Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…
“Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.”
Ephesians 3: 20 (TLB)“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
II Chronicles 7: 14 (NLT)“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4: 13 (NKJV)“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NLT)
Most days when our feet hit the floor in the morning our minds soon wander toward the things we have before us that day.
Things placed on a list the night before or scheduled days earlier on our calendar.
My personal early-morning quiet time with the Lord, usually pauses my thinking about those things. Yet when finished, my thoughts return to and refocus on the list of those things before me to do.
At times feeling a bit burdened by what is before me to do.
Maybe feeling a bit like I’m going it alone, unsupported, or disrespected at times by those from whom we need, expect, and hope support would come.
I wonder if you can identify.
Facing what you have to do.
Things that we have before us to do. You and me. Feeling out there on our own.
While we keep the Creator of the Universe in a box somewhere nearby. Acknowledging His presence but saying in our self-directed actions—
“I’ve got it God.” And off we go on our own.
And by doing that, setting His power, and His wisdom to the side.
Too often we allow it to be all about us. All about what we can do. Our abilities, decisions, and hoped-for successes. Too often leading to a place where we feel empty, unsuccessful, unfulfilled, unsatisfied, alone, and broken.
Then, multiplying that by millions of others—around the nation and world—striking out on their own, keeping God and all He wants for them, for their good, in a box.
And we see a world in disarray, disfunction, dark and broken.
While the God who loves us, the God who wants the best for us, our all-powerful worthy Father, the Lion of Judah, Lamb of God, Messiah watches and waits for us to turn to Him.
To let Him out of the box. To guide and help us.
To remind us of what the Apostle Paul shares in Philippians 4:13, above— “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
In the song written by Andrew Peterson, “Is He Worthy” we find these words reminding us of our God who is worthy and able to lift and lead us each day—
“Do you feel the world is broken? (We do)
Do you feel the shadows deepen? (We do)
But do you know that all the dark won’t
Stop the light from getting through? (We do)
Do you wish that you could see it all made new? (We do) …
Does the Father truly love us? (He does)
Does the Spirit move among us? (He does)
And does Jesus, our Messiah hold forever those He loves? (He does)
Does our God intend to dwell again with us? (He does)
Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave.
He is David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave…
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Is He worthy of this? He is!”
It’s not about me. It’s not about you.
But for our best, it’s all about God, and His presence and power within us to go far beyond our hopes and dreams. All about our Father who loves us.
Why not let Him out of the box. Then follow Him.
He is worthy. And He is trustworthy.
In His Name–Scott
Be blessed as you watch this video and listen to Chris Tomlin sing “Is He Worthy.”
