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"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 NIV

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Stepping Stones of TRUST


     One sunny day last week I took a walk in the woods, but the path I was on was not less traveled. The grass had been warn away and collecting mud told of the rainstorm the night before. My eyes were at my feet, trying not to take a good portion of the grime home with me. How could I avoid the yuck?

     I soon discovered I no longer heard the birds or appreciated the flowers and kiss of the wind. I could not feel the sun on my face nor see the budding trees all around me because my focus was directed just in front of me. I was distracted.

     I do this all the time in life. A problem comes my way and immediately my focus shifts down to my narrow path and in to how it is affecting me. I know this is not what God desires of me.

     After my walk, he showed me five "Stepping Stones of TRUST" that I can use to journey safely across the mud, the trials of this life.

T    Turn to God for Help First
       He is an ever present help in trouble.  Psalms 46:1

R    Refuse to Believe the Lies of the Enemy
       Resist him, standing firm in your faith. 1 Peter 5:9

U    Understand the Difference Between My Agenda and God's
       My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways. Isaiah 55:8

S     Seek Out the TRUTH in Scripture
       The truth will set you free. John 8:32
  
T    Thank God for Opportunities of Dependence
       In all things give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18


     Now, when I am tempted to worry about the problems right in front of me, I remember to TRUST.  I ask God to help me and give me wisdom. I recognize that I am tempted to worry, but it is a lie that worry changes any circumstances beyond creating uneasiness inside me. I look at the outcome I desire and realize it may not be God's will. I immerse myself in the truth of scripture, comforted by God's promises. Finally, I thank God that He is in control and I am not.

     Amazingly, the mud turns to dust and blows away with the wind. My footing is firm. Standing on the promises of God is the safest place to be.


     Lord, thank you for showing me the way of TRUST. I want to walk on your path all the days of my life. Help me keep my gaze on you instead of at my feet. Amen.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Sacrifice: His and Mine

He humbled himself; I lift myself up.

He purchased my freedom; I choose to remain a captive.

He invites me closer; I claim I do not have time.

He desires to bless; I focus on what is not going as I planned.

He says do not fear; I doubt the possibility of peace.

He loves unconditionally; I put conditions on my affection.

He gave everything for me; I give a small piece to him.


Lord, your sacrifice was immense.
Walk with me in this life of trial and error.

In each situation I find myself in:

Give me your eyes
Guard my tongue
Use my hands
Direct my steps
Help me let go
so your will can be done

Amen.



Follow "The Practice of Sacrifice" at A Holy Experience

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Problems or Opportunities

"Every problem can teach you something, transforming you little by little into the masterpiece I created you to be."  from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

     Heads or tails? Without always realizing it, I am daily flipping coins. A problem presents itself to me and I see it in one of two ways: a problem to avoid or an opportunity to embrace.  Heads or tails?  I long to embrace problems as opportunities to see the face of God at work in a situation.

     I admit, most of the time the head, Christ, is face down on the floor.  Immersing myself in his promises is a wise way to weight the coin. Counting the blessings all around me helps my focus as well.

    Do I really want to be able to solve all my problems in my limited strength and creativity?  A world where I do not need to rely on Christ sounds worse to me than the storm clouds that threaten in the distance.

     I choose heads.  I choose opportunities for my Savior to amaze me with his solutions to my problems. I choose to keep searching daily for more ways to weight the coin in His favor.

    

     All things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. (Romans 8:28b AMP)

     I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] (John 16:33 AMP)


     God of infinite creativity, thank you for solving my problems in unexpected ways.  Thank you for redirecting my focus to your face.  Help me not to fear the storms in the distance, but to embrace problems as opportunities to see you at work in my life and the lives of others. Amen.