Tag Archives: Trust

Confessions of a Worrier

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I heard an old joke about worrying that I really like. I know that my worrying must work because 99% of the things that I worry about never happen.

So, obviously it’s my worrying that keeps these things from happening, right? That’s what it’s got to be right?

Or perhaps, it’s something else. Perhaps my worrying is my way of wanting control. My lack of trust. My lack of faith.

I confess to you that I’m a worrier. I come from a family or worrier. It’s just what we do. We worry.

I worry about things that I can control. I worry about things that I can’t control. I worry about myself. My family. My church. My friends. I worry.

So, even if you don’t need to hear this passage this morning – I do. Listen to what Jesus says today in Matthew 6:31-34:

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

It’s kind of like we talked about yesterday, are we focusing on the things that are eternal and will last, or are we focusing on the things that are temporary and that are passing? Are we worrying about the things that are fleeting and passing, or are we seeking God’s kingdom first.

If we seek God’s kingdom first, seek His will first, seek His way first, seek Him first, we will find the things that we worry about are filled.

But, if we just worry. And worry. And worry. And worry. And don’t seek God, we will not find what we are worrying about. And we won’t find Him either.

Today, don’t worry. I know. I know. This is a pot calling the kettle black situation. I know. But trust me. Seek His will. Seek His way. Seek Him. And He will take care of the rest.

Seek the kingdom first. And all these things will be added. That’s His promise. Let’s trust in it today.

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.

Keeping Perspective

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Sometimes in life, we can think that the stress of this exact moment is the worst thing in all of human history and in all of creation. Nothing, nothing, nothing could ever be worse that this.

The world is ended. It is over. It is finished. It just is.

Sometimes in that moment, we loose the gift of perspective. We really cane lose that and forget how things really are, and how things really work.

Now there are some things that are truly and utterly life changing, things that rock our world, shake our core and change the direction of our lives.

There are those moments.

And there are the other moments, the rest of the moments that define our lives. And these moments that cause of great stress, stop and think for a moment. This event. This time, this thing.

Will it matter in a year? Will you remember it in a year? Will it be important in a year. What will it matter in the scope of eternity.

Listen to what it says in Psalm 102:11-12:

My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass. But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations.

Our days are finite. Our days are limited. We are just a shadow that is here for a moment, and then is gone. What are our lives in the scope of eternity.

So, this issue that you are worried about, what is it in the scope of eternity?

Keep your perspective. Remember what is important. Remember what counts. Don’t get bogged down on these things.

And here’s the really cool thing. Yes, our lives are fleeting. They are short. They are small. And God Almighty that knows all, sees all, understands all, knows you.

Knows the hairs upon your head. Knows your thoughts, your dreams, your hopes.

Knows and loves you.

We may seem insignificant. But to the God of the universe, we matter a great deal. So, keep your problems in perspective. And know that the God of creation knows you, loves you, and will be with you.

And that’s bigger than any problem we face!

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.

God is Able

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In life, it doesn’t always look like things will turn out our way. It may look like the road we are walking down will lead to the place we’d like to be.

We feel hopeless and we feel like it won’t work out for our best and for the way that we would like.

We think, man how can God fix this? How can this turn around? How can God make something good out of this.

What can God do?

Today, friends, I tell you, God is able. No matter what is happening in your world, in your life, no matter how bad it may look, God is able.

Listen to what Paul says today in Romans 4:18-21 about Abraham.

In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”  He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

Abraham was promised that he would be the father of many nations. He was promised by God that he would be a light to the Gentiles.

But, it took a long time coming. He was promised a son, but it didn’t come on his schedule, it came on God’s schedule. It didn’t come on his time, it came on God’s time.

And he still believed. He still believed that God would keep His word, and do what He said He would do, even when the timing and schedule was not what he wanted.

He knew, that no matter what, God is able. He trusted God.

Today, no matter what is going on in your life, God is able. He is.

Trust. God is good, He is merciful, He is good. Have faith.

Even if it looks hard and tough ahead, God is able. Believe in Him. Trust in Him.

He will not fail you. He won’t. He is able.

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.

The Unknown

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Sometimes in life, we don’t know what the future holds. Well, actually, at all times in life, we don’t know what the future holds.

None of us have an understanding of what is in store for us in the days to come. We may have an idea. We may have a notion. But none of us are sure as to what the future may hold.

And that can be scary. That can worrisome. I may not like what the future holds. It may be something that I’m unsure of.

Even if I’m in a situation that I may not like. Even if I know I’m somewhere that I don’t need to be.

Sometimes the fear of the unknown is greater than the fear or the pain of where we may be.

Sometimes we are afraid to jump because we don’t know where we will land.

Listen to what happens to the people of God today in Exodus 16:2-3:

And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

They didn’t like slavery. But, they were now afraid of the future. And as much as they didn’t like being slaves, they were afraid of the future and afraid of the unknown. And they were willing to go back to slavery, instead of jumping to the unknown.

Today, I don’t know the future. I don’t know all the details of what will happen. I’m unsure of the future. There are many, many things that I don’t know. That are unknown.

But, there is this that is known. God. He is good. He loves us. He will not forsake us. We are His. He will not leave.

So, even in the unknown, trust what is known. God.

Today, even if you are afraid, and don’t know what the future holds, know who holds that future. God.

Trust in Him, even in the unknown.

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.

When Words Fail Us

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This past weekend at Camp Wesley Pines, all the families were sitting around eating ice cream and the camp director asked me if I liked to hunt.

I told him I have no problem at all with eating deer, or squirrel, or rabbit, or whatever. I just can’t think of a more miserable activity (for me) than hunting.

Because in my limited experience hunting involved a whole lot of sitting still and being quiet. And those are two thing that I do very, very poorly. The idea of being still and quiet for hours on end sounds like pure torture to me.

But, as much as I hate being still and quiet, there are times, times of prayer, times of reflection, times of awe, times of hurt, times of mystery when we just come before God, and we are quiet.

Our words fail us. We don’t know what to say. And you know what? That’s ok. Listen to what Paul says in Romans 8:26-27:

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

God knows your needs. God knows your hurts. God knows your pains. God knows your fears.

God knows.

When you are at a loss for words, God knows. When you don’t know what you need, God knows. When you aren’t even sure what to pray for, what do, what to say or how to say it, God knows.

Today, you don’t have to worry about what you have to say to God. Just come before Him. Sit before Him. Come into His presence.

And even be quiet, if you want. You don’t have to say anything at all.

Sometimes the most important prayers have the fewest words said. God knows what we need. May come before Him today with joy, hope, and peace.

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.

Don’t Settle for Crumbs

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Today, we ready the story of Jesus feeding the 4000. Jesus actually feeds a lot people in ministry. Here, He feeds the 4000. Elsewhere in Scripture, He feeds that 5000. There are lots of folks that get fed by Jesus in the Bible.

And, when we look at this story, we could look at it in so many different ways. We can see so many different things. That’s the beauty of the Bible, to me, we can read the same passage over and over again, and have the Holy Spirit reveal something different every time.  Listen to what we hear in Matthew 15:34-38:

And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” And directing the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.

Today, as I was reading this passage what struck me was the amount of food that was left over.

This meal started with 7 loaves and some fish. That’s not much. And look what is left. Seven baskets.

So, 7 loaves (and fish) turns into 7 baskets. Wow. that’s amazing.

And that’s what God does for you. And for me. He gives us more than enough.

He takes care of our needs, in ways that we don’t even this is possible.

Even if it doesn’t look like it. When they were hungry and waiting, the people probably just would have settle for crumbs.

Instead, Jesus wanted to give them a feast. He wanted them to have not just enough. He wanted them to have an abundance. So does He for you today.

Maybe it’s not an abundance of possessions (and it’s probably not!) but an abundance of grace. Of love. Of mercy. Of forgiveness. Of service.

Of life.

Today, God wants the best for you. He wants you to really and truly live.

But, just like in the text, that life flows only from Jesus. Today, feast on His goodness and mercy.

Don’t settle for crumbs. Seize His life. And life in abundance He has for you!

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.

Do Not Be Afraid

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Paul in his ministry did a lot of pretty scary things. He went to some pretty rough places. He faced down some pretty tough dudes.

He was willing to do all of this, because He had a passion, a calling a desire to take the good news of Jesus’ love, mercy, and salvation to as many people as He could and as far away as He could.

Yesterday, we talked about what we are here for. What our purpose is. Paul knew what his was.

But, here’s the thing. Just because you know what God’s called you to, just because you are aware of what He wants you to do, just because you may be confident in this, it doesn’t mean you won’t be scared.

In our lives, we will be scared of something. We will be worried about something. We will be afraid.

Of life. Of challenges. Of circumstances. Of, whatever.

Listen to what Jesus tells Paul today in Acts 18:9-11 , as he goes about his calling:

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

Do not be afraid. No one will harm you. I have more on my side than just you.

Remember, God has more up His sleeve than just me and you. God’s plan is bigger than us. We are part of it. But, the entire fate of the free world doesn’t rest upon your shoulders.

Today, don’t be afraid. Don’t fear. No matter what you are facing. No matter what you are up against. God is with you.

He loves you. He will not forsake you.

He will not forget you.

He is with you. He is for you. He loves you.

Today, no matter what is going on, here the words of Jesus to Paul – Do not be afraid.

Today, and each day, He is with you.

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.

Enough for Today

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We see in the story of the Exodus God call the people out of slavery in Egypt at. And that’s great. Except for this. In Egypt, while tough and slaves, the people at least had enough food to eat. The people at least has shelter. The people at least knew where the next meal would come from.

They were slaves, but at least they had these things.

Now, they are free. But, they are worried. They are free, but where will their food come from. They are free, but where will their food come from? Where will their provision come from? Where will their needs come from?

Look at what happens in Exodus 16:4-5:

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.”

The Lord sends them food. He sends them bread from heaven. He sends them what they need. He takes care of them. He gives them what they need.

For that day.

He provides for them. But they have to learn to trust. He gives them enough for that day. He gives them what they need for that day. He takes care of their needs for that day.

He is teaching them to trust. In that day.

Just as He teaches us to trust. In today. God gives us enough for today. He will gives us what we need. We have to trust Him.

For today.

And know that He will take care of our tomorrow. He will not leave nor forsake us. He will meet our needs today.

He will give us enough for today.

And He will give us enough for tomorrow. Trust in Him. Have faith in Him. He will take care of you.

He will gives us what we need.

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.

What Does God Want From You?

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Yesterday we talked about how Jesus was what really mattered in our lives. As important as theology is, Jesus is what matters the most. He is the foundation, He is the rock, He is what counts and what everything comes down to.

Today, we look at what a life following Jesus is based upon. Look what Paul says today here in Romans 1:16-17:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

He says that he is not ashamed of the Gospel, it’s the power of God.

But here, here is the key – the righteous shall live by faith. Not by works. Not by anything you can do. No by anything you can earn. Faith.

We are people of faith. Our lives, our walk with God, everything starts with faith. Paul says later on in Romans – if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth, you shall be saved.

Belief. Faith.

What does God want from you? Faith. It all starts with faith. If we have faith, if God is pleased with us.

Why? Because faith is dependence upon Him. Faith says, there is someone bigger and stronger than me, and I trust in them. Faith says that there is a rock higher than I that I trust Him. Faith says I throw myself upon. Faith says it’s all about Him.

That’s where salvation starts. That’s where our walk with Him starts. That’s where it all starts.

Faith. The bible says without faith, it’s impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). But with faith, we know the assurance of salvation.

What does God want from you today? Faith. Dependance upon Him. Trust in Him. A childlike humble belief in Him. Faith.

Today, may we really be a people of faith. May we trust in Him, in each moment of day today.

And in that faith, may we find the joy of salvation.

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.

Confidence

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In this passage, we see Stephen seized by folks that lying against him. He is preaching about Jesus and doing everything in his power to be faithful to God and God’s calling upon his life.  Listent to this story in Acts 6:13-15:

and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

And in the course of doing this, he is arrested, he is hauled into court, and it is going to eventually be put to death for his faith.

And so, we look at him here in court, and what do we see? We see that they saw his face was like an angel. Bad stuff was happening to him and fixing to happen to him. But here, at this moment, what do we see? We see his face shining like and angel.

Why?

Confidence. He knew that God had this. He knew that God had it under control. He knew that God had this one. He probably had no idea what was to come, but he knew that God was in control anda God would take care of it.

He trusted in God more than he was afraid of his situation. He had confidence in God, God’s plan, God’s will, and God’s grace. He trusted in Him.

Today, so can we. God’s got this. Even in the tough situations, even in the times of trial, even in the times of worry, even in the times of stress.

We can have confidence. God’s got this. Trust. Hope. Have peace. He’s got this. And if we trust, even in those tough times, we will find that His grace is enough.

Today, and each day. Today, we can trust. Today, we can have confidence.

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.