Category: Trust

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Too Much Hurry

Did you experience any divine interruptions yesterday? Were you able to experience them with a heart of gratitude?

Often times those interruptions leave us feeling that we now need to work longer and harder. That is not God’s intention at all. He is showing us a better way, a way to trust and rest in Him. He wants us to surrender our load and cares over to Him.

There was a time that I felt there just weren’t enough hours in the day. I honestly prayed, “Lord, I would really like to have a couple extra hours in each day”. His answer was loud and clear, “No, if I gave you more hours you would just fill them with more work, you need to rest and trust Me”.

Even good things can be done with the wrong motive. We think that we have to be “doing” things for God so that He will be pleased with us. And that mindset is more destructive to us than the physical labor that we put in.

“Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us…8 But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:6-8 ERV

Before we could do or even had a desire to do anything for God, Christ died for us. His unconditional love made provision for us when we were unable to do anything to save ourselves. And His love is still unconditional toward us once we accept Him as our Saviour.

If we are living a life of “doing” things for God to earn His favor, we don’t understand grace. There is nothing we can do to get God to love us more and there is nothing we can do that would cause God to love us less. His love comes to us by GRACE! Does that mean we just go out and do whatever we want because we know that God will always love us? To coin a phrase from the Apostle Paul, God forbid!

Our lives should reflect the gratitude and love we feel for the great sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf, but it shouldn’t be done trying to earn it. There is nothing that we can do to earn God’s love.

“But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much. 5 We were spiritually dead because of all we had done against him. But he gave us new life together with Christ. (You have been saved by God’s grace.) 6 Yes, it is because we are a part of Christ Jesus that God raised us from death and seated us together with him in the heavenly places. 7 God did this so that his kindness to us who belong to Christ Jesus would clearly show for all time to come the amazing richness of his grace.” Ephesians 2:4-7 ERV

Take a break today…stop hurrying through life, stop working to be good enough for God. Our efforts will never accomplish that. Instead take time to rest and enjoy God’s grace and let love flow from your heart to His!

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Measuring What’s Big

This morning I’m sitting in the San Jose airport waiting to fly back to Phoenix. Spent the weekend with our oldest daughter, granddaughter, great granddaughter and great granddaughter waiting to be born. So blessed to have been able to spend that time with them.

Recycling a blog from about 10 years ago. It seems appropriate for today.

Trusting on God to handle the “big” things in our lives seems appropriate right? But then we try to handle the “little” things on our own – surely ,we can handle them. No need to bother God!

Have you ever asked yourself “What’s big to God?”

Big things might appear to be cancer, divorce, terrorist attacks, destructive weather, who knows? While smaller things are the day-to-day occurrences; a broken washing machine, repairs on the car, problems at work, the kids’ friends, too much month and not enough money. These are the things we try to handle on our own; coming to our own conclusions; working out our own answers.

But what is “big” to God?

He, who created the universe, who has been ever present from eternity past to eternity future, who mapped the planets, the sun, moon and stars; He who created the earth and everything in it.

What is “big” to God?

Our “big” things barely make a blip on His radar screen however He tells us to bring everything too Him, that we may find help in time of need.

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 CEV

Two key words anything and everything – that’s what we are to bring to the Father with thankful hearts knowing that He has a plan.

God has never been caught off guard by any request – He knows before we ask but He still is waiting for us to ask. He’s never leaned over to Jesus and said “Boy, I didn’t see that one coming. That’s a surprise to me; I wonder what I’m going to do.” No! He knows exactly what we need and how to get it to us.

Today give Him the large, that you can’t handle and the small, that you shouldn’t handle, let Him have it all.

“ We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV

Big is relative and it all matters to our Father!

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The Glad Game

How many of you remember who this young actress is portraying? If you said Pollyanna, you’re right. If you have no idea, you should look up her name and the Disney movie that was made with the same title.

Pollyanna was a little girl who weathered some very trying, life-changing, challenges but never lost her joy. Oh, people tried hard to discourage her and tell her she was wrong for always being so optimistic, but she wouldn’t allow them to stifle her enthusiasm.

Watching that movie, I wanted to be like her. Little did I realize at the time, but she was a living example of what happens in our lives when we trust, completely, in God’s love and kindness.

Pollyanna invented the “Glad Game”. She insisted that the people around her always look for something to be glad about instead of the adverse. I like her style and so would have the Apostle Paul.

“Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy. 5 Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have.” Philippians 4:4-6 CEV

The qualifiers in this verse are obvious: always, everyone, anything, everything. Those words leave nothing out. Filled with joy, don’t worry, give thanks.

It reminds me of what Jesus said.

“So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or save food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Don’t you know you are worth much more than they are? 27 You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.” Matthew 6:25-27 ERV

Worry doesn’t change our circumstances. Faith in God does.

“ Do everything without complaining or arguing 15 so that you will be blameless and pure, children of God without any fault. But you are living with evil people all around you, who have lost their sense of what is right. Among those people you shine like lights in a dark world,” Philippians 2:14-15 ERV

We need to look at our struggles as opportunities for refinement. Gold is purified and refined when it is heated. That’s the difference between 10k and 24k, the purity that only comes through fire. It’s important to remember that the gold isn’t destroyed, it only increases in value. It’s the impurities that are burned off.

My dear friend, I need you to remember this always.

“So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things.” Romans 8:31-32 ERV

God is definitely for us. He’s on our side. Why else would He have sent Jesus to suffer and die? The reason is He loves us and wants to fill our lives with the richness of His goodness.

Other than Jesus, I think the Apostle Paul faced more hardship and struggle than any other Christian.
“ We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day. 17 These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. 18 Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. This is why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.” II Corinthians 4:16-18 CEV

Next time struggle or adversity comes stop – before we engage in complaining or worrying let’s look to the unseen and remember that God is on our side.

Now, that’s something to be glad about!

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Marriage, Yes, Marriage

How many of you know that laughter and humor are good for a marriage?

The Bible tells us that a merry heart is good like a medicine, but sorrow dries out the bones. So, as we look at Paul’s teaching on marriage, I want us to have a smile on our faces and joy in our hearts.

“ Honor Christ and put others first. 22  A wife should put her husband first, as she does the Lord. 23 A husband is the head of his wife, as Christ is the head and the Savior of the church, which is his own body. 24 Wives should always put their husbands first, as the church puts Christ first.” Ephesians 5:21-24 CEV

I had a wife tell me once that she didn’t like these verses on submission. She said you don’t know my husband. He will use these verses against me. I told her that it was true that I didn’t know him, but God did, and this was God’s instruction. We wives should put our husbands first; showing them respect and honor. Someone has to be able to make the final decision in the household and God has given that to our husbands.

” A husband should love his wife as much as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. 26 He made the church holy by the power of his word, and he made it pure by washing it with water. 27 Christ did this, so he would have a glorious and holy church, without faults or spots or wrinkles or any other flaws.” Ephesians 5:25-27 CEV

These are strong words. Husbands are to love their wives in the same way that Christ loves the church. Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for us, giving His life for our redemption.

“28 In the same way, a husband should love his wife as much as he loves himself. A husband who loves his wife shows he loves himself. 29 None of us hate our own bodies. We provide for them and take good care of them, just as Christ does for the church, 30 because we are each part of his body. 31  As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother to get married, and he becomes like one person with his wife.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I understand it to mean Christ and his church.” Ephesians 5:28-32 CEV

A husband who loves as Christ loves will protect, nurture, provide and be kind to his wife. He will treat her in the same way that he provides for his own needs and desires. The marriage relationship should be an example of the love and submission that Christ has for us and that we show to Him.

“So each husband should love his wife as much as he loves himself, and each wife should respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:33 CEV

There will be differences and disagreements in marriage. Those times can help us grow in our understanding of one another and make the marriage stronger. Having Christ’s point of view – love, respect, and forgiveness – can make our marriages a little bit of heaven here on earth.

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Learning to Follow

When I started this topic of following, I didn’t realize that I was going to come across so many verses in my daily reading that would reinforce the magnitude of the subject. When this happens, I know the Lord is wanting me grounded in the subject.

Following isn’t a mindless activity; it is a walk of trust and faith.

By following their mothers, ducklings learn to swim, what to eat, where to nest and where to seek safety. I felt like one of those little ducks this morning as I read these verses in Psalm 27.

“You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears…I ask only one thing, Lord: Let me live in your house every day of my life
to see how wonderful you are and to pray in your temple. 5 In times of trouble, Lord, you will protect me. You will hide me in your tent and keep me safe on top of a mighty rock… 11 Teach me to follow, Lord, and lead me on the right path because of my enemies…14 Trust the Lord! Be brave and strong and trust the Lord.” Psalm 27:1,4,5,11,14 CEV

And those are only a few of the verses in that Psalm. Teach me to follow! Those words were written by David, the shepherd and the king. A week ago I heard a sermon about King David and his kindness. It’s a story I am quite familiar with. When I read the words “Let me live in your house every day of my life to see how wonderful you are” that story immediately came to mind.

David and Jonathan had been best friends; they had made a promise to look out for one another and to provide for each other’s families if something happened to them. Jonathan had died and David went looking to see if any of his children were still living. He learned of a son.

“David asked, “Are you Mephibosheth?” “Yes, I am, Your Majesty.”

7 David said, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll be kind to you because Jonathan was your father. I’m going to give you back the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul. Besides that, you will always eat with me at my table…Mephibosheth was lame, but he lived in Jerusalem and ate at David’s table, just like one of David’s own sons.” II Samuel 9:6-7,13 CEV

We learn how to follow the Lord by living with Him. When we live in His house we see His kindness on a daily basis. We see how He provides for those He loves, for those who His Son loves.

Mephibosheth was given all the rights of a son because of who his father was. In his own right, he wasn’t worthy to be at the king’s table. Neither are we. But our place at the table isn’t dependent on what we have done, it is by God’s grace and His unconditional love.

The words of my heart are these – teach me to follow, Lord, I trust you!

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Just Call

How many times each day do we wonder about something? We try to figure out the best way of doing things. We need answers and although friends and colleagues may try to help their assistance is often limited.

That’s why my morning quiet times are so important to me. I talk to the Father about things I know will occur throughout the day, plans I am making for the future and the daily unseen events that interrupt and cause me to make course corrections.

When I’m needing answers to some questions that are past my knowledge I don’t want to be held back because of my ignorance. I get up seeking the Father and His wisdom.

One thing that has been proven over the years, not just in my lifetime but of time itself, is God is faithful and His word is true. He tells us to ask for wisdom and He will give it liberally. When He says ask and it will be given, seek and we will find, knock and the door will open, we can be confident that He will be true to His word!

When we call – He answers!

“Moreover, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard, saying, 2 Thus says the Lord Who made [the earth], the Lord Who formed it to establish it—the Lord is His name: 3 ‘Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).’” Jeremiah 33:1-3 AMP

When it seems like we are in prison, the prison of our circumstances or the one caused by our limited knowledge or even an actual physical prison, He reminds us of who He is, His power and His willingness to help.

Call on Me and I WILL answer and I will show you the things that were hidden, the things that you don’t recognize or understand. CALL!

And after we call “Be still and know that I am God.”

“Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.’ 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 CEV

The wonderful work of the Holy Spirit is to teach us.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:26-27 NKJV

The by-product of God’s wisdom is peace. The Old Testament tells us that we should be led by peace. If we ask for wisdom and it appears we get an answer, but it comes with turmoil and worry that isn’t an answer from God.

“Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do…17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:13,17-18 CEV

You have walked with me as I have asked for wisdom this morning but now, I must take my leave and be still and listen. I encourage you to call – He will answer!

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Promise Keeper Miracle Worker

Somebody needs this, this morning. I know I do!

“All of God’s promises have their yes in him. That is why we say Amen through him to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20 CEB

When God makes a promise He keeps it because simply put, God cannot lie. What promise has God made you that you haven’t seen come to pass yet?

Don’t get weary, stand strong it will happen!!

Young Joseph had a dream that all his brothers would bow down to him one day and then his brothers sold him into slavery because of their jealousy. I’m sure Joseph was beginning to wonder how God was going to make this all come about but he knew God was with him.

“The traders who bought Joseph took him down to Egypt. They sold him to the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, Potiphar. 2 The LORD helped Joseph become a successful man. Joseph lived in the house of his master, Potiphar the Egyptian. 3 Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph and that the LORD helped Joseph be successful in everything he did.” Genesis 39:1-3 ERV

Another man with a promise was Abraham. He had God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations. He had to wait 25 years to see it come to pass and during that time he hoped against hope, knowing that God was faithful. He wasn’t without hope; he was with God.

What about Noah? He was told by God that it was going to rain, and he needed to build an ark and collect two of every kind of animal. In all the time that it took to build the ark, he kept preaching for his neighbors to repent. He told them that God was going to send rain even though it had never rained before. A promise made; a promise kept.

I will ask again what promise has God made you?

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:19

“Great shall be the peace of thy children for they are taught of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:13

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against you, you shall condemn for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgives all my iniquities; who heals all my diseases;” Psalm 103:2-3

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in me” John 14:1

“The thief cometh not but for to steal, kill and destroy but I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

I’m not sure if your promise is in this list but if it isn’t, add it. God will keep His word; He is faithful to a thousand generations. He hasn’t lied in the past and He’s not going to start now by lying to you.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might! Your answer is yes in Christ; He’s the promise keeper!

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Complete Trust

What an amazing truth!

I’m not sure I can say that I have complete trust – if that shocks some of you, I apologize but I am being honest. I know in my heart of hearts that God is always faithful and His love is unconditional and His Word never fails but I don’t always let that lead me.

“Lord, your rules are wonderful. That is why I follow them. 130 As people understand your word, it brings light to their lives. Your word makes even simple people wise. 131 My desire to hear your commands is so strong that I wait with open mouth, gasping for breath. 132 Look at me, and be kind to me, just as you always are to those who love your name. 133 Guide me, as you promised. Don’t let evil rule over me. 134 Save me from those who want to hurt me, and I will obey your instructions. 135 Accept your servant, and teach me your laws. 136 I have cried a river of tears because people don’t obey your teachings. 137 LORD, you do what is right, and your decisions are fair. 138 The rules you have given us are right. We can trust them completely.” Psalm 119:129-138

I read God’s word and it teaches me and gives me amazing insight. I know that God can’t and doesn’t lie – I know His love never fails – I know that He is faithful to a thousand generations! I know that He is my Savior, my healer, my provider, my counselor, my peace, my protection, my all-in-all!

Then why do I let fear or anxiety, frustration or anger, or self-will invade my world? It’s because, like Peter, I sometimes take my eyes off Jesus and look at the winds and the waves. I lose focus on the one thing that always provides the right answer. There are those things that left unattended will grow up and choke out God’s word.

Joshua and King David both said that we are to meditate on the law of the Lord, day and night and then we would prosper & have good success. The Apostle Paul said that we are to renew our minds and not be conformed to this world. Jesus went aside to pray and spend time with His Father on many occasions, renewing His mind and refreshing His spirit.

“But you must be strong and brave about obeying the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7-9 ERV

Complete Trust!

It’s something we grow toward and grow in as we spend more time in God’s word and in prayer. There is only one thing that has always been right – God’s word. We can trust Him today.

Trust and Obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

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Follow the Cloud

When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt they were headed for the “Promised Land”. The questions were where and how. No GPS, no Garmin, no Atlas or road map.

God was asking them to follow, and He had a plan.

“Because of your great mercy, you never abandoned them in the desert. And you always guided them with a cloud by day and a fire at night. 20 Your gentle Spirit instructed them, and you gave them manna to eat and water to drink.” Nehemiah 9:17-18 CEV

God provided His own instructional mapping service. He was leading them to the land that He promised Abraham hundreds of years before. God had not forgotten His promise.

“ As soon as the sacred tent was set up a thick cloud appeared and covered it. The cloud was there each day, and during the night, a fire could be seen in it. 17-19 The Lord used this cloud to tell the Israelites when to move their camp and where to set it up again. As long as the cloud covered the tent, the Israelites did not break camp. But when the cloud moved, they followed it, and wherever it stopped, they camped and stayed there,” Numbers 9:15-19 CEV

That cloud was a constant reminder of God’s presence. He had promised to be their God and their provider.

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘I know that you have told me to lead these people to the land you promised them. But you have not said who will go along to help me. You have said that you are my friend and that you are pleased with me. 13 If this is true, let me know what your plans are, then I can obey and continue to please you. And don’t forget that you have chosen this nation to be your own.’ 14 The Lord said, ‘I will go with you and give you peace.’ 15 Then Moses replied, ‘If you aren’t going with us, please don’t make us leave this place. 16 But if you do go with us, everyone will know that you are pleased with your people and with me. That way, we will be different from the rest of the people on earth.’ 17 So the Lord told him, ‘I will do what you have asked, because I am your friend and I am pleased with you.'” Exodus 33:12-17 CEV

What an amazing promise but that was then, what about us in the here and now? The Israelites were on the road leading to the cross; we walk the road following the cross.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money. And be satisfied with what you have. God has said, ‘I will never leave you; I will never run away from you.” Hebrews 13:5 ERV

“ I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever. 17 The Helper is the Spirit of truth. The people of the world cannot accept him, because they don’t see him or know him. But you know him. He lives with you, and he will be in you…I have told you all these things while I am with you. 26 But the Helper will teach you everything and cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name. 27 I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid.” John 14:16-27 ERV

God promised the Israelites His presence and His peace. Those are the same promises He has made us.

As we seek His presence and follow His peace, we find that our way also leads to the cross.

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And the Rains Came

Oh, my goodness, the rains came down last night. The storm that came across California has arrived in Arizona, but it isn’t nearly as fierce as it was there. The rain came, being driven along by the strong winds but I don’t think we had damage to our little community.

Thank God!

Now it’s just a light drizzle and the winds have stopped. It reminds me of an experience I had when we first moved to Montana. We bought our home from an old ranching couple, such a sweet couple. As we walked from room to room, she told me stories of their life in this house, now my home.

We came to their bedroom and she stared out the window for a few moments silently and then turned to me and spoke. “Now honey, when the first winter storm comes, you’ll think you’re going to be snowed in all winter but don’t panic, just wait. Wait 30 minutes and it will be over. It’s always over in 30 minutes or so. You need to know that”.

Well, sure enough, several months later the sky was gray, the temperature was dropping, the winds started to blow and the big, pelting snowflakes were blowing sideways against the house.

I went to that bedroom and stood, looking at the window and watching the clock. The howling wind put my nerves on edge, and I waited. Then, just as she said, it stopped. Just 32 minutes had passed, and the sun broke through the gray and caused the snow to glisten like diamonds.

Isn’t that like life?

As little children we’re not bothered much by the storms, physical or otherwise. We play in the puddles when the rains are over, build snowmen after the earth is covered in white and we trust our parents to hold our hands and guide us through the emotional storms we experience. As an adult we seem to fret more, fretting blocks faith.

“Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it was built on solid rock, and so it did not fall.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

In life’s storms I can hear God’s voice just as clearly as I heard Joyce, just wait.

“ Even very young men get tired and become weak and strong young men trip and fall. 31 But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak.” Isaiah 40:30-31 NLV

So, when the rains come, and they will, don’t fear the storm. Wait, trust in the Lord, feet planted firmly on the solid rock of his Word and He will renew our strength. Just wait!

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