Category Archives: Faithful is He that has Promised!

Grateful For God’s Mercy??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #79

23 Thursday Mar 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, God's Mercies Are New every morning..., Jeremiah's call, Jeremiah's faithfulness, Search me O God?

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Grateful For God’s Mercy???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #79

Jeremiah is one of my favorite Old Testament prophets, and while his message is severe, often harsh, and ‘in-your-face’, it was the calling that God placed on his heart and life, and we must never shrink from the call of God on our lives–even when it may mean that we spend some time in the mud.

“Thou therefore

gird up thy loins,

and arise,

and speak unto them

all that I command thee:

be not dismayed

at their faces,

lest I confound thee

before them.

18 For, behold,

I have made thee this day

a defenced city,

and an iron pillar,

and brasen walls

against the whole land,

against the kings of Judah,

against the princes thereof,

against the priests thereof,

and against the people of the land.

19 And they shall fight against thee;

but they shall not prevail against thee;

for I am with thee,

saith the LORD,

to deliver thee.”  Jeremiah 1:17-19

Jeremiah was called to a difficult task, and he is often called the weeping prophet, for his message was a call to repent and not well-received, but he preached on because of God’s call, and his love for his people, Israel; even when he felt like quitting, he made it clear that God was his focus, his source, and his call!

“Then I said,

I will not make mention of him,

nor speak any more in his name.

But his word was in mine heart

as a burning fire

shut up in my bones,

and I was weary with forbearing,

and I could not stay.”  Jeremiah 20:9

Understand that “not stay” doesn’t mean he quit, but that he couldn’t stop (stay meaning stop or stand still)!  God’s message was in his heart and soul, no matter the cost–and for Jeremiah it was often a high price.  Yet, his message is one that we need to heed today. And in the beginning of his call, God made it clear what the problem was in what I believe to be a most concise and precise statement in chapter 2.

“For my people

have committed two evils;

they have forsaken me

the fountain of living waters,

and hewed them out cisterns,

broken cisterns,

that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:13

And while this message fits our present condition in this United States of America (and most of the rest of the world–yet our heritage calls us to a higher standard!) of doing it our way, God is still calling people to repent, both the saved and the lost, and while it is a hard message to hear it is one that if ignored will produce a grievous result–much of which we are seeing today.  What are you drinking out of?  The fountain of living waters or a broken cistern?

Through some forty years of preaching, Jeremiah finally saw the fall of his precious Jerusalem, and his people taken into Babylonian captivity, because they wouldn’t heed God’s call to repent; yet he still proclaimed a message in his grief and sorrow. So, I want us to consider an additional message today–a message that I praise God for!  May we take an honest look at our lives, our homes, our standards, our vocabulary, because we do have a God-given influence on those following in our steps.  May we praise God for HIS mercy and follow in HIS steps for those behind us!

“And I said,

My strength and my hope is perished

from the LORD:

19 Remembering

mine affliction

and my misery,

the wormwood

and the gall.

20 My soul hath them still in remembrance,

and is humbled in me.

21 This I recall to my mind,

therefore have I hope.

22 It is of the LORD’S mercies

that we are not consumed,

because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning:

great is thy faithfulness.

24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul;

therefore will I hope in him.

25 The LORD is good unto them

that wait for him,

to the soul

that seeketh him.

26 It is good that a man should

both hope

and quietly wait

for the salvation

of the LORD.”  Lamentations 3:18-26

I leave us with the call of the Psalmist:

“Search me, O God,

and know my heart:

try me,

and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way

in me,

and lead me

in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

 Amen and Amen!!!

Where’s Home??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #76

15 Wednesday Mar 2023

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Father's Love, Children, Choices And Consequences, Choose you this day?, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's got you and me!, God's love, God's provision, Prodigal Son, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus?, Wait on the Lord, Wait upon the Lord

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Where’s Home???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #76

I have a word for those of us who are aching for those that we love who are wrestling with battles of their own making.  Many of us love those who are bound in chains of one kind or another and so often don’t know what to do.  Some have tried for years to “fix it”, yet we can’t fix what another person doesn’t want fixed yet!  I simply want to share a few comments on a story of a “pig pen”!

I heard a story many years ago of a devoted Christian farm hand who worked for a proud and arrogant farmer.  One day the farmer came and asked his worker why he was always so pleasant and talked about Jesus like he was his best friend.  The worker responded that Jesus “is my best friend”, to which the farmer said how do I get what you have?  The worker simply told the man you have to go down and get in that pig pen; well, the farmer got in a huff and said, ‘no way’, and walked off.  This happened several times, and the farmer always walked away with ‘no way’!   Time passed and one day the farmer in desperation came to the worker and said, “I’m ready to get in that pig pen, what then?”, to which the worker replied, you don’t have to get in that pig pen, you just had to be willing to do whatever it took to humble yourself before Jesus, the One who died for you!  And of course, the man found Jesus on his knees in repentance and faith in Jesus substitutionary, atoning sacrifice!

Well, I want us to look at the biblical story from the other side of the ‘pig pen’ fence (so to speak)!  A story most have heard from Jesus himself.

“And he said,

A certain man had two sons:

12 And the younger of them said to his father,

Father, give me the portion of goods

that falleth to me.

And he divided unto them his living.

13 And not many days after the younger son

gathered all together,

and took his journey into a far country,

and there wasted his substance

with riotous living.

14 And when he had spent all,

there arose a mighty famine in that land;

and he began to be in want.

15 And he went and joined himself

to a citizen of that country;

and he sent him into his fields

to feed swine.

16 And he would fain have filled his belly

with the husks that the swine did eat:

and no man gave unto him.

17 And when he came to himself, he said,

How many hired servants of my father’s

have bread enough and to spare,

and I perish with hunger!

18 I will arise and go to my father,

and will say unto him,

Father, I have sinned

against heaven,

and before thee,

19 And am no more worthy

to be called thy son:

make me as one of thy hired servants.

20 And he arose, and came to his father.

But when he was yet a great way off,

his father saw him,

and had compassion,

and ran,

and fell on his neck,

and kissed him.

21 And the son said unto him,

Father, I have sinned

against heaven,

and in thy sight,

and am no more worthy

to be called thy son.

22 But the father said to his servants,

Bring forth the best robe,

and put it on him;

and put a ring on his hand,

 and shoes on his feet:

23 And bring hither the fatted calf,

and kill it;

and let us eat,

and be merry:

24 For this my son was dead,

and is alive again;

he was lost,

and is found.

And they began to be merry.”  Luke 15:11-24

I know this is a lengthy passage, so I’ll only make a few comments and trust God to help you see the truth that HE has for you today.  Here we have a son who wanted to do his ‘own thing’ on his father’s “dime”, and the father consented, and watched his son walk away into the world (Knowing that the world wanted to “steal…to kill…and to destroy” this child whom the father loved!), and sure enough the story reveals that when the son ran out of resources to share with his “friends–so called” they evaporated, and when trouble came he found himself feeding pigs!  What are you ‘feeding’ today to get by.  What are you watching someone you love ‘feed’?

We see this father didn’t run after his son, he didn’t send out runners to find him and bring him home, he didn’t pay his fine and bring him home, he didn’t move physically, but we can know that he moved heaven with his prayers.

We’re not told how long the boy was gone, or how long the father waited; but we are told that however long it took, the circumstances had to bring this young man to see his own situation and recognize that he was in the “pig pen”!  And my friends, until our loved one (our you yourself) see that you are in the pig pen, they/you will never get out.  And sadly we can’t “see” the pig pen for anyone but ourselves, and your loved one must “see” the pig pen for what it is before they can truly seek help–help which only God can provide through Jesus!  Until we see the ‘pig pen’ AS a ‘pig pen’ why would we want to get out; but like this father we can wait, pray, watch, and run to our beloved when we see them coming, and lead them to the cross, welcoming their humility and confession of sin!

We can’t pay their debt, only Jesus can.  Will you stop trying to be the solution, and just be the lover of their soul, seeking God’s wisdom, grace, and comfort for those long days of watching from the porch for their return.  God loves them more than you or I can!  Will you trust God to do the work that only HE can do–the work of conviction and the drawing of HIS Holy Spirit.

“No man can come to me,

except the Father which hath sent me

draw him:

and I will raise him up

at the last day.”  John 6:44

Are we willing to pray and wait for God to work HIS work of conviction, repentance, and restoration, or are we running ourselves ragged trying to “be GOD” and save our loved ones?  It’s your choice, but look what God did in this young man’s heart:

“I will arise and go to my father,

and will say unto him,

Father,

I have sinned against heaven,

and before thee,

19 And am no more worthy

to be called thy son:

make me as one of thy hired servants.”

If you’re the one who needs to come, will you hear the voice of the Lord Jesus today, and come to HIM.  If you’re the one loving a “prodigal”, won’t you release them to Jesus, for only His Spirit can convict and draw them to the cross, and remember HE loves them more than you or I can!  I pray that you will find the peace that only God’s grace and love can provide, for I know the heart of the “waiting one” just like you!  Are you willing to do “whatever” it takes?  Even if that means releasing, waiting, and trusting as you pray on?  Will you stand beside me with Job’s words on our lips, declaring our confidence in our Lord and our God?

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain mine own ways

before him.”  Job 13:15

“If we believe not,

yet he abideth faithful:

he cannot deny himself.”  2 Timothy 2:13

Amen and Amen!!!

May Mary’s Heart Be Mine??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #55

16 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by in A heart of faith, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, All Sufficient God!, Am I willing to go?, Cross, Crucified With Christ, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Father--heavenly and earthly, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Finishing Well, Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus, Grace, Gratitude, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, Trust God, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Truth

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May Mary’s Heart Be Mine???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #55

I have an unusual word for today, for myself more than anyone else.  It is often so difficult to keep my heart and mind focused on the things of my Lord; I get distracted by the smallest things, and I spend a lot of time going into rooms and forgetting what I went in there for!!!  Maybe you don’t suffer from this plague, but if you live long enough you will–ha ha ha!!!  But really, it is a constant battle to keep my mind, heart, and feet on the right track.  I pray that you will join me in praying to have a heart like Mary’s heart of submission and obedience to whatever God asks of me!

“And Mary said,

Behold the handmaid of the Lord;

be it unto me

according to thy word.

And the angel departed from her.

39 And Mary arose in those days,

and went into the hill country with haste,

into a city of Juda;

40 And entered into the house of Zacharias,

and saluted Elisabeth…

….46 And Mary said,

My soul doth magnify the Lord,

47 And my spirit hath rejoiced

in God my Saviour.

48 For he hath regarded the low estate

of his handmaiden:

for, behold,

from henceforth all generations

shall call me blessed.

49 For he that is mighty

hath done to me great things;

and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy

is on them that fear him

from generation to generation.

51 He hath shewed strength with his arm;

he hath scattered the proud

in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He hath put down the mighty

from their seats,

and exalted them

of low degree.

53 He hath filled the hungry

with good things;

and the rich he hath

sent empty away.

54 He hath holpen his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy;

55 As he spake to our fathers,

to Abraham,

and to his seed for ever.

56 And Mary abode with her about three months,

and returned to her own house.” Luke 1:38-40 & 46-56

I love the simplicity of this account, Mary received a visit from an angel, heard the news of her impending pregnancy, and her only question was, “How…?”, I think wondering if she was to be with Joseph, or what; to which the angel replied that God’s Spirit would overshadow her, and she would become a mother by the hand of God not a “man”!  Her simple reply revealed a wisdom and faith beyond her years (probably about 15 or 16) as she replied to the angel, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word”! This young woman of faith and obedience would bear the Messiah!  Our soon-coming King!  I can’t imagine all the thoughts that went through her mind; but I think she went to see Elizabeth for a confirmation that she had really heard the angel’s message correctly (for who else would be likely to believe her account?  Mom, Dad, I’m pregnant and God did it.  Really???  Even Joseph didn’t believe it until an angel appeared to him and confirmed Mary’s story, see Matthew 1:21)

We’re not told whether she went to her parents, and obviously not to Joseph until she returned some three months later, after her encounter with her elderly cousin Elizabeth.  I can’t even imagine the questions in her heart and mind, but I know she obviously had a faith in her God beyond earthly measure, and I desire to have a growing faith like that!  How about you?  Will we “settle for” getting by–keeping up–doing the ‘churchy’ thing–impressing people?  Or will we desire the approval and pleasure of our Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father, as we yield ourselves to the work of The Holy Spirit of God in our hearts and lives?  Help me yield to You Lord in all my ways!!!

“If ye then be risen with Christ,

seek those things which are above,

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection

on things above,

not on things on the earth…

…. 14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called in one body;

and be ye thankful.”  Colossians 3:1-2

In closing, may this verse I repeat to myself often, touch your heart and mind today, as we ponder the things of holiness, righteousness, and love.  May others truly see Jesus in me/you?

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Amen and Amen!!!

Faith Isn’t Arm-wrestling??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 20

14 Monday Nov 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!, Prayer, Press ON!

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 20 Faith Isn’t Arm-wrestling???

We live in a culture that tries to reinvent ‘faith’.  And while “Faith Isn’t Arm-wrestling” with God, there are those who equate faith with speaking our will into existence–with or without any regard for God, His Word, or His will.  Then there are those who say all we have to do is think positive and it will happen–kind of ‘cartoon’ mentality!  Then there is the mindset of “chase ‘your’ dreams”, and you will attain them; and the “pray harder” theology.  Well, I’d like us to take a look at what I believe to be a biblical view of faith (and praying in faith).

“Now faith is

the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen…

… 3 Through faith

we understand that the worlds were framed

by the word of God,

so that things which are seen were not made

of things which do appear…

….5 By faith

Enoch was translated

that he should not see death;

and was not found,

because God had translated him:

for before his translation

he had this testimony,

that he pleased God.

6 But without faith

it is impossible to please him:

for he that cometh to God

must believe that he is,

and that he is a rewarder

of them that diligently seek him.”                            Portions of Hebrews 11:1-6

Let’s consider this powerful passage, part of the often called, “Chapter/Hall of Faith”, and see what scripture clearly tells us about faith. The word “substance” in verse one, among other things, means a firm assurance or confidence; kind of like the confidence and assurance one places in a lifesaver that is thrown out to save them from drowning in the ocean.  Jesus is our literal ‘lifesaver’, THE “life-saver” who paid for our sin that we might be saved from sin, hell, and eternal death at Calvary! And the word “evidence” means just that, but much more, to quote the Greek Word Study Dictionary, by Spiros Zodhiates, “implies not merely the charge on the which one is convicted, but also the manifestation of the truth of that charge…”! Hence telling us that faith is real because God has proven Himself faithful at every turn.  He has kept HIS Word and He has fulfilled HIS promises to date (and the ones still pending will come to fulfillment just as surely!)!  The author of Hebrews assures us that our faith helps us to understand God’s truth as creator, as well as redeemer; and that without faith, no matter how “outwardly good” we may appear to others, we cannot please God without faith!  Not just meaningless words, but a true and confident belief that “he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”!

Did you notice that it’s not just simply speaking words but a belief in who God is, and HE knows who is “diligently” seeking HIM!  Are we seeking God, or just wanting to convince HIM to do our will, to meet our demands, and make us “happy”!  Let me assure you, God is more concerned with our “holiness” than our “happiness”, considering that “happiness” regards our circumstances not our character.  Paul tells us in Romans what God is working toward!

“And we know that all things

work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.”  Romans 8:29-30

 God’s purpose is that we will “be conformed to the image of his Son”!  He isn’t as concerned about our comfort, as He is about our conformity to the “image of his Son”!  If I may, God wants us to reflect the glory of JESUS, not the popularity of the world!  Our payday (reward) isn’t usually here, it is yet to come!

Jesus makes it very simple and clear what our focus is to be–in our life, in our prayers, and in our choices.

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6:9-10

Are you and I ready to seek God’s will and God’s kingdom to come within us and be reflected outwardly to a lost and dying world who needs Jesus?  Am I willing to forgo my own desires to pursue HIS?

“Trust in the LORD

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the LORD,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”  Proverbs 3:5-8

 God also has promised us who have received the new birth in Jesus, that His Holy Spirit will interceded for us when we don’t know what to pray for, and those times when we just can’t find words or wisdom.

“My brethren, count it all joy

when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this,

that the trying of your faith

worketh patience.

4 But let patience

have her perfect work,

that ye may be perfect and entire,

wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom,

let him ask of God,

that giveth to all men liberally,

and upbraideth not;

and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith,

nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth

is like a wave of the sea

driven with the wind

and tossed.”  James 1:2-6

Our great comforter is ever working in, through and for us; and when James speaks of “want” he isn’t speaking of our fleshly desires but God’s work and provision to bring us to maturity and glory in HIS presence as HE works in and through us.  James wants us to understand that real faith stands fast in WHO God IS, not just what He does!  Yet, there’s more!

“Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities:

for we know not

what we should pray for

as we ought:

but the Spirit itself

maketh intercession for us

with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.”  Romans 8:26-27

What amazing promises, not so that we can twist God’s arm to get what we want, but that we can be in perfect harmony with our Lord Jesus as we pray, seeking HIS “kingdom” and HIS “will” to come in our hearts, our lives, our ministries, our families, and our testimony before this lost and dying world.  They don’t need our boasts of our own power, but the confidence in a God who is “good all the time” for “all the time GOD IS GOOD”!

We all have times when we are confused, but often our confusion comes when we have failed to seek God first!  I know I ‘wrestle’ with this continually.  So often the demands, pressures, physical issues, emotional hurts, and just LIFE gets between us and God.  That is when we must, I repeat–we MUST–turn to God and HIS Word to find our lodestar again!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care

upon him;

for he careth

for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist

stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:6-9

Praise God for HIS gracious care toward us, and may we pursue HIS will, rather than dictate to HIM!

“Ask,

and it shall be given you;

seek,

and ye shall find;

knock,

and it shall be opened unto you:

8 For every one that asketh

receiveth;

and he that seeketh

findeth;

and to him that knocketh

it shall be opened.”  Matthew 7:7-8

 Notice that Jesus said to ask, seek and knock to receive, find, and have doors opened (in HIS time); He did NOT say “demand”, “decide for yourself”, or “push the door down”!  And if we back up to chapter 6, we’ll see the context of truth that we can’t overlook.

“But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:33-34

 We are to pursue God and “his righteousness” and rest in His faithful provision for us; knowing that He has called us to be faithful fathers and mothers, faithful employees, faithful students, pastors, wives, husbands, caregivers, cooks…we could go on, but I think you get the picture, for our call is to take in the ‘whole counsel of God’ (The Bible–all of it) which calls us to be a reflection of HIS faithfulness in all we do, not just our ‘religious’ activity!  It’s one of the reasons that I believe we have become so powerless in our churches; we have chosen busy-ness rather than faithful holiness; we have compromised in almost every area of Holy living, to be popular and ‘fit in’!  Well, my friends I choose Jesus!  How about you?

I close with one of the most powerful, but often written off to children’s verses or funeral passages, scriptures that help us know that we can rely upon our God.  We aren’t to arm-wrestle with our God but love and devote our lives to trust in HIS care!

“The LORD is

my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down

in green pastures:

he leadeth me

beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth

my soul:

he leadeth me

in the paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod

and thy staff

they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table

before me

in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head

with oil;

my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy

shall follow me

all the days of my life:

and I will dwell

in the house of the LORD

for ever.”  Psalm 23:1-6

Is HE your shepherd?  I pray that God’s Word will direct, comfort, and encourage your heart today!  Blessings on your day–

Amen and Amen!!!

Does Real Faith Worry??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 18

02 Sunday Oct 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Does real faith worry?, Faith, Faithful, Faithful Follower, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Faithfulness, Fret NOT!, Fretting or Faith???, Trust, Trusting God, Trusting Jesus, Trusting Jesus?, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 18   Does Real Faith Worry???

Worry: to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts…to fret

A cause of uneasiness or anxiety…

I heard a lovely song this morning, which gave me pause to question, for the jest of the song was that we won’t “worry” in heaven, and while that is true, the implication was that we ‘worry’ here and that isn’t necessarily ok!

Worry is a pretty natural state of affairs in most of our lives, yet are we really walking by faith when we live in a state of worry?  I was guilty of this very idea of justifying our “worry” this week in a discussion about an upcoming event in our lives, and I was calling my “concern” everything but “worry”, for I know in my head and in my heart that Jesus makes it clear that walking with HIM by faith will diminish our tendency to “worry and fret”, if not completely eliminate it altogether, and I wasn’t doing that!  That is where I desire to live, even though I know I often fall so far short.  Yet faith that Jesus talks about seems to be the antitheses of modern faith!  I say I trust HIM, yet I keep doing things myself instead of bringing them to Jesus and leaving them at the cross.

I remember a testimony that a friend shared with me many years ago, of a couple whose home he entered to work on a utility problem; as it turned out, he told them he would have to come back, and they said they probably wouldn’t be home, but their home would be unlocked, and he could just come in and do what he needed to do.  Well, needless to say, my friend was shocked! UNLOCKED? So, he questioned the lady, and she simply told him, “Our home belongs to Jesus, along with every possession we have, and whatever HE sees fit to permit, we trust HIM!”  I must tell you, how often that story has come back to me again and again, for I am far from having that kind of faith; yet so many of our missionaries all over the globe, live that kind of faith in ministry, while we have so much more than they do.  And me?  I wrestle with anxiety over being safe, I cannot tell a lie, and I know God has brought me a long way in the area of “trusting” HIM in regard to safety; of “resting” in HIM when I’m alone; of relying upon HIS total care when I am being and doing what HE has called me to!  How about you?  Are you a “fretter”?  Are there areas of life that you have trouble letting go of?

Well, if you are like me, maybe you also need a reminder of what God has called us to; how He wants us to understand that fretting over and clinging to the “cares of this world” ought to be foreign to us.  Let’s see what HIS Word teaches, and I pray that we (ME included most of all—as Paul said, “I am chief” offender!) will learn to have a more exercised faith, and show the world the power of grace, love, and a trust in the power of our crucified, risen and soon coming KING!  The safest place that you or I can ever be, is right, smack in the center of God’s will for us!

“And that which fell among thorns are they,

which, when they have heard,

go forth,

and are choked

with cares

and riches

and pleasures of this life,

and bring no fruit

to perfection.”   Luke 8:14

 And a verse that I run to more often than I can say:

“The name of the LORD

is a strong tower:

the righteous runneth into it,

and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

“The king’s heart

is in the hand of the LORD,

as the rivers of water:

he turneth it whithersoever he will.

2 Every way of a man

is right in his own eyes:

but the LORD pondereth the hearts.”  Proverbs 21:1-2

“Boast not thyself of to morrow;

for thou knowest not what a day

may bring forth.”  Proverbs 27:1

Jesus also had much to say about this subject—may we heed HIS amazing call to walk by faith:

“No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

25 Therefore I say unto you,

Take no thought for your life,

what ye shall eat,

or what ye shall drink;

nor yet for your body,

what ye shall put on.

Is not the life more than meat,

and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air:

for they sow not,

neither do they reap,

nor gather into barns;

yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.

Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought

can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment?

Consider the lilies of the field,

how they grow;

they toil not,

neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you,

That even Solomon in all his glory

was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field,

which to day is,

and to morrow is cast into the oven,

shall he not much more

clothe you,

O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father

knoweth that ye have need

of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow

shall take thought for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:24-34

Oh, if we had time to dig into the depths of this message of Jesus’, but let’s consider this first statement above—”No man can serve two masters”; did you get that “no one”—man, woman, boy, or girl—can truly have divided loyalties!  Either we will choose to follow our Lord, or we will go our own way. For those who have never come to Jesus, this is a disastrous choice that will lead to destruction (See chapter 7); for the believer it could end in a “shipwrecked” life—a life with no “fruit”, or as Paul puts it in 1 Corinthians 3, no rewards to bring to our king.  I think that passage is also worth our consideration, for it reveals a real danger of a lack of faith and obedience in our life when we miss our Lord’s direction and choose worry/fretting instead of boldly, courageously, walking in faith.  Let’s consider Paul’s message, especially in light of what Jesus says above, which makes it clear that we can be a genuine believer and still miss God’s perfect will and purpose for our life if we go our own way instead of choosing Jesus’ will by faith; by producing our own works, choosing to give inadequate heed to The Word of God, and settling for the popular lead of the world (choosing wood, hay and stubble instead of gold, silver and precious stones)!  Are you choosing the indestructible things of God, or the totally flammable works of the flesh; ashes or precious treasure to honor our KING?.

“For other foundation

can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed

by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.

16 Know ye not

that ye are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God

dwelleth in you?

17 If any man defile the temple of God,

him shall God destroy;

for the temple of God is holy,

which temple ye are.

18 Let no man deceive himself.

If any man among you seemeth to be wise

in this world,

let him become a fool,

that he may be wise.

19 For the wisdom of this world

is foolishness with God.

For it is written,

He taketh the wise

in their own craftiness.

20 And again,

The Lord knoweth

the thoughts of the wise,

 that they are vain.”  1 Corinthians 3:11-20

As Paul says, “other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ”, no matter what is popular—only Jesus IS LORD—only Jesus IS THE WAY—what will you choose today?  Jesus? Or your own way?  The world’s way?  Faith or fretting?  It’s your choice, but choose wisely, there is a test.  And just as important as that, there are those following you who may never have any witness other than the example and testimony that you leave every day by your footsteps of faith or fretting or settling for your own way.  Who’s following YOU?  Let’s choose to be like Joshua and boldly stand in faith!

“And if it seem evil unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:15

Let’s pursue holiness and faithfulness, as the Psalmist calls us to so encouragingly!  Amen and Amen!!!

“Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him who prospereth

in his way,

because of the man who bringeth

wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself in any wise

to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off:

but those that wait upon the LORD,

they shall inherit the earth.”  Psalm 37:3-9