Subtracting to Add

If you’re trying to increase something, you normally add to it.  For example, if you want to increase the money in your savings account, you have to add money to it.  If you want to gain weight, you have to eat more food.

In the verses included with today’s email, however, Jesus presents somewhat of an oxymoron.  While our natural tendency is to add when we want to increase things, Jesus says that God subtracts: “… and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit, so they will produce even more” (John 15:2, NLT).  What an interesting concept.  God adds by subtracting.  He takes away our comforts, ungodly desires, relationships, resources, and other things we think we need to increase our trust in Him.

Maybe you’re in a season where it seems like you have less than you normally would.  Don’t get discouraged.  If God is behind the subtractions you’re experiencing, He may be setting you up for some additions.  Just stay connected to the vine, and wait to bear fruit in due season.

Thought to Consider:
What has God removed from your life to increase your trust in Him?

Relax & Trust

Have you ever felt overwhelmed?  Have you ever thought your life was smooth sailing only to discover a hurricane of things to do?  If so, you’re in good company.  At one point or another, we experience times when it seems like there’s so much to do but so little time to do it.

Feeling overwhelmed is an understatement for the Israelites in Exodus 14.  They escaped Egypt peacefully, only to end up stuck between a rock and a hard place.  The Red Sea was in front of them, mountains were around them, and Pharaoh’s army was eagerly pursuing them.  In the midst of their panic, however, Moses said something worth our consideration: “Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today … The LORD himself will fight for you.  Just stay calm” (Exodus 14:13-14, NLT).  In other words, Moses encouraged the Israelites to relax and trust the same God who delivered them from Egypt.

Moses’ words are applicable to us as well.  When you feel overwhelmed, like you’ve reached your wits’ end, just relax and trust God.  If He brought you this far, He surely won’t leave you now!  Press on, knowing the Almighty has your back!

Thought to Consider:
When you feel overwhelmed, trust the Omnipotent!

Jesus Will

I recently fell in love with a song by Anita Wilson, “Jesus Will,” a remake of a James Cleveland classic.  Throughout the song, she repeats this affirmation: “I know that He will … Jesus will.”  I like this because it’s a reminder that nothing is too hard for our God!

Reminders like these can inspire us when circumstances try to undermine our faith.  The Hebrew boys used a similar affirmation with their lives on the line.  Although King Nebuchadnezzar tried to undermine their faith, they said, “… the God whom we serve is able to save us.  He will rescue us from your power …” (Daniel 3:17, NLT).

If you’re facing challenges, don’t complain about how hard they are.  Instead, remind you challenges that your God is great and able to help you conquer them.  And the good news is, if you magnify God, He’ll show up in your life.  He did it for the Hebrew boys, and He’ll do the same for you!

Thought to Consider:
Nothing is too hard for God!

Always There

I’ve often heard that people with great attitudes see the best in the worst situations.  I firmly believe that people who know whose they are find silver linings in dark clouds, too.  Take Lolo Jones, a U.S. Olympic Hurdler, for example.  In a recent tweet, she said, “I never have prayed to win a gold medal at Olympics and never will.  The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want.  May His will be done.”  Knowing that you belong to God changes you perspective, even in the least ideal circumstances.

David was very aware of whose he was.  In Psalm 23, David conveys a thought that should bring peace to every believer’s mind: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside he” (Psalm 23:4, NLT).  Our connection to God guarantees His presence, no matter the circumstance.  When the so-called trustworthy leave, God is always there!

The next time you’re faced with a challenge, do like Lolo Jones and David.  Remember who you belong to.  then, trust that He’s always by your side, no matter the circumstance.

Thought to Consider:
Do you trust God even when you can’t trace Him?

Know Who You Are

People often say, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”  I say, “If you don’t know who you are, you’ll fall for any identity.”  When you know who you are, no one can create an identity for you.

The devil loves to create identities for us.  He comes with negative thoughts and persuasive circumstances to make you question God.  That’s how he approached Jesus, hoping to dissuade Him from His identity.  Fortunately, Jesus knew who He was – the Son of God.  He didn’t conform to Satan’s suggestions; instead, He believed what God said about Him.

Satan will employ various tactics to develop an identity for you.  When he comes, remember this – he’s a liar.  Know and embrace what God says about you.  If God declares your identity, it’s true and must happen in your lifetime!

Thought to Consider:
When God is on your side, your name is victory!

He’s Still There

How do you feel when life gets rough?  Fearful?  Frustrated?  You may even feel forsaken.  Tough moments in life can make you feel alone, like no one cares or understands.  If the peril lasts too long, you may even think God has abandoned you.

On the contrary, I hear God saying, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1, NLT).  We have an assurance, embedded in Deuteronomy 30:8: God will never abandon us!  He isn’t a fair-weather friend who’s only around for the joyous moments.  He’s there all the time – thick and thin, ups and downs.  When life gets rough, He draws closer to us!

You may feel like the character in the poem footprints.  You think that God has forgotten about you because you only see one set of footprints as you walk through difficulty.  This email is a reminder – when you only see one set of footprints, it’s because God is carrying you through the storm.  He’s still there, even when you can’t trace Him!

Thought to Consider:
When you can’t see God in your “hot spot,” remember He’s with you, regulating the thermostat!

He’s Still Able

Have you ever been in a situation for a long time?  Has it ever been so long that you thought deliverance was impossible?

It seems like the longer we endure a situation, the less optimistic we are that it will ever change.  Let me remind you, however, that God is still able.  The duration of our issues does not diminish His power.  He can change our circumstances, no matter how long they have persisted.

The man at the pool of Bethesda thought his circumstance could not change.  For 38 years, he dreamed of relief, but to no avail.  He was very discouraged, and after Jesus offered healing, he said, “I can’t sir …” (John 5:7, NLT).  Even though his sickness was victorious for 38 years, it was no match for Jesus.  When Jesus said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk,” the man was healed, instantly!

This email is a reminder that God is still able to fix the problems in our lives, even if they’ve lasted longer than we can tolerate.  Faith is an assurance that God’s ability to rescue us never expires.  Keep expecting Him to change your circumstance, for He’s still able!

Thought to Consider:

Do you still believe God can do it?

Immediate Assistance

Have you ever received mail with the following label: immediate action required? Even if you don’t respond, the label surely captures your attention. Have you ever been in a situation that required an immediate response? Maybe it was a physical ailment that you wanted to cease. Maybe it was an unexpected scenario for which you had not prepared. Chances are, we’ve all experienced situations where an immediate response was necessary.

The disciples were in such a situation in the verse included with this email. According to their calculations, an untimely, catastrophic death on the sea seemed imminent. They needed immediate assistance, and I love their response. They didn’t consult each other or call 9-1-1, they went to Jesus. When Jesus understood their need, He cleared everything up (see Mark 4:39).

I’m a witness – God is available and able when you need immediate assistance. In fact, He left this promise on record: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NLT). Call Him, whenever you need Him, and He’ll assist immediately!

Thought to Consider:
What do you do when you need immediate assistance?

Stress Relief

Have you ever been stressed? Have you ever felt like the “hats” you wear were getting to heavy for your head? Has it ever seemed like all of the roles you fulfill simultaneously demanded all of your time and attentiveness? Have you ever looked at your “to do” list and uttered the words of Elijah, “I have had enough, Lord …” (1 Kings 19:4, NLT).

I know how it feels to be stressed, and apparently, so does David. When life seems stressful, you need a refuge, someone, some place, or something that helps you recharge. David found a great resource for rejuvenation – the Lord. As he analyzed his life, he found that God led him to peaceful places where He also restored his soul.

God is a great refuge when you feel stressed. Peter advised us, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7, NLT). God cares enough to give you relief from the stress of life.

Thought to Consider:
What do you do when you feel stressed?

Are You Available?

Earlier this week, I shared how God readily responds to our requests. This email is a follow-up to that one. Can God depend on you like you depend on Him? When He needs someone to complete an assignment, are you the first in line or the first to leave?

I hope your response is like Samuel’s. Imagine this: the assignment God has is so important that He interrupts your sleep to share it. And, good sleep at that. That’s what happened to Samuel, yet he didn’t pull the covers tighter and try to resume his rest. Instead, he popped up, eager to serve God!

If God has responded to any of your requests, the least you can do is respond to Him. He needs you. Are you available? Make yourself more available to assist God in changing the world in your lifetime.

Thought to Consider:
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you … (Romans 12:1, NLT).