Cast Your Cares

“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?...Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”   Matthew 6:27, 34

Jesus addresses many things in Matthew 6:27-34; my focus is on the sin of worry. We often don’t call it a sin because we mostly see worry as something that shows we are concerned and care about someone or a situation, but when we don’t relinquish to God our cares and concern, they most often slide the slippery slope right down into worry and anxiety.

WALK AS JESUS WALKED

"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

 About 12 years ago I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis (degenerative disk disease). By the mercy of God, chiropractic care and monthly massages, I have managed to be very nearly pain free for all these years. But last August, I started to have some problems with my left leg and one morning I woke up and was not able to walk from my bedroom to the next room. The pain in my left leg was excruciating. It was a Saturday, so I was not able to see the chiropractor until Monday, and even then he couldn’t do anything for me, the pain and inflammation was too intense. He suggested a doctor’s visit for some prednisone. To make a long story short, after two rounds of prednisone, I still could not walk or stand for longer than a minute because of intense pain. My quality of life became greatly diminished.

 During this time, I started to seek the Lord regarding this matter. He spoke to me very quietly and graciously about my “walk” with Him. He gave me the Scripture quoted above. I started asking Him – how am I not walking “even as he walked?” The Lord answered that question and began showing me areas in my life where I was not walking as He walked.

 The Greek word for walk or walked in this verse is peripateo and it means “to tread all around; walk at large; live; be occupied with.” Basically, it means how you live your life, how you walk out your life daily.  Is it in His presence or apart from His presence? I began asking the Lord to help me walk as Jesus walked; to help me live as Jesus lived.

 The Lord started revealing areas of pride in my heart and a lack of humility. The pain in my heart became much greater than any pain I had felt in my leg.

 The Word says, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.  James 4:6, 10

 And just in case we missed it the first time, He pretty much repeats it again in 1 Peter 5:5-7 -  “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

 Don’t miss this – “God resisteth the proud…” I’m sure you remember - pride is what got Lucifer kicked out of heaven! This is no small thing. I remember saying something to the Lord to the effect – “God, I’m 71 years old and I have been a Christian for 47 years; how did I miss this?”

 Looking back, I don’t think I completely missed this. I just think God was taking me around the same old mountain because there was much more I needed to learn!

 Shortly after this, the Lord placed a small book in my hands, appropriately titled, Humbled, Welcoming the Uncomfortable Work of God.

 An uncomfortable work it truly is! But I don’t want to be in a position for very long where God is actively resisting me.

 I am learning that humility is the essential ingredient in relationships – with the Lord and with people. Scripture speaks extensively about “preferring one another in the Lord,” “esteeming one another as better than ourselves,” and there are many more, but I think you get the picture.

 When Adam and Eve ate the fruit, all of a sudden they realized they were naked; their sin was exposed – the sin of pride. Satan had tempted them with the promise that they could be like God. “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5

 And God continues to this day to reveal our sin, my sin, of pride because of the damage it does to relationship! Adam and Eve’s awareness of their sin caused them to hide from God and the sin of pride still does that to us today. It separates us from God and effectively separates us from others, too, in the process.

 I thank God He is making me more aware of how this sin affects my daily life. This is a life-long school I’m enrolled in. I thank God that He hasn’t left me in that place of pride and I thank Him that because of Jesus “the goodness of God…. leadeth thee to repentance.” (Romans 2:4)

 My heart’s desire is to “walk even as He walked.”  And just exactly how did Jesus walk?

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” Philippians 2:5-9

 There it is right there – the very fulfillment of the Scriptures we read in James and 1 Peter. He is our greatest example.

One of my humorous responses when someone is trying to teach me or show me something new is, “You can teach an old dog new tricks – it just takes a little longer!”

 I thank God He’s willing to spend my life teaching me. 

COME AND SEE

“And the two disciples heard him [John the Baptist] speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi (Master), where do you live? He said unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.”  John 1:37-39

 

This scripture is one I’ve gone back to time and again over the past several months, maybe even a year. I keep hearing Jesus say to me, “Come and see” at various times and in many different situations.

The first thing that strikes me in this passage is that Jesus turned around and willingly engaged with the disciples. They were just following Him and at that point, had not required anything of Him, had not even spoken to Him, yet He turned around and actively engaged with them. My paraphrase of what He asked them – What do you want? In other words, why are you following me?

It’s also interesting to me that they didn’t directly answer His question. I wonder if perhaps they didn’t know how to answer that question or even know themselves what they wanted from Him or why they were following Him. They didn’t even really know or understand who exactly He was yet. But what they said to Him, instead of answering His question, was another question – “where do you live?” I’ve pondered that a lot. What kind of question is that and why would they want to know? Did where He lived even matter?

But He didn’t seem to find this question strange. He simply said “Come and see.” He invited them to come and see. So not only did He willingly engage with them, He invited them into His world. In our world, we wouldn’t often invite someone we just met into our home, but He did.

And yet,

 

Isn’t this the invitation He gives us every day?

Isn’t this what He says to us every day?

Come and see where I live.

Come into my world.

Come and abide with me.

To me, this whole scripture is an invitation to abide with Him and in Him. I think much and pray much about abiding in Him. It’s where I most long to be, but it’s also the place I walk away from more often than not. I usually spend the first part of my day in His presence, praying, reading, seeking and worshiping, but then I leave the “secret place,” walk into the world and find myself sometimes forgetting what I just shared with Him and what He just shared with me. I walk away from Him and into the cares of my world, forgetting that He goes with me.

 Yet Jesus continues to invite me to “come and see.” He invites me to come into His world and dwell there with Him.  In all situations I face…running errands, doctor’s appointments, luncheon dates, shopping, interacting with people, difficult situations, etc., He invites me into His world as I walk through them. He is with me 24/7 and wants me to be aware of His presence. That’s the key – to be aware. He wants me to abide in Him through all my day so when I deal with difficult people, difficult situations, etc, I’m aware of Him and what He would have me do. I need to be aware that He is right there with me and is helping me via the Holy Spirit to handle all that is placed in my path.

 The disciples “came and saw where he dwelt and abode with him.” He wants us to come and see where He lives, where He sits at the right hand of God and dwell with Him, abide in His presence; have an awareness of His presence. He does not just come to us when we ask him; in fact, we have no need to ask Him, because He’s already there right with us, in us. We don’t need to pray or sing to conjure up His presence. His presence is always with us. What we need, what I need, is a continual awareness of that; an abiding awareness. I need to learn to dwell with Him.

 “Come and see” with me.

Your Heart, Not the Country

Since Election Day, I have seen first hand and read about the relief people all over the United States are feeling because of the results of the election.  One person on social media captioned a picture of herself sitting in the woods by a stream,  "For the first time in a long time. Embracing peace."

Relief has been expressed and peace has been found because the assumption is that now all the fighting will stop and dignity will return to the White House. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, I'd like to address this.

Many, Christians and non-Christians alike, are weary of all the fighting, constant bickering, name calling, etc which has flooded our country the past 4 years. We are weary of opposing forces constantly eroding our peace. I understand, I have felt the same way. In the midst of my prayer time, God dropped this encouragement into my heart the other day and I wanted to share it with you.

The viewpoint of most Christians is that the opposition we've seen has been generated by the forces of evil unleashed against the forces of good. This may sound simplistic to many, but it's the central theme of the Word of God. The Word of God and His truth is always being opposed. So, from that viewpoint, I submit that while it may look like the fighting will stop going forward with a new administration overseeing the United States, the enemy of our souls will never stop opposing the Word of God and His truth.

A Christian is engaged in warfare 24/7.  Every. Single. Day. 

We can never stop fighting unrighteousness wherever we encounter it. But our first battleground is our own hearts. Ephesians 6 tells us that we don't wrestle against flesh and blood and because we don't, the battle is never over. We fight powers, principalities and wickedness in high places. And those evil forces will not stop until Jesus comes to reign and rule permanently here on earth. Those forces will continually wage war in the hearts of man. If you have a relationship with Jesus, he will constantly and consistently seek to undermine your faith. If you are not in relationship with Jesus, he will constantly and consistently work to keep the truth hidden from you.

In Matthew 24, verses 3 and 4, the disciples asked Jesus, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you."  

Now, I'm not saying this is the end of the world, but surely we are closer now than ever before. But what stands out to me in these verses is what Jesus said first and foremost - "take heed that no man deceive you." We should pay close attention to these words, because they imply that we can be deceived. Many other scriptures back this up. Applying this to today, we can be deceived into thinking that a mere man can control our freedoms; we can be deceived into believing that a mere man can mandate our future in our freedom to worship our God; we can be deceived into thinking that because the "right" man wasn't elected, all is lost; we can be deceived into believing that God is not hearing or answering our prayers, or thinking, what is taking Him so long to move on our behalf? In other words, doubt and unbelief can creep in and deceive us from the true character we know is found in our God.

So, right now, our fight is not for the presidency of the United States or for the soul of our country, although we should continue to pray that God will expose corruption and reveal truth, our fight is for the peace of our own souls. 

Are you in a state of fear and anxiety because of the election results? Stop praying for the election results and start praying for yourself, confess your fear and anxiety to Him and pray that your peace and trust would be restored in God our Father. He never slumbers nor sleeps and He is not surprised about what is happening here. But I believe He's more concerned about the state of your heart than He is the result of our elections.

While opposing forces offer peace, it is only a temporary peace, because that peace is placed in the person who holds the presidency. Our peace lies in knowing the One who controls the universe. The peace that He offers is found not apart from chaos, but in the midst of chaos!

While I have continued to pray for our president and our country, I have stopped watching the news and most videos and am very selective in the articles I read. It is all speculation and opinions of man, pure lies at times and most times, just plain bad journalism and it only serves to erode my peace. I have fixed my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, and I encourage you to do the same. Neither Donald Trump nor Joe Biden is my savior. Neither holds my future in their hands; neither contains my peace. Only Jesus is big enough to do that.

Let us be more concerned about our walk and relationship with Jesus than anything going on in our country right now. In the words of Paul,

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your   requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."    Philippians 4:6-8

Who Is Our Source?

Disclaimer:  This is NOT a political post, but the example I begin with is necessary because it's what started my thoughts going in this direction.

So, a few weeks ago I came across a post on social media; it was actually a news feed - a certain political figure was blaming our president for the coronavirus. I'm sure he spoke out of genuine concern and frustration, but he said if our president didn't do something, thousands of people would die. I actually responded to that news feed with this comment: "Trump is not God. You are looking to the wrong source." Just what do we expect him to do? Wave a magic wand and it will be all over?

After I posted this, my thoughts kept coming back to it. I started asking myself these questions: Who is my source? Who am I turning to during this outbreak? Do I expect the president and our government to stop this pandemic? Do I look to them for solutions when I should be looking to the Lord? Am I looking to the supermarket for my provisions? Am I looking to the government for my financial needs to be met? Am I looking to the stock market to keep my retirement funds secure? Am I looking to outside resources for my sustenance? WHO is my source?

I think we can all agree that this situation is totally out of anyone's control. President Trump can't stop the spread of the virus, neither can we. No scientist, no medical expert, no pastor or even a great man of God, can stop the spread. There are definitely steps that we can and should take to help prevent the spread, but we can't control it. This is something completely beyond our control. And that is what is so frustrating for people. And because of our frustration, we are pointing fingers and demanding that someone, anyone do something about it. But no one can!! We are looking to the wrong source.

I admit I have been through many conflicting emotions in the 32 days I have been in quarantine. I have been angry, worried, judgmental, in denial, wondering about the future. I have disagreed with some of the calls of government officials and in agreement with others. I understand both sides of the issue and right now I'm frustrated thinking things economically will only get worse. Even though the spread of Covid-19 is on the decline and most states are now looking to get back to a new normal,  the days ahead still don't look that promising. But then, the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit brings me back to the true Source and the only Source that can give me peace.  "He will keep in perfect peace, he whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusts in thee." Isaiah 26:3

When I come back to the true Source, I find peace and assurance that God IS in control. This pandemic did not take Him by surprise. I believe He is a good God, so I believe He will create good out of this bad.

If I believe that God is my Source, then I need to trust that He knows my needs and He will provide for them. In this moment in time, I have all I need. And I turn to God and say, "I don't need more at this moment, but when I do, I trust that you will provide at just that moment."

Most of us have cell phones and they come with chargers, but it takes more than just plugging the charger cord into the phone. We have to plug it into the source of electricity in order for it to be charged and usable again. It's not enough to know there's a God; it's not enough to have a charger cord; we have to use it.

Jesus expressed it this way - "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without me you can do nothing." John 15:4, 5

The charger cord cannot produce electricity unless it is plugged into the source and we cannot produce fruit unless we are plugged into our Source - the source that produces the fruit of peace in the midst of anxiety.

May we always seek from our true source. Lord, help me!

God's Response to Our Prayer

Do you find yourself praying more these days? I know I do. There are so many thoughts that run through my mind in any given hour. God, at times, floods my heart with Scriptures assuring me of His presence and His peace.

Yesterday I had errands to run and I found myself feeling guilty that I was outside of my house. I kept thinking the "gestapo" was going to stop me at any moment and direct me back home!  This morning I got up from my nice warm bed at 6:15am so I could shop Senior Hour at my local supermarket. They open from 6-7am exclusively for Seniors and those with compromised autoimmune systems. As I was driving there, in the dark, I might add, I thought, what kind of a world do I now live in that I have to do my shopping at this time of day? How did I get here, Lord, I wondered?

I awake in the morning and wonder how I am going to fill all the hours of my day. I find myself becoming lazy and undisciplined. The less I do, the less I want to do. How can I go on for 3 more weeks?  I realize how soft I've become, how accustomed I've become to the flesh-satisfying enticements of this world.

As I pray, I'm reminded to be thankful. I'm reminded of the blessings I have - a warm house to shelter in, a refrigerator and cupboards full with provision, a soft comfortable bed to lay down in at night, a TV, a cell phone and a Kindle to provide entertainment and blessed connection to those I can't be with right now. My family and I are still healthy and soldiering on. I'm reminded it could be so much worse.  It could be so, so much worse!

Tonight as I was reading my nightly devotions, the Scripture reference was Psalm 18. Psalm 18 is one of my favorite Scriptures. I just wanted to share part of it with you to encourage you as it has, once again, encouraged me. I love the word picture it gives:

Ponder these words:

"In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry. Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him. He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under his feet. He rode on a cherub and flew; he came swiftly on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him, thick clouds dark with water. Out of the brightness before him hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds. The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice, hailstones and coals of fire. And he sent out his arrows and scattered them; he flashed forth lightnings and routed them. Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He brought me into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me."  vs 6-19

Do you see the picture here? Do you see how God responds when we call out to Him? Do you see that God is angry at what distresses us? He fights our enemies from the heavenlies. He does battle on our behalf; He rescues us - because He delights in us!! This was such a reminder to me of the fact that He does hear and answer my prayer; He is moved into action when I call upon Him. I may not see with my eyes in that moment what He is doing, but I can know that He is responding.

Remember as you spend time in more concentrated prayer during these trying times in our nation, that your prayers are not for nought. God hears, He listens and He responds! Think of this word picture the next time you pray. Whether you are praying for personal concerns, for our government officials, for the church or for the sick in our nation and around the world, God hears and is moved by our cries for help.

Read this entire Psalm when you have time. It is such an encouragement of God's care for us, at all times. Let it inspire you to pray and spend time in His presence.

My Christmas Prayer

Dear Faithful God:

The wonder of this season sometimes escapes me. I am too familiar with this story so I often overlook so much that isn't said; so much that isn't part of "the story."