Breathe Deep and Trust

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.



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Where will I live? 
Will I have a home to live in? 
Will I live? 
Or will I die? 
Can I die if I’ve already died in Christ?
Where will they live? Will they have enough? 
Will they be safe and secure? 
Will they survive?

These are big, scary questions; especially in today's global climate.  Things are very bad in some places, for those who believe.  Will it get so bad where I live?  Is it that bad where I live now ?

What does it mean, that “he cares for me”?  Does it mean I don’t have to worry about what I will and and drink?  Does it mean I will never feel threatened by outside forces?  Does it mean that I can lay my illness down at his feet and walk away healed?

It seems there are more questions, more “I don’t knows” than there are “I do knows.”

Loved ones die of devastating illness.  People lose their home and have to live in their cars, or in an unsafe shelter.  People are randomly attacked everyday. 

How does God care?  Do you believe that Jesus is alive?  Do you believe that he dwells inside of you?  Do you believe the Holy Spirit gives you the power to overcome in any situation?  What does it mean, to overcome?

Part of it is recognizing that your body is only the tent that houses you; just as your body and your spirit houses the Lord,  once you’ve invited him in.  Part of it is believing that no matter what happens to you, who you are is safe in God.  You are eternal.  When your tent collapses you go on.

If the Lord loved you enough to die for you, to make a way into the eternal presence of the Father, if he loves you enough to live inside you no matter what you’re going through, if he loves you enough to be always faithful and trustworthy, then we can trust him in each and every situation.

We can breathe deep and trust him.  If he’s never let you down in the past, you can be assured, he’ll never let you down in the future.

God is Not Like People

Numbers 23:19 - God is not like people, who lie; He is not a human who changes His mind.  Whatever He promises He does; He speaks and it is done.

And my response is; “ Be transformed by the renewing of your mind”, “There is now no condemnation...”, “I know the plans I have for you... to prosper you...”

I am an heir.  Even an earthly king will break his promises to his children sometimes.  But our Father does not.

I made a list of scripture verses that are the promises of God to His righteous people.  It’s a very long list and incomplete.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  That’s true!  Not sometimes, not just when I’m feeling particularly holy or useful.

I gave my life to Him 40 years ago.  Looking back, I see the evidence.  I have not always been faithful, but He has always been faithful.  He has never changed His mind.  

His plans for me are perfect.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him.  Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13 (NLT)

“Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus

Just to take him at his word.

Just to rest upon his promise

And to know, ‘Thus saith the Lord’

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!

How I’ve proved Him ‘ore and ‘ore.

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust him more!”

Neat, huh?

PROVISION

Thursday, 12/4/14  

THIS IS A CONVERSATION I HAD WITH THE LORD BACK IN DECEMBER.

John 16:23,24  In that day you will no longer ask me anything.  I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.  Ask and you will receive and your joy will be made complete.

Are you (Jesus) talking about now, or up in heaven?  In verse 33b you say, “In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

I believe that your words are always true.  Not one of them is false. But I know that many never receive the positive answer they desperately seek.  So, there’s something we’re missing here.  That’s why I ask, are you referring to heaven?

There is this concept of “pulling the kingdom down.”  When we partner with you in true sincerity then we are creating your kingdom on earth.  And if we are in your kingdom then whatever we ask for we will receive.

Last night Bill Johnson talked about people being totally sold out for you and your kingdom.  He seemed to say that they are the ones who receive the provision needed to make big things happen.

The more we center ourselves in your kingdom, the smaller that upside down umbrella becomes. (our upside down umbrella that prevents the Father’s blessings from reaching us)  Doors just open.  Ways are made smooth and point in the right direction.

So, what more must I do (or what am I doing incorrectly) to be in the place of receiving your provision?

You do provide!  You always have!  But there’s never been enough left over to invest in big ideas.  How do I get to THAT place?  Do I even try?  Is trying the same as striving?  Do I simply trust you more?

It seems really silly, but I hear you saying, “Lay down the solitaire and get off your duff!”

So I will break this addiction by the power of your presence.  (at the time of this posting I haven’t played solitaire in 2 months)

I have always strived to trust you more and more.  Maybe it’s time for me to work on being a person you can trust.

I Want To Be Ready!

I Want To Be Ready!

Mark 6:8 - These were his (Jesus) words to them;  “Take nothing with you for the journey except a staff - no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.  Wear sandals but not an extra tunic.”

2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word.  Be prepared in season and out of season.  Correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.

What does it mean to be prepared?  Is it having everything on your list ticked off and safely stowed?  Sometimes. Is it knowing where you’re going, how long you’ll be there and when you’ll return?  Sometimes.

In Mark 6:8 You tell the disciples to be ready by seemingly telling them not to be ready.  All they were to take were a staff and the clothes on their backs.  It doesn’t say so, but I’d bet they weren’t given months of time to prepare.  How did the prepare?  What did they prepare?  They prepared their hearts and minds.  They focused in on trusting Jesus.  They ere told to walk off and have no fear for what they would eat or where they would sleep.  They were given a mission.

When they returned they were overjoyed!  They were fit, not starving, not exhausted.  In fact, they were energized!

So, what does it mean to be prepared?  In 2 Timothy 4:2 Paul tells Timothy (and us) to;

“Preach the Word.  Be prepared in season and out of season.  Correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.”

Be ready to do God’s work at any moment.  Sometimes we know when we’re being called to preach and other times those “divine appointments” are seemingly dropped in our laps!  Am I ready?  I think I’m more ready now than I’ve even been before.  But am I truly ready?  Yes!!  Because I know that if I’m called to go, or to speak, at the drop of a hat, my Lord will sustain me!  I don’t have to worry about what I’ll eat or where I’ll sleep.  If I’m being obedient then all is good and I am safe in the arms of my Jesus.