving father would. I just had to reach out one arm in love, repentance and trust. It was always my choice to give Him my hand...

Stand firm (believe) in God loved ones. Do it now, on your knees .Stand tall, hand on heart, pour out your deepest hurts, disappointments and falls. Reach out your hand, putting down your false guard (our pride), and let God go to battle for you, and your battle wounds will begin to heal.

It was a choice that saved my life. It can save yours too. Trust God, right now. Do it dear one. I'm praying for you.

Contentment

I love rainbows! Just recently I was surprised and blessed to see a beautiful one over my city on a hill. I did not have my  camera phone with me to snap a picture- and yet I believe it was meant to be that way, for that moment to be an experience of prayer and praise alone. The feeling of contentment was soul deep, a God moment. I had been praying for God to show me his presence that day, and he did in the most beautiful way. The rainbow, the promise.
  
Paul says in Philippians 4:12-13 "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength."


I have learned that knowing and trusting Jesus is the secret. If you know only this dear one- then you know enough about my God:


^{Ephesians 2:4,5}
"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions".


That was me once- dead in spirit and a slave to my weakness to sin, a shell of a body, void of the spirit that I was made to possess. I knew no true peace and happiness. My search for worldly reward and promise came up short every time. 
I knew no contentment or love in the pit of which I lived. 


But because of His great love for me- a rainbow reached down into my mire and the light of the words of Christ shone through the darkness and cut through this heart of stone and saved me from my misery. You ask what? How? I answer-


An invitation by a friend to church, a gift, a living bible, a guitar, a beautiful song, prayers, a message spoken,  a hand, a kind face, a smile, tears on my cheek, a feeling of love I had never known, the memory of a child's voice drifting back into my 20 year old heart; a young girl staring out of  an ice covered window pane singing-


"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong. They are weak but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so."


But Jesus did more than that. He told me, He showed me, and He never left me, even when I turned back to sin and walked away. 
Even when I despaired of life itself and wanted to see it end.


Why? Because I matter to Him dear one, just as you matter to him. This is the great secret, everyone, yes everyone was created in Him and through Him. You are a part of Him and He loves you so.

The Steps

         Step 1- Lay my will before Jesus every morning.

         Trusting that He has the best plan for me today.

         Step 2- Be sure and tell Jesus I am trusting Him.

         Step 3- Leave all with Christ; sure of safety and 

                      protection.       
                           

He is my strength.

The Future

Remember the movie "Back To The Future"? Great movie with a very intriguing title. Millions of girls watched this movie and fell more in love with the actor Michael J. Fox. I'm sure the fame that movie brought to his life would be quite a story. But he could not know the future, as a young man, that a greater story would change his life forever.


I recently read an article where he talked about living with Parkinson's and how everything has changed in his perspective regarding life and love and purpose. Summarizing briefly to the point I want to highlight, he said "living in the moment" puts his days together piece by piece, and what a blessing that change in lifestyle has been.


Most of my life I have spent a lot of my time and energy focusing on what could of been, or what is going to happen. Living in the past and worrying about the future, and complaining about the present. I'm sure I'm not alone in this common way of life. But as a believer I should trust God does not want me to live a common life.


One morning I was out for a walk with my 3 dogs. I often take this time to talk to God about life and stuff- my life and my stuff to be exact. I was in search of answers.


"Questions, questions, so many questions my child,"- I can picture God thinking as I rant on and on. Then as I reached the top of the hill, the college bell chimed 9 times. I stopped and began to meditate on my verse, my mantra in Jeremiah 29; 11.


"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."


As the bell stopped, my questions started again.  I asked God why did he make me wait for the plans of the future and why not just reveal them to me today. I think I really meant, why not just give me the good prosperous plan right now!


 I thought about the word, the" future", that mysterious passing of time. I realized, the future is just a word to me, and that my only reality lies in the present- the moment to moment unfolding of  the day.My part is to move into that future through the present.


 Like the clever movie title "Back to the Future", as I live in every second, I am living in the present, soon to the the past, yet shaping the future. Wow, what a revelation!


You may need to read that again and think about it. God revealed this to me as soon as I stopped my questions. I became keenly aware this is as close to the plans of the future I can go, and that only God can cross through the dimensions of  past, present, and future.


Instead of questioning everything I could not understand or see, I knew my best plan was to trust God and continue to walk into my future close to Him. The enemy would prefer I stay in the dark, and worry so about this passing of time.


Instead, I do my day to day part with the help that God's wise instruction gives me. Here is what God said to the exiles through Jeremiah- in the passages just before the promise of verse 11.


  ⁵ “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.⁶ Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.


  ⁷ Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.


Sounds like pretty good advice for me too. I want what God wants for my life- so I am waiting on the Lord, seeking Him through His word, His creation, and His created.

Trusting God day by day- moment by moment. Step by step.