Encompassing Patient Peace

Before we start I want to ask that God give us a fresh new deeper perspective as we read and take in what God is showing us.  May it fall on good ground and prepared hearts that won’t allow the enemy of our souls to swindle it from us.   May we not treat the gifts of God has ordinary.  In Jesus Name Amen!

“By your patience possess your souls” Luke 21:19

We don't think about patience possessing our souls do we but let's see how the word of God defines patience for us?

Patience is defined as being steadfast, having constancy, having endurance, sustaining and persevering.

It’s an individual not swerved from his/her deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and remains piety and devoted even in the greatest trials and sufferings.

In sickness, good health, richer, poorer, good times and bad times you remain faithful through patience. 

I don’t know about you but I see patience encompassed in this brilliant warm orb of light filled with other equally excellent everlasting elements.  

So what are these wondrous equally excellent luxuries that encircle and interweave godly patience- which enrich and cradle the soul with peace?  

Well they are listed in what love is in our bible...

“Love is patient and kind.  Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.  Love does not demand its own way.  Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.  It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

So knowing patience is love, where does love come from?  God is love.  God is our source of patience and where we draw our patience from.

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in him.  God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”  1 John 4:16

We see that patience comes with trusting and putting one’s self “in” God’s care.

Ever hear someone they say, “Don’t ask God for more patience because you will run into more problems”?   But problems, circumstances, understandings are just what some of us need to put ourselves in God’s care and love.   Did some of you come to God because of a troubled mind and heart?   Yes problems are just want some of us need to really understand that God is in control and we don’t have control no matter how much we worry, fear, or try to micromanage.  The world is going to do what it is going to do but God remains our steady rock and strong tower.  He is our source of patience through everything life throws at us.

“We can rejoice, to when we run into problems and trials, for we know they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this expectation will not disappoint us.  For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”  Romans 5:3-4

Who is truly blessed.... really?   Thinking about this statement and how it relates to patience.  “God blesses those who realize their need for him for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.” Matthew 5:3

Seeking God’s patience is to see our need in him and putting ourselves in his care where that patience from God can manifest itself in our life.  Patience cannot be manifested in any other way.   Patience isn't ignoring someone's irritating behavior and calling it patience.  Patience is putting ourselves in God's care to love those people who you find irritating and even difficult.        

We all need God to encourage and assist us and give us strength to carry on in the faith everyday -some days of this life need more patience then others but in all those days we must put ourselves in his care.  

Our knower is positioned in the right spot, knowing God is with us no matter what we face.  It isn't the problem or circumstances we focus on but the solution who is God.
  

We face what there is to face for God’s love to be made real and tangible and all doubt to be discarded and thrown away.  We face what there is to face for God’s love to make us whole.  We face what there is to face for God’s loves to set us free.   We face what there is to face for God’s love to give us life and life more abundantly.

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.  God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.  And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect.  So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.  Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.   If we are afraid it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.  We love each other because he loved us first.”  1 John 4:16-19

I think the times we fear and fret and become bothered is because we have not placed ourselves in God's perfect love or taken the time to do so, would you agree?

In God's care where we grow in a greater "understanding" of God's love which manifests itself in greater ways beyond our natural tendencies and ways of thinking.  

"O righteous Father, the world doesn't know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. And I have revealed you to them and will keep on revealing you.  I will do this so this so that your love for me may be in them and I in them." John 17:25-26 

I believe those who place their life in God’s hand -has the same effect as the seeds that fall on the good ground.  

“But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. “  Luke 8:15

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Here there is no conflict with the law.” Galatians 5:22

Patience is about letting God take possession of your life.   We are only "prosperous" in the riches of God if we stop being captive to the things in this life and be captive to God.   For we can experience the riches of God in fact we all experience many of God's riches everyday without even giving it much thought but we never become "prosperous" in God's riches because we either don't trust God or trust God enough.  

Remember faith takes trust in God's love as a child draws encouragement and comfort from a loving parent.  And we please God as we draw from his love.  Patience it’s not about the "emphasis" being on you but letting go of you and letting God do through you.  May we as Christians live in God’s encompassing patient peace/love to reach the world around us so they may be saved and set free through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - who is the only way to Heaven.   In Jesus Name Amen

Are You Yoked with Love?

SOBERING UP THE CHURCH

I would be sweeping the facts under the rug if I didn’t say God is doing some correction in his churches in America.   And maybe correction isn’t a strong enough word.  God is sobering up his church.   This jolt may seem like a revival of sorts but I believe it is something more.  I believe this is a stern warning from God so many can be saved and many won’t be lost due to the circumstances and experiences that may lie ahead.   God is saying I want you to realize what needs to be fixed in your faith in order for it to endure, to be strengthened and to be a light to others.   Jesus is saying, I walked amongst the churches of America and these are the complaints I have against you - just as he did in the book of Revelation.

Reflecting on the past, I have found that I rather be disciplined in the hands of God then suffer anywhere else for when God disciplines his children he combines it with positive reinforcement which is productive, useful and constructive.    

So what does a church do when confronted by God?

First the church has to accept what God has said - and in accepting what God has voiced, the church must repentant and then seek, change and do according to God’s will.

Those individuals who take this word from the Lord to heart can feel overwhelmed by these directives and they will either do one of two things.   They will see the directive as impossible and follow everyone else who don't take the word to heart or they will strive to seek the change that God wants.       

God directive change can seem overwhelming but we have to understand God doesn’t want us to go through this change alone.  God is right there to help and assistance in this change.  It would do us no good to try to do this change without God’s help because part of the process of the change is becoming more intimate and trusting in him.  God isn’t this taskmaster that says, “Here! Go do this!” and leaves you all alone to figure it out all by yourself.  He wants to teach and lead you.

Psalms 68:19.

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Selah.” NKJV

Jesus says “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:29-30

Notice he says “My yoke”.  He wants you to be yoked with him.  He wants you to be strapped to him.  He knows the way.  He has prepared the way.  He is doing all the heavy lifting and all you have to do is listen to his coaching and trust in him as you climb the most beautiful spiritual mountains in your life.

I remember being on this rock climb with my step dad and brother as a kid.   We were really high up and I got stuck.   I started to look around and look down.  My legs were in this awkward position where they started to tremble and I really felt like I couldn’t move any further.  A sense of fear came over me.  (I might as well been Peter, who took his eyes off of Jesus while walking on the water.)   The waves – in my case, the height and next place to put my foot and grab a hold with my hand was just too far out of reach.   The fear of falling (even several feet from such a high height) began to wrestle with me and I began to wonder if I would hurt myself if I fell or if I could I pull myself back up if I fell.

I yelled up (probably in a frantic voice) to my step dad, who was a few yards above me on the right, “I can’t move!”   He secured his rope and descended beside me where he calmly and constructively coached me how to loosen up my legs and then swing myself out of that difficult spot.  When I did take that leap of faith and caught hold of that spot (where my step dad told me to come to) I was pleasantly relieved and surprised and my step dad chuckled with joy to see my success.    

God is right there for us.   He is there to coach us and encourage us and finds great joy in the successes that he leads us through which no doubt makes us feel good as well. 

The burden, load, obligation, - “the difficult spot” isn’t suppose to be oppressive in nature but to build us up and enrich our soul  - so we can see what God can and wants to be in our life.  Remember Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, David, Esther, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Jeremiah, Zachariah, Isaiah, Mary, John the Baptist, the faithful 11 apostles, Stephen, Saul who turned to the Apostle Paul and Ananias who was instructed by God to lay hands on the Saul/Paul who he had only known for killing Christians?  They found themselves in difficult spots in their life but God was there to help them all.

These people found themselves in difficult spots but God was there to instruct and help them.

According to the bible concordance the obligations Christ lays upon a believer are fit, useful, virtuous, good, manageable, mild, and pleasant.  These obligations aren't to be carried out by oneself but with God and trusting God.

Submit is to trust and we will either trust in the things of this world or trust what we see in our own understanding or trust in Jesus Christ.   The trust in Jesus must go beyond head knowledge and go to our heart and IF possible… beyond.  For God is greater then the heart.   He is greater then our thoughts.   Captive in Christ is having and knowing your need can be answered and met in Christ because you’re his possession.  AND you knowing your his possession placed yourself in his care.  

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

When we place our trust in God - we don’t lose heart do to the afflictions and circumstances that come in this temporary life.  The afflictions aren't easy in life but God is right there beside you and I and we are not alone.   God manifests himself in many ways to comfort and encourage us.

In Christ we see this life in a new light.  For the world can be an adversary or something we have already won - through or by Christ.   We are over comers in Christ and in Christ alone.

Over comers do as Micah 6:8 says, “do justly, love mercy and walk humbly before your God.”

We are not fit to do God’s work when our mind and heart are tied up else where.  I cannot function properly if I am burden and stressed out.   When this happens it shows my emphasis is in the wrong spot.  Instead of on things down here our emphasis should be on Christ who has overcome and world and is our peace.

The peace of God that comes from being yoked to Christ also allows us to go on a Holy Spirit journey and rise above the storms of life.  This journey is not in our control for that would be burdensome to the Christian traveling through this life.  

If we were in control we could take credit for such wonderful things that occur, which would give birth to pride and ignorance and satisfaction in things down here instead of in God and what God is doing through us.  Contentment and satisfaction comes from doing the will of God.  Again I say be careful that these satisfactions and successes - watch your thinking so they don't become polluted, twisted and worm their way into some arrogant way of thinking.  We simply do and go where he directs bringing God’s goodness to other people’s lives.

Remember the Spirit is spontaneous but not weird.   Think about what the Spirit does in us.   There is no weirdness.   Love is what?  (Note: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

God has prepared the way before us -so knowing this there should be peace to walk in that prepared path -knowing he is going to walk with us through it.  We are yoked to Christ.
 

Oh yes like twins that fight in a mother's womb so the Spirit and flesh fight and wrestle inside of you especially in positive Godly change.   Satan comes to kill steal and destroy and manipulate your and others flesh.  He is there to stir up trouble, cause confusion and division.   Have no part in his games.  He doesn't want people to slip away, have their chains fall off, and live out their purpose God has prepared for them.  

He doesn't want you to "live in" the truth.   He doesn't want your heart and mind to experience any uncharted territory in God where God becomes very real and tangible in your life. 

 Don't overreact but be ready in love for those who are also struggling with change -who come against you.  If you are doing the will of God and doing it as directed - they are not against you but God.   Seek God in the ways to love them.  Remember evil and people can't bend God's tracks.   Evil will fail and people who decide not to fulfill their enriching experience God has for them will be replaced.   The flesh fights for what it understands, is temporary and is sinful but the Spirit yearns for what is lasting. (Note: Galatians 5:17-22) Think of the body of Christ as a wheel.  If the wheel is flat on one side it isn’t going to ride very smoothly. 

The Holy Spirit yearns for us to live in our spiritual birth right in Jesus Christ.   He pleads for believers in Christ to live in harmony.  He pleads for us to live outside the box of routine and religious routine and in his power.
   

You choose what you are controlled by (the flesh or the Spirit) knowing what they both harvest.
  

The Holy Spirit is our inheritance.   God who is our inheritances allows us to draw from that inheritance in all our times of need.   God also bestows upon us further blessing as well.   Things we didn’t even ask or dare to hope for but are given….
     

God made it so we can to draw from the Holy Spirit to speak, to stay quiet or be self-controlled, the need for provision, the need for guidance, the need for strength, a need for healing, a need of comfort, a need of confirmation of a promise and so on...   (All those things I need everyday!) He is the gift giver that keeps on giving so we can experience all that God can be in our lives while bringing glory to Him. 
    

We don’t just see with the natural eye but in a “loftier” sense of things in the Spirit of God.  That loftier sense doesn’t come with our human effort but our submission, hope, peace, and trust in Christ.

We can live in the blessed assurance of the kingdom of God, which allows us to share the hope and joy, and peace we have in Jesus Christ despite the things around us.

The Lord in the midst of me is mighty.  Do we truly believe this or do we just say it from our mind not our heart?

ASTOUNDING LOVE
 I was listening to some jazz music on my ipod while I was doing some mowing the other day and this song called “Like Someone in Love” sung by Sophie Milman came on and it reminded me of what our love should be like for the Lord.

When you are in love with someone you constantly have them on your mind.   Love has this sense that just over powers us in special ways.

We do some astounding things for love do we not?

So when God talks about loving Him with all our heart, mind, soul, strength and Him being our first love does this love carry over in the same way in our relationship with him?  You know that love that just seems to carry us as if we were floating through the day,  the love that can't help but make us joyful and grateful even in the worst of circumstances.  The love that has a sense of wonder.  That love that we lose ourselves in?

Do we allow God's love to makes us feel like we are flying high on the wings of eagles?  Are we sharing God's love with others because we know deep in our heart and wholeheartedly how wonderful God's love is?  Are we allowing God's love to just direct our day?  Do we give up our plans and wants for someone we love? Why not for God?

Think about it.  Think about all what seems foolishness we do in love.  Yet we do some astounding things for love.

Do you love Jesus the same as when you first did when you realized the realness of his love? That love that swept your heart clean from the weight of the past and life at that present time.  When you seemed to burn every bridge with your friends and family because you became a "Jesus Freak" over night because Jesus - God become SO REAL to you.   

We must ask ourselves how far have we fallen...  are you living in the same house but you and God are estranged because you lost yourself in other things in this life.  Turn back to him before it's too late.  (Revelation 2:5)
     

God is our prosperity.  God is our inheritance.  God is love.  He is better then the morning light flooding the sky.  Remember falling in love with someone and it didn't matter what others thought - you were going to be with that person no matter what.  That is the way it should be with the Lord.

I encourage you to draw close to God and draw from your living inheritance of love,  his unlimited resources and truly trust Him.  Then you won't be able to help it - God’s light will shine through you and you will do some astounding things in the "name" of love - God.

"When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall on my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through this Holy Spirit.   And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust him.   May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, all all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.   May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.  Now glory be to God!  By his might power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more then we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through the endless ages. Amen."  Ephesians 3:14-21

Pathway 4

COMMISSIONED

“Everything has already been decided.  It was known long ago what each person would be.  So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny.”  Ecclesiastes 6:10 (NLT)

“Whatever exists has already been named, and it is known what man is; for he cannot dispute with him who is stronger then he is.” Ecclesiastes 6:10 (NKJV)

Look at the word “named”.  It stuck out to me so I looked it up in the concordance.

Named: to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow.

Since then I have been shown examples of God appointing people.

Joshua 3:7, Samuel 3, Esther 4:14, Haggai 2:23, Matthew 28:19, Acts 26:16 

Being commissioned by God is an order from God.  It is a command from God.  It is your destiny and path, which one should walk and was created for….”such a time as this.” 

It is not the easiest path but the more we trust God the more peace we have.   We also see the path in which God has for us in no chance or accident.  Think of all the people God appoints and commissions for his work to be done. 

“And now God is building you, as living stones into his spiritual temple.  What’s more you are God’s holy priests, who offer spiritual sacrifices that please him because of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5

What sacrifices does God require? Immediately, the Holy Spirit reminded me of this verse….

“No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy and walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8

"People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart.   The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices." Proverbs 21:2-3

Do what is right; do justly, which comes from trusting in God in all situations.  Love mercy – do what is good and kind, love good then evil.  Remember you too are in need of mercy everyday from God to get you through the day in a godly manner or fashion.  So don’t try to get even or revenge or try to justify yourself in some fleshly manner.  Know you can't do right and love mercy without seeking and humbling yourself before God.  We only become ignorant and prideful when we don't humble ourselves before God but... understanding what is right, loving mercy and walking humbly with your God shows maturity and wisdom in Christ Jesus.  In order for all three to come into action, Jesus must be our Lord and Savior and we must put our trust in him not just in the mind but the heart as well.

POWER

“God is my strength and power, and he makes my way perfect.”  2 Samuel 22:33

When a person steps into that role or position God has for them they receive power and wisdom from God for that role and/or position.  Again we should not approach and live in this role in an arrogant manner but take the same position as Christ.  Though he was God he took the humble position of a slave. (Philippians 2:7)

Power comes through a humble trusting faith not religious thinking that is empowered by fleshly desires, pride and arrogance.

“But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  Acts 1:8

The Spirit cannot work unless we give him an open, relaxed, and still mind and heart.  We are not looking at ourselves or anyone else or even the circumstances but God to give us the strength and power to walk and do what he wants us to do in every instance of our lives.

TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HOW IT HAPPENS
I had a wonderful dream where I could play the piano.  Now playing this piano gave me much joy.  I could play anything tune from memory and with no sheet music and even make the music sound better then it had originally been arranged.  I was a prodigy of sorts hammering and tickling the keys in a dazzling manner as if I was a master BUT when I started to think how I was doing this in my own understanding, I began to lose my special ability to play the piano in such a supernatural spectacular way.

We do that when we take ourselves out of the Holy Spirit’s hands or flow.  We try to understand “the how”…  and in doing so we drift from the anointing flow and get all tripped up in ourselves.  It's like we switch the tracks when we do this. 

Times with a great moves of God, we try to reproduce the same wonderful results only to be disappointed because we tried to do whatever it was in our own understanding.  Not understanding God doesn’t do the same exact thing the same way all the time.  God doesn’t fit into some box in our thinking and if he did our faith would become quite boring.    

We also lose our special ability or anointing to do the assigned task because we try to control the movements of God.  God needs to guide and direct us on an issue or topic and our focus in which the flow is directed.  In the Holy Spirit flow, God directs the topic and the His word and builds upon it.   It’s not the man’s doing.  The man is only the willing vessel in which God works through- so it is God who receives the glory not us.

In the same thought, God needs to work the same way in our daily lives as we partner with him do to what is good and what he requires of us.

God can take a man who thinks of himself inadequate and make that humble obedient soul skilled in the task he (God) wants the man to perform or carry out.  That happens only with trust and turning over the reins of one’s life to God.  It is putting away and getting rid of any assumptions and understandings of yourself and trusting God.  Trusting God I believe starts and is ignited with a heart that is thankful and is retrospective.   The heart that thinks about all God has done, shown you, continues to do and promises to do.  There it builds a path which God can move and work.

“But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.  Acts 1:8

FAMILIARITY
We can have plenty of biblical knowledge and education but it is powerless without God guiding and directing it.  When we try do things in our own strength and understanding- it only leads to a religious routine.   Religious routine makes a rut in our lives.  It makes us feel comfortable and then we don’t even seek God for direction.    Religious routine doesn’t allow the Spirit to work, which is vital to our faith and relationship with the Lord.

“Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19

The way in which we see, understand and perceive can stifle the Holy Spirit- causing us to not do justly, not love mercy and not walk humble before God.

 God wants us to find comfort in HIM not religious routine. 

“We can make our own plans but the Lord gives the right answer.”  Proverbs 16:1

What would happen if your world you knew changed instantly and you had just depended on the routines of life and the shallow truths of your faith?   I say shallow truths in the sense that even though God’s truths were great you never allowed them to sprout, mature and root deeply in Christ Jesus because you found comfort in routine and/or religion not a life of faith in Christ Jesus and not the path God had set up or ordained for you.

We have a false sense of security or lack true security when our faith is based on religious ideals, routines and our own understanding.  We lack security when we think we have to earn salvation in some way.   It’s only when the trials and challenges (the fires of life) come and we see our faith is weak and need a true genuine trust in God.  That we can do nothing good without God.

A sound mind comes when those seeds of faith are challenged with the fires of life and are allowed grow and dive deeper into the rich living nourishment of Jesus Christ.   Challenges help us see our need for Jesus and where the source of our strength needs to come from. 

Of course someone could always take the easier path but again what would their faith look like when disaster came or tragedy struck?  Would anyone be able to tell the difference between them and someone who wasn't a Christian? 

If someone took the easier path and Jesus Christ showed up would they shy away from him?  If the Holy Spirit manifested himself -would they shy away from him?  Of course they would.  The truth would be right there before them and they could not deny their relationship was weak at best.

Given the same questions how would we answer, how would we measure our relationship with God? Weak or strong? Chaff or wheat?  A stiff necked goat or a sheep? Ashamed of Christ Jesus or not ashamed of Christ Jesus?

What do your actions say?  Do you demand on God and trust God to do what is right?  Do you depend on God to do what is good, kind and merciful?  Do you walk humbly with God seeking his counsel and guidance?  What is the Holy Spirit telling you right now? Are you truly walking the path God wants for you?

Jesus says “If anyone acknowledges me publically here on earth, I will openly acknowledge that person before my Father in heaven.  But if anyone denies me here on earth, I will deny that person before my Father in heaven.”  Matthew 10:32-33

Remember Jesus telling the story of the farmer scattering seed in Matthew 13?  In the shallow comfort of familiarity in God’s word we lack confidence and trust and wilt under the pressures of life.

Familiarity brings lack of passion or even displaced passion.   We can be passionate in a religious manner instead of where the passion should really count which is our first love- Jesus Christ.  We can be passionate about the things of this world that will not matter a month or even a year from now.

Jesus says “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And Honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.”  Matthew 15:8 (NKJV)

Familiarity brings attachment or a firm grasp on life and the things of this life, which can be easily be taken away.  Routine as mentioned brings a false sense security, that we are in control, that we know how things should be and be carried out or be done BUT when we do this we only shut the door on God in our life and where we gather in a body of believers. 

In familiarity we may even think “this is the way" or “that is the way" things should be done in other people’s lives – where we force our opinions on them and try to manipulate and control others with our perspective confusing and jerking them around from what God is trying to do in their life.  That is why it is better to stay out of the affairs of others and focus on our own path Jesus Christ is taking us on.  Live it don’t just say it.  

How easy we forget our life is not our own but in God’s hands.

We lack spiritual sight, strength, power and depth in our faith because we have allowed this world and prince of this world who is Satan to steal the word from our minds before it can take root in our hearts – assurance comes with heart felt meditation and exercise in trusting in Jesus Christ.  Faith is not just some surface thing or bible trivia we pick up and memorize from a Sunday sermon but God’s word lived in and drawn up and nourished in the Holy Spirit.  It is a path empowered in purpose created by God just for you and I to share with the world.

Satan comes to steal the word from people with the affairs of this life and we don't live out the word because our own desires not to want to suffer and sacrifice our lives for purpose of the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

“But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian.  Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!  For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household.  And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those ho never obeyed God’s Good News?  And also, if the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to the godless sinners? So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to God who created you, for he will never fail you.” 1 Peter 4:16-19 NLT 

Through familiarity, the church in America has gotten lazy and has even fallen away from God’s powerful truth and principles.   I believe God is creating clean hearts and renewing a right mind and heart within the body of Christ.   God is calling willing participants that he can equip and live their purpose he has planned of them.   We need to follow his Spirit and do what pleases Him not what makes us or people feel comfortable.   Jesus, the Master of the house of God will be coming back, and he will see what we have done with his word and promises and gifts.  Thank God for the experiences some of us are facing now.

TROUBLE & CHALLENGES

How do you and I react to trouble?

Do you and I seek God for refuge and strength in troubling times?  What is our initial reaction?  What do we turn to first?  What do you do when trouble comes?

Persecution of the church did not just spread the gospel but has always focused the church on where their true refuge and strength comes from – which is God. 

Their circumstances and trails were so deep that their relationship with the Lord also deepened.   With the fiery challenges in life came anticipation of God’s help, comfort, strength, refuge, and encouragement. 

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us- they help us learn to endure.  And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.  And this expectation will not disappoint us.   For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”  Romans 5:3-5

They knew God’s help was present in trouble.  They only had to seek God and trust God to receive it.  Trouble and circumstances brought them to genuine faith.

“So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, just must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too.  For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin.  You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2

The only thing that mattered in their life was God.   They had suffered to a point that all the worthless desires and affairs of this life had been burned away.  The only thing that made them satisfied was doing the will of God.  

“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.  Instead, be very glad- because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.  Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of the God will come upon you.  If you suffer however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs.  But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian.  Praise God for the privilege of being called by his wonderful name!” 1 Peter 4:12-16

Trouble brought with it genuine faith and intention to focus and trust and seek God.  Spiritual eyes were opened wide for the Lord’s work to be done and they knew no matter what happened to them – God loved them and this love filled them with peace that encouraged them on in the faith.   They didn’t just know what the word of their faith said but lived within it and the Spirit of God flowed regardless of their trials and circumstances.

This life of faith, this path is definitely one less taken but their is no question when one of genuine faith takes their last breath that they will be with their Lord, who they trusted and have grown to know with every experience in this life.  The Lord, through his faithful love, gave them: strength, encouragement, peace, quiet wisdom, and direction.  And through this real and living love of Christ they were able to touch other people’s lives as well so they might come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

"God saved you by his special favor when you believed.  And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.  For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."  Ephesians 2:8-10

You and I have two paths before us.  One path that is ordained for us, made specifically for us, to give us a life we never expected or imagined, a life full of guidance and assurance, a life with meaning and purpose that includes a life changing building partnership with God.  And then we have another path.  A path filled with our own desires, filled with manipulation, intimidation, pride, lack of self-control, misplaced hope and trust that will mean nothing in the end if we stay on it.

 Knowing this, what path are you going to take?

Dave Barnes Carry Me Through

"And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence of the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.  Hebrews 6:11-12

Climbing Life With God's Promises - Pathway 3

Growing up my step dad took us on some challenging mountain and rock climbs.   Where just the massive rock face and height looked impossible to climb but somehow with my step dad’s direction we were able to climb that mountain of rock all the way to the summit and see the beautiful view at the very top.  It was always cool to be on a mountain and look down on the clouds instead of look up at them.

God takes us on some difficult climbs as well but he has secured us to himself but we must trust him has he guides us to the summit of this life.  Through this trust he shows us what life is all about as he shows us all the wonderful views and vistas along the way. 

SEEK

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

“The humble will see their God at work and be glad.  Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.” Psalm 69:32

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33

God tells us to seek Him for:
justice -what is right,
mercy- for we need it.
grace-  for we don't deserve it.
wisdom- for he knows what we should do.
truth-  guides us to all truth.
encouragement- for he is our real and sole source of encouragement.
love- for God is love.
promises - for God always keeps his promises.

God's promises can't be broken.  They must be sought and the more I meditate on God's promises the more I see justice, mercy, grace, wisdom, truth, encouragement, love are in the promises of God.

CONFLICT AND CONFUSION

In conflict and confusion we need to seek God’s promises.  I didn't realize this earlier in life but God's promises are there regardless if we know they are there or not.  Think about it, could we who are saved ever approach God to be saved if God wasn't the God of justice, mercy, grace, wisdom, truth, encouragement and love?   

Conflict and confusion can be discouraging but I want to encourage you as the Lord has encouraged me in times of tension and confusion.

Satan loves to throw confusion into a situation - especially at pivotal points in a decision process.  Satan will make it seem like there are two possibilities instead of just the one.  If this isn’t difficult enough, he will manipulate others close to you to turn on you and treat and judge you harshly.  He will take God’s words and twist their meaning so as if you are pleasing or not pleasing God.  Your actions will be presumed as the worst even though you are just following a directive from God.  It will seem like you are all alone.  This difficult situation makes one want to give up, do the easier thing, or fall into the desires of others instead of what God wants for your life.  

Difficult situations make for a difficult time.  It makes a person want to focus on him or herself instead of trusting in God.  And this is where self-pity can play into the hands of the devil and you run into the potential of giving up.  Satan does not want you to live and walk the path God has for you.  He doesn’t want you to fulfill your purpose in life so he will do everything in his power to try to stop you.

“All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.” Philippians 2:21

So what do you do with all these discouraging circumstances and confusion, which brings no confidence at all?

I have had some confusion of my own lately and it was and is still not the most easy or comforting process but I can say I my relationship with Jesus Christ has gotten a lot stronger as I have had to lean and depend and trust in him a lot more.

Yesterday morning I found myself in the same circumstances and when I thought I had exhausted the spiritual tools at my disposal, I saw that a brother in Christ had called me so I called him back.   I told him what was going on with this decision process and the difficult conditions I have run into and have accompanied this decision process. 

He told me straight out he didn’t know what I should do which was good because I wasn’t looking for another human opinion.   After talking a while my brother in Christ was reminded by the Holy Spirit of what he was given when he was in a similar difficult situation and what he had just heard while listening to a sermon on his phone… and that was to go to God with His promises and truths.

Now I just had heard Dr. Charles Stanley talk about the promises of God the other day but I missed the point of why I was led to listen to Dr. Charles Stanley. 

God was saying here is key now pick it up and put into practice but it just wasn't sinking in. 

Note:  Probably because I was looking at so many sources for an answer it was just becoming this big confusing mess.  The message I was receiving was neither black and white- yes or no.   The messages I was receiving could have easily fit into either way in which I should proceed.  I couldn’t distinguish God’s answer.   I had to just live in the moment until at last I heard that small comforting voice direct my step.  When the step came I was satisfied with that even though it wasn't the entire answer to my situation.  I was pleased and encouraged however with the outcome of that step even though it was only a step for it tied together perfectly with what God had been teaching me that morning and I had jotted down in my notes. 

GOD’S PROMISES & TRUTHS

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

My brother in Christ then reminded me of a truth.   Jesus is the God who opens doors that no one is able to close and closes doors no one is able to open.

I went to my bible to find this promise/ truth.  I had heard this statement many times but I wanted to see if for myself.  Seeing the WORD in which I am seeking, encourages me.   I found this truth in an obscure place in the book of Isaiah.   Isaiah is told by God to confront a man named Shebna and tell him that since he had not been doing his job to God’s expectations but living it up for himself God is going to toss him to a distant land to die and replace him with his servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah.   Eliakim means “God raises or God sets up” and Hilkiah means “my porition is Jehovah.”   Then God says “I will give him (Eliakim) the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court.  When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them.”

This at first confused me.  God is saying Eliakim will be able to open doors no one will be able to close and close doors no one will be able to open.  This is only for Eliakim but then God showed me the first part again.  I will give him the keys to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court. Isaiah 22:22

Who holds the keys to the house of David now?   Who sits next to the Heavenly Father in the highest position in the real royal court that truly matters?  JESUS

Does Jesus not do this for us if we trust him and walk according to his will?  Who can be against us if God is for us?

Then with total trust I prayed to the Father in Jesus name to open and keep open the doors he wanted to open for me and shut the doors he didn’t want me to go through.

I then wrote down this truth and I mediate on it and request the same prayer throughout the day- not that God doesn’t hear me the first time but it reminds myself and gives me that assurance.  It relieves myself of the heavy burden and heavy heart in this confusing complicated situation so I will keep a sound mind in the midst of things and circumstances going on around me.

Anyone one who tells you following the path God has for you is easy is either lying or hasn’t been brought to a level in which their faith climbing abilities are tested -but being able to fully trust and going back to meditate on the promises of God brings peace to one’s soul.   This promise were like my stones to mark the spot in which God promised something and I could go back at anytime to remind myself of that promise.

A promise of God is not just a promise but a promise which gives peace to one's soul.

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” Jeremiah 17:7

TRUST IN GOD

Hope not in people but hope in God.

Trusting God brings true living wisdom and this wisdom allows us to mature into children of God.

Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 18:2-4

The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me.” Psalms 116:6

The Lord then reminded me of this chapter in 2 Peter.

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.  By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.  We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.  And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises.  These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.  In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises.  Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and more excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.  The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.  2 Peter 1:2-11

Being a kid and being harnessed and roped to my step dad as we crossed steep snowy and icy slopes on the mountains gave us kids assurance.    God is bound to us with something stronger then a rope, harness, ice axe and crampons, he is bound himself with both his promise and oath.

"So God has given both his promise and his oath.  These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie.  Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.  This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.   It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” Hebrews 6:18-19    

Again to fully trust in the promises of God brings peace to one’s soul.  Amen

The Best Pathway For Our Life 2

The world loves to show us the best life is one full of fortunes and riches and this makes one think of one as prosperous.   This worldly way of understanding can mislead one to chase after fortunes and riches and never be happy or at peace.   I know from experience that money causes more problems then not having money.  You have money- you have to put it in a bank that isn't going to charge you for using that money, you have to spend that money or it can be used against you, you have to protect what you spend the money on and then in a few months or years you have to replace what you bought for something newer and more efficient.

So what does God say prosperity. 

PROSPERITY

“Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace.” Jeremiah 33:6 (NLT)

In the original Hebrew translation "prosperity and true peace" is translated into "abundance of peace and truth."

Being rich to God is you and I really understanding the depth of His love for us.   It is trusting God to a point you and I have a sound mind no matter the circumstances in life.  It's not about having peace because we are rich - it is about having peace because we have God who is all truth.  Riches "can" bring one under captivity of the world.  I say "can" because there were rich people such as Abraham and Job who were rich but they saw a relationship with God was more important then any amount of material wealth. 

"The name of the LORD is a strong fortress: the godly run to him and are safe.  The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.  Haughtiness goes before destruction: humility precedes honor." Proverbs 18:10-12

CAPTIVITY

"I will be found by you,” says the LORD.  “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes.  I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” Jeremiah 29:14 (NLT)

Interesting enough the word “fortunes” is translated in the Hebrew word “Shebuwth” which means “captivity”.

"I will end your captivity and restore your captivity.....?"

Some might say, "That doesn't make sense" but in God's perspective it makes perfect sense.

We must understand in God's understanding that we can either be captive to the world or captive to God.   Remember Jesus saying we can't serve two masters both God and money? (Matthew 6.) 

Being “captive” to God is understanding we are his prized possession.  Is understanding our heavenly Father already knows all our needs and he will give us all we need from day to day if we live for him and make the Kingdom of God our primary concern. (Matthew 6)

“He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word.  And we, out of all creation, become his prized possession.”  James 1:18

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people.  You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.  As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Being prosperous and captive in the Lord can be illustrated and seen in Psalm 23

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.  He lets me rest in green meadows; 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 dark valley of death 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 welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil.  My cup overflows with blessing.  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.”

KNOWING WHERE LIFE IS

John speaking about Jesus: “He created everything there is.  Nothing exists that he didn’t make.  Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone.  The light shines through the darkness, and darkness can never extinguish it.”   John 1:3-5

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”  Johns 14:6

Jesus said, “Yes, I am the gate.  Those come in through me will be saved.  They will come and go free and will find good pastures.  The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.  My purpose to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:9-10 (NLT)

Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”  John 10:10

“Abundantly” means to exceed our expectation in this life.  God wants to exceed our expectations in this life.  He wants to show us things that we didn't even think were possible in this life.  These are treasures no one can steal.

Knowing life is Jesus and Jesus is God.  What should that path of our life look like in him? 

It will reflect Jesus not the world

Look at the concordance with me.  Life defined by God's word.

A. Life is the absolute fullness of life both essential and ethical, which belongs to God, and through him both the "hypostatic “logo” and to Christ in whom the “logos” put on human nature. 

 B. Life- real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world to those who put their trust in Christ, and resurrected after this life in a more perfect body to last forever.

WANTS AND DESIRES

Some people do and some don’t want to hear God is the path for them.   People don’t want to hear they are captive to either this world or to God.  They want to believe they are "free spirits" but free spirits of what?  Free spirits of whatever their flesh wants?  Sounds great but what does it harvest in the end?  And to whom and what ideals are they really serving?  Love you free spirits but you are being tricked and into dangerous falsehood that endangers you very souls.

Jesus said to the disciples: "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.  And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose yours own soul in the process?  Is anything worth more than your soul?  For I, the Son of Man, will come in the glory of my Father with his angels and will judge all people according to their deeds."  Matthew 16:24-27

I was there once there myself and God is continually showing me His Path in Him (Life) for me.

People want to follow their own path, which is often directed, by their own fleshly wants and desires.   Those who follow such thoughts, wants and desires find themselves in a world that is never content or at rest.  And we cannot live with one foot in both worlds.   Our heart and mind will either be captive by this world or captive to Christ.   Either we will be content and not want in Christ or we will be not contented and continued to want in this lost hamster wheel world -- for you don’t have to look too far to see proof of that.   Those captive to Christ overcome this world in their trust and faith in God.

So you and I have peace and are rich and prosperous if our heart, mind, and soul seeks and trusts God for we will see God in our lives and know we are God’s very own possession.   You have true life if you are devoted to God and you overcome this world if you trust in God.

The Best Pathway For Our Life 1

I would love to just break free of this life and go supersonic any direction I thought looked good like a kid running ahead of his parents at amusement park.   I notice when those kids do that however, their Mom and Dad says, "Where are you going? We aren't going over there.  We are going over here first and then we will do that."

I believe God sometimes does that to us.  God brings us to this amusement park of life and says, "Where are you going? or "No you aren't going over there" or "No we aren't going over there just yet, we are going to do this stuff first."  I think that is good that God does that - I mean can you imagine all the parents at the amusement park just letting their kids go running off where ever they wanted and doing whatever they wanted?  Life is strange enough thank God he has some of us paying attention- well some of the time.   

The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life and I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

God knows this amusement park of life, he knows the best pathway and the best times to get on certain rides - and the rides we just need to stay away from.       

I remember before I gave my life to Christ, thinking "Why would I give my life to God?"

I thought if I gave my life to God I wouldn't live a satisfying life.  My life in this amusement park of life would be no fun.  What God wanted was WAY different than what I wanted from life and that was true BUT looking back - if my life didn't change and I continued down that road I was on I would have been still a very unsatisfied person.  I would still be seeking to replace the things that were no longer satisfying me.  Looking for the next greatest thing, and in the end... it would have not only been a never ending fruitless quest in life- but if I didn't see my need for God in my life I would spent eternity in hell not heaven.

"Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit." Gal 6:8

I wanted to be the one in control of my life but looking back I think that was pretty naive.   Is anyone really in control of their life?  Does anyone have any guarantees that they will live their life to a ripe old age?  No.... Does anyone have any guarantees that their ventures in life will be successful? No...  Life is short no matter what our age.

It is a comfort to know as a Christian that if we trust and seek God- he promises to guide us along the best pathway of our life and he will advise us and watch over us no matter how long or short this life on earth might be.

Imagine the God who created you and I, the God who created the universe has not just a plan and will for us but wants to take us along the BEST pathway for our life and advise and watch over us as we go along this temporary experience we call life which is nothing compared to eternity.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "they are plans for good not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when seek me.  I will be found by you," says the LORD."  Jeremiah 29:11-14  
 
The question we need to really consider is: "Do we really earnestly seek Him?  Do we believe and trust God will guide us along the best pathway for this temporary experience we call life?"

Most of us Christians would say, "Yes" at first but after considering some of our actions we would have to honestly say, "Not to the depth we wish to trust God."   Life throws a lot of things at us but I believe in the depth we look at God's word will determine how we look at life.  It will determine how we perceive our life and react to life - not only that but it will determine how we respond, understand value our relationship with God.

I believe God will give us nothing but the best if we just believe it.   He will give us something more then sufficient to brighten even our darkest days.  Why do I believe this?  I believe this because IF God, WHO IS THE BEST, became flesh in Jesus Christ, died for us, rose again and gave us the Holy Spirit then He has to have the BEST pathway for our life as well.   

Jesus said "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly. " John 10:9-10

Mediate on these truths as you seek God's path for your life.  Amen

Commiting to the Will of the Lord.

SEEK & REMOVE
Proverbs 16:3
"Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established."

The word "commit" stuck out to me as I read this scripture.  The context of the word "commit" comes from the word "galal" which also is a place in the bible that you can find in Joshua 5:9.

As a way to show their commitment to the Lord, all the males that were camped in Jericho waiting to enter the the Promise Land were circumcised.  "Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Today I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt.'  So that place has been called Gilgal to this day."

Hope I don't lose you here.  We too can be slaves to "Egypt"  Egypt can be used as an illustration of the world.   We can be a slave to the world.  We can become a slave to the ideals and social norms of this world.  Do as the world does.   Egypt was full of false gods, was rich with resources, and used it's influence to manipulate and enslave people.

Before we came to Christ we were slaves to this world BUT when we "commited" ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ our sins that were counted against us were "rolled" away.   They were removed.
  
This might help us see the context of the word "galal" better.

The Hebrew context of "galal is to: "roll, seek, wallow, trust, commit, remove, run down."

This context of "galal" we see in proverbs 16:3 and Joshua 5 really has two meanings that come together as one if we look carefully.  "God removes your shame/guilt/sin with your seeking, trust and commitment to him (Our Heavenly Father, Son -Jesus Christ- Holy Spirit)."

TRUE COMMITMENT
The Holy Spirit reminded me of what Paul wrote in Romans:  "For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the Jewish ceremony of circumcision.  No,  a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God.  And true circumcision is not a cutting of the body but a change of heart produced by God's Spirit.   Whoever has that kind of change seeks praise from God, not from people."  Romans 2:28-29

That goes the same for Christians.  God knows if our conviction is in Him, if we are devoted to Him, if we are sincerely seeking Him,  and if we are truly trusting Him.  Just because you were born of Christian parents and because you go to church doesn't make you a true Christian.  Just because you are standing in a parking lot or a library doesn't make you a car or book.   A true Christian is one whose heart is right with God.  It is a change of heart produced by the Holy Spirit when you committed and continued to trust and seek the Lord.  That is faith.  You walk with God.  You can not please God without faith.  "So it is impossible to please God without faith.  Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him."  Hebrews 11:6

We have to seriously consider, again and again, are we truly continuing to walking that path God has for us or have we snatched our life back from God where we lose the life God has desired for us.

You seek God's will and you will find yourself living in the desires of God for your life.   There will be a departure from your wants to God's wants.  He will give you the strength to do his will for what is required for the tasks he wants you to do.  You will not be seeking praise from people but God.

So one might say, "Lord what is your will for my life?  What is your will for this day?"

I believe God can do that but my tendency is when I do ask those questions and God answers- I become so narrow minded I don't see the little or big things God is bringing up to help me become more like Christ because I am I so focused on a particular aspect of what I think is the conclusion or major point or the climax to the crescendo.  And because I get so narrow minded I miss out on the building lessons of the Holy Spirit and the instruction and direction in those life changing lessons.

When I do that I am no longer working in the Spirit but in this task oriented mode which can easily be distracted by how things are are or are not getting down in the way I think they should be done - which drives me to unsound thoughts or actions in the flesh or just plain and simple wears me out.  

Sometimes I feel a little bit like I am experiencing a preview to a movie and if it looks like a good movie I want to not just see the preview but the entire movie especially if it has a good ending.  (Knowing God wants the best for His children we know life is going to have it fair share of ups and downs but in the end it is going to be GOOD!) 

We want the big picture of what God is doing and when we don't get the big picture we lose patience and jump the gun.  We can go an entirely different direction than God wants us to go because we become impatient and then we wonder why we aren't satisfied and confident in that task or direction we chose.  Then that leads to inner conflict- BUT hopefully with repentance, learned lessons, we get back on the path and plan God wants us to be on too.

Seeking God with patience God will give us direction and with that direction, He gives us the confidence and gumption to do what He has asked and has directed us to do.

Now I could manipulate God's words to make them sound like what I want them to say.  For example a person could say the bible says, "There is no God" because they only chose only to hear what you wanted to hear.  And in reality the bible says, "Only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!" Psalm 53:1

You can say "I will commit this or that plan 'I' have to the Lord and it will succeed and it will be established."  And I know people do that and sometimes that turns out good and sometimes it turns out not so good.  But the question is- "Is that really God's plan for your life?"  Ask and follow God's plan not your plan.

I could run this race of life and win and come to find out as I stand before the Lord that I really won the wrong race.  I could have done many good things and lived what I thought was a good life but the Lord say to me, "I never you."  I don't know about you but I want to be sure I'm doing the Lord's will in my life, don't you?  The only way to do that is to follow the Holy Spirit's counsel and direction and that only happens if we take time to each day and throughout the day to listen and read God's word. 

"Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.  On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws." Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.  Matthew 7:21-24

Notice he says, "the will of my Father".

Doing the will of the Father is learning to trust Him in all things in life even in the plans He has for our life.  God knows exactly what is inside of you and me that He can use for His glory and you and I know- He knows what is good and still needs more work.  His plan/will- will get us to the full stature or measure of Christ Jesus- not our plan.  My plan may look and sound good, it may even earn me a bunch of money and benefits and lots of nice things but I would be chasing the wind and life would be meaningless in the end because I chose to the dollar and material things instead of Almighty God who gives me everything I need and a life full of thanksgiving.  I want my life to be secure and built on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.

Again it would be easy after reading this to point your finger and say "well so and so doesn't do this and that".   Please don't do that.  That is something else at work and only tears down and does not build up.  Keep your heart and thoughts diligent on the Lord.  Be mindful of your relationship with the Lord - not anyone else and you will make a greater difference then if you pointed your finger and grumbled about others who you considered superficial in the faith of Jesus Christ.

Seek and pray to God with me as we seek the Lord's will and plan for our life.  In Jesus Name Amen.  

A Sound Mind and Heart

Do you worry?  Are you ever anxious?

I have found when waiting on the Lord I can be quite and anxious person. Not only that but as I wait on the Lord others become impatient with me. 

In both scenarios, I see the level of my trust in the Lord has had to deepen like roots of a tree looking for nourishment, refuge, and strength.   I can't be pushed around by circumstances or opinions of people I have to put all those things WAY under God on the meter of my heart and mind.

“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7

Don't you ever wish you could compare notes with God?  I have found we don't have to look far if we are seeking God for guidance and direction.   God often orchestrates events, devotionals, bible studies, Sunday Sermons, the Bible Word of the Day and so on to show He's not only watching us but He cares so deeply for us.  God wants to help us now but also prepare us for what may come in the future.   He is allowing us to see what we need to work on before He proceeds to the next step in our life… whatever that may be.  He isn’t giving us too much to work on but just enough.   

I was a kid diagnosed with ADD growing up.   It was very hard for me to focus.  It seemed like everything pulled on my attention.   Test taking times were horrible.   The sound of the clock, people getting up to sharpen their pencils, the thought of a time restraint seemed to put more pressure on my mind where everything I had studied for hours had suddenly vanished, and when people started to turn in their tests- forget it.   I might as well been on a river heading for a waterfall of not finishing my test in time.  By the time I was in college, they started to let me take my test in another room with no distractions.  I don't even think their was a clock in the room just a window with a pleasant view of the campus.  This settled my nerves and quieted down my mind so I could actually draw out the information I had studied - probably studied more then the average student.     

God knows this about us.  Sometimes He even places in another spot so we are not distracted by others or what might be bothersome situations so we can not just learn His word but mature and walk out in his love.   He’s having me "learn" to take one day at a time not just physically but mentally – sometimes one minute by minute. :)

I have also found just working on myself can make a big impact than if I try to deal with everyone else’s opinions negative or positive.   I don't pay attention to the log or speck in someones eye just myself.  I can't fix people to see me any differently - God is the only one who can do that.    I try to be slow to speak and keep my mouth shut when I want to try to justify myself.  God is showing me how to live more in that real genuine trust in Him.

“Keep your heart with all diligence for out of it spring the issues of life.”  Proverbs 4:23.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” Proverbs 4:23

God has me working on staying away from the affairs and empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from people and this world (2 Tim 2:4, Col 2:8), and even my own understanding and the ways I see things so I don’t get caught up thinking God has me doing “this” or “that” because of something I presume which can lead to other internal problems and carry onto other issues within my inner circle.  And sometimes that isn't even a guarantee that there won't be any issues because we aren't the only person in this experience called life.  I strive to continue to trust God and follow his instruction and direction. (Proverbs 3:5-6)   I find I must redirect my thoughts and heart to the Lord continually - sometimes I wish I had a sign around neck so every time I looked down I would see "Put no major emphasis on anything but your God."  

God is truly our burden bearer if we trust him.  I, a sensitive person, have to continually go to the
Lord when I feel as if something else negative is at work or life starts to get heavy.   This sometimes takes time to adjust but once God has helped me switch gears I can drive right through those situations in more a positive manner but again that takes effort and sometimes I must request further prayer - prayer that is simple and unbiased and trustworthy.  I must continually give my burdens to the Lord before they feel like they are about to suffocate me.

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah” Psalm 68:19

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28

“It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.” Psalm 18:32

Sometimes perfect doesn't always seem perfect in the midst of difficult circumstances but as God gives you the strength to endure you find you won't do anything you might regret later on.

I remember when I was a kid playing in the woods, backyard or park and I would be some Superhero or Jedi Knight and when one of the other kids came to attack me with their powers or weapon I would yell, "FORCE FIELD!" And they would usually protest and yell, "No far!"- (but sometimes I let them injury me and those on my team would cart me off to our base and fix me up real fast so I could continue in the battle.)

God is the shield - He is our "FORCE FIELD!" to our heart and mind and soul. That is hard when the things of life are close to home but we must humbly submit to God and we will find He our shield.

“He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him,” Proverbs 30:5

Making Jesus Christ my primary concern in all things in life helps my focus.  Again this means, I HAVE to and it is DIRER to place Jesus above all other concerns, presumptions, premonitions, and circumstances in life.  He’s the one I need to trust.   The concerns of life can rob our heart of the goodness God gives us and we only receive that goodness when we trust Him.

Either way if we do or don’t trust God has big implications.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.  Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.  Instead fear the LORD and turn your back on evil.  Then you will gain renewed health and vitality.”  Proverbs 3:5-8