Spiritual Motivation and Insight

[CrimsonTide4]

BUZZARDS, BATS, BUMBLEBEES AND PEOPLE

BUZZARD
If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.


BAT
The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it ! takes off like a flash.

BUMBLEBEE
A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.


PEOPLE
In many ways, there are lots of people like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. They are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations, not ever realizing that the answer is right there "Above" them.

[CrimsonTide4]

Subject: All you need is a willing heart. Be Encouraged Today

Be Encouraged Today. Your help is in the Lord.

God uses unlikely people to fulfill His purposes. That means He can use you and me too. So, be used today for the Glory of God.

The men said to her (Rahab). We shall be free from this oath to you which you have made us swear, unless, when we come into the land, you tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, and gather to yourself into the house your father and your mother and your brothers and all your fathers' household. Joshua 2:17-18

What an incredible act of faith from a woman living one of the most immoral lives around. Rahab was a prostitute and she had lots of reasons not to trust anyone but she chose to trust God. She believed that the God of Israel was the true God. So she protected the men sent from Joshua and trusted that they would spare her and her family just as they said they would. Rahab did what was necessary to help the Israelites. And in return, her faith and obedience paid off. Her life and that of her family was spared. She had a NEW beginning.

Amazing how God used the life of a prostitute to show us the meaning of servant hood. God showed us that through imperfect people He fulfilled His purpose. Rahab had faith. She trusted in God. And when she did, He took care of her. It's that simple. She blindly trusted that a small cord of scarlet thread would mark where her family resided and that one thing would preserve her life. She obeyed and God blessed her so much, that her name is included in the lineage of Christ. So, how is your faith today? What things are coming your way that are requiring your dependence on God? Be like Rahab. Turn from your old ways and move forward as you trust God. Let God show you the most amazing things because of your faithfulness. And blindly trust that God will take care of you just as He did Rehab.

Be Encouraged,

Author: Jeanette

[CrimsonTide4]

Subject: I Never Thought You'd Ask! Be Encouraged Today!

Be Encouraged Today. Your help is in the Lord.

Have you ever kept a journal? If you have then you know how tedious it can be. Imagine if you planned your entire day and then wrote it out. That would be some chore wouldn't it? Guess what, God has a book with YOUR life recorded in it. That's right each and every detail.

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable. I can't even count them, they out number the grains of sand. And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me! Psalm 139:16-18

Today I read this scripture and it gave me great comfort. The thought of EVERY DAY of my life being recorded in God's book is so amazing. Every moment of my life has been laid out by God. Oh, Praise God! We are so precious to Him. We are so loved that He thinks about us all the time. What an amazing God we serve.

What a loving Father we have. Hallelujah! He knows every step we will follow. He knows every time we will fall. He knows every sin we will commit. Yet He loves us. He has planned amazing things for us. He has the power to change things in an instant. He is with each and every one of us every moment of our lives.

He is with us when we wake up every morning. Sometimes, we forget that He is that powerful. With His voice, the earth and man were created. With His love and kindness, He carefully laid out every moment of our lives. So, why then do we handle so many things in our lives without God's help?

I want to remind you today that God has everything planned out for you. He will not lead you the wrong way but will guide you on the path He has planned for you. The choice is yours whether to follow Him or not. Will you follow Him today, totally? Will you trust God for every detail of your life or will you try to handle things on your own?

You know the right answer, so what's holding you back. Are you afraid to walk by faith and not by sight? Well, don't be afraid. He cares enough to know every detail of your life, so let Him have full reign over it. He has the power to handle every detail too. So, don't let fear or anxiety rule in your life, instead hand everything over to God.

Let the strength and power of a living God rule your life today. For, there is nothing formed against you that shall prosper, as long as you turn it over to Him. His Word tells us this. God has your back, your front and your sides. He has everything covered. So, never give up and don't forget that every moment of your life has been laid out by God. Start trusting that God will soon let you know exactly what He has in store for you. Your job is to wait.

Be Encouraged written by Jeanette

[CrimsonTide4]

Intimacy with the Father - Powered by InJesus
Are You Being Tried by Fire?
Sandra Thompson
Jun 28, 2004


Most of us realize that God is working in new ways and are expecting a great display of His Glory and His Power that will surpass anything that we have seen to this point.

But have you considered the 'price' that is attached to being used in this
'new way'? If you believe God is calling you or that your destiny is to be
part of this move, then don't be surprised at the 'trials' that you are
facing at this point. God wants to purify us so we are being 'tried by fire'
just as the silversmith must try his silver by fire. He puts it in the fire
until he can see his reflection in it. So God is doing with us that are
willing to be put there and to those that will let the fire burn until they
are purified and come out reflecting Jesus.

God sees the deep recesses of your heart and He wants to clean out whatever
is hiding there. Maybe it is a doubt or a fear that you didn't even know was
in hiding and now it is being exposed. It could be some rejection, hurt,
offense or even some sin that needs to be burned right out of your life. We
must be purified or we will not truly reflect Jesus.

In this move, God will use greatly the 'purified vessels' and this explains
your 'trial by fire' experience. For several months now I have been 'tried
by fire' so greatly that it has almost knocked me off of my feet. Now I
understand that I am being refined and prepared for what God has ahead for
me. Could that be true of you?

So lift up your head, strengthen those wobbly knees (Hebrews 12:12) and come
out prepared for what the Father has planned for you. He is our Strength,
our Fortress, our Strong Tower and our Deliverer! We don't need to
understand what we are going through or even 'why' it has come to pass, but
we must pass the test!

God hasn't forgotten you. He still has you right there in the 'palm of His
Hand' and He (Jesus) is interceding for you and pulling for you so that you
will come out purified and reflect Himself!

The Supernatural is coming in, in greater ways and we must be 'pure vessels'
to be trusted with such an awesome responsibility! God chose to use mere
humans to accomplish His Plan and His Purpose on this earth. Remember it was
always God's plan that we would be filled with 'all' His fullness and
'reflect' Jesus as a 'light' to this dark world. But we have lived such
subnormal Christian lives and that is now being changed!

Are you willing to go through your 'trial by fire'? If you are in it, don't
give up! Don't listen to a single lie of the devil. If what you hear does
not match the 'Truth' of the Word of God, choose to turn the 'lie' into the
'Truth' before fear, doubt or unbelief creep in and hinder your progress!
The devil is targeting full force those that are facing this 'trial by fire'
process.

The best way to combat the enemy and get through your trial is to remember
to 'Focus on Jesus'! Get your eyes off the 'trial' and choose to 'keep' them
on Jesus! He knows what you are going through and He will not let you fail.
He is a Faithful, Faithful, Faithful God and will not allow you to be tried
beyond what you can handle. Oh, you may be stretched to new endurance
levels, but that is only to make you stronger. God loves you, my friend. He
knows where He is taking you! Trust Him!

___________
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[CrimsonTide4]

THE NIGHT HOURS
By Fern Horst

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me." (Psalm 63:3-8)

Just recently I talked with someone who has gone through various difficulties in the last few years. After losing his wife of almost 45 years to cancer, he had shared at one time that it was a lonely feeling to go to bed alone. But this past weekend he mentioned something that really stood out to me. He said he now often goes to sleep while praying and praising the Lord. He'll also sometimes put on his CD Walkman headset and fall asleep listening to the New Testament on CD.

What a wonderful idea! His practice is not so different from the Psalmist's, who said that "my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches."

The night watches. The hours when things haunt us, when fears loom larger than life and hope that seems bright in the daylight seems to vanish in the darkness. I once made a rule for myself, and wrote it down so I wouldn't forget: "Don't listen to your fears in the middle of the night!"

In fact, we can counteract those fears and the loneliness that being single often brings to the night hours by talking to the One who is always with us, who has promised to never leave us and to always take care of us. Reciting Scripture we've memorized, or listening to it on tape or CD, also helps us to replace those fears with God's Truth.

And if we fall asleep in the middle of our prayers, praises, or meditation on Scripture, all the better! My father has often said that there's no reason to feel guilty about falling asleep while praying, and that in fact there is no better way to go to sleep than while talking things over with the Lord. It's a testimony to the peace that He gives us when we take everything to Him and then rest in His care.

"Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." (Psalm 73:23-26)


Copyright (c) 2004 Fern Horst

[CrimsonTide4]

Unseen Love

The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as the attractive young woman with the white cane made her way carefully up the steps. She paid the driver and, using her hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat he'd told her was empty. Then she settled in, placed her briefcase on her lap and rested her cane against her leg. It had been a year since Susan, thirty-four, became blind.


Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity. Once a fiercely independent woman, Susan now felt condemned by this terrible twist of fate to become a powerless, helpless burden on everyone around her. "How could this have happened to me?" she would plead, her heart knotted with anger. But no matter how much she cried or ranted or prayed, she knew the painful truth that her sight was never going to return. A cloud of depression hung over Susan's once optimistic spirit. Just getting through each day was an exercise in frustration and exhaustion.


And all she had to cling to was her husband Mark. Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all of his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength and confidence she needed to become independent again. Mark's military back-ground had trained him well to deal with sensitive situations, and yet he knew this was the most difficult battle he would ever face.


Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to take the bus, but was now too frightened to get around the city by herself. Mark volunteered to drive her to work each day, even though they worked at opposite ends of the city.

At first, this comforted Susan and fulfilled Mark's need to protect his sightless wife who was so insecure about performing the slightest task. Soon, however, Mark realized that this arrangement wasn't working-it was hectic and costly. Susan is going to have to start taking the bus again, he admitted to himself. But just the thought of mentioning it to her made him cringe. She was still so fragile, so angry. How would she react?

Just as Mark predicted, Susan was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again. "I'm blind!" she responded bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I'm going? I feel like you're abandoning me." Mark's heart broke to hear these words, but he knew what had to be done. He promised Susan that each morning and evening he would ride the bus with her, for as long as it took, until she got the hang of it.


And that is exactly what happened. For two solid weeks, Mark, military uniform and all, accompanied Susan to and from work each day. He taught her how to rely on her other senses, specifically her hearing, to determine where she was and how to adapt to her new environment.

He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her, and save her a seat. He made her laugh, even on those not-so-good days when she would trip exiting the bus, or drop her briefcase.

Each morning they made the journey together, and Mark would take a cab back to his office. Although this routine was even more costly and exhausting than the previous one, Mark knew it was only a matter of time before Susan would be able to ride the bus on her own. He believed in her, in the Susan he used to know before she'd lost her sight, who wasn't afraid of any challenge and who would never, ever quit. Finally, Susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own.


Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she threw her arms around Mark, her temporary bus riding companion, her husband, and her best friend. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, his patience, his love.

She said good-bye, and for the first time, they went their separate ways. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday... Each day on her own went perfectly, and Susan never felt better. She was doing it!

She was going to work all by herself! On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to work as usual. As she was paying for her fare to exit the bus, the driver said, "Boy, I sure envy you."

Susan wasn't sure if the driver was speaking to her or not. After all, who on earth would ever envy a blind woman who had struggled just to find the courage to live for the past year? Curious, she asked the driver, "Why do you say that you envy me?"


The driver answered, "You know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you when you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one lucky lady."


Tears of happiness poured down Susan's cheeks. For, although She couldn't physically see him, she had always felt Mark's presence.

She was lucky, so lucky, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't need to see to believe-the gift of love that can bring light where there had been darkness.


God watches over us in just the same way. We may not know He is present. We may not be able to see His face, but He is there nonetheless.

Be blessed in this thought: "God Loves You even when you are not looking."

-Author Unknown

[CrimsonTide4]

Your Lover's Gaze
Victoria Boyson
http://www.boyson.org



One morning I had a dream, and in this dream I was engage to a man who spent all of his time with other people and not me. I felt very rejected and continually tried to win his attention, but to no avail. Then another man came to me who adored me and made me feel deeply loved. He took my cheeks in his hands and turned my face towards himself. He said, "Why do you want to be with someone who cannot truly love you? Come be with me."

Through this dream I realized that the acceptance we seek from people will leave us feeling empty and rejected. But we have a Lover who adores us! He wants to embrace us and shower us with affection. He wants to spend every moment of every day with us. It is with Him, in His presence, that we will be made complete. He is the love of our life.

Jesus is pleading with us to stop seeking man's acceptance, which we will never be able to fully receive, and to focus our attention on Him, for He is the only one who can fulfill us. When we take our eyes off Him and focus on man, we will be left feeling empty and alone, rejected and hated.

What do people have that we want anyway? Our Lover has everything we need and more. Come with me and relish in your Lover's arms. Enjoy the comfort of His grace. "Taste and see that the Lord is good" Psalms 34:8.

"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth - for your love is more delightful than wine" Song of Songs 1:2.

Just Experience Me Years ago, during a time of prayer, I was overcome by the Lord's presence. His presence so filled me again and again that I did not know what to do. I cried out to Him, "What do you want me to do Lord?" He said in return, "Just experience me!"

When I am with Jesus I feel totally complete, lacking nothing. I am stronger than a stallion and more beautiful than the fairest maiden. "I found the one my heart loves" (Song of Songs 3:4) and in the richness of His presence I am made whole. Nothing man can do for me can compare with this. So why do we care if this world loves us or hates us; we have all that we need in the arms of the One who loves us.

"I held him and would not let him go" Song of Songs 3:4. He is irresistible, and when He turns my face to meet His gaze, I stand immobilized by the depth of His love for me. Once in His presence I can never get enough of Him; I do not want to leave Him. I do not want to sleep or wake, I only want to stay in His magnetizing gaze.

"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does in the field; Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires" Song of Songs 3:5. "Do not arouse or awaken" me while I sit at His feet. Now that He has me, I will not be awakened or aroused from His immobilizing embrace. And I finally release the longings of my heart and surrender myself completely to His heart. I am truly adored. He wants all of me, and I surrender everything to Him and He gives me perfect peace.

"My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely" Song of Songs 2:14.

He finds you attractive, and in His presence you are the most beautiful person on earth. When you are in His arms, there is no one else on the earth. Indeed, there is no earth when you are one with Him. Your feet do not touch the ground, because there is no ground. There is only He who loves you like no other.

What do you have world, that can compare to His glory? What can you offer me, that compares to His love? If it were formulas and strategies I desired, you could help me. But I want nothing except more of Him. If you cannot give me that, then you have nothing to offer me. Show me where my Lover is, He is what I want! "Have you seen the one my heart loves?" Song of Songs 3:3

Are you hungry? Is your mouth watering? Come with me to the well of grace…

The Samaritan Woman A woman met Jesus at a well. She was thirsty, and Her thirst drew her to the local water supply. It was at this well where she met Jesus and now she would never thirst again. "Then leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 'Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?' They came out of the town and made their way toward Him" John 4:29-30.

The eyes of the villagers were opened when they saw this forlorn woman who, being rejected by many, was transformed by Jesus' grace. She was no longer afraid of the people; she did not seek their acceptance because she didn't need it anymore. She had been accepted by the Giver of Life, so what could their acceptance gain her after she had received the living water the Lord had provided for her? She did not fear their rejection any longer. Rejection could not touch her, because she had received what they could never give her.

She had been transformed by Jesus. "Come see a man," she told them. Jesus told her everything she had ever done, and then He covered her in a blanket of His grace. A life full of deadness was raised to life again. No more forlorn, but now loved. Once rejected by them, now she led the town's people to find what she had found: Life!

They saw the change in her. They heard her words and something deep inside of them was awakened by the desperate hope of acceptance. Could they know Him like she knew Him, they wondered? Would He accept them, as they were, an abandoned, rejected society of Samaritans? Could He be the one who their hearts had longed for? Could He fill their emptiness?

Turn Your Gaze
Can He fill the emptiness in your heart? Yes…He longs to! Let Him turn your gaze away from a world that will only cause you pain. Surrender your heart to Him, He longs to adore you. You've been rejected by so many, and you feel unattractive and unloved. But He wants you to see yourself through the mirror of His grace. "You are truly beautiful," says the Lord. And suddenly you are radiant, filled with His love.

Look at the words of this wonderful song, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." The Lover of our souls wants to take you in His arms and gently turn you towards Him. "Look on me" He says, "you are mine and I love you. I am the Giver of grace, do not seek acceptance from any other source." If we seek Him first others will receive us, because He will wrap us in His grace.

Do not let anyone arouse you from His arms of grace. Let His gaze bring healing and wholeness to the deepest regions of your heart. He is the one your soul longs for. He is yours and you are His. He is all you need. You were made for Him…

"Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me" Song of Songs
2:13.



Victoria Boyson, Inc. www.boyson.org Copyright (c) 2003-2004 All rights reserved.

[Lady of Pearl]

This post was just what I needed today, I will come back often to view it . God Bless you and keep up the good work!

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by Lady of Pearl
This post was just what I needed today, I will come back often to view it . God Bless you and keep up the good work!

Glad it blessed you. Welcome to GC, SisterGreek. I too am from Cleveland but no longer live there.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Someone will always be prettier. They will always be smarter. Their house will be bigger. They will drive a better car. Their children will do better in school. And their husband will fix more things around the house. So let it go, and love you and your circumstances. Think about it. The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart. And the most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children. And the richest woman you know -- she's got the car, the house, the clothes --might be lonely. And the Bible says if I have not Love, I am nothing.

So, again, love you. Love who you are right now and let God be your barometer. Mirror Him. Look in the mirror in the morning and see how much of God you see. He's the only standard and even when you come up short; he will not leave you or forsake you. Smile and may God continue to bless you.

[CrimsonTide4]

Subject: "I LOVE YOU" Be Encouraged Today

Be Encouraged Today. Your help is in the Lord.

God wants our arms around Him.
God wants to hear us say, "I love You, Father. I trust You. Whatever you want to give me I accept. I need you. I cling to you. I walk with You. I adore You."

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30

Do you remember your first love and the feelings associated with it?
The awareness that someone you liked also liked you and found you delightful and desirable?
Imagine that someone being God!
Imagine how special you feel when someone trusts you enough to tell you their secrets.
Imagine that someone being God!
Have you ever had someone come alongside you and say, "You're having a hard time with that, aren't you? Here let me do it for you."
Imagine that someone being God!

Being loved means having someone know us so well and care about us so much that they use all their strength to give us what is good and do what is best for us even before we ask. Imagine that someone being God!

Friends, if that is not enough to make you love God with all your heart, then think about this.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 Beginning with Adam and Eve, God has been making it His top priority to establish a relationship with the people He created.

God loves us with His heart by wanting a relationship with us. God loves us with His Spirit by revealing Himself to us.
God loves with His mind by knowing who we are and what we need. God loves us with His strength by giving us what is good. As perfect as God's love is, however, we will be dissatisfied if we simply receive it and don't return it. To be complete, love must flow in TWO directions. It must be received and then reciprocated. Therefore, God's call "of" love is paired with His command "to" love.

Friends all the love in the world cannot satisfy us if we receive it but refuse to give it back. Love is not a cup or a pail or a reservoir that we can fill. It's a river that flows from God to us and back to God. Not only are we to Love God, but each other as well. Jesus said, "whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me. Mark 9:37 Our willingness to love others affects our ability to feel loved. In fact, if we refuse to love, eventually we will feel unloved.

When we love God with all our heart, our desires match His and we start to want what He wants. We all want to go home and be with the Lord someday. In fact many of us spend our lives trying to find the place and the blessings without realizing that we first need to find the One, our Father who first loved us. He is the One who created home, who knows where home is and who keeps calling us to come and enjoy His wonderful company. Today, honor and obey God by making this your only priority. Love God with ALL that you have inside you. Seek Him and taste His love. Once you do, you'll never be the same. Guaranteed!

Be encouraged written by Jeanette

[CrimsonTide4]

Subject: IN THE BUSINESS

I found a job today!

The atmosphere is so peaceful and serene (I am working for the Lord) You should see my office, very plush; Fresh air, blue skies, green grass, spacious woods; The interior is designed by Mother Nature and Heavenly Bodies, Incorporated.

I didn't need a resume, for my Boss already knew my qualifications; He knew my heart. Working overtime won't bother me now; Don't have time to watch the clock (Hoping the time will pass quickly)

FOR I AM ABOUT MY FATHER'S BUSINESS.

The benefits are great! I have stocks in the corporation.
My stocks & bonds are in Faith & Love. I even have life insurance, and when I say life insurance, that's exactly what it is; And I don't have to pay any premiums.

FOR I AM ABOUT MY FATHER'S BUSINESS.

I haven't received a paycheck, but my bills are already paid.
There's food on my table and a roof over my head. I don't need any sick leave; Haven't even thought about a vacation:

FOR I AM ABOUT MY FATHER'S BUSINESS.

My Boss has been in business since the beginning of time. Even though the competition has been strong (the business has somehow survived, Every time!) And with each new day
it prospers more and more. We've got work to do, there's
no time to tarry. Let's all join together and put our
stock in GOD.

I'M ABOUT MY FATHER'S BUSINESS. ARE YOU?

Author Unknown

A Final Thought:
"And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me?
Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"
Luke 2:49 KJV

[CrimsonTide4]

Live It! Today's best advice for practical Christian living

On the Trusting God Trail By David Jeremiah

Climbing Mount Moriah to offer a sacrifice to the Lord, father Abraham carried a knife and his son carried the wood. Then the son noticed ... no lamb for an offering?

Abraham explained that God would provide a sacrifice-his son, Isaac. Yet, Abraham also said, "we will come back to you" to 2 servants (Genesis 22:5). Could he kill Isaac and still return with Isaac? Could it mean, "God was able to raise [Isaac] up, even from the dead" (Hebrews 11:19).

Abraham was willing to obey God in this, the hardest command he had ever been given, because he'd walked "the Trusting Trail" with God for many years.

Where the Trusting Trail Began

An unknown God called Abraham out of a pagan city of idol worshippers to go to Canaan. But, he didn't receive God's promises until he moved to Canaan.

Abraham Stumbles in Egypt

Famine came to Canaan, and Abraham followed his carnal instincts to leave the trail of trust and "Follow the food!" So he, his wife Sarah, nephew Lot, and servants left the Promised Land without consulting God. Then Abraham stumbled-to save his life, he lied to Pharaoh saying Sarah was his sister. That pagan king responded honorably, and Abraham was humiliated (Genesis 12:10 ff.).

We can excuse Abraham's lack of faith as a rookie believer. But, some veteran believers rush to the world to solve problems instead of turning to God.

A Bramble Named Lot

Entangled with his nephew back in Canaan, Abraham humbly and generously gave Lot the best portion of land for his flocks, trusting God that his own portion would be sufficient. When Lot became a resident of sinful Sodom and was carried off by marauding kings, Abraham rescued him and refused a reward from Sodom's king, preferring only God's riches. He was learning to trust (Genesis 13-14). Would you rescue an enemy? Are you with Abraham on the Trusting God Trail?

A Resting Place on the Trail

After defeating 5 eastern kings, God appeared to Abraham, taking all responsibility and insuring that Canaan would be Abraham's forever
(Genesis 15). Are you at rest on the trail of trust, knowing Christ has totally provided for your eternal rest in heaven?

An Avalanche of Disbelief

You'd think Abraham would stick to the Trusting God Trail after God's affirmation. But, when he realized he had no son, no descendants, he failed to trust God's timing and had an illegitimate son with Sarah's maid. We too are sometimes impatient and need to get back on the Trusting God Trail.

Making Progress Again

After Abraham lost his disbelief, he found God waiting to affirm his faith through a second covenant confirming countless descendants
(Genesis 17). Now Abraham waited.

After you've failed God, has He come and strengthened you to walk in victory again? God's nature is gracious. Walk with Him on the Trusting God Trail.

Never Too Many Twists and Turns

Recognizing Lot's disobedient refusal to escape Sodom, Abraham interceded with God again, and God sent two angels to rescue Lot and his family (Genesis 18-19). Could God let your trusting trail run into a wall? Yes, but He unfailingly presents a way around.

Abraham at the Peak

After 25 years, Isaac was born, and Abraham realized that God is a faithful friend-his first plateau on the Trusting God Trail. Recognize your plateaus on the Trusting God Trail? God graciously leads up the trail, preparing us a step at a time.

The Final Ascent

As Abraham moved slowly up the side of Mount Moriah with his young son Isaac, he realized why he was willing to sacrifice what he loved most-because Jehovah had never failed him. Abraham understood Isaac is the son of promise and Kill Isaac as an offering to Me. He knew he could trust God-that both he and Isaac would come back as he'd promised the servants.

If God's commands seem conflicting, remember that Abraham made it to the top of Mount Moriah and down again, with God's sacrifice, because he first followed the Trusting God Trail to the top

This article was excerpted from Turning Points, Dr. David Jeremiah's devotional magazine. Call Turning Point at 1-800-947-1993 for your complimentary copy of Turning Points.

[CrimsonTide4]

Thought for Today:

GIVE IT TO GOD


Do you know what it's like to face a problem so big it seems downright irresponsible not to worry about it? There may not be a thing you can do about it, but you feel like you need to at least be concerned. After all, somebody needs to! And no one else seems to be volunteering for the job.

I remember one time in particular I felt exactly that way. I was holding a series of meetings in Ruston, Louisiana. I had just discovered our budget was $800 short--and in those days, $800 might as well have been 9 million! The devil was attacking my mind, telling me that no one cared about me or my ministry, telling me that I was facing this problem alone.

But instead of giving in to those thoughts, I got my Bible and turned to every scripture in the Word of God that guaranteed me my needs were met. Then I rolled the care of those expenses over on God. I promised God that with the Holy Spirit as my Helper, I would not touch that problem with my thought life again.

That wasn't an easy promise to keep. I wanted to worry so badly! I went into the courtyard of the motel where I was staying and walked around the swimming pool. Every time I thought about the problem, I would say out loud, "No, I have rolled the care of that over on the Lord. I will not think about it. The budget is met."

After a while, a man drove up in the driveway and began to honk his horn. I tried to ignore him because I don't like to be interrupted when I'm praying, but he stuck his head out of the window and shouted, "Come here!" He said it with such authority that I obeyed.

He said to me, "Brother Copeland, I'm sorry to disturb you, but I'm committed to another obligation and will be late for the meeting tonight. I was afraid I would miss the offering." Then he handed me a check. When I went back to my room and looked at that check, I found it was for $500. Coupled with the offering in the service that night, it totaled the exact amount I needed to meet that budget.

Would you like to have people chasing you down to meet your needs? Then next time you're facing a problem, give it to God. Let Him be the one who's concerned about it. He's volunteered for the job and you can trust Him to do it well. After all, He really does care for you. -- by K. Copeland


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

[CrimsonTide4]

Subject: Fwd: I Threw Out


"I Threw Out..."

Last week I threw out Worrying,
It was getting old and in the way.
It kept me from being me;
I couldn't do things my way.

I threw out those Inhibitions;
They were just crowding me out.
Made room for my New Growth,
Got rid of my old dreams and doubts.

I threw out a book on My Past
(didn't have time to read it anyway)
Replaced it with New Goals,
Started reading it today.

I threw out childhood toys
Remember how I treasured them so?
Got me a new Philosophy too,
Threw out the one from long ago

Brought in some new books too,
Called I Can, I Will, and I Must.
Threw out I might, I think and I ought.
Wow! You should've seen the dust.

I picked up this special thing
And placed it at the front door.
I Found It -- its called Peace
Nothing gets me down anymore.

Yes, I've got my house looking nice.
Looks good around the place
For things like Worry and Trouble
There just isn't any place.

Its good to do a little house cleaning,
Get rid of the old things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter
Thank you God for cleaning up my-self.

Author Unknown

[CrimsonTide4]

The Bible makes it clear that the only way we can put negative parts of our past behind us is through forgiveness—unlimited forgiveness. Like Peter, we struggle with this. Our problem with forgiving comes mainly from four myths about it.
Myth: Forgiveness is something we do quickly. Sometimes it takes time for us to work through the hurts involved. We can’t easily forgive because sin does real, lasting damage. Yet God has made forgiveness possible through the completed works of Jesus Christ on the cross. If we are willing to take the necessary time to forgive, we can do it.

Myth: Forgiveness is the same as condoning what the person did. Many people withhold forgiveness because they believe that to forgive is to condone the offense that occurred. But true forgiveness never condones the wrong. No one hates sine more than God, yet God forgives. Sin is serious—that is made clear by the high price that Jesus Christ paid on the cross. When we forgive, we acknowledge that wrong has been done, but we don’t condone it.

Myth: In order to forgive, we must forget. We often support this mistaken idea with verses such as Psalm 103:12, which says that God removes our sins “as far as the east is from the west”—that is, “he forgets.” But when we insist that our forgiving must be just like God’s we lose sight of the fact that God doesn’t need to learn from experience, we do—and to learn, we must remember. If we do not, we will repeatedly place ourselves in hurtful situations. To forgive does not necessarily mean to forget.

Myth: Forgiveness and reconciliation are the same. Some believe that in order to forgive we must first be reconciled with the offender. We believe that forgiveness and reconciliation are the same. But what if the person I am seeking to forgive refuses to be reconciled? Then am I unable to forgive? Not at all. Forgiveness and reconciliation are completely separate. When one person refuses reconciliation, the other can still forgive.

The truth about forgiveness. Forgiveness is the canceling of a debt that cannot be paid. When God forgave all our sins, he “took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross” (Col. 2:14). Whatever someone has done to us, we need to acknowledge that he or she can never “pay the debt.” When a bank cannot collect payment on a debt, it carefully investigates whether there is any hope of ever collecting the payment, and if there isn’t, it forgives the loan—cancels the debt. We must learn to forgive others regardless of their ability or willingness to “pay the debt” we feel they owe us for whatever wrong was done. Most often, whatever is owed to us can never be paid back anyway.

In Jesus’ day, the rabbis said that a person should forgive three times. Why did Jesus stretch Peter’s generous offer to the exorbitant number of 490 times? Because he wants us to realize that forgiveness is at the very heart of God. If we want to be set free from the bondage of the past, we can find that freedom through forgiving.

We are like the servant in the parable of the unforgiving debtor (Matt. 18:23-35), who was forgiven a debt he could never repay. Gratitude for our canceled debt must make us into forgiving people. We have been forgiven, and now we need to go home and forgive. It’s not easy, but families who do will thrive.