Tag:

Trust in the Lord

Your Birthright Is Security

by GOD TV June 1, 2022

written by GOD TV

Today I want to talk a little bit about confidence. Now this is a big subject and it’s something that I believe is so important for us as believers to get, and to have instilled within us, because I think we can all agree our nation and all of the nations, we’re in a bit of an identity crisis right now. And I think people in general, they’re looking for truth and they’re looking for security, and most of the time, let’s be honest, we look for security in the wrong thing. We look for security in our jobs, in our relationships, even our governmental structure, we’re looking for security, but I want to remind us as believers that our security comes from only the Lord, and it is the only eternal thing that we get to anchor our security to that never changes, that can never be shaken, that is steadfast and eternal. And I want to read a scripture to you today in Isaiah 54:17, and this is in the Amplified version. It says, “No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the LORD.”

Did you know that your heritage as a believer is security? That’s part of your birthright as a born again believer, is security in the Lord. And I just want to encourage us today, because sometimes we get caught up in putting our hope, putting our trust, because what the word “confidence” means is a firm trust in something or someone. And so I just want to recalibrate our trust, our firm trust and that we are putting that in the Lord and not in earthly things. We’re not putting it in schools and education. We’re not putting it in well-meaning things, relationships and families, but we are putting it on the unshakeable, never-changing strength of God. And I tell you what; I think if we can do that, and if we know whose we are, if we know that we are children of God and our trust and security is anchored in Him, then we won’t have insecurities. We won’t have insecurities. And we will be able to walk confidently with the Lord, knowing what He’s called us to do, knowing how to accomplish that, knowing that He’s a good Father that equips us and gives us everything that we need for the call of God on our lives.

And I want to just tell you today, God is for you and not against you. And I don’t care, whatever our circumstances are, they can never trump the will of God. And I’m telling you right now, He is for you and who shall be against you? Bless you.

________

God Takes You From Stressful To Peaceful

by Lisa van den Berg April 17, 2022

written by Lisa van den Berg

There are times in all of our lives where we think God is telling us to do something and so we go ahead and confidently do it.

We go ‘all in’ and say, “OK God, I’m going to do what You say to do.” Things feel good and everything is just ticking along nicely.

Then, in the middle of our new comfort zone, we start feeling like the season is changing and God wants us to do something else.

Uh oh – the solid ground is shifting!

The feeling that something new is coming continues to grow and the more it does, the wobblier we feel…

This is when we begin to ask ourselves questions like

What does this look like?
What do I do now?
Will I be OK in this change?
How do I know if this will work out well?
How do I know what He’s asking me to do?

And they are all legitimate questions. They’re the kind of questions we need answers to in order to know how to go forward well.

The problem is that we typically ask these questions from a place of fear instead of a place of faith – and this is where the rubber meets the road.

Over the years I have faced so many of these scenarios and I’ve learned to feel the Holy Spirit prompting me to come and talk to Him about it, rather than letting the fear fester and get me down.

So, when a coaching client came to me with this scenario the other day, we decided that we would talk it through with God, together.

As we asked Him what was happening, He revealed that the reason we feel wobbly is because we’re not sure we can trust Him in the change.

While we were processing, Proverbs 3:5-6 popped into my mind and He began to unpack those verses in a way I hadn’t seen them before.

He was actually showing us not only the reason she felt wobbly, but how to get back to a state of peace and trust instead. (I love it when He does this!)

Let’s have a look at these gems

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
Pro 3:5-6 (Amp)

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart

The first step in coming back to peace is really just readjusting yourself.

Ask the Lord, “Lord, I think I’m afraid because I’m not sure that I can trust You. Will you show me how I can trust You? What are You doing in these circumstances that is trustworthy? What can I stand on that won’t shift?”

Remind yourself of the promises of His faithfulness that you can stand on. Remind yourself of all the times He has been trustworthy in the past.

And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

When we feel uncertain, we go into self-defense and self-preservation mode and then we try to work it out ourselves.

We start asking ourselves, “What experience do I have that I can walk in? What knowledge do I have that I know I can take advantage of?” We try to figure things out in our own understanding.

And of course, these verses very clear. It says, do not lean on your own understanding, because it’s so limited and we only know a tiny part in comparison to what God knows.

In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him

Once God has shown us how much we can trust Him, something happens that shifts us into the place of realizing that relying on our own insight and understanding isn’t going to get us anywhere.

Then we get to come back to Him and say, “Oh Lord, thank You. I acknowledge You in all of my ways, Lord. You are the One who is always working things out together for my good. You are the one who knows my past and my present and my future and You’re knitting them all together.” And you begin to just acknowledge that He is God and you are not.

And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

We lean back into trusting Him, not relying on our own understanding, and acknowledging that He is God – and now He can make our paths straight and plain.

So often we try to go straight to step number 4.

We try to ask Him, “Lord, where do we go? What do we do? What does it look like?” – but we’ve missed the first 3 steps.

And the first 3 steps are foundational to Him because He wants our relationship with Him to go deeper. He’s not an ATM that just gives ‘answers on demand’ – He is our loving Father.

When we come from that place of deep relationship, then He delights in revealing where we’re going, what we’re doing and how He will look after us through it all.

So, whenever you find the ground shaky beneath you, whenever you find yourself wobbly – just go back to these verses and stand on them and let the Holy spirit take you on a journey of remembering how much your Father loves to walk through life with you.

___

Connect with Lisa van den Berg at The Ways of Wisdom where she can coach you to confidently hear the voice of God and learn how to get His direction for your life.

April 17, 2022 0 comment

Video

Christian Mindset Shift: What God Thinks About Our Problems…

by Danea Zeigle May 20, 2019

written by Danea Zeigle

We live in a world where cyber bulling is the new norm, bad news is broadcasted more than good news and drama is blown up and celebrated. It’s easy to get preoccupied and become overwhelmed by all the problems around us, especially when we don’t see a solution available. One thing I love to meditate and think about in the Bible is observing how Jesus handled the many “problems” that came His way. I heard a quote once by Bill Johnson that said “Jesus lived carelessly, not in the sense that He was irresponsible but in the sense that he lived a life free of cares.” It really just reminds me again and again that Jesus was our walking display of what it is to have a true revelation of the culture of Heaven, a culture that is rich with endless provisions and grand promises.

“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:27-32)

Now notice the problems that Jesus is addressing in these verses, this is one of the reasons I love this passage so much. Jesus is talking specifically to people who are worried because they are facing an actual problem. Now I think I need to get specific here because nowadays not having the password to the wifi is considered a problem. So let me point this out, I don’t think these people are being dramatic. We’re talking about people that actually worried about not having food, water, and clothes available to them— now that absolutely constitutes as a problem worthy of a considerable freak out! Having necessities are definitely something to be worried about… right?

So here’s the catch, take a look at the passage and notice what Jesus’s solution to the people who are worrying. Verse 32-33 says “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” What a minute, are you guys reading the same thing I just read? Jesus’ solution to the people who are worried about not having their necessities met is to focus on the Kingdom, sell their possessions and give to the needy— not the solution that you’d be pumped to hear about would you? To sell and give your possessions away when you have an abundance is one thing, but in the midst of lack is another. It would be pretty violating to the mind if you had to give away what you have while being worried you won’t have enough wouldn’t it? But I see the ingeniousness behind this response because Jesus knows what needs to change— it’s not the amount of things or securing their necessities, it’s transforming their mindset behind it.

Heaven’s Solutions

There’s two things that strike me in the solution that He is offering, He gives them a new belief and an action to support the new belief. The previous belief system that these people held said— We need to be worried about getting our needs met. Jesus comes and challenges this by saying to them “For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” God has no intention to withhold from us, He actually loves giving good gifts to us! With this solution Jesus is challenging their previous beliefs and also giving a practical action (selling what they already have) that will reinforce and support that new belief. Does that sound harsh to you? Well it shouldn’t because God is more concerned about the state of your relationship with Him above everything else. Also, it’s important to note that Heaven has an abundance of solutions, an abundance of provisions and an abundance of promises which makes problems so minuscule in God’s perspective. The life that Jesus displayed was a life that accurately displayed the unconventionality of how the Kingdom of Heaven goes about solving problems.

Biblical Examples

Example: When Jesus and the disciples owed taxes Jesus told Peter to go fishing. He said when he would catch the first fish he was to look in its mouth for a gold coin to give to Caesar and that was how they were to pay their taxes— Problem solved. (see Matthew 17:24-27)

Example: When Jesus and the disciples were crossing the sea and there was a storm so furious that the wind and the waves were coming upon their boat. The disciples were in a panic but when they found Jesus He was sleeping. Jesus didn’t seem to think this was as big of a problem that the disciples thought. His solution was to simply talk to the weather to change it— Problem solved. (see Mark 4:35-41)

Example: When Jesus was teaching to a giant crowd that hadn’t eaten yet and they were hungry. The disciples didn’t know how they were going to be able to pay to feed them. Jesus’s solutions was to take 7 loaves and a few fish, gave thanks to God and just start multiplying the food. Over 5,000 people were fed until they were full leaving 7 baskets left over— Problem solved. (see Matthew 14:16-20)

Perspective Is Key

I’m convinced that Jesus and Heaven never magnify a problem because with every problem comes so many solutions. I believe that if we had a true revelation of the Fathers love for us, understood the power in the authority He’s given to us and used every spiritual blessing that is available to us that we probably wouldn’t magnify or be overtaken with worry about our problems either.

I’ve really worked hard to adopt a new perspective around the “problems” I face. Instead of immediately reacting with worry or stress by not having a solution right away I’m intentionally trying to sit back and imagine how Father God and Jesus would be responding to the same problem as if it were theirs. Would they be freaking out right now? Would they feel exasperated because there are no solutions? I really don’t think so… Pausing for a moment and thinking about asking myself these questions has transformed so much, things that use to stress me out don’t really stress me out anymore. Instead of being terrified of a problem I almost get excited thinking about how God is going to solve it and show Himself off in the process. Every problem has a bigger and better promise attached to it. I know that my God loves me and He’s orchestrating everything out in a way that’s going to be for my good and give Him glory and with each problem that comes my way I know that He has already attached a Heavenly solution to it. Though I might not know what that solution is this second, I know that His character never changes and He will never let me down.

May 20, 2019 0 comment

Articles

Jesus Is Present In The Storm: Part 2

by Corine Channell April 1, 2019

written by Corine Channell

Jesus asleep in the boat. A visual of peace in the midst of a raging storm. Did He just do that so He could wake up and silence the waves, and instill a new level of faith into His disciples? He DID that. Yes. I also think He did it to teach us that we TOO, can sleep in the MIDST of a raging storm.

We all know what sleep is (or ISN’T, if we have insomnia). In actual definition it is very interesting, in considering Jesus sleeping through a storm. Sleep – “A condition of body and mind in which the nervous system is relatively inactive, eyes closed, muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended.” If you are truly sleeping, it matters NOT what is going on around you on the conscious level.

Jesus was sleeping in the stern of the boat in the middle of a raging storm, eyes closed, nervous system inactive, muscles relaxed, and consciousness NOT on any sort of high alert. The waves were crashing the sides of the boat, the wind was howling, the sky was dark, and it truly seemed they would capsize and…well…die. Remember, the disciples with Jesus were rough and tough fishermen. But even experienced fishermen could not fix the current storm. I assume they tried at least to save themselves. Finally they shouted to Him, “‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ And He got up.” (Mark 4:38)

Stop right here. Rewind.

Peace IN The Storm

What just happened in that sentence? They called on Him, and He responded. He got up from His nap. THEN He stopped the storm. It was truly “just like that”. He “rebuked the wind and said to the waves, Peace. Be still. And the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:39)

First of all, yes – He was Jesus. He could definitely speak to the winds and the waves and they would respond. BUT He then asked the disciples why they were so afraid? Wait. Really? Why would He think they would NOT be afraid? Weren’t they in a sinking boat in a raging storm? Yes.

I wonder if He did ALL of that to show all of us that indeed we can ALL weather ANY storm of life, IF we have faith. It was a faith builder and a living, breathing (sleeping) example. It was Him showing us it is indeed possible to rest during a storm. We can rest because we can trust our Captain. Period.

We TOO can be in a ship that seems headed for disaster. The waves can be brutally crashing against every part of our life and the winds can be mocking us with their howls of destruction. The sky above us can be darkened with not a tiny glistening star in sight. And in those storms we too can learn to sleep.

I would question how this could be true except for I have truly experienced it. I have been in that battered ship, found peace and learned to rest with no fear. At the end of the day, peace is NOT something that comes from the external or the things or people around us. Peace is an inside thing. Totally and completely. And can I add – miraculously! It enables you to weather the storms of life because in your clarity and faith you are able to trust the Captain of your ship. You learn to say “Your will be done” and mean it. You can mean it without question or putting an “if”, “and”, or “but” at the end of it.

THIS! “Your will be done.” This surrender of your own will is the source of peace in the midst of a raging storm.

Remember, the storm is NOT just crashing around you; it makes its way INSIDE of you. It seeks to destroy you from the inside out, long before the boat actually sinks. “I have learned to be content in whatsoever state (or storm) I am in.” I always wondered if that was really true; like – could I REALLY pull that off? In each and every storm I learn a little bit more how to find and HAVE peace. I learn a little bit more how to sleep through the raging waves. I learn a little bit more that Jesus came to be my example. I learn a little bit more how to trust the Captain of my soul. “For You have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall.” (Isaiah 25:4)

Sleep equals peace. Peace equals sleep.

Let God be the Master of the wind and the waves in your life. It’s amazing to surrender your will, your questions, your fears, your uncertainty and your battered being, and exchange it for peace. “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)

Don’t jump ship. Have faith in your Captain. Catch a few Z’s. He’s got this!

#ThyWillBeDone

Also see: Jesus Is Present In The Storm

April 1, 2019 1 comment

Faith

The 5th Gospel?

by Mel Taylor January 24, 2019

written by Mel Taylor

No… There isn’t a fifth Gospel. But, if there was one – would you want your life story to be in it? Would you be pleased with what the Lord would write about you? Would it speak to the masses of how great you follow God? Would it show how you give in your life in all things? Maybe not? Probably not. That’s because you’re more than likely, like the rest of us. We come with mistakes. We come with great tragedy. Even complete failures exist in the pages of our lives. Isn’t that what we see when we read the scriptures? We don’t see how all of the followers of Christ, had it all together. We see quite the opposite.

God wants you

In Exodus chapter 2, we see people like Moses. A man who fled to the back side of a desert to escape punishment for taking the life of another man.Yet, we also see God follow him there (chapter 3), and watch over him until the time came to use him as a great minister to deliver His people. He set them free from the bondage of slavery. Don’t you think God can use you as well, to deliver some, in your life. I’m certain there are people in your circle of life that no one else can reach.

You could be king

The Bible speaks in 2^nd Samuel 11, of King David. An adulterer, and one who used his power to take what didn’t belong to him – another man’s wife. He then had her husband killed, in the heat of battle. Yet we see him rise up from that, to be truly what God saw in him from the beginning. A man after God’s own heart. He would go on to rule in Israel for nearly 40 years. He would be revered as one of the greatest kings, if not the greatest king, to ever take the throne. You never know what God has planned for you. You may not see it today, but you could be the next Billy Graham, or a great pastor of the next mega church. Most of them never dreamed they’d be there. But God knew.

Don’t give up – your mistakes can teach others

Finally, we have Peter. This man did one of the greatest wrong doings in Biblical history. He turned away from the Lord (see Matthew 26). He denied that he even knew him. He ran away in shame to hide himself. But, God poured out his Spirit upon him and suddenly a great man of God rose from the ranks to lead close to 3000 to Christ in his first sermon. Nearly 5000, just a few days later. If you could ask Peter if he ever thought that would happen after turning away that day he left – what would his response be? I’m sure he’d say, “No way.” Yet, God knew all the time. He had a plan for his life, and we see his story in the gospels nearly 2000 years later.

Trust God with your life (He’s good at this)

So, what would God put in the fifth gospel about you? Would He say you did a lot of things wrong? Would he say you didn’t stand for Him in the face of opposition? Would He say you completely denied Him at all times? Well, if we are honest with ourselves, we could all have those statements placed upon us. But, I have seen God use me for good in places I never dreamed. I never thought, coming from a small town, that I would ever do large revivals and see the altars and the aisles packed with people. I would never have thought that he would use me to establish churches. Or go into prisons and walk beside people who were stone-cold killers, using me to lead them to Christ. It was never my abilities that did any of this. It was only my availability. I found if I would avail myself to him, then He could put His ability to work through me. Simple obedience can lead people into an eternal relationship with the almighty Creator Himself.

If I was written in the fifth Gospel…would there be failures? Absolutely! Places of brokenness for my mistakes? Of course. But, there would be lessons learned, and mostly I would see He could really use anyone…just in simple obedience. Trust me, friends. He could do these things and more with you. Just simply trust him with your whole being.

January 24, 2019 0 comment

Articles

A Season of Transition

by Brian Taylor December 7, 2018

written by Brian Taylor

It has occurred to me that many people today are in the midst of a transition. Children may be changing to a new grade in school or changing schools entirely. Adults may be transitioning from one economic status to another, one job status to another, or moving from one city to another. Some are changing churches while others are changing the way they think about a given situation as they approach a certain stage of life. Whatever the cause of the transition, one thing is for certain: the transition is often an uncomfortable place filled with many unknown factors.

When Joshua heard the word from the Lord that, “Moses My servant is dead,” it presented a moment of transition for him that must have been quite unsettling. Sure, Joshua had been a great warrior, a right-hand person to Moses as he led the people through the wilderness. He was a great friend to Caleb who, like himself, believed that they could do anything if God asked of them. However, this moment of transition was different for him. This was the first time he was the elder in the community, as everyone other than Caleb was a generation younger than they were. He had not known what it would be like to lead a people without being able to turn to Moses for confirmation. He was solely leaning on the Lord.

Like Joshua, as we are going through whatever transition that we are facing, we have to remember that we do not face it completely alone. We have a God who hears and will keep us in peace as we lean on Him at times of uncertainty. While the ground beneath us may feel unstable, He is our rock of stability and a sure foundation that will sustain us when everything else around us is shaking. He is our light when all around us looks dark and uncertain.

Take a page from the book of Joshua and “Fear not!”

Let this be a time where you become courageous. Dare to step boldly toward the place of God’s leading. He has never failed you before and He will not leave you on your own. It is a new day and a new opportunity to see what lies ahead.

When Christ came on the scene, it marked a great moment of transition once again for the people of Israel. It not only signified that God was with them, but it also signified that the Kingdom had indeed come. When Christ arose from the dead, it too signaled a transition for them. They were invited to have a part in the God’s Kingdom agenda restoring the operation of God’s Kingdom on Earth wherever they went. On the day of Pentecost, that invitation extended beyond the people of Israel to the nations.

Since that day, we have all faced a transition of one sort or another. With each transition, it is an opportunity to go higher, dig deeper, stand taller, be bolder, be more courageous, and become more fearless. Wherever you are in your life’s journey and whatever God has called you to during the transition that you are facing, know that God is by your side and ready to lead you through it as you show forth His kingdom in all you do.

December 7, 2018 0 comment