Trusting God Through Trouble

Trust, what does it mean?

A firm belief or confidence in the honest, integrity, reliability, and justice of another person or thing, faith, reliance...Confidence in a purchaser's intention or future ability to pay for goods...Trustworthiness, loyalty...To commit (to a person's care), entrust (to a person)...To expect confidently, hope.

* To allow someone to do something without fearing the outcome. Delegate, allow help from others.
In God I have put my trust, I will not be afraid, what can man do to me? (Psalm 56:11)

Don't keep trying to find a way out of your troubles. Trust Jesus! Let Him do what He wants to do, in His way and His time. Trust Him, don't fear Him.

* To run into a shelter or hiding place, to seek refuge.
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You, and in the shadow of Your wing I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by (Psalm 57:1).

We feel sheltered in our soul in the presence of God.

* To lean the weigth of your soul on the reliability, integrity, and friendship of another person.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

What are you leaning on? Lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus.

* To take someone at their word. Take God at His Word.
Your Word is truth (John 17:17)

You trust God, But...do you trust Him with your finances? Your crumbling marriage? Your wayward child?

Trust, it will change the way you view things. God makes everything beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We don't see the whole picture, but God does.

A new perspective.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed (2 Corinthains 4:8-9).

Which side of the comma are you living?

For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

How do you really trust God?

1) Feed on His Word. It's fertilizer to help you grow. It's the water, bread, milk, and meat of our lives.
2) Pray for the reign of the Holy Spirit in your life.
3) Pull the weeds of worry, un-forgiveness, bitterness, envy, etc.
4)Guard against the bugs of poor choices, bad habits, unhealthy relationships, negative behaviors, etc.
5) Prepare for a harvest. Don't give up on the process God is taking you through.

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Lean the ladder of your soul upon God, trust Him. Get in His Word.

Trusting God in Life's Changes

Change can be a very good thing. Change is inevitable. Nothing stays the same (Genesis 8:22). There is no growth without change. Some of the greatest things we learn come from pain and difficult times.

How can we allow God to help us grow though change?

Look for God in the change. Don't run from change, seek God. "You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).

Ask for wisdom. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).

Listen for God's whisper. "Now a word was secretly brought to me, and my ear received a whisper of it" (Job 1:12). Be still so you can hear that gentle whisper of God.

Don't ask why, but what. What do you want to show me? What do you want me to learn and do?

Every situation is an education. Don't be a victim, be a victor. Don't be a whiner, be a winner. Grow closer to the character of God. "...we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character hope" (Romans 5:3-4).

Why does life have to be so hard? God wants to change us and we resist change.

Do you resist growth God wants to bring in your life?

Focus on what never changes.

God's love. "The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3).

God's Word. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8).

God's plans. "The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations" (Psalm 33:11).

Don't face change alone. "Two are better than one, because they have good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up...Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand them. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiasted 4:9-10, 12). Accept help from others, don't withdraw and get away. Pride goes before a fall. Grow together.

You need to become a promise person. There are over 7000 promise God wants us to experience. "...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).

Tell God that you will trust Him no matter what! "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job13:15). Hold everything God gives you with an open hand. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.

The pain we go through is not for nothing ~ God is refining our character, making us in His image.

Not my will, but Your will be done Father.

Experience His Rest

View your journey with the Lord as through you were going on a cruise. He wants us to enjoy our journey and to experience continual renewal as we travel. So, we need regular times of replenishment to be strengthened for the different ports to which He leads us. Our journey will extend for a time, not just a season.

It is important that we learn how to experience, along the way, the rest that only God can provide.

Psalm 23:1-3 provides a lovely picture of the rest that God makes possible, even in the midst of busy and hectic lives:

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul, He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

I seen a T-shirt in a catalog that said, "I am woman. I am invincible. I am tired." I'm sure there are many other women who join me in feeling the need to experienc the Lord's rest while we continue on His journey.

From the beginning of creation, God has been concerned about rest fro His children. It is so important that He instituted it in His Law as one of the Ten Commandments: "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God" (Exodus 20:8-10).

The word Sabbath means "rest." This is a day to remember the Lord and to honor Him. It's a day for taking a break from work and enjoying a time of refreshment. In the rhythm of our lives, we need one day out of seven to STOP, BE STILL, WORSHIP, and be RENEWED spiritually and physically.

As much as possible, Sunday is a day for me to rest. Going to church and worship, have a relaxing day resting and reading. It's a great way to get ready for tackling another six days.

Resting one day a week is not a legalism to appease God, but a gift from Him for our benefit. It pleases Him when we accept and enjoy it as He intended.

What does a restful Sunday look like?

Jesus says, "Come to me , all who are weary and heavey laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest fro your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

How can we turn down an invitation like that? To trade in a heavy burden for a light load?

To be taught by the Master Teacher who is humble and meek is a high privilege. To be yoked to our Lord and Savior is a supreme honor! Living the way this relationship offers is refreshing. It's quiet and calm. It's comforting and restoring. It's restful because the Prince of Peace is in the yoke with us.

Are you experiencing the benefits of being yoked with the Lord?

Do you ever experience the Lord's rest in the midst of your busyness?

When our service is the will of God, we have His power to do what He gives us to do. We experience His refreshment in the process of our work that is done for Him.

"Rest in the Lord and wait paitently for Him" (Psalm 37:7). The Lord wants us to trust Him with ALL our hearts, and part of that trust is resting and waiting for His timing. I'm the epitome of impatience. I'm still in the learning process :-)

Joseph had to learn to rest many years as a slave and prisoner.
David who wrote about rest and wait, had to wait years to become king.
Abraham and Sarah waited twenty-five years for the birth of Isaac.
Esther learned to wait overnight before telling her husband about the decree that would destroy the Jews.

God has a time schedule, and He uses what we call delays to produce patience and trust in us, and to accomplish His purposes in establishing His kingdom.

Rest, refreshment, and renewal are healing words. God wants to make them a reality in your life. He Himself will provide everything you need, particularly rest and strength for your daily walk. Receive the freedom He offers you from having to worry about what lies ahead.

Green meadows and peaceful streams are part of your journey. Wear His yoke so that you allow Him to lead you there.

Waiting-A Difficult Life Lesson

When the world ~ or your own heart, tells you to run ahead, God may be telling you to "wait."

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way...(Psalm 37:7)

This kind of waiting doesn't imply idleness or apathy, but a determined stillness. A quiet, expectant, steadfast, and diligent activity that takes place until we receive further instruction.

When we wait for God's clear direction, we keep in step with Him.

As we wait, we place complete trust in Him whether we see results or not. We don't become anxious because we know that God has a divine purpose for telling us to wait.

When we do wait for His clear direction, we are staying in step with Him. He uses the wait time to prepare us for His will, to strengthen our faith, and to shift our motives. Waiting is essential in living a Christian life, walking in obedience, and receiving His blessing.

The truths God teaches us are invaluable and practical because they affect our character development, choices and lifestyle. Their influence reaches way beyond our earthly lifetimes all the way to eternity.

Psalm 27:14 says; "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, Wait, I say, on the Lord." This verse calls for an active choice to be at rest, resting in God and His timing. It's an internal stillness of spirit that stays with you throughout the day.

Waiting is really tough when a situation is stressful or a decision has to be made now. But remember, God has plans for us, and there are instances when He will stop us in our tracks until we do some "internal housecleaning."

The Lord has places to take us, and He knows what baggage needs to be left behind. He is the Master of time and sovereignly works all the specifics of His grand design for humanity. No amount of prayer and fasting will move His hand until He is ready.

Sometimes His delays are to increase our faith. If He instantaneously gave us everything we wanted, we would never learn to walk by faith. When we only have a promise from the Scriptures with no visible evidence to rely on, then our faith is put to the test. Will we believe Him or our circumstances?

When your eyes can't see the evidence, trust what you know is true. Just because we can't see anything happening doesn't mean the Lord is uninvolved (2 Chronicles 16:9).

He promises to hear and answer those who wait patiently for Him and establish their steps (Psalm 40:1), and increased strength (Isaiah 40:31). He promises to strengthen the one who remains still and quiet before Him, actively listening for His still small voice.

I don't know what you are waiting for, but I do know that if you believe what God tells you in His Word and patiently rest in His chioce and timing for your situation, you will experience a new spirit of joy and confidence.

Believe His promises, rest confidently in what He says. For His thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways His ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are His ways higher than your ways and His thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The Fragrance of Christ

I'm sure you have had a negative experience when sharing the good news of Christ. Some people just don't want to hear about Him. Even though your concern is for their eternal life, they usually think your shoving "religion" down their throats.

To help us understand why so many have a negative reaction to our faith, the apostle Paul uses the analogy of a Roman celebration of victory. In his day, when a general returned to Rome after conquering the enemy, he made a triumphal entry and led a parade through town. he rode in a golden chariot surrounded by his officers and followed by his troops. At the end of the procession were the chained captives.

During this pageantry, clouds of inscense floated among the participants and the assembled onlookers as pagan priests carried their censors. To the conquerors, this was the sweet aroma of victory. To the captives, it was the smell of death, for they would soon be killed by wild animals in the arena.

In the same way, we are a sweet fragrance of Christ to one another as we follow in His victory over sin and death. However, to those who don't know Him as Savior, we are reminded of the judgment they dread.

Even though some people will be repulsed by us and our message, we MUST continue to share our hope with gentleness and grace (1 Peter 3:15-16). Paul hated Christians at one time, yet he would be the first to affirm that the Lord can reach a hardened heart and change a captive into a victor!

December – The month for peace

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14)

December brings a chilly, gray looking sky. Colors are muted, and cold weather seems here to stay. Winter solstice arrives toward the end of the month, with the official first day of winter. Even now, days are beginning to lengthen and we can gradually look forward to more daylight.

Though one of the coldest months on our calendar, it is one of the warmest months in our hearts. For it is the month that Jesus was born. He came into the world poor, wrapped in swaddling clothes, His bed a manger. Joseph and Mary, His parents, were far from the comfort of their home the night of His birth, having journeyed to Bethlehem to be counted in a census. Turned away from the inn, they were sent to a stable. There, among common animals, He was born.

The world was changed for all time!

This is a story told many times, but never to grow old. It rings down through centuries, always new and inspiring. For Jesus came to bring peace and love to a weary world. His words and deeds are fresh in our hearts to this very day. The joy of His birth is echoed in the love we share with others.

Sometimes the message of His birth gets lost in commercial trappings of the holiday. It becomes a time of gifts and cards and parties. But we should always remember the real reason for Christmas.

Take time during the holiday festivities to stop and think of Jesus. When His Spirit of Peace becomes a part of our lives, each day will be Christmas, and each night will hold promise of joy in the morning. So find a quiet corner and say a little prayer, a prayer of love and brotherhood for all men.
Usher the old year out by letting your faith shine like a beacon to herald the new year.

Decide right now things are going to be better for you and for your loved ones and that, with God’s help, you will work hard to make it your best year ever!

December 7th – Pearl Harbor Day, the anniversary of the Japanese attack of Pearl

Harbor in 1941, putting the United States into World War ll.

December 25th – Christmas, the birthday of Jesus, and a time for good will toward all men.

December 31st – New Year’s Eve…a time to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new year with anticipation.

The beautiful story of Christmas

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. (Luke 2: 7-14)

Personal Forecast
If you were born in December, you are ambitious and hard working. Your interests are many, and you are curious about many things. You have great self discipline, which makes you a tower of strength to those who depend on you. Don’t be too pessimistic this month. It is a good time to apply yourself, because things will work out well for you if you really try. Your faith in the Lord’s blessings will be rewarded!

A Prayer for December
Dear Lord, I pray now for Your blessing of peace for all mankind, peace that comes from faith we can all work toward a new year of harmony and good will. May everyone be filled with joy in small things, touched by affection and good friends. A truly happy life doesn’t demand wealth or fame. It is sufficient to have enough for each day’s needs, with something left over to share with those less fortunate. It is to be surrounded by dear ones, and to make them glad. It is to love and be loved. To have all this is to be rich beyond measure, and to live in true contentment and peace of mind. This is the month we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Prince of Peace. Let me always remember His lessons, and strive to follow in His way. Teach me to think of other people with understanding, and to live each day fully and trustingly, enfolded in Your love. Please let the coming year find me strong in faith, Lord. Thank You, Precious Father. Amen and Amen.

2010 Angel Card Project

Mark is founder of the Angel Card Project. Every year lots and lots of folks come together to spread a little holiday cheer to those who need it. They join together and all send Holiday cards to the less fortunate, sick, elderly, lonely, and those who just generally need a good cheering up! Many of the people who receive cards from this project might not otherwise have anything to make them smile during the holiday season. This can even include Military Individuals! So they send them Christmas Cards to put a smile on their faces and a nice warm feeling in their hearts. This is strictly a VOLUNTEER project. Mark hosts it every year to give folks an opportunity to give a little something back at Christmas time to folks who deserve it.

We are volunteers this year, helping Mark spread the word. Won't you join us in this blessed event?

Just click on this link: http://www.countrychurchcrafts.com/angelcardproject2010
or the Angel Project Banner to learn how you too can bring a smile into someone's life, sharing Holiday love and smiles.