What ARE you Looking at?

What I have to share today won't be a professors dissertation, by any means, just thoughts that I have had regarding the  different focuses people had in the Bible and the effect the different perspectives had on their lives. I ask you to read the portions of scripture that relate to my thoughts and ponder "How is what I am looking at affecting my life?"

When I say "looking", I do not mean glance or simply be aware of....I mean, what is my perspective, my view, what are my thoughts fixed or focused on, what is captivating my attention? What thoughts are consuming me?

Know this: What I am looking at affects my thoughts. What I am thinking about affects my response. How I respond affects my reality.

Matthew 14:24-33.
As long at Peter's attention was fixed on Jesus, Peter walked on the water. As soon as his attention was distracted and he began to look at the natural situation, i.e., wind and waves, he began to sink. Take note: the strong wind and heavy waves were already an issue before Jesus came walking toward them on the water, yet Peter walked on the water in the same weather condition as when he started sinking. What made the difference between walking on the water and sinking???

Mark 5:25-34
There was a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. She had endured much by the hands of many physicians She had spent all her money to pay them. She had not gotten better, but only grew worse. She heard about Jesus. Her focus turned and she kept saying, if only I can touch the hem of His garment, I shall be cured, healed, made well, be whole.....she did and she was.....healed. What did Jesus say to her? What made the difference between 12 years of misery and being healed? Take note: Jesus knew nothing of this woman until He felt power go out from Him. What things had this woman done? Where is your focus? What are you saying? What is your expectation set on?

Luke 8:12-17
This story is regarding feeding the 5000 with 5 loaves of bread and two fish. The disciples attention was fixed on the fact that they physically only had five loaves and 2 fish, naturally speaking, that in itself would not even come close to feeding 5000 people. What happened after the disciples gave Jesus the bread and fish. What did Jesus do? What was the outcome? What was the difference between the disciples response and Jesus' response? Take note: Jesus was operating as a man while He was on this earth. He had laid down His divinity. Do you look at things only from the natural viewpoint or are you looking at your situation from the supernatural view of  God's Word?

Genesis Chapters 17, 18 & 21; Hebrews 11:11-12; Romans 4:15-22
 What about Abraham and Sarah? God promised them to have a son. God called Abraham "The Father of Many Nations". Their age and the natural impossibility of the promise God gave them to come true,  did not make it impossible. What made the difference? Isaac was born to two elderly people to whom, naturally it was impossible. What was the change of view Abraham had? What looks impossible to you? How can you change your perspective? What do you need to think and consequently say to agree with God, to cooperate with Him and see the impossible made possible?

1 Samuel Chapter 17
Goliath defies Saul's army. Saul's army sees the size of Goliath, they hear his taunting words and they run away in fear.

David comes along, takes sass from his oldest brother. David sees Goliath and hears his sneering and degrading comments that were directed right at David. In spite of all that, David takes Goliath down with a slingshot and a good shot implanting a rock into Goliath's forehead. David finalizes the whole issue by chopping off Goliath's head with Goliath's own sword. 1 Samuel 17:41-50.

What was the perspective that David had compared to that of the entire Israeli army? What did David say? What attitude did David have toward Goliath? In whom was David's confidence established? What was David really looking at?

I could go on and on and on.....I think you have the idea. What we are "looking" at, our perspective, our focus, not the circumstances, not the "crisis", not the voice of the Goliath, nor the voice of our symptoms, but rather WHAT we are "Looking" at, you could say, what it is that has our attention, and consequently what words we are speaking, determines our outcome, our success or our failure, our victory or our defeat, our healing or our misery. The ultimate question is: what is your response to the circumstances that you are experiencing? How you look at your situation is directly affecting your thoughts and your words and finally the end result.

It is not God who is totally responsible for our outcome, contrary to public belief. For God has already provided us all things pertaining to Life and Godliness. He has already defeated the enemy, He has already sent His Word and healed us. He has already made us more than conquerors. Don't be deceived. Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father after declaring "It is Finished" = finish, fulfill, accomplish, I pay, to end, i.e. Complete, execute, conclude, discharge.

Jesus did all that was needed to be done on His part. Believe that what He did completely accomplished all that was needed. Take Him at His Word. Fix your attention on Him...He IS the Word of God.. Take your thoughts captive and make them agree with God. Speak in agreement with Him. Are you really going to argue with God?

Ponder this scripture:
Colossians 2:15
In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

Since the old testament believers examples so clearly show the effect of what they "looked" upon and consequently, what they spoke....think about this scripture in relation to that thought....

Hebrews 8:6

But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.

 He has made a way for us. The difference is our response. Think about it...  Jesus died so that all men might be saved. Why are all men not saved? Is Jesus preventing them from obtaining what He has provided or is it because, as of yet, their perspective, their view, what they are looking at, is focused elsewhere. Their thoughts and words have not yet come into agreement with God and His Word.

This is the same problem people have had since the beginning. Look at the effect "looking" had on Adam and Eve. Was "Looking" the beginning of their fall? What about Daniel? Shadrach, Meschach and Abendnego? They focused clearly on what was not seen. Be very certain that the firey furnace was a noticeable distraction. What did THEY "Look" at?

What about Joseph and David over and over and over again? What about Paul in jail and all the things that came against him? What about Stephen? What were they focusing on I n n the midst of disagreeable situations?

What about Joshua and Caleb compared to the entirety of the other Israelities at the Promised Land?  How did their differences of views  or how they looked at the situation pan out? Whose report did Joshua and Caleb respond to? What did the Israelites report? What inspired the report of the Israelites? Who was God's promise to? Just Caleb and Joshua???? Do you think the different outcomes were because 'that's just the way the ball bounces" or a direct result of how they looked at the situation, responded to it and spoke about it?

It is very clear to me that what and how I look at my situation.....what I focus on, what my perspective is regarding my circumstances and how I talk about it, directly determines my outcome.

Colossians 3:1-3
Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds (direct your thoughts to; properly, regulate (moderate) from within, as inner-perspective (insight) shows itself in corresponding, outward behavior) 
 on things above, not on things on this earth. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.…

Matthew 12:34
GOD'S WORD® Translation
You poisonous snakes! How can you evil people say anything good? Your mouth says what comes from inside you.

New American Standard 1977
“You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.

Be certain that.....Proverbs 18:21
 death and life are in the power of your tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit of it. Do you want to eat what you are speaking. Take God's Word seriously, please!

What ARE you Looking at????

The Lord is my Shepherd

I have been pondering the verses in Psalm chapter 23 most of the day. I know this is a well known portion of scripture, but still, I want to bring our attention to this Psalm and take notice of how complete and loving the care of our Shepherd is toward us.

Please read:

The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD
forever.

I realize that it can be easy to read something, but not really ponder what is written to let the thoughts soak in and make an impact in our life. So, ponder these words with me....

#1
The Lord is my Shepherd....
He is our Shepherd....a Shepherd's primary responsibilities are knowing, feeding, leading and protecting his flock.

#2
God sees to it that we have all we need. Remember the New Testament...

1 Timothy 6:17 ..... Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:33 But make His Kingdom and righteousness your chief aim, and then these things shall all be given you in addition.

Roman's 8:32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?

Matthew 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

#3
He lets me rest = recline, to stretch out. One could not do that if they were fearful or anxious. The Shepherd is obviously taking care of his flock completely. We are His flock. No need to worry. Just rest in His care.

#4
"In green meadows" gives me the image of lush, plenty of food, enjoyable and relaxing. Much different than a desert with a few sparse weeds.

#5
He leads me beside peaceful streams. Peaceful, not rushing waters or flooded rivers. Easy to get a drink with no fear of being washed away.

#6
He renews my strength/soul=restores me, revival from death, return to a course of life. He revives me and reinvigorates me when I am exhausted and weary.

#7
He guides me along right paths. Paths of pleasantness. We have God directing us in the best way to go!

#8
Bringing Honor to His Name--God's providential dealings are recognized in accordance with His character for great graciousness. To magnify His Name as a gracious and merciful God.

#9
Even when I walk through the darkest valley....there will be dark and difficult times, but I will walk THROUGH them. I will come out on the other side!!!

#10
I will not be afraid. Things could be fear instigators. But I WILL not be afraid. Why?

#11
for my Shepherd, (God Himself) is close beside me. He is right there, right where I am, for whatever I need!

#12
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. He protects me and pulls me out of any predicament or trouble. He is my  rescuer.

#13
You prepare a feast for me. Not just a little dab to tide me over. He prepares a feast!!!

#14
in the presence of my enemies. Ha! I can sit down and enjoy a feast and the enemy can only stand by and watch. No harm will come near me!

#15
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

“You anointed my head with oil” Psalm 23:5b - Hope for Israel
https://hope4israel.org/anointed-head-oil-psalm-235b/

#16
My cup overflows with blessings.
Overflows, not just a drip in the bottom. Overflowing!!! With Blessing, Not Curses! Good Not Bad! Desirable and Pleasant!

#17
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.

Goodness of God.....how much better can that be? Unfailing Love! His Love never fails! It chases me down ALL the days of my life. How about That!!!

#18
I will live in the house of the LORD
forever. What a guarantee!

So, meditate on the depths of what is  written. Our God IS an Awesome God and we are in His Care!

To Trust or Not to Trust....God

To trust or not to trust God....that is the question. Why should that be a question? Why should there be any question at all to whether we would dare to trust God or not trust God. Isn't it obvious that we are Christians? Don't Christian's Trust God? Well, Do They?

 Proverbs 16:20 says, "He who heeds the word finds prosperity, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."

Jeremiah 17:7 tells us, "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him."

It would seem that "Christian" automatically infers Trust. Specifically, Trust in God. Well, of course, to even become a Child of God, you must first Trust that it is true that Jesus Is the Son of God and that God raised Him from the dead and proclaim your belief by declaring "Jesus is my Lord". You receive Him and you believe in who He is. That trust and response makes you a child of God. But, that is only the birthing process. Trust in God must continue and grow from there and impact every area of our lives.

The question remains, "why do we "Christians" truly not continue to grow as we should regarding Trusting God?" Well, I can see that there are 2 main reasons, probably 3, most likely more....let's start.

1. Because I didn't! Learning to trust God was a major issue in my life.

Well, you say, "maybe you didn't, but that doesn't mean I don't!" Ok, maybe that is true, but let's evaluate this issue further. Tell me what percentage of the Israelites in the Wilderness actually trusted God??? Hmmmm...2 out of ....... millions.... I'd say that not trusting God was a major problem. How many disciples left Jesus because they didn't trust what Jesus said? It is obvious that the same "Trust" problem exists today.

2. Because what we DO gives our trust level in God away. Think about that! We refuse to follow God's instructions. Why? Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together and running all over the place. So, why don't people give? Because they don't trust God to do His part of the deal.

What about "cast your cares on God for He cares for us. Why don't we quickly and regularly cast our cares on Him, or why do we cast them and then reel them right back in to us again? Do we really trust His care for us?

What about Jesus bore my sicknesses and carried my diseases and by His stripes we were healed? Why do Christians have such difficulty trusting that Jesus really did bear our sicknesses and carried our diseases and by His stripes we really were healed? Why do people react in fear and respond more to a negative medical report than they do to God's Word? Because we have more confidence in the natural report, previous experiences and current symptoms than we do in God's Word, the power of God's Word and our belief in it to change the situation. We really, honestly, don't trust what God's Word says. Our fear is obvious and our faith is misplaced.

Do you remember why Jesus could do no mighty work in His own hometown? Why? I am glad you asked! The answer is: because They Would Not Believe! In other words - They refused to Trust in Jesus. Their experience told them, "He is just a carpenter's son." So, they allowed their experience and their unbelief to speak louder than the truth. People do it all the time now still, not realizing that they are shutting the door on what God wants to do in their lives. Remember, Jesus went about teaching, preaching and healing every kind of disease and illness. Remember this: Jesus did only what he saw His Father do. Hmmmmmmm.

3. Because what you say really identifies where you stand regarding trusting God. What is in your heart comes out of your mouth. Your words make it very obvious what you really believe.

4. Because your level of knowledge of God's Word reveals your capability to trust God. Faith or Trust in God, in His Word only comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

Yes! I REALLY am being hard on us today. This is for a very good reason...it is so far past time that we stop playing Christianity and saying we believe in God but not truly believing what He says.

If I really believe what God says, I would act on it!!! To question if I dare to Trust God only reveals my level of carnality, spiritual immaturity and lack of true knowledge of God, for if I truly KNEW Him, I would certainly Trust Him!

So, how do I fix my lack of Trust in God?

1. Recognize that I really don't trust God as I should. Perhaps in one area of my life I do, but in other areas of my life, I really do not.

2. Repent! Father, I admit I am not trusting You. Forgive me.  I have been  believing and responding to experiences, other reports, circumstances, fear... even lies of the enemy more than I have been trusting, relying on and depending on You and what You say. Father, help me to put my trust completely in You. Help me to take You at Your Word. You alone have the Words of Life.

3. Study and meditate on God's Word. Be a workman who won't be ashamed because you really do know what God's Word teaches. Get to really KNOW God. The more you know the Word of God, the more you will know God. They are One.

Psalm 1:2-3 But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

4.  Live, behave and speak in accordance with the Word of God. Trusting in God is the 1st and only way a Child of God should behave. Read God's Word. Really, Really Think about what God is saying. Take action to obey the instructions you find as you spend time with God and be a doer of what you hear. When you hear it and do not do what you hear you are reasoning contrary to the truth. God will give you the grace to follow His ways, if you desire to do so.

This is not a message of condemnation! This is a message to capture our attention and jack us up. We are lights in a dark place, but it is obvious by the level of light, life, power and success in the lives of Christian's as a whole, that something is not right in our lives. It is also obvious that what I have spoken about today are some of the issues that need to be addressed and changed. We are the ones that need to respond. Let's BE disciples and make disciples.

What are disciples?

John 8:31-32
“You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Disciple = The "mental effort needed to think something through") – properly, a learner; a disciple, a follower of Christ who learns the doctrines of Scripture and the lifestyle they require; someone catechized with proper instruction from the Bible with its necessary follow-through (life-applications).

Remain faithful = You remain and continue. You last and endure in God's Word.
You are not moved by things that distract from and even oppose the truth. You keep stickin' to the Truth no matter what.

 Know = then you will come to know through personal experience, the Truth and the Truth that you know will set you free.

The world will be drawn to the LIFE they see in us. If we look, behave, and speak like them and our lives are not different than theirs, what really do we have that would draw them to Jesus?

Read these scriptures again:

Proverbs 16:20 says, "He who heeds the word finds prosperity, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."

Jeremiah 17:7 tells us, "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him."

Prosperity = success, pleasant, agreeable, good, welfare, bountiful, prosperity

Blessed= happy, happiness

Trusting God most definitely is a choice, it is a decision. We must deny ourselves, humble ourselves and submit to God.

This is not Law or rules that attempt to put us in bondage This is wisdom, instructions from God on how to live life and life more abundantly that He came to give us. By placing our trust truly and firmly in God and remaining faithful to Him (His Word) regardless of the waves around us, we will find our lives are full of benefits beyond what we can imagine. The goodness of God will be evident to all and best of all, we will be living the life of faith in God that brings Him great pleasure.

Prayer for Today

Father, I give You my Thanks this morning. I am so grateful to You. You have never left me without help. You have never left me without hope. You have always my ready help. You surround with mercy and your favor surrounds me like a shield! You are my Great, Mighty and Faithful God! There is none more marvelous than You!

Thank You for pouring Your Love out upon me.  You alone are my God - I stand at attention to You, Father. I say, You are my Lord! You are my Master! You are my Supreme Authority. I humble myself before You and I say with all sincerity, not my will, but Thine be done in my life. Show me the way that You would have me to go and what You would have me do and say. May I be a tool in your hand for Your use and a vessel for Your glory. 

I declare: This life is not about me, it is all about You. Help me to lay down every carnal way and walk in Your ways by Your Spirit! Thank you for giving me the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That same Spirit dwells in me and quicken's, energizes, vitalizes and strengthens this physical body. Thank You!

You are my Jehovah Rapha! You are my Great Physician! You sent your Word and You healed me and You delivered me out of every one of all of my troubles! You ARE the Lord that healeth me. Thank You!

You are my Jehovah Nissi, my Deliverer!

You Lord, You are my rock, my protector. You are my fortress. I run to You and I am safe. You protect me like a shield. You ARE my shield  I say of You Lord, you are my refuge, you protect me from every trap of the enemy and from every deadly pestilence. Thank You!

You are my Jehovah Tsidkenu, my righteousness. You made me righteous so that I can stand with confidence before you without spot or blemish.

You are my Jehovah Jireh. You are the Lord who sees ahead and provides ahead. Whatever need there is in my life, You will see to it! You tell me that I will lack no good thing, I even have an abundance of all things so I can meet the needs and even the desires of others.  You make a way and where there seems to be no way. You are the One that makes the streams in the desert and a way through this valley. I am confident in You. I put my Trust in You.
I am so grateful! Thank You.

Father help me to be a light in a dark place today. Help me to bring a word of encouragement where there's so much discouragement. Help me respond to whatever happens today in the way that you would want me to respond - in a manner that pleases you and represents your Love, Your mercy and Your grace, not rudely, selfishly or impatiently. Thank you for  strengthening me with your power and grace.

Thank you for giving me life and life more abundantly. Thank you for making me More than a conqueror, for giving me the overwhelming victory over whatever comes my way today! You are my more than enough God, nothing is too difficult for You.

Give wise counsel to our President and Vice President. Protect them and their families from every evil. I pray that no harm would even come near them. Surround them with godly counselors and strengthen them for the work You have called them to do. Silence the voices of those who come to deceive and destroy Your will and Your plans and undermine our One Nation under God. Cause their efforts to backfire on them mightily. Make a show of them openly so that all can see their wicked endeavors.

Help me to make a difference in the lives of others today for good and for godliness. Help me to be a voice for You in the Wilderness of their lives to show them the way to go. In Jesus Name. Amen

"Wall of Resistance"

The way I grew up taught me not to trust people or God. I had subconsciously built a "Wall of Resistance" around me, as if to say, "if I don't expect anything or trust anyone, nobody can disappoint me or hurt me."

The "Wall" that I had constructed to protect myself, was actually preventing me from letting people and God into my life, on more than just a superficial level. If you don't let them in, you minimize risk and you don't need to trust them. So, you won't be let down. On the other hand, you won't experience the benefits of a deeper, true relationship, either.

I have spoken previously about when I was very ill, facing a possible divorce with a diagnosis of a miserable life physically and an early death due to an autoimmune disease. It was then that, out of desperation, I had begun to study God's Word and asked for His help to change me and expressed my desire to enjoy my every day life and learn to live in Peace. I was studying the Bible daily, listening to Joyce Meyer daily and learning to obey God. My life, my physical, emotional and mental health and my marriage all were improving. I was building a confidence in who God was and what He said, I was starting to obey Him, yet, I knew there was more.....

By the time I was in my early 40s, I began to realize that I had never really trusted anyone, let alone God. I had trusted my husband only enough to marry him. I had trusted God only enough to become born again and to begin to learn and obey His Word, however, I had not trusted either of them enough to totally yield myself to them, to relinquish control or rather, attempt to control, to relax and be at peace - really trusting their Word, their character or their faithfulness.

One morning, as I sat in my chair in the loft of the home we had built, everything externally was peaceful... it was spring, the birds were happy, the grass was green, the trees were in full bloom and the morning sun was shining in on me. It was my favorite place to be, the best time of the day and the best time of the year, however, internally, I was disrupted. God was posing this question to my heart, "Will you Trust Me?

                     ...... Will you Trust Me?
                        ...... Will you Trust Me?"

I responded, "How? I don't know how? What will it be like?" I was scared. It was like I was on a high cliff and I had to jump into the water, but I don't know how to swim, I didn't know how deep the water was or if I would hit rocks. Would someone rescue me? Really? It was like being on a zipline and I didn't know if the line was solidly attached and I can't see the end! "Trust, but where would it lead me? Trust, but what will happen? Trust, but will I sink? Will I drown? Trust you, God, but I don't know what that will be like. Do I dare?" I knew God was asking me come further with Him.

Then the thought provoking question came to me from God,  "Will you DARE...... to Trust Me?" I was worried that if I didn't choose to Dare to Trust God, that it might be the last time I would have the opportunity. I felt that I had to choose.....TO Trust or NOT to Trust...God. Choose to stay in my own prison walls or choose to dare to Trust God.

I was scared, but I knew that my life had been greatly improving as I had been learning from and obeying God. I had learned that doing things my own way was the way to frustration, at the very least. I was tired of trying to keep my walls up to protect myself from every presumed and assumed problem. It was exhausting and still unpredictable. 

 So, I said, "Yes. I will Dare to Trust You, but I don't know how!!! You have to teach me!" I sat there and cried and I cried. It was like those internal "Walls of Resistance" were falling down as I sat there. Now tears come down again, as I write.

I wrote about my Miss Daisy experience in a previous post where I had made the commitment that I would trust God at least as much as I had just trusted in a machine! That happened in the same timeframe as what I share today. It's easy to Say, " I will trust You, Lord". It's completely another thing to actually do it!

As the days went on, I began to learn what this scripture meant, "The just shall live by faith." If anyone would have asked me before what it meant to live by faith, I wouldn't have had a clue how to answer. It seemed like it would be like something from a space alien movie.

In previous days, I learned had three foundational things that have changed my life. They are principles that daily guide me even now. I think they are keys to obeying and to trusting God.

#1 God cannot lie! Titus 1:2 

It is impossible for God to Lie! Hebrews 6:18

      

God is not a man that he should lie! Numbers 23:19

#2 The sum of Your Word is Truth. Psalm 119:160

Your Word is Truth John 17:17

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory  of God in us. 2 Corinthians 1:20

#3 God is Faithful 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 2:13

So, this is what I am convinced of: God absolutely cannot lie. His Word is True. So, whatever He says HAS to be so, whether it makes sense or not. Regardless of what the other reports say or what it looks like naturally or what I feel. God cannot lie. His Word is True. I will not call Him a liar! God IS Faithful. He will do what He says. The question is not, "Is God Faithful?" The question is, "Will I remain faithful to God. Will I stick with His Word...no matter what?

When I am convinced that God cannot lie and His Word is True and He will not go back on His Word. My fears are irrational. Trusting Him makes sense, because I am convinced He is Trustworthy, even though I don't see the full picture or have the details. I am convinced He will not fail me.

In the years after that day in my loft, I have learned that Living by Faith in God is a simple matter of choosing. Choosing first to Dare to Trust God.

Secondly, find out what God has to say about the matter at hand. Find at least 3 scriptures that agree to keep from being in error. 

Finally,  make the decision and don't back down, that what God has to say about your situation is the Truth because God cannot lie. You choose to put your Trust in Him, in His Word and in His faithfulness to fulfill it. The just shall live by faith. It is a far better way!

There is no faith in God without having His Word regarding the issue, because faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Faith is believing that what God's Word says is SO....... it has to be SO or I am calling God a liar. I can't do that, can you? Then Know that God WILL DO as He says He will do. It IS safe to Trust God!

I have seen many Christian's be mad at God because they think He failed them regarding a certain issue. Listen! God will never fail to fulfill His Word that we put our confident trust in. He will fulfill He Word with signs following if we will just believe it. It is not so hard if you will let the "Walls of Resistance" be torn down by "Daring to Trust God".

I think of the Israelites as they were leaving the bondage of Egypt with the Word of God telling them the will inherit the Promised Land. Why were Joshua and Caleb the only ones of that generation who actually experienced the Promise and entered the Promised Land?

 Joshua and Caleb held on to what God promised them. After they and the other spies had inspected the land, Joshua and Caleb were confident in the Lord, saying, "we are well able to take this land! God is with us!"

On the other hand, the remainder of the Israelites refused to trust what God had told them and evaluated their situation on what they saw and what they felt instead. They actually opposed God. They certainly, were not faithful to God! They didn't believe what God said was true. They did not believe in the nature of God, that it is impossible for God to lie. They missed out on what God promised them. God fulfilled His Word to the 2nd generation of Israelites who went into the Promised land with Joshua and Caleb.

So, today, do you have a "Wall of Resistance" built up?

Are you ready to let that wall be torn down?

Will you Dare to Trust God?

Are you willing to choose to make your decisions based on God's Word, not on how it appears, or how it feels or what other reports say?

Are you willing to call God a liar by not trusting Him?

Will you humble yourself and say to God. I believe you are not a man that you would lie. I believe your Word is True. It HAS to be the way You say it is and I believe You will do what You said You will do.

Will you PUT your trust in God and not back down?

Choose today.....To Trust or not to Trust.... God.

Without that "Trust" Faith, it is impossible to please God.

The just shall Live by faith....every issue, every moment. Every day. It is a far better way.

Psalm 115:11
You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Psalm 31:14
But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, “You are my God!”

FREEDOM!!!

One of the saddest things I have ever heard was from a lady when she said, " I don't really spend time with God, I am doing pretty well on my own."

I used to not spend time really learning from God, either. Truthfully, I never understood the importance of learning God's Word and doing things His way. I didn't realize that I needed to change or that it was possible for me to change. My understanding was that God would take care of everything. Anyway, I really didn't understand what I read, when I did try to read. I couldn't even say that I was doing "pretty well on my own", because, truthfully, I was doing a terrible job on my own.

When I finally decided I needed help, I began to pursue God for answers and for His help. I was now willing to be taught and learn. (Note: at this time I was already a Christian, but only born again, with little knowledge of God or His ways and certainly I was not a disciple of God). I began to not only understand what I read, but I had the desire to change my ways and do things God's way.

When I humbled myself and asked God to help me do what I was learning, regardless of the issue.... controlling my tongue, or taking my totally uncontrolled thoughts captive and making them obey God or submitting to my husband, or humbling myself, or daring to trust God, or following the pattern of the behavior of the Proverbs 31 woman or stopping gossip and slander.... whatever it was that I knew God was getting my attention on and teaching me about and I saw I needed to change, I would ask God to help me with a true desire to change. Even though I had no idea how I could possibly do what I needed to do, suddenly, the changing was not near as difficult as I anticipated. That had to be the Grace of God.

As I learned and yielded and obeyed, my life got better and better. I became peaceful and calm even in the midst of what would have previously made me panic and be filled with fear and anxiety. I became healthier, and my marriage improved greatly.

I believe that regardless how well or how badly we are doing apart from God's wisdom/instruction, that by learning and following God's ways, we will certainly do better. He is the All Wise God. We must learn His ways and follow them. 

This is about not being under the law, this is about loving God. This is about being wise. This is about loving yourself so you can love others better. This is about finding true success. This is about experiencing life and healing to your entire body. This is about Freedom.

Proverbs 19:8
He who acquires wisdom loves himself; one who safeguards understanding will find success.

Proverbs 16:20
Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

Proverbs 4:20-22
My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

James 1:22
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

Matthew 4:14, 20
The sower sows the Word....But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

John 13:17

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Matthew 7:24
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.

Luke 6:46-48
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? …

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Learn= gain knowledge; to hear, be informed: to learn by use and practice; to be in the habit of, accustomed to:

John 14:15
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

I think the point is clear. We must learn from God and do what He says.....this is what being a disciple is about. It is not Law, truly it is Life and Freedom.

John 8:31-32
Jesus therefore said to those of the Jews who had now believed in Him, "As for you, if you hold fast to my teaching, then you are truly my disciples; and you shall know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free."

Do Your Part!

Sometimes we feel like we should do more, you know, "Do our Part", but what if in God's eyes our part is to: Cast all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Cast your cares = give up to God, throw off, cast upon.

Care = worry, anxiety, a dividing and fracturing of a person's being into parts. Idea of distraction.

If we do not "Do Our Part" by casting our cares upon the Lord, are we interfering with God working on our behalf? 

Is our insistence on holding on to our anxieties and worries, which are distractions that are tearing us to pieces, actually doing us and perhaps others, more harm than good??? Hmmmmm, wonder, wonder, wonder......

Do we think that our concerns about things and particularly the well-being of others justifies and necessitates our holding on to our worries and anxieties. So, instead of following God's instructions and "Doing Our Part" we hold on to those cares. 

I suggest we "Do Our Part" today and throw off, onto God, the things that are causing us anxiety, worry and distraction and stop allowing ourselves to be torn up. We can trust the care that God has for us and the promise we find in...

Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Take God at His Word, and "Do Your Part" today. Release your burdens into His caring arms....He is more than able to take care of all than concerns you.

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.