"Trust" in Relationships

Jim and I were talking about relationships the other day and the word trust came up. So I was just wondering today what The Word has to say about trust as it pertains to relationships. I looked at well over 150 verses and here is what I found.

Most Scriptures are about trusting in God and His Word as our only source of strength, truth, and hope.

The second highest listing is about what not to trust in. These are some of them: emptiness, extortion, princes, man, deceptive words, neighbor, close friend, lover, oppression, perverseness, brother, bow/sword, flesh, cities, your works, your treasures, riches, your own mind. Some of the items are bad things and understandably something I should not trust in. But others.....man, friend, lover? Am I not to trust in these? So I dug further....

These are the only verses I found that said you are to trust another person: Proverbs 3:29 (neighbor), Proverbs 31:11(husband trusting his wife), 1 Chronicles 9:22 (gateskeepers - office of trust), Hebrews 13:4 (honor the marriage bed). [Granted, there may be more, but this is what my search on YouVersion.com revealed. A study of the original language would be more accurate.]

I thought this was very revealing. We are to trust in God and basically Him alone. He is our only source of strength, hope, needs being met, comfort, security, absolute truth. Our confidence placed anywhere but in Him is on rocky ground. He alone makes me steadfast and purposeful in the short life I have been given in this world. And trusting in anything else will be my downfall because everyone and everything in my life at one time or another will disappoint and/or fail me. And I them. All of us are imperfect beings and cannot help but fail at one time or another. God is the only one who will never come up short.

Now, here's the catch. Although the Scriptures do not have many verses about trusting others, it does say that we are to be trustworthy and faithful. Look at Proverbs 11:13 (confidence keeper), Proverbs 13:17 (messenger), Luke 16:11 (in wealth), Proverbs 8:6 (in speech), Exodus 18:21 (as men of integrity) and 1 Timothy 1:12 "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service." God found Timothy trustworthy.

Here is the key: while our trust is to be in God alone, we are to live as a reflection of His trustworthiness. How we will live, work, play, and speak should be above reproach as He is above reproach. We are to live so others can trust in us. I am to love others -- that is a commandment. And I must do so with all my heart -- providing grace, hope, and help, believing in who they are striving to become -- and thus, being trustworthy. Choosing to love others is an act dependent upon my heart. Trusting others is depending on their heart. God's heart is the only one I can truly rely upon.

Where is our trust placed? in people? possessions? routines? jobs? titles? reputation? Or in our God? We must choose.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do a word study on trustworthy and faithful.
2. How would my life be different if I completely trusted God and lived as a reflection of His trustworthiness?
3. What do I need to change in my thought pattern and actions to trust God more?
4. Do I currently reflect trustworthiness? If yes, in what ways? If no, why not?
5. How can I become more trustworthy?

Father, I have put my trust in many things in my life. Some have been faithful and some haven't. Forgive me Father. I recommit to trusting in You alone. Help me to reflect Your amazing trustworthiness. Change in me what needs to change. And strengthen and solidify those areas I am already doing well. Amen.

Judges 6:11-24 "I'm Not Capable"

"But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." ~Judges 6:15 NIV

Recently, I was watching an episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition (ABC). They told the story of a young girl who had a terrible disease. (Let's call her Annie.) While she was in the hospital, she made friends with another little girl who was battling cancer. (We'll call her, Liz.) Annie felt so badly for Liz and what she was going through, she decided to do something about it. This little girl went out and started raising money for cancer research. Annie raised hundreds of dollars and remained friends with Liz. Even years later when the show went in to build Annie a new house, she was in the middle of a project making key chains to sell for cancer research.

How many times when God calls us to do something do we say, "I can't." "I'm not trained." "I don't have enough money." "I'm too young." "I'm from the weakest tribe and am the least in my family." Gideon had given up before he even began, and here's why. He started from the lie that so many people get caught up in -- God only uses the strong and the capable. Actually, it's quite the opposite.

Look at how many times God uses the weakest of the weak -- some real weaknesses and some perceived. Moses (speech impedement), Joseph (second from the youngest of 12 and made a slave in a foreign country), David (a boy facing a giant), Ruth (a young widow from the wrong family), Rahab (a prostitute), Peter, James and John (fishermen that changed the world). You see, although God wants us to develop our gifts and talents, go to school, train up in our positions, He also wants us to understand that the real power comes from him alone. All we must do is be willing to let Him work through us. There is nothing God can't do with a person possessing a willing spirit. Slaves can be freed; nations fed, and giants defeated. Gideon was just another person falling into the trap of self deprecation believing that God can only use the strong. But he was wrong and God changed the history of the Israelites through Gideon.

What are you facing that God has asked you to do, and yet you feel unworthy to do it? Me? I'm in the middle of writing a manuscript. The deadline is looming, and I'm really not sure I have anything to say that anyone would want to read. And truthfully, I'm right. But God has something to say. If I am open to Him and willing to let Him use me, great things can come out of this book. In our weakness, He is made strong.

Further Thoughts:

1. What is God calling you to do in which you feel completely incapable of doing?
2. What specifically do you need from God to make it happen? List the ones you know and trust Him for the ones you don't know you need.
3. What are you doing right now in your own strength?
4. What lies have you been believing?
   
5. How do we practically allow God to work through us?

Father, forgive me for trying to work your miracles for You. Of course, I failed. Use me, Lord. Give me Your strength, Your creativity, Your words. You know what you want to accomplish through me. I trust You to do it. Amen.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "What we know/believe about God matters"

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

How we view God affects every aspect of our life. The thoughts we form, decisions we make, actions we take – they are all done from a starting paradigm of what we believe about God. If He is just another god that we appease with our weekly songs and prayers, then we should be able to plan out our own paths and face our own demons in whatever way we choose.

But…if He really is the Almighty, omniscient, omnipresent, creative, intelligent, loving, grace-filled all-powerful God, then we can trust Him with our life. I don’t have to have it all figured out; He’s got it under control. I don’t have to understand everything happening. He does and I can trust Him. I don’t have to be afraid of tomorrow because as long as I am surrendered to Him and Him alone, He will make sure tomorrow happens just as it is supposed to happen. I am in His capable and gentle hand. It makes no sense to trust any one else but the one true God.

Further Thoughts:

1. What in your life are you hanging on to that God wants to control and why?
2. Do you have trust issues? Explain.
3. Does our trust in God depend on the trustworthiness of man or on our circumstances? Explain.
4. Who is in control of your life right now? Explain how well that is working.

Father, I know you are trustworthy. Help me to daily surrender to Your control and guidance of my life. Amen.

Colossians 3:22-4:1 "Integrity"

Read Colossians 3:22-4:1.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, a working for the Lord, not for men." NIV

Fortunately, most of us are not slaves to any other master than Jesus Christ. Some days we may feel like it though. I believe in many ways this passage can apply to employee/employer just as easily because the bottom line is integrity.

The definition of "integrity" according to my trusty Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary is 1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility 2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness 3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness

synonyms see honesty

Incorruptibility, soundness, completeness, and honesty. God calls us in our work places or when we are placed under another's authority to live out these qualities. They are a choice. They make us a harder-working trusted employee and employer. With these qualities, you can meet expectations without compromise. You reach above the bar and come out on top - if not in performance, at least in effort and attitude. You work harder and smarter than anybody else. You are honest. The thought of lying and cheating never enter your thoughts or actions. You are completely loyal -- to your boss and to the company.

And if you can't be those things - you need to change jobs.

Further Thoughts:

1. David was a man of integrity. How? What made him so?
2. Do you struggle with integrity? If yes, why? What needs to change?
3. Do you work with people who lack integrity? If yes, how can your life be an influence on theirs?

Joseph: Genesis 47:1-31 "Joseph's Calling"

Read Genesis 47:1-31.

"So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property...." NIV

You can't read this and not be amazed at where Joseph has come to date. He began as a lowly shepherd boy -- granted, spoiled by his father -- but of lowly birth in Canaan. Now he has risen to a powerful position in another country and is saving the people from starvation. Oh, to have a Joseph in the United States right now. Someone to clearly see the need and meet the needs of the people. Is the plight of the Canaanites and the Egyptians where we are heading? Will we come to drastic measures to survive? It's possible. But as God had made sure Joseph was in the right place at the right time to do His work, so God will have His people taken care of in His timing and His way. Many of us already feel that God is allowing the difficulties of today stir in the hearts of the people of the church to actually be the people again. Maybe we are the Joseph they are looking for....

Although the Canaanites, I'm sure, felt terribly abandoned by their God, He'd never stopped working on their behalf. Here they were in a foreign land, starving, forced to sell the land they had been given and their service to Egypt for food. The promised land must have seemed very far away, and it was in human eyes. But in the eyes of the Almighty and His power. the promised land was merely a step away. God had some lessons to teach His people that required they begin in slavery.

How often do we feel like God is far away? Maybe we don't think He hears us or even cares about what's happening to us. But He never leaves us alone. His actions are always in step with His plan. If we have to endure hardship, it's because there are lessons to be learned and good will prevail in the end if we are faithful. His greatest desire is for us to love and trust Him in obedience. That's it. All the good and bad in life is secondary to loving and trusting our Father.

Joseph knew that. He had seen good times and bad ones. He wasn't living where he belonged, so God brought his family to him. He wasn't living the life he was supposed to be living, so God raised him up to second in all of Egypt. Sometimes, what doesn't make any sense to us is exactly what is needed to fulfill the Father's plan.

Trust and obey

For there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus

But to trust and obey.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do you feel very far from your promised land? Either God has some lessons for you to learn, or maybe He's redefining your promised land.
   
2. Has the church become lazy? How can we be the Joseph our nation so desperately needs?
   

Joseph: Genesis 43:1-45:28 "True Motivation"

Read Genesis 43:1-45:28.

"Why have you repaid good with evil?" NIV

Joseph starts here really messing with his brothers. What is the reason? Is he exacting revenge on his brothers? Is he testing them to see if they have grown in integrity, humility, and love? Is he proving to them the power he has gained in spite of their actions? Is God directing Joseph to put his brothers through these steps? We can't really know the answer to any of these questions, but we can see the outcome. 

Joseph's brothers were humbled; they had become men of integrity; and they loved their father enough to not cause him grief a second time. The tests that Joseph puts his brothers through demonstrate all these traits. It also proves to them, once he has revealed himself, that he is trustworthy to take care of the whole family in Egypt. 

In the end, Joseph does not blame his brothers, but gives God all the honor and glory. What an amazing example of forgiveness. Did the brothers sin against Joseph? Yes. But with time and perspective, Joseph was able to see that God had planned it all along. Even with the bad times that Joseph had to go through, God was building his character. He also transformed the brothers through the pain of their guilt to where they even recognized punishment for their crime 20 years later. And most importantly, God made a way for the Hebrew children to immigrate to Egypt.

Could God have gotten Joseph and the Hebrews to Egypt another way? Of course He could. But He used the brother's jealousy and sin to make something good happen. God's transforming power. He's the only one who can take something horrible and painful and change it for our good and for His glory. How often when we have bad things happen to us do we sit around and moan and groan or become angry with others and with God. Some people will even walk away from the God because of difficulty casting the blame His way as they slam the door. The truth is that we must continue to trust God not just in the good times, but in the midst of trouble as well. As believers, we know there is a reason for everything, and God will make good what He will have to be done. We just see a microscopic view of history; God sees the whole picture -- past, present, and future. What He has designed will come about. We just have to choose if we will be participants in the transformation and with what kind of attitude we will maintain. 

Further Thoughts: 

1. Who else in the Bible had to suffer because of their own sin or someone else's sin? 
   
2. Are you angry at someone or even at God because of troubles in your life? If you are, you're not alone, and you might as well own up to your anger. You're not hiding your anger from God. But know that He loves you, understands your pain and hurts with you. He will never leave you but walk the road with you. His love is greater for you than you can ever imagine and His greater good will win out in the end.
   
3. Find Scripture that supports the fact that God is in control. What about His character shows that too us, too?

Joseph: Genesis 41:1-40 "By Leaps and Bounds"

Read Genesis 41:1-40.

"Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." NIV

Wow, what an amazing passage. We go from outlandish, God-given dreams to the rise of Joseph as the second in the land of Egypt. And Joseph's position hinged upon those dreams.

I've never really put much in store in dreams. They are crazy, mixed up, morphing mysteries that never seem to be any part of reality whatsoever. Last night I dreamt I had a bed and breakfast. I pray that wasn't a sign from God because based on the state of my spare bedroom, that's just not happening anytime soon. But for some reason, the chief baker, cupbearer, and Pharaoh all knew they were being given a message and that they needed to understand it.

I find it interesting that God gave the dreams to non-believers in Him. We as believers are always yearning to hear a message from the Father. We pray for His direction through His Word, prayer, other believers, even dreams. So when three people who aren't followers of the one true God receive a personal message, jealousy can rise. But God specifically chose these people to accomplish His purposes through Joseph. Which makes sense after we see the whole picture. God can use believer and non-believer alike to do what He needs to do. In this case He needed people high up in Egypt's rule to get Joseph to the position he needed to be in to do what God needed done.

How often do we live in jealousy because it appears that non-believers are receiving God's blessings more than us? How often do we grumble about the position we are in because we believe we should have a better, more influential, maybe more public assignment? Joseph doesn't seem to possess either of these sins in his life. He receives the fact that they have had a dream, that God is the only One who interprets dreams, and that he is to be the one to share the interpretation and give God the credit. It's all very black and white in Joseph's mind.

Then Joseph seems to take in stride that he just went from a purchased foreign slave to the second in command in the land. I know what I'd be thinking....that just doesn't happen! But with God, anything is possible. I am especially such a realist. Kind of strange for someone who has a really strong faith gifting. But I just expect God to work in the natural world He has created and in the realm where He has placed me. To make things happen that include me outside of either of those realities is hard for me to imagine -- not that He can't, but that He would. But I would hope that if God does so act in my life, that I would have the humility of Joseph to give God all the glory and do as He has commanded to accomplish His purposes -- ones that go way beyond anything to do with me.

A new day is coming for Joseph. We've learned a lot from him in how he handled the dredges of life and circumstances. It will be interesting to see how he handles the prosperity.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do you possess the humility needed for God to use you? Why or why not?
2. How has the enemy encouraged a society of control freaks? What has contributed to this in our history as a people/nation?
3. What kind of person does God want to use? How do we become that person? Support with Scripture.

Joseph: Genesis 40:1-41:1 "Serving in the Dungeon"

Read Genesis 40:1-41:1.

“The captain of the guard assigned them to Joseph, and he attended them.” NIV

Joseph is still in prison when the king’s cupbearer and baker are put in the same place, and Joseph is given the task to take care of them. After they had been there a while, they each have a dream the same night and want someone to interpret it. Joseph says only God can and listens to their dreams. In three days the cupbearer will be restored to his position, and the baker will be executed. All Joseph asks for his help with the interpretations is that the baker will remember him and help to get his release. But the baker forgot him.

We have several lessons we can glean from this passage. One, God will still give us jobs to do in places we never expected to be used. Joseph did not choose or deserve to be in prison let alone in Egypt. These things had all been unjustly imposed upon him. Joseph even pleads this case to the cupbearer. Yet, even under these conditions, God’s plan was at work, and He needed Joseph’s obedience. Joseph could have really shut down by this point – in despondency, depression, or anger at God. But instead, he remains faithful to his true Master and continues to serve Him no matter where he is or why he is there.

Secondly, Joseph gives God the glory. He doesn’t claim the ability to interpret dreams so he will get the praise. He gives all the credit to God. Joseph knows where the power comes from even if he may feel powerlessly abandoned by the Powerful. True commitment will eventually override feelings of doubt every time. Trials are going to come, but we must stand firm on the foundation of God’s faithfulness.

No matter how much we serve, sometimes we will be forgotten by the people we are serving. Joseph only asked the cupbearer to remember him when he receives back his official position. Maybe he could help out the man who helped him. But the cupbearer forgot him until two years later. Can you just imagine Joseph sitting day after day in that dungeon for two years wondering if today will be the day he is remembered.

No matter what circumstances we face, no matter how much we serve without recognition, no matter how often we are forgotten by those we serve, the Father never forgets us. In what looks like a hopeless situation God truly is still in control. He sees Joseph’s pain and hurts with him. But the greater good that will come out of this – for Joseph and for the Hebrew nation outweighs the temporary discomfort Joseph must endure. And meanwhile, God is building on Joseph’s character in ways that he will need later.

Further Thoughts:

1. Who else saw God's activity in the dark times?
2. Read the story of Baruch. How is he like Joseph here?
3. Do you have trouble ministering to others through your own dark times? Continue to be faithful. He will be.
4. Are you in a character-building time of your life. Hang on with both hands to the fact that God is still in control.

1 Peter 3:13-22 "The Right Fear"

Read 1 Peter 3:13-22.

"Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." NIV

Peter has told us to live doing good, not evil. Show brotherly love. Here he cautions that we still may be harmed or persecuted for doing good. Then he says this line above from vs 14 -- do not fear what they fear. So what do they fear and why don't I need to have the same fears?

Fear is a very prevalent emotion in every generation. It may change from circumstance to circumstance, but always comes back around to the same reasons that someone at some time has been afraid. Today, I'd say we are afraid of financial ruin which could lead to joblessness, and homelessness. People have been at this same place before -- look at the depression. About a year ago, we were afraid that we would never be able to use our cars again because of gas prices. A few years ago, say in about 2004, we were afraid of the Iraqi's with the war and Iran and North Korea with nuclear weapons. In 2001, we were afraid of terrorists. And on and on it goes. There is always something to be afraid of. In the modern era, it's usually whatever the media tells us to fear. 

Everything people fear are things that could take away something we have -- possessions, power, security, family, their life.... All their fears are based on "me." But a believer, on the other hand, has surrendered all those things to the Lord to do with as He wills. We recognize where those blessings come from and allow Him to hold them in His capable hands. We don't need to fear losing our possessions; it's just stuff. We don't need to fear losing power; we serve the One with the ultimate power. We don't need to fear losing our security or our family; the Lord watches over His sheep. We don't even need to fear losing our life; this life we live here is not our final destination. It is merely a thin shadow of our true home. So if my life is taken, I'm going to a much better place. 

Now I say none of this to mean we don't use common sense or don't work hard to keep a roof over our heads. "Fools rush in where angels dare to tread." We must use the brains God gave us with the little wisdom we do possess. But none of it needs to be wrapped in fear. The only fear that the Bible encourages is a fear of God. He should be the One that we come crawling to on hands and knees with our faces to the ground seeking His mercy, grace, and guidance. It is in our hearts that we should "set apart Christ as Lord," not our fear. We don't have room for two lords.

Isaiah 8:13: "The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary...." NIV

Further Thoughts:

1. Compare and contrast fear and faith. Support with Scripture.
   
2. Is fear your lord? Why? Is that choice really working for you?
   
3. Saul lived in fear all the time. What was he afraid of? Is that a fear that lines up with the world or God?
   
4. Memorize some Scriptures on biblical fear.
   

Matthew 27:45-56 "The Final Sacrifice"

Read Matthew 27:45-56.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" NIV

As He hangs on a cross, we see another example of Jesus living out the same feelings we have all had at one time or another. Why has God left me alone here in this mess? Why do I have to hurt so when He can take it away with one word? Why me? I don't deserve this....

Of course the pain we suffer is nothing compared to what He endured. Not only was He going through one of the most excruciating forms of execution, but He was suffering spiritually by carrying the weight of the world's sin. It's no wonder He felt abandoned. No one should have to endure that agony. But He loved us too much not to.

And look at the result. The curtain in the temple was torn in two symbolizing the end exclusivism in approaching the throne of God. We are all now given access to the Almighty through the final high priest, Jesus Christ. People were raised from the dead. His own tormentors recognized Him for who He was. The world was changed forever!

We grieve for the pain Christ endured. Even the physical earth shook at His death. But His suffering was for a purpose far beyond His physical pain. He did it for our eternal salvation. The results were worth the trials.

Our suffering in this life, whether real or perceived, is for such a short time. And if we just persevere and learn from our trials, the results could impact the world. There still may be times that we feel like God has forsaken us. But that is simply the enemy's lie. He will never leave us or forsake us. He may allow certain trials to come into our life, but only so we will be stronger and more in line with who He is and His will. We will be led to rely on Him, trust Him in a greater way than ever before. But if I succumb to the enemy's lies and stop believing in the Truths of God, then Jesus' sacrifice was for nothing.

Lord, thank You for the sacrifice You made in taking my sins. Use me as a testimony to Your grace and mercy. Help me to always keep my heart focused on Your Truths in every trial I face. I never want to forsake You.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read the accounts of Christ's death in the other gospels.
2. Watch the movie, The Passion of the Christ.
3. Read James 1:2-18. List how we are to handle trials and temptations.
4. Spend some time today thanking Jesus for the sacrifice He made for us. Express your thanks in your own unique way -- write or sing a song, write a poem, dance around the room, kneel in silence, shout for joy.

Matthew 26:57-68 "Seeing the Truth"

Read Matthew 26:57-68.

"The high priest said to him, 'I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.'" NIV

Okay, first I have to laugh at his question. He wants Jesus to answer the question under oath to the "living God." The living God is standing right in front of him. So Jesus needs to answer under oath to Himself. What irony.

So I was wondering what I would be thinking if I was the high priest. Would I have been one of the leaders trying to find a way to kill Jesus? Would I have put Him on trial? Now these Jewish leaders had been raised studying the prophesies about the coming Messiah. They knew what was going to happen. So why when the Truth is standing in front of them, the fulfillment of all the prophesies they have learned, can they not see Him? What hinders us from seeing Jesus for who He is and believing?

Well, Jesus has already shown in previous chapters that the religious leaders had allowed sin into their lives through greed and corruption of power. They loved being in charge more than they loved the God they were supposed to be serving. When we displace the object of our love, we miss seeing the truth. We're back to focus and priorities again. In whom will we place our faith? The religious leaders had transferred their faith from the One True God and His Word to their man-made laws and selfish ambition . It didn't matter that Jesus was fulfilling the very prophesies they had heard all their lives. They couldn't see the Truth.

When we displace our love and can't see the Truth standing right in front of us, it can disorient us when circumstances become difficult. The Jews were very oppressed during this time by the Roman rule. Here they were in their promised land that God had vowed to them so many years before, but they were living under the iron fist of the Romans. They expected a Messiah to come riding in on a white horse ready to rally an army that could defeat the Romans. Instead they get a 33-year-old carpenter's son riding on a borrowed donkey. Not exactly the valiant warrior they were looking for. But because the focus of their love had been diverted, they couldn't see that Jesus could be the Messiah. Their vision was clouded by misdirection and circumstances.

If we keep our eyes focused on the Truth, surrendered to His ways, and not allow the circumstances around us to intercept His leading, we will stay on course.

Further Thoughts:

1. Is your love focused on Jesus Christ or do you focus on self first?
2. Have you surrendered your life to His lordship?
3. Are circumstances distracting you from from God's plan? Remember, He is an out-of-the-box thinker. Don't try to place Him in a box. The "logical" answer according to our human paradigm may not be the right answer. Be open to whatever and wherever He leads.

Matthew 26:36-46 "Refocusing"

Read Matthew 26:36-46.

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." NIV

What strikes me first about this passage is vs 37. Jesus was sorrowful and troubled. Except for Jesus' sadness at the death of Lazarus, I don't recall Him being sad or troubled (KJV: distressed). The Greek word for distressed is "to be troubled, great distress or anguish, depressed." Jesus has felt every emotion we have ever felt. And here we see Him very distressed about what He is soon going to face. After all, He wasn't a deity in a glorified body. He was the Almighty God in a human body that can suffer pain. Naturally, He would be troubled facing the agony He knew He was going to suffer. But pay attention to what He does with His distress. He hands it over to His Father. He doesn't just ask that His future be taken away, He asks that the Father's will be done. Even in His complete distress, He is surrendered to the will of His Father.

How often have I been in distress and just wallowed in it. My mind will race through scenario after scenario attempting to predict the future or manipulate it. Yet, no one has faced such a terrible future like Jesus did... and He went to prayer. In my distressing times, I should be falling on my knees in prayer rather than crying out in foreseeable pain. God's will is to be done no matter what. I am merely a servant that obeys His commands and should be submissive to His will -- even if I must go through some pain for it to be done. If the Almighty's Son had to suffer for God's purpose for mankind, I can endure anything for His will to be done.

Jesus' words to His disciples that had fallen asleep on the job still ring true to us today. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Further Thoughts:

1. Look up Scriptures on distress, worry, cares.
2. Is something causing you distress or trouble? Surrender it to the Father's will. He will either take it away or it will serve His purpose, and He will give you strength to endure it. Either way, we must let it go. His will be done.
3. How is surrender and trust or faith related?
4. Look at the different times Jesus spends in prayer. In those times He is essentially refocusing His perspective. When we get caught up in the doings of life -- good or bad -- we can lose our focus. Time with the Father gets that back. Consciously and purposefully, refocus several times throughout your day today.

Matthew 21:18-22 "Faith Without Doubt"

Read Matthew 21:18-22.

"If you have faith and do not doubt...." NIV

Jesus' authority is making itself more evident in the narrative. Before this point, He has shown his authority mostly through healing and through His preaching. He has been very vocal with the Sadusees and Pharisees. But after the temple event where He physically throws out the hypocrites, Jesus displays a power He has not shown before this. Is it because the time is short and He feels the pressure of making His point quicker? Somehow, He must make the people see the truth.

Then of course in this particular passage, we see two messages. First, that anything that isn't bearing fruit is cursed. A tree with leaves should have fruit. The leaves could represent the appearances of a Christian walk. But without the evidence of fruit, the tree is useless. In the same way a Christian is useless without producing fruit. There is no depth to their belief and thus no lasting, productive service to the Master. He desires our heart more than our sacrifice. But a heart surrendered to Him will yearn to serve. And one serving Him and others will produce fruit.

Secondly, Jesus points out the power we have in Him if we have faith AND do not doubt. We can say we trust someone, and we may have some level of trust. But complete trust comes without doubt. It's like rappelling. I can say that I trust that the harness and the rope and the belayer are all going to do their job. Afterall, I've watched several people go down the mountain before me, and nothing has happened. However, there is probably a small part of my brain that is still unsure if I'm not going to be the exception. Jesus is saying that inkling of doubt is what stops us from being able to tap into the complete power He provides. If God is leading us to do something, we must throw ourselves into it with complete abandon for it to happen. The results are not based on God's ability to do it, but on our ability to trust Him. That's His priority - not the result, but the process. He wants us to grow in our faith in Him to the consistent point of complete abandon. If God says it will be, and we believe completely, it will be.

Let go and fly -- the harness is secure.

Further Thoughts:

1. Moses began with a tremendous amount of doubt. List what His doubts were. Then list the amazing steps of faith that Moses took so God's power was displayed.
2. What does it mean to pray according to His will? How do we know what God's will is in a given situation? Support with Scripture.
3. What is it that God wants you to do in complete trust of Him? Do it!

Matthew 19:13-15 "Like a Child"

Read Matthew 19:13-15.

"Let the little children come...." NIV

How often do we devalue the importance of the children in the kingdom of God. They are seen as immature and ignorant of God's ways when in fact they may know the best. As we become older, we develop an arrogance that knowledge and time tend to incubate. And I think that is something we all fight until we die.

I have realized since I started this blog and have been so regularly in the Word, (I also lead a Bible study and write my daughter's Bible curriculum.) that I feel like I know less and less and that my actions and attitudes are simply decrepit. When you sit at the feet of the Almighty day after day, you can't help but see your inadequacies. The difference between a child realizing that and an adult is that a child is okay with there situation. Simple is fine; needy is a regular part of life; dependence is natural. Oh, to be like a child again.

Lord, give me the simple trust and dependence of a child.

Further Thoughts:

1. What children in the Old Testament displayed simple trust in the Almighty? How did God use them?
2. Spend some time sitting and observing a child. What about them would make Jesus say that "the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these?"
3. Ask the Lord to show you how He wants you to be more like a child and ways that you need to stop being like a child.

Matthew 16:24-28 "Cross Carrying"

Read Matthew 16:24-28.

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." NIV

Have you made your "to do" list for today? If you are like me, you've at least mentally thought through what you are going to do today. So tell me, did you consult the Lord first? Okay, granted, there are things I don't think we need to ask Him about - i.e. showering, take the kids to school, go to work, etc. There are things we must do to live and exist in this world. But there are little and big "appointments" throughout our day that we may or may not plan where God has a special purpose for us. It could be as small as stopping to have a conversation with your neighbor at the mailbox to hopping on a plane to as big as a job change. God works in the little and big things of our lives. The question is are you ready?

How do we prepare for God's redirects to our plans? Well, I think the very beginning is to commit every day to do whatever He calls you to do. My husband has developed a wonderful habit of rolling out of bed right to His knees and spending a minute of committing His day to the Lord - wherever He may take him. That is about as close to physically taking up our cross daily as you can get. The cross is a symbol of death and punishment. By carrying our cross, we are dead men and women walking. If I am dead to myself and acknowledging that I am only alive in Jesus Christ, then I will submit to the Father's leading in my life - WHATEVER that may be.

After we have surrendered -- again -- our life to His leading, we must continually remind ourselves throughout the day's distractions that we are committed to following God's plan. I've mentioned this before in another post, but a friend recommended setting your electronic calendar to reminder you every few hours to stop and acknowledge God. I set my phone to give me a simple reminder tone at 10:00, 1:00, 4:00 and 7:00. When I hear that tone, I stop what I'm doing and focus on the Lord. This simple action reboots my mind toward Him. My goal is that 1) I don't need the alarm anymore. It's automatic. and 2) That someday, my mind would be in constant communion with Him. I don't even know if that is possible with all the chaos and activity of life. But I sure desire to be in that place. At least, if He wants to "interrupt" what I am doing, I want to always hear His voice to change directions.

We are here as servants of the Most High. Like a king's servant responds immediately to the summons of their master, we must be ready at all times to answer the call of our Lord. We must completely surrender our desires and schedules to His plans for our life. It's the only path a dead man can walk.

Further Thoughts:

1. Have you died to self and accepted the path that God has laid out for you? Then do it again. We must take up our cross daily to follow Him. See Luke 9:23.
2. If you are a believer, Christ lives in you. His Holy Spirit guides you and gives you counsel. Are you ignoring your closest resident for the pull of all those others around you? How do you pay closer attention to the Father's leading in your life? What habits do you need to form or get rid of? (Add prayer times, get off the computer, for example.)

Matthew 16:21-23 "His Way Only"

Read Matthew 16:21-23.

"You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." NIV

Peter cannot believe his ears when Jesus says that the religious leaders will have Him killed in Jerusalem. (Notice Peter doesn't seem to hear the part that Jesus will raise from the dead in three days.) Peter is always the one to jump into the middle of the fray, dukes up, ready to fight off anyone or anything that will hurt those he loves. It's an admirable quality really. He's very strong, very protective and extremely loyal. But he usually jumps before he thinks. His first thought is, "No way, we will protect the Lord. They are not going to take Him. They'll take us first."

But the clear evident ways our human minds want to work towards prosperity, health and preservation are not always the ways of God. He has a higher calling for all of our lives -- much higher than we can ever figure out in a logical or worldly way. Remember, we are born with a sinful nature that puts self first. In God's world, He is first. We desire wealth, health and long life; God desires full devotion at any cost. We serve a jealous God who will not tolerate anyone or anything in front of Him. If He speaks, no matter how "illogical" it appears to us, we must listen. Look at Moses. God tells him to throw his rod on the ground, and it became a hissing snake. Then God tells him to pick it up by the tail. We all know that if you pick up an angry snake by the tail, it will whip around and bite us. So why would God tell Moses to pick up the snake by the tail? Because we must learn to trust His higher ways over our own. And what does Moses do? He overcomes his fears and desires for self-preservation, picks up the snake, and it becomes a rod again.

Peter didn't want Jesus to die. None of us would. But God had a higher purpose, and no matter how illogical it sounded to man's ears and mind, it must happen as He ordained it to be. The eternal destiny of mankind depended on it and that rated so much higher than Peter's desire to preserve Christ's life. Peter had to learn that day to trust Jesus like never before. Well, he learned partially. There's still that whole denying knowing Jesus thing still to come. But he took a step in his training in being a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Compete trust in Him.

What do you hold in your hand? Is there a rod that God is asking you to lay down? Do you need to pick up a snake by the tail? Does His leading seem totally illogical? At times it can. As long as it doesn't go against the nature of God and you have spent a lot of time in prayer, you are probably hearing Him correctly and need to obey. Times are only going to get more difficult, not easier. So when God speaks, He expects us to trust and obey Him immediately. The consequences of disobedience are going to reach far beyond just our own comfort or safety. Let go of the rod.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read the story of Moses' calling in the desert in Exodus 4.
2. What is God asking you to lay down or pick up? Fear is not of Him -- that is the enemy using the human desire for self-preservation. Trust wholly and obey completely. Our God is faithful to accomplish His purposes, and He wants to use you to do it.

Matthew 14:22-36 "Eyes Only For You"

Read Matthew 14:22-36.

"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." NIV

So much in this passage. Notice first of all that Jesus reclaimed the solitude time He had lost when the crowds appeared in verse 13. There are times in life that people really need us and our solitude may be delayed. But later, we can come back to it.

Then, He goes and walks on water. You've just got to love Peter here. No matter the final outcome, he was the only one who got out of the boat. He believed enough. I'm just in awe of his courage. But like most of us, when the difficulties come, the wind whips up and the waves crash, we look at the obstacles instead of at Jesus, and we go down crying for help. Hasn't that consistently been the pattern. The Hebrew children did it for years in the desert after leaving Egypt. Over and over again - walk in faith, take eyes off of God and onto the trouble, drowning, cry to God for help. And we are still doing it the same way. I want some spiritual glue that forces my eyes to remain fixed on Jesus. I want a tunnel vision to His presence and all the troubles, frustrations, and difficulties around me can't be seen. I may be buffeted by winds and torrents, but with my eyes on Him, I can stand.

Oh God, give me that vision! I'm so tired of sinking among the obstacles. Break this cycle in me. I want my eyes glued only on You for I know that You are my strength and my shield. Amen.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read Psalm 139 several times. Know that He loves you and is trustworthy.
2. Here are the complete words to "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." Read them, then watch the video.

O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s a light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
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.

Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no more hath dominion—For more than conquerors we are!
Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!

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.

Watch this and rest in His presence.

Matthew 11:25-30 "The Weightless Yoke"

Read Matthew 11:25-30.

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

Because Christ has chosen to reveal the Father to us (vs. 27) we can come to Him, take His yoke, and find rest for our souls. I love the image presented here. I think of two oxen with yokes around their necks. Before Christ, I yoked myself with something -- my own desires, ambition, selfishness, maybe to an addiction or hobby, my career. Whatever it was, I carried the burden for both sides. It's like having half the yoke around my neck and reaching out with one arm to hold up the other half. It's impossible to maintain. Exhaustion, discouragement, and failure are inevitable although many people continue living this way for years.

But when we yoke up with Christ, half the yoke is on His shoulders. And because He is so much bigger than me, my half of the yoke is literally raised off of my shoulders. I'm no longer carrying any of the burden -- He carries it all. It's like yoking up an ox with a Shetland pony. The pony has no control over the direction he takes, but he also has no weight to carry. He goes where the ox takes him -- burden free.

Now the huge difference here is we and Christ are not animals. I'm not some little Shetland pony being led around by a dumb ox. I am yoked with the Son of the Almighty Creator of the Universe. I am yoked with the Savior of Man. I am yoked with God Himself who loves me and cares about where I go and what I do. I am yoked with the Healer, the Provider, the Everlasting. Why wouldn't I willingly give up control to Him. He loves me, cares about me and desires for no harm to come to me. And when it does, if I will just let Him steer the yoke, I will be able to navigate the obstacles. The Lover of My Soul is shouldering the burdens I am supposed to carry. So instead, my soul can be at rest. He is in control.

Further Thoughts:

1. Are you tired? Ready to give up control? He'll take it and carry the burden for you. Simply trust Him and surrender. Take some time right now to write down or verbally list all the things you need Him to take control of and then let Him.
2. I had a former pastor that wore a yoke on a chain around his neck. He was never without it. If you are an artist, maybe you want to draw a yoke or mold one out of clay to remind you to not worry, but rest your soul in the arms of Christ.

Matthew 8:23-27 "Draw Near in the Storm"

Read Matthew 8:23-27.

“’You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’” NIV

So is this passage to teach us that if we keep our faith in Jesus, we can weather the storms of life? Or does it once again establish His position as the divine and the authority over nature? Maybe it’s a combination of both, and it’s amazing God’s timing – that this passage should fall today because I really need it.

How often “without warning” do the storms of life hit us? The storms may be new trials or just old stuff that creeps up into our conscience and freaks us out once again. We cry out to God, What should we do?! Most of the time we do not get that audible answer we so desire. Then we huddle in the corner in fear and confusion. So if I have faith in Christ, why doesn’t He just take the storms away when I cry out? He did for the disciples? But maybe that wasn’t the lesson to be learned….

Here’s a different twist -- what if the disciples hadn’t awakened Jesus? No one would have rebuked the wind or told the waves to calm down. The storm would have raged on, and Jesus would have kept right on napping. Would the boat have capsized? Would it have crashed on the rocks, and the entire group drown? Of course not, that would have not fit God’s plan and certainly would have cut Jesus’ ministry much too short without Him accomplishing His purpose.
Therefore, when Jesus tells the disciples that they have “little faith,” I don’t believe it’s because he wanted them to command the storm to die down themselves and because they didn’t have the faith to do that, the storm continued. He follows it with, “…why are you so afraid?” So isn’t He teaching them that they don’t need faith to make the storm go away, but faith to ride through it without fear? And with Jesus right there with them, their safety was guaranteed. When He actually commanded the storm to stop, He was simply showing them that as God, He did have the power at any time to make it stop.

So what does that mean for us?

• With Jesus near and my faith firmly established in Him, I can ride out any storm that comes my way.
• The Almighty can make that storm go away any time He wants.
  
  I can whine and cry and beg Him to take away the trials I may be facing, but they are going nowhere until He decides it will happen. They are in my life for a purpose – either a consequence of my own making and/or to teach me a lesson I evidently need to learn. Either way, my job is to ride out the trials while sticking as close to my Lord as possible, trusting Him, and doing so without any fear.
  
  The other side of the coin is that maybe the storm is happening because it needs to happen right now. Maybe it’s not a storm at all, it’s just rain nourishing the earth and because I chose to get into a boat at that time, it appears that I am in danger of capsizing. Maybe the Lord even told me to get into the boat. It doesn’t matter; I still need to have faith in Him and His provision for my life. He is trustworthy, and He will see me through any storms that I am in. I obey faithfully; He provides faithfully. Pretty simple equation; tough to live out.
  
  Lord, forgive me when I take my eyes off of You to tremble at the sight of the storm. I will not be afraid. You are my Jehovah-Jireh and provide for my every need.
  
  Further Thoughts:

1. Look up all the Scriptures with the word “afraid” in them. What do they teach us?
2. There are so many more Scriptures with the word “faith” than “afraid.” Look up the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 and memorize it. In fact, read all of Hebrews 11.
3. Sometimes life seems like storms because we are not spending enough, or any, quiet time alone with our Lord. Set aside some time each day to listen to Him and reflect on who He is and what He is saying to you. I think the early morning or the late evening are the best. The world is less chaotic, and I can listen closer.
4. What storm are you facing right now? Specifically define it. Did you cause it? Is there a lesson you are to learn from it? Or is it just raining? Maybe you need to define your boat, too. No matter what, don’t be afraid, just stay near to Jesus.
5. If it’s just raining, did you get in a boat? Did God tell you to get in that boat or did you decide on your own? To obey God, you must have faith that you are right where you belong. He will show you how to handle the storm, or He will take it away. Trust Him.

Matthew 8:1-4 "Faith in His Will"

Read Matthew 8:1-4.

"Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." NIV

This leper reveals so much about what he believes in this one statement. He teaches us how we need to view the Lord every day.

First, he falls down on his knees and calls Jesus "Lord." Now that doesn't necessarily mean that he recognized Jesus as the divine, but he did show Him the respect due one he knew had authority and power.

Next, the man shows deference to Jesus' will. The leper obviously wants to be healed of his disease, but he does not approach Jesus' abilities as if he has a right to them. He humbly is asking according to Jesus' will that he be healed.

And lastly, the leper has faith that Jesus can truly heal him of his disease. His posture, his demeanor, his words all speak of an unwavering faith in the power that the Rabbi possessed.

Each and every day we face trials and difficulties. They come with the territory of fighting a persistent enemy in a fallen world. The question is, do we whine, complain, blame, writhe in our self-pity, and shake our fist in the air? Or do we humbly approach the Master on our knees carrying our pain, blemishes, and needs , with hearts surrendered to His will and with a faith that can move mountains? The leper chose the right path and came away changed forever. The Master touched him, and he was clean.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do you truly believe Jesus is Lord of your life? Compare and contrast Jesus as Savior and He as Lord. What difference does that make in our daily walk with Him?
2. Our submission to the Lord's will can be very different if we see Him as Savior or as Lord. How? Support with Scripture.
3. Why can some people have faith in Jesus to save them from their sins, but not have faith in Him to heal, guide, and command their daily life? Where is the hangup and how is it overcome?
4. Many who encountered Jesus "put their faith in Him." Read John 2:11, 7:31, 8:30, 11:45, 12:11. The entire book of Romans speaks on faith.
5. Faith takes a trust in the Master. Stand on the promises of Proverbs 3:5-6. He never fails.