Why We Suffer

The Question I constantly wrestle with is, why do Christians suffer?

The answer is that we live in a fallen world and the sin we inherited from the fall of man 

has severe consequences if it is not dealt with. God also allows suffering for a greater purpose.

As we read below we will see what that greater purpose is.

As followers of Jesus there is one thing that we can count on as a guarantee in this life:

• We will face suffering. 

We all face suffering in one way or another. 

The Question is: 

Does God allow suffering in the Christian life for some greater purpose?

The Bible speaks about suffering in this way:

John 16:33 NIV
In this world you will have trouble.

2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV

 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

The Good News is that there are other guarantees as well for those suffering children of God. These

guarantees remind us of God’s sovereignty and ultimate control over His creation.

Here are some guarantees for those who are followers of Jesus:

• Because of God's love for us, Jesus paid the price for our sin.  Those who believe this will have eternal life.

John 3:16 NIV
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

• We will be glorified (Receive Our Resurrection Bodies) - Our salvation will be complete.

 Romans 8:30 NIV  

And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

 The Holy Spirit in us is our guarantee of our salvation:

• The Holy Spirit in us is the believers proof of God's promise of salvation

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NLT

It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.

This is our guarantee about God’s love:

• Nothing can separate us from God’s love

Romans 8:38-39 NIV

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

So God is now working to accomplish His plan which is the completion our salvation. During this time those who are Children of God are also guaranteed that they will never be separated from God’s love. Difficulties and suffering may cause us to doubt God’s promises,  but that doubt does not discount the promises of God. God will always keeps His promises. Throughout the Bible we can read about the many promises God has already kept. (Read Genesis and God's promises to Abraham ) It is important to also look forward to the future promises God is going to fulfill.

Promises from God are awesome but what about the ones about suffering and persecution. Is this something a Christian is really looking forward to? The answer is yes if we have the perspective that God will allow this suffering to take place for a purpose. That purpose is so we become more like Jesus.  This is God’s plan for our lives. But even though we will suffer we have hope because of the assurance of our salvation and God’s love.

Right now, for followers of Jesus, God is working in us, transforming our hearts and minds to be like Jesus:

Romans 8:29 NIV

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son,

The more we become like Jesus the more we are going to enjoy our fellowship and personal relationship with God. If our sin separates us from God then our Christ like character will bring us closer to Him. Remember God commands us to be Holy like Him. So whether it feels good or bad, whether we experience pain, or joy, God will use the experiences in our lives to transform us into the likeness of Christ.

God is sovereign and in control of His creation. There is nothing outside the scope of His rule. Because God is guiding the events in our lives, we can be encouraged that what He is doing is for our own good. Even death will only consummate God’s perfect plan for believers.  The truth for us is this: The best thing God can do for us is to make us more like Jesus. Now substitute the word “us” for the word “me”. The best thing God can do for me is to make me more like Jesus in character and in the depth and scope of His love .

Many people right now are spiritually dead. They believe that personal suffering has no benefit. But God's people have a different perspective. Followers of Jesus base their perspective on this reality:

We all are born spiritually dead and separated from God. Only God can make us spiritually alive so He invites us (calls us), predetermines spiritually dead people to become spiritually alive. Through the power of the Holy Spirit He gives people the power to respond to this call. Through belief in Jesus' work on the Cross as the main component for salvation, those who believe are no longer an enemies of God, they are saved from spiritual death. 

Also, the future for God's people looks like this: The Glorification, The receiving of our Imperishable bodies, is the final step in God’s plan. Those God has chosen to be saved will go through a process called sanctification where throughout their lives these children of God will become more like Jesus. One day they will be given an immortal, imperishable body. This Glorification will take place when Jesus returns. Interestingly enough in Romans 8:30 Paul speaks so confidently in God’s guarantee of Glorification that he uses the past tense “glorified” (“he also glorified”) as if this Glorification has already taken place. The truth is this: Like the Apostle Paul, we can be confident that God will keep His promises. It is a good thing that our eternal security depends on God’s work and His character and not our own. (For more on the receiving of an imperishable body read 1 Corinthians 15:35-56.

Here are some good questions to ask ourselves:

Am I waiting eagerly for Jesus' return and my new (Glorified) body?

Am I living life with joy and an eternal perspective while I wait for the completion 

of God's plan?

How does the assurance that I can never be separated from God’s love, help me with living for Him right now?

 Do I realize that my suffering is part of God’s plan and is the process by which God transforms

me to be more like Jesus?

Will I allow this transformation process to take place on God's terms or will I continue to

wrestle with God on my own terms?

Will I surrender to God?

Will I allow Jesus to be Lord over my life?

We are all struggling in this life one way or another. The Christian life is difficult because it requires us to repent and turn away from our sin. Sin is a part of our nature so we need God’s help to transform our lives to be more like Christ. Most of us look first to our own strength and wisdom to deal with the problems and suffering we face. When we turn to God however, He offers us the strength and wisdom and peace to live life more abundantly. Personally I have found that the more Christ-like I become, the more abundant my life is. The more Christ-like I become, the greater the depth of intimacy with God I get to experience. The more Christ-like I become, the greater the suffering I face because it requires me to wrestle with the sin nature that is a part of who I am.  There is a purpose for suffering in the Christian life. Personally I don’t particularly enjoy the suffering part of the Christian life, but it benefits me greatly when it comes to my relationship with God. My transformation into the new self has helped my marriage, parenting, ministry, and my life in general. The sanctification process I continue to go through has been worth it because suffering has a greater purpose.

Romans 5:1-5 New International Version 1984  

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

These verses below always speak to my heart about God’s wisdom and peace for those who are followers of Jesus. It also reminds me that when I am suffering, God’s rest and peace are always available to me.

Matthew 11:29-30 NIV

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

John 14:27 NIV
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

The first verse in this message was:

John 16:33 NIV 
In this world you will have trouble.

I did not give you the whole verse.

This is the entire verse:

John 16:33 NIV

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The best news we have as followers of Jesus is that Jesus' work on the Cross has delivered us real hope and real salvation. Even though we will suffer at times in this life, the victory over sin and death has already been won..


Just Sayin...................Dave

A Daily Reminder

My Daily Reminder:

John 15:1-4

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch  that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

This passage reminds me that I need God in every area of my life. I need God in order to bear fruit for His kingdom. Many times I try to do things based on my own vision and belief of what certain aspects of my life should look like. Many times I neglect what God really wants me to do.

Because I desire to be in God’s will and continue to ask God to guide me, the Holy Spirit convicts me that when I gravitate to my own vision for life I can easily be distracted from the things God wants me to do. In a sense I begin to live for myself and push God to the side. The results of my leading a self centered life always ends up being painful and unfruitful. Living apart from God is a serious matter because it can lead to sinful behavior. Sin always bears consequences. God will discipline us when we sin, yet it is also His way of refining us, so discipline from God is a good thing and it will help grow us spiritually. 

On the other hand, blessings come when I began to listen to the Holy Spirit and became teachable in the areas I tend to work apart from God.  It is difficult sometimes for me to be teachable due to my pride but I  realize that my humility is the catalyst to opening the door to being set apart to God. Just because I am a believer does not mean everything I do honors God. On the contrary I began to understand going my own way does not bear fruit for God’s kingdom. When I embrace the concept of dying to self, I gain so much more richness to life because living for God satisfies the soul. Being in fellowship with God quenches my thirst for deep meaningful relationships. 

So to keep myself accountable to this idea of dying to self, I connect with God each day in a personal way so as to renew my passion and desire to bear fruit for His kingdom. This may mean putting aside some personal goals in order to make time for God’s work.  It may also mean looking at my heart to evaluate my inner motives. This may mean humbling myself before God due to my old self trying trying to gain a foothold back in my life again. We have to spend time with God if we want to have a deeper relationship with Him. I know we all have daily obligations that must be taken care of. They are all necessary.  But spending  time with God  has eternal value. If we allow His Spirit to fill us we can be set on a course that leads to blessing.  Blessing for God who loves our obedience and heart focused devotion. And to others who need encouragement and a word of hope. You see the way we treat others ultimately describes who we are in Christ. Hypocrisy is the most common complaint a non believer has of the Church so it is important that we live out God's calling to be Holy.  We also need to daily put on the New Self in order for us to be Christ-like. Christ-likeness sets us apart from the world and people do recognize the difference. If one is known as a true follower of Christ, one must act as an ambassador for Christ. That is part of our commission from God.

2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Matthew 28:18-20 New International Version 1984 

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 Ephesians 4:22-25 New International Version 1984

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

So each day we must remember who we are and whose we are. We must remember why God rescued us.

Yes, because He loves us.  And yes because He wants us to impact the world with the Gospel. And yes, He wants us to do good works, not to earn His favor, but to do good works out of love and gratitude for the price Jesus paid on the Cross for our salvation. 

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God 

prepared in advance for us to do.

So Remember,  If we remain in Christ we will bear fruit for God's kingdom. This is a promise from Jesus Himself. This is part of what God has called us to do.

Just Sayin.................Dave

 

The Key To Harmony In A Contentious World

Harmony:

Compatibility in opinion and action

A state or atmosphere of  mutual civility and respect

Unity:

The state or quality of being in accord; harmony.

A combination or union thus formed.

Singleness or constancy of purpose or action; continuity:

There is nothing more powerful than a husband and wife unified in their marriage and parenting goals.

Unity in the home, at church, or at work can create an environment where even though there may be points of disagreement,  issues can be worked through in a God honoring way.  When we refuse to listen to 

God and others and focus on our own agenda and ambitions, topping it off with self focus and pride, communication, and relationships can become very difficult and contentious.When it comes to relationships there is no relationship more important than the one we have with God. He has told us how we are to live with others. Most importantly we are to represent Christ, showing others that we are truly His disciples.

To help us live out our Christ-likeness, here is some great Godly wisdom for us to take to heart:

James 3:14-20 NIV

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth

Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you 

have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Colossians 3:12-15 NIV

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

One of the greatest struggles we all deal with is our sense of  pride.  I am talking more about

arrogant or disdainful conduct or treatment; haughtiness.  An excessively high opinion of oneself; conceit.

The belief that we are somehow superior and smarter than everyone else. An unwillingness to admit we are

wrong.  Boastful and self-centered.  A lack of humility. You get the idea.

The Bible says this about pride:

Proverbs 11:2 NIV 
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 NIV  
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proverbs 16:18 NIV  
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23 NIV  
A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

Proverbs 16:5 NIV 
The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

James 4:6 NIV   
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." ( Proverbs 3:34)

 
There have been many times my pride-fullness has reared its ugly head. But because God disciplines me out of love, and His grace continues to be offered, His correction humbles me and restores the harmony I have tainted with my sin. My part in this is that I felt the anguish of my transgression and therefore did pray for God's help and forgiveness. Every time I do this God restores me.  He gives me the wisdom and strength to to get back on track. The principle is this: Every time I take a step toward God confessing my sin while putting away my prideful self through humble recognition of the fact, God was willing to make my path straight, filling me up with the Holy Spirit thereby changing my heart.

If you happen to find yourself being stubborn and prideful take a step back and ask God for help:

Romans 12:12 NIV 
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Philippians 4:6 NIV 
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

Colossians 4:2 NIV  
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

James 5:13 NIV   

 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

James 4:2 NIV  
You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want.

You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.

James 1:5 NIV   
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

1 John 5:14 NIV 
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Luke 11:9 NIV  
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

In music, harmony is a beautiful thing. In order to achieve harmony in life we have to be tuned into God’s design for relationships.  We need to start with our relationship with God in order to have the tools and 

the desire to harmonize with Him and with our fellow human beings. When we see others through God’s eyes, when God’s Word is alive in each of us, we have the key to unlock the door to living an abundant life.

We can be a blessing to others by taking to heart God's principles for relationships. By our obedience in this area we show love to our gracious Lord who deserves the pinnacle of our deepest devotion.

So, lets confess our sins and remember to pray:

James 5:16 NIV  
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Let's live out God's Principles:

James 1:22 New International Version 1984

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says

Let's be obedient to God by loving Him and others :

Mark 12:29-31 New International Version 1984 

 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

With just these few primary principles in mind, through the power of a Spirit filled life, we can achieve harmony and unity with God and our fellow man.

Just Sayin…………………..Dave

The Source of Real Truth and Perspective

There are many ways of thinking that can hamper our joy and can cause us to lose perspective. One of those ways of thinking for me is that I focus and dwell on  the difficult events and/or circumstances in such a way that knocks the wind out of my sails. I also become so distracted in my grief that I end up losing hope for a period of time which begins to infringe upon my eternal perspective.  

My circumstances shape my attitude and my attitude effects me and the people around me.  I have so 

often regretted the times I lose sight of my true purpose because it crushes the joy out of me and others that 

I love.  I wish I could always view life with the end in mind. What really begins to help me is knowing that I exist in a world that is out of my control but completely in line with God’s plan and His control.

There are times I would love to be the architect of my own life, in control of the events that surround

me each day. I  have this desire to be the author and designer of my own personal time line. Yet, when I’ve tried to control the events in my life, I realize that I have created despair and disappointment for myself because the stories I begin to write with my personalized pen, always seem to run out of ink at the times I want to finish the chapter with a "Dave" filled happy ending. 

The Truth is this: God is going to finish our story for us. In fact he already has for all mankind.  The Bible makes it very clear how the story is going to end. The best part is there truly is a “happy” ending. For believers there is joy for all eternity. Wow, I can’t even imagine everlasting joy because of my limitations based on my human perspective and lifetime of experiences that wreak of despair. I also can’t even begin to imagine what heaven will be like. And that’s good for me because I could never create a Heaven  as good as God has with His unique and amazing mind for beauty combined with His infinite wisdom and unfailing love.

Remember this: Followers of Jesus  have a hope and a future. We need to daily remind ourselves of God’s promises and think back about what Jesus did to help the sick and broken. With the help of the Holy Spirit, which believers are now connected to in a deep and personal way,  events and circumstances of our lives that tend to knock us down, cannot defeat us,. We have victory in Christ. We have a hope and a future. Our labor for God's kingdom is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:56-58 New International Version 1984 

 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

One of the promises Jesus told us about, before His ascension into heaven, was that  the Holy Spirit 

would come and indwell in his followers to guide them, teach them and comfort them throughout life’s  difficult twists and turns.

Jesus Said these things about the Holy Spirit:

 John 14:16-18 

"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; the Spirit 

of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know 

Him because He abides with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." 

John 14:26

"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 that I said to you."

 John 16:13 

"When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His 

own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." 

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is one of  the strongest pieces of  evidence that I have in my life to remind 

me that God is real.  In a world that is constantly trying to tell me that my faith is foolishness, I am 

reminded that I have the evidence that proves Jesus was telling the truth about who He was and what He 

was going to do.The Holy Spirit Himself confirms this for me.

To gather even more strength to build upon my faith, I read the Bible and pray. Through prayer and God's Word I connect directly with God’s wisdom and truth. God's Word is alive and inspires me to trust Him  more and more. Along with the Holy Spirit,  I can live out each day with real guidance as my heart and my thoughts are directed toward the things of God. What God has provided for me is the real help I need to refocus my life on the big picture which always has purpose in light of eternity. What I know for sure is God's Word is the real source of all truth and eternal perspective.

The importance of God's Word in a believer's life:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New International Version 1984

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 New Living Translation 

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting 
between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Psalm 119:105 New Living Translation

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

In conclusion, there is one true great architect when it comes to life and that is God, our Savior Jesus Christ. Only through His strength and perspective can we live a joyful and abundant life. Only through His work do we have the eternal life. real forgiveness and real hope. So when it comes to our own thoughts let's take to heart this passage:

Hebrews 12:1-3 New International Version 1984 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart

 

Just Sayin.......................Dave

 

Does God Keep His Promises?

 Does God Keep His Promises?

Now that is a very general question but there are some interesting aspects to God’s promises.

For example let’s take a look at the promises God made to Abraham.

Genesis 17:3-8

Abram fell face down, and God said to him, "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram ; your name will be Abraham,  for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien,

I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God."

Genesis 22:17-18 

I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."

Some aspects of these promises have already been fulfilled but the completion of some of them are still yet to come. In some ways we are in a similar situation as Abraham.  We are still waiting expectantly for the completion of some of God’s promises (ex. Jesus second coming). As we wait patiently for God’s timing

here are some promises God has made to us that we can take to heart right now. I hope they will

encourage you.

Philippians 4:19  

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8  

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

 
1 Corinthians 10:13  

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond What  you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Romans 8:28  

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who  have been called according to his purpose.

 
Acts 2:38  

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 
John 10:27-28  

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish;

no one can  snatch them out of my hand.

 
Philippians 1:6  

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

 
John 11:25-26 

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives  and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?

 
John 8:12

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Malachi 3:10  
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty,"and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

 
John 3:16 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,  that whoever believes in him shall not perish  but have eternal life.

Matthew 6:25-26  

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Philippians 4:6-7  

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Reading these promises can be encouraging if we are willing to trust God with our lives.

The biggest hindrance from trusting God is the way we think. We should ask ourselves these questions:

• Do I have a God centered life or a self centered life?
• Do I love God more then I love the World?
• Is my relationship with God the number one priority in my life?

This idea about having a God centered life will make all the difference in being able to trust in God’s promises. This one verse will help us understand how we should think in a fallen (sin filled) world.

 Romans 12:2 

 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

How do we renew our minds?.............. Start by reading God’s word.

How do we know what God’s will is?.......................... Spend time with God.. Ask & Pray.

The Bible explains this idea of seeking God's will:

 

Matthew 7:7-8 New International Version 1984

Ask, Seek, Knock
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

So with the Bible telling us not to conform to the pattern of this world and also to not love the world or anything in the world (1 John 2:15), we need to look to God to provide wisdom and perspective for all areas in our life (ex. Marriage, relationships, parenting, work, ministry, etc.). This means we need to let God in those places we have decided we still want to be in control over.    

We also need to be careful of people whose ideas stem from  a flawed worldly perspective.  We need to find God centered people to counsel us and help give us perspective on living a life set apart to God. Yet, because we are a work in progress, it takes time to see the flaws in our own thinking as well as others who have been exalted by the popular culture.  We have a tendency to look upon to those who are popular to be the main source of our inspiration. We look to them for wisdom even though our true source of wisdom comes from God’s word.

So here are the big questions: (You can fill in the blank with who is influencing you now)

• Who are you going to trust, God or _______?
• What are you going to believe, God’s Word or ______________?
• Who are you going to follow, Jesus or ___________?

The Bible tells us who we need to trust:

Proverbs 3:5-6 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.   

John 14:1
[ Jesus Comforts His Disciples ] "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

So the question for all of is:  Where are we getting our wisdom from?

I pray that we will look to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit for our source of truth, wisdom and discernment.

I pray that we will remember to live apart from this fallen world and set ourselves apart to God and His purpose. No matter what our circumstances, we should always try to be in a right relationship with God.

By living a life set apart to God our example we can influence others to live the same way.

The question again is: Does God keep His promises?

I challenge you to trust God with your entire life. I know He will keep His promises for you. He has for me.

 

Just Sayin..........................Dave