Fear and Trust are Opposites

God's given us today, July 10th.
How will I spend it?

If I'm scared, I am not trusting.

Fear and Trust are opposites and cannot exist at the same time.

I thought back to a recent conversation I had with a friend expressing that I was worried that it will be impossibly to even have an honest election.  I ended the conversation by saying, "but the Lord needs all of this to happen in order to fulfill his plan, so we just have to rest in Him".

As I walked away from that conversation I found myself not long afterward worrying this time about 'defunding the police departments'...

Did my worry honor the Lord?  Did it change tomorrow?  Did it demonstrate trust?

No, it instead supports a lack of trust.  AND wastes time the Lord gifted me with by allowing me to have today.  And over a period of time worry can actually shorten my life by ruining my health.

Matthew 6:27 & 34

27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

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

What I'm trying to be diligent about is going to prayer the minute I find myself slipping back into worry.  For me this means I need to avoid listening to news and anything that takes my eyes off of Jesus.  This refocuses my mind toward TODAY and the things that God has placed before me to care for, work on, and spend this day doing.  We have the opportunity right now to be the biggest witnesses we've ever been if we can demonstrate a calmness, a kindness and reliance on God, and refuse to become part of the frantic, endless search for answers the world is pursuing!

A watching world cannot deny God's power when they see us rest in Him instead of getting caught up in the worry frenzy around us!

now what

So...our days are filled with the following right now...  so now what?  All we hear are

warnings about face masks, gloves, staying 6 feet apart...

so far much lower numbers of people with the virus then projected....what should we believe?

separated in our own homes - I even read recently about a husband and wife staying in separate rooms of the house (yes, they get along fine)...

people are scared and now people are getting mad about not being "allowed" to return to work...

a beat up freedom

worry about losing our freedom.. it's a beat up freedom right now

people sure we'll all be forced to have embedded chips put in us (666?)

required vaccines that some are completely against

certain people supposedly taking advantage of a problem to promote their own political agenda

I could go on, and on to describe our current situation, but here is the only question we who call Jesus Lord need to consider. 

Do we really believe He is who He says He is? 
If so, then we also believe that the Lord needed all of this to happen in order to fulfill His plan.  He allowed it to happen...He is just as much in control now as He was when we were all enjoying the freedom to go wherever we wanted to.  Right?

Although we may all have some difficult situations to face as a result of the massive shut down, if we abide in Him - we need not worry, we should not worry but be continuously looking around asking Him what He needs us to do.

In difficulty the Gospel ALWAYS grows - we may get to see a revival like we've never seen in our lifetime! 

It may be difficult and very hard, and our freedom may not look the same - but, it's going to look exactly like Jesus needs it to look!  So, let's look constantly for any opportunity the Lord gives us to spread the hope that only a life in Him has a possibility of enjoying!  Let's look very different from the hopeless around us. 

Stay strong in Him!

a second look

When you hear the phrase a second look, many things come to mind.

• Men taking a second look at a pretty girl
• When we're searching for a new home we might decide to take a second look at one we may be interested in.
• When you're confused by what you thought you just saw, so you decide to take a second look just to make sure.

I recently got the dreaded call back from my doctor wanting radiologists from Columbus to take a second look at my yearly mammogram.  I knew that if I saw the office name come up on my phone  on a certain day it would only be because they wanted to see me again. That was a second look I never wanted to happen.  And of course this couldn't happen for two weeks!

The Lord was extremely kind and they had an opening just a couple days after I got 'the call".

Within minutes of arriving and having another mammogram, I was assured all was good, and instantly all my concern turned to thankfulness to the Lord, the great healer.

But, it was interesting as I went through my day how almost a feeling of guilt came over me for celebrating good health.

I've watched several of my closest friends going through countless testing just trying to identify what they're struggling with right now and it made me wonder why God chose me to be well.   I also have other friends who have a long road back to good health after facing a difficult diagnosis.

So the question that would not leave me was - if my diagnosis had been different, would I have still come out of that doctors office praising the Lord?  I didn't know...

I guess if even such a minor scare caused me to reach out to the Lord and ask for His help, I can see how these couple days of concern were used to turn my heart more fully toward Him.  It caused me to take a second look at what should be priorities and even to deal with the shame of worry which stands in direct contrast to a trusting spirit.

I plan to keep taking a second look at my life - asking the Lord to reveal what needs to change, and to be more involved with those who are going through suffering right now.


On this beautiful morning this scripture came to my mind...

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness. 
Lamentations 3:22 & 23

Can we live Sold Out

Is it possible to live sold out to the Lord outside of trial and trouble?

Let me confess, I'm not sure I can.

Our family has had quite a year, our country has had quite a year, our world has had quite a year...

As I've looked at the chaos readily viewable at any time of the day, it draws me right back into worry and sometimes fear so once again I lay it at the feet of my Savior and rest in Him.  A vicious cycle of trust, fear, confession and back to resting in Him.

But I see that over and over I pray the most, talk to the Lord the most when I'm in trouble or worried. When I'm in crisis or can't do it on my own...

I caught myself not long ago so completely content in just a peaceful night at home, wondering if the Lord can be glorified when I'm content,  or if it's when I'm dissatisfied and in the middle of trial and turn to Him?

I just thought I'd throw it out to you, is it possible to be Sold Out in the middle of being content? Should we ever be content?

My will or God's?

I caught myself wasting time today worrying again.  Nothing dramatic, or horrible, just worry.

This says to the Lord LOUD AND CLEAR - that I don't trust Him.  I asked for His forgiveness...again!

Then I believe with all my heart the Lord brought to my attention an article written by John Piper about discerning the Will of God and I was reminded once again, that I don't have to figure everything out.   I just have to be obedient, lead strongly, love thoroughly and His will - WILL be done!

It most likely will look nothing like I wasted my time thinking about.  And could even contain difficult things, but I am praising Him of this reminder to trust!

So I'm following what I know I need to be doing anyway, and that's pouring over His Word, offering prayer continuously and leaning fully into what's before me with the trust of the birds - which worry not what they'll eat tomorrow...

And still they fulfill their Father's purpose!

accomplishments? last week

Giving praise for the beautiful, gorgeous, morning.  Especially since I have a few minutes to soak it all in and to sit quietly before the pace of the day kicks in.

The last week has been productive despite a full day at Cedar Point.

Looking back at the week I'm asking myself what was the biggest accomplishment and what was a waste of time?

My biggest accomplishment...hmmmm

I've been sitting here for 15 minutes and I can't decide.

- Praying for our Elders as they prepare to review candidates - for God's eyes and discernment
-a big hug for someone I've been praying for
-Intentional - specific thank-yous to several people that worked really hard on projects
-Expressing my thanks for getting to be part of the leadership team I'm serving on

There were also projects completed and new guests secured for Crossroads - but I feel that the above are more important.

Relationships - building into lives - mentoring those younger then we are, these are what's most important to me...

On the other hand - what did I do that was a waste of time?  It's only fair to honestly evaluate that as well.

-On my computer too much
-Worrying about a couple of issues...the worry didn't accomplish anything beyond saying the the Lord, "I don't trust you - let me handle this!"    A total waste of valuable time - and worrying  of course hurts only me!
-talking too much instead of REALLY listening

It's easier to list the negative instead of the positive.

With the Lord's help - I'll learn through the careful examination of my past my week, moving forward as I anticipate and enjoy the honor of directing the services this weekend @ Crossroads - preparing to say goodbye to one of my best friends - Deering.   I've just about had all the goodbyes I can take!

What did you accomplish this week?

what I learned today

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”— Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.—Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”—But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

The Crossroads daily reading,  cccwired , caught my attention in several of the verses this morning.

If I had to choose the thing I am the worst at (tough choice...), it would be worrying.  I'm a control freak and often forget, very little is actually controllable by me.  When I see in the context of scripture that He cares for Me and He wants me to just totally cast everything on Him, I'm so ashamed that I worry.

What a slap in His face!  I realize my perspective regarding God is SO limited regarding who and what God is that I don't have a clear picture of how completely in charge He is over the world and over my life. 

This morning yet again, I gladly release the price my body pays for taking on worry over things I can never control to Him.  And maybe that's all my feeble human body can do, begin each morning mindful that it's a trap of our enemy to worry.  Any minute I waste in worry - is a precious moment  lost that could have been focused on His will, helping someone or studying...

And then the second verse above...   terrifying....

Do I call Him Lord and just continue to hear the Word proclaimed as I have nearly every single weekend of my 55 years, and walk away not applying it to my life.  Not letting God's commands change and mold me to be more like Him?

How privileged we are to hear the Word of God expository-ally  taught and explained so it is immediately applicable to our lives through His spirit!!

This morning I have heard, I have stopped worrying and I have applied.  Now to walk steadfastly focused on the day the Lord has given being totally mindful of Him knowing I won't walk perfectly, but at least intentionally... and He knows my heart's desire is to be more like Him...  this is what I learned today.

Dust

103:13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
   so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
14For he knows our frame;
   he remembers that we are dust.

As I read this today I was overwhelmed at the arrogance I have to question or worry about anything in my life as a child of God.

He has compassion on me as He watches me struggle to live as I should and to trust Him unconditionally - because He knows I am but dust.

I just want to love You, please You and know You Lord.

Please remove the earthly dust in my eyes.

control freak

I didn't realize I was such a control freak, but I am.

Even when I am supposed to be on vacation I HAVE to know what is going on back home and at work.

I am scared of making mistakes, I worry a lot and that doesn't speak highly of my faith in my Lord sometimes. To think that worrying about anything is worth a moment of my life is ridiculous. So I will try to let go, not call, not text, not bother anyone trying to find out if I forgot to do anything that makes their work more difficult!

Do you find it difficult to detach, to walk away realizing you could work from now to kingdom come and not have everything done? Or, am I the only one that spends my time worrying at times?

What worries you?

what i learned today

Well, I learned several things...I learned I worry too much. (My husband tells me that all the time). Does that mean I don't trust God?

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

Ok here is what got me started worrying. I was talking with my sister last night about the economy, she is on staff at a church too. We know the economy is bound at some point to affect the church so we were just discussing what that could look like...

This discussion led to problems in America, what if the whole county collapses, "we just have to trust God", but then we talked about all the people suffering around the world and what makes us think we are so special that God would not require us to suffer too? My sister and I should not be allowed to talk with one another...we get each other so depressed we can't sleep!

So, back to the question, do I REALLY trust God?

Trust: reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.

I do trust my God! His trustworthiness has NOTHING to do with my comfort, my health, my happiness. He knows all, He sees all - I see a very small area directly around me, that's it. My worry wastes my life. Distracts me from focusing on Him, is an indicator that I am not spending enough time in the Word and prayer.

I am very anxiously awaiting the next series at Crossroads on prayer. My daughter was just telling me how much time she's been spending in prayer at the little prayer chapel they have on campus at her college. She sets the example of prayer for me, this is where trust begins. A focused longing to know Him more. Worrying happens when I rely on myself, trying to figure out things alone - I commit to turn my thoughts toward the creator that holds us all in his hands. No matter what the circumstance!

early morning

Don't you hate it when you wake up earlier than your alarm? Such was the case for me today. I am very tired and yet couldn't sleep.

I woke up in a dead sweat worrying about my kids again. Oh, they don't really give me any reason for worry, they are awesome, just typical "how will they ever support themselves in this economy, how will they ever be able to pay off their college loans"... type of worry. So I have laundry going and I am emptying the dishwasher, but I have a feeling this early morning awakening wasn't just by chance.

Worry 1. to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; fret.

Interesting that the definition says to oneself, this implies worry is indeed a choice. Wow, something else to feel guilty about! (My very, very conservative Christian background kicking in again). Simply said, I think worry just means I don't trust God.

Pastor Tim taught last night about King Ahaz teaming up with a pagan King instead of placing his trust in God. He even took treasures from the Temple and gave them as a gift to a pagan king. Gee I wonder what was going to be his ending!

This made me think, when I "choose" to worry instead of falling to my knees to give it over to God, isn't it kind of the same thing. I make a choice everyday, will I trust the Almighty, Wonderful, Counselor, Everlasting Father God, or will I team up with the enemy because I insist on worrying and taking matters (even small matters) into my own hands?? What a slap in His face!

This whole Christmas thing with Jesus coming to earth didn't happen just so I could accept Him to secure my eternity. He came offering me the choice to spend my whole life with Him, His offer is to daily allow me to walk with Him, to trust in Him, to find my whole purpose for existence in Him. So what do I do instead, worry! I owe Him another apology!

When I worry I say no to Him, maybe He woke me up today to get me focused on saying yes so I wouldn't give the treasures of the day to our enemy...

weekend report

The weekend once again went well! Praise God!!

Pastor Tim asked us "What would you do differently if you only had one month to live"? I have been thinking about this. What would I change and if it is that important why am I not doing it anyway?

This is my list :

1. spend more time talking to God: I don't examine my life enough. I think if you don't picture your life as fleeting you don't always confess things as you go. I tend to wait for "prayer time", instead of confessing and asking for forgiveness as God brings wrongs to my attention. I would never let any conviction He brought to mind go unresolved if I thought I only had 30 days left.
2. stop worrying about tomorrow and fully grasp each moment: I would enjoy each day, the whole journey. Especially with my family. I would realize the future is pointless to worry about, because we are not promised anything but today! And even this day we are not promised anything beyond the current breath we are taking. I would continue to live as wisely as I could preparing for the future, but not focused on the future. I would also create writings for all my friends and family telling them what they mean to me.
   
3. write a book: Pastor Tim has been trying to get me to write for years. I don't know...maybe. But I have to be honest, if I had 1 month to live, I would try to write a book.

Since I don't know how much time I have, I pledge to begin practicing the first two immediately. The final one, write a book, I will pray about to make sure this is what God wants. If He does, he will have to give me the words and ideas and I will obediently begin...

It is all any of us can do with our lives , just obediently begin.