Monthly Archives: January 2020

The freezing cold could not stop this stream from flowing from its source, don’t let circumstances slow you from trusting the Father…

This text just struck me in a fresh way… especially the last clause:

“”All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭ESV)

This shows me in a clear manner that it is up to me to keep myself from being controlled by the things of this world. To do this I must run daily to the throne of grace. May God have mercy.

… is eternal, he is beyond, he is Jesus and is God, the Son…

Look not only for what it says about humanity, and God’s interaction with humanity.

Look also – look purposefully for – those truths, reminders and instruction about the greatness of God!

As we focus on the greatness of God, we will see the bigger picture of him, his power, his holiness, and his mercy.

Then we can lay down our needs and trust him in all circumstances.

I’m prideful.

I think too highly of myself. (This is no revelation to those who know me well.)

Firmly aware of this battle (see Rom. 7:25-8:1), I meditate regularly on Romans 12:3.

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (ESV‬‬)

In a recent teaching through this text I noted that we often struggle with looking at ourselves incorrectly. Afterward, a physician present in that teaching pointed out to me that there are many people who struggle with being down on themselves (commonly called, perhaps, poor self esteem). Some even confuse thinking about themselves with humility. It’s not.

If we think about ourselves with “sober judgement” we will not think of ourselves too highly or too lowly. As CSLewis put it, the humble person will not think of herself at all. The humble person is too busy thinking of God and others.

The disciple who is growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (through training the heart and mind) is thinking more and more about God and less about herself.

As I grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, I may realize how valued I am by God. I can find my identity in my loving Father. My identity will come not from what I do, or what people think of me, or in the guilt and shame I may be carrying from childhood.

God loves and values you, dear fellow disciple. We don’t have to measure up. We just need to run to him. Remind yourself of that, think of yourself less, and think of him often. He loves you as you are, unconditionally. I hope we will deepen our understanding of this wonderful truth.

A successful businessperson admitted her fear of not maintaining her volume of sales. A headmaster admitted a similar fear of not maintaining student enrollment. The leader of a charity was afraid of a drop in donations due to new tax law changes. Students fear bad grades. Athletes fear a losing record. Parents fear for their children’s well being. The list goes on and on.

Fear, it seems is all around us. It is also a valuable indicator for the disciple’s life.

Generally, when I fear, my focus is on a problem. I should say my focus IS the problem. Because when my focus is ON the problem, it is misplaced. My focus is more helpfully placed upon God.

Two verses:

…What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” (1 Cor. ‭4:7‬b)

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Col. 3:2)

When I realize I am wrestling with fear or anxiety (not exactly the same) about circumstances, it is most helpful to use the fear as a reminder, an alert, or reminder.

First: All I have is from God anyway, so I need neither a big head nor a fear of failure.

Second: When I discipline myself to keep my focus on God regularly, he, as my focus, relieves me of my fear… because in my fallen state, fear is inevitable.

As I focus on him, my faith increases. As my faith increases, my heart and mind are freed to work at my profession with freedom and joy as I do my best and then…

trust him for the result!

A longer list of texts I use for meditating when I find myself afraid in circumstances is HERE.