Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting in God can be so hard at times. Often, it takes tremendous patience and perseverance. I can think of times when I wanted an “answer” from God, but he wasn’t giving it to me in the timing in which I wanted it. I tend to see myself as a “control-freak” in that I try to “make things happen” in my own power. I recognize that this mindset is one of my shortcomings. Thankfully, God is not done working on me.
Every week during our staff meeting, we share the team value of DEPENDENCE which reads: “We will trust God not our limited abilities.” We take the time to remind one another that the success of our ministry hinges on God’s power and not our resources, abilities, or wisdom. It’s a great reminder when we are adding programs, plans, policies, and even preaching to our agendas. We then try to emulate our “value” by taking time every week to pray over your requests. Why? First, we love you. Second, and most importantly, we realize that only God can save, heal, or change. Dependence is the very first staff value that we quote every staff meeting because it’s the foundation of our future success.
Over the years, I feel like I have “yo-yoed” when it comes to my dependence on God. Sometimes I am truly and totally depending on him in my family and ministry, and then something frightens and panics me, and I “take control back!” Of course, I am never and will never be in control, but that doesn’t stop me from feeling as if I am leading, which always results in prideful mistakes and misunderstandings. Are you guilty of the same thing? It is so easy to trust in your own abilities to your own detriment.
As we have just celebrated our nation’s independence, it is easy to undervalue what it has taken over the years to give us that independence. Think about the soldiers who went to war not sure that they would return. Think about the entrepreneurs who started businesses that to this day shape our quality of life. They took some risks for sure. Especially, think about the British men and women who were seeking religious liberty and so much more and were willing to “stand up” against a regime that they believed was oppressive. The United States of America, with all of its issues, is a nation that has trusted in God throughout the years. In fact, this inscription is on much of our currency: “IN GOD WE TRUST!” The phrase was first suggested to Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase by a Pennsylvania ministry in 1861, who allegedly argued that God would protect the country during the Civil War. The capitalized phrase would first debut on the two-cent coin in 1864. In 1956, Congress declared it the official national motto, replacing the Latin phrase E pluribus unum.
It’s important to remind ourselves that much of the beginnings of this nation was founded on Christian principles. Of course, I am not naive to think that it was all about honoring the Lord Jesus Christ - it wasn’t, but it was definitely a part of our initial fabric as a nation. Sadly, much has changed.
The best way that we can get back to our Christian roots is if we as individuals will demonstrate authentic, audacious, and active faith in God! Our nation needs it. Our families need it. Our church needs it. Our community needs it. We ourselves need it. Why? Only God can save, heal, bless, change, and give unspeakable joy! Praise the Lord! God bless the United States of America!
Every week during our staff meeting, we share the team value of DEPENDENCE which reads: “We will trust God not our limited abilities.” We take the time to remind one another that the success of our ministry hinges on God’s power and not our resources, abilities, or wisdom. It’s a great reminder when we are adding programs, plans, policies, and even preaching to our agendas. We then try to emulate our “value” by taking time every week to pray over your requests. Why? First, we love you. Second, and most importantly, we realize that only God can save, heal, or change. Dependence is the very first staff value that we quote every staff meeting because it’s the foundation of our future success.
Over the years, I feel like I have “yo-yoed” when it comes to my dependence on God. Sometimes I am truly and totally depending on him in my family and ministry, and then something frightens and panics me, and I “take control back!” Of course, I am never and will never be in control, but that doesn’t stop me from feeling as if I am leading, which always results in prideful mistakes and misunderstandings. Are you guilty of the same thing? It is so easy to trust in your own abilities to your own detriment.
As we have just celebrated our nation’s independence, it is easy to undervalue what it has taken over the years to give us that independence. Think about the soldiers who went to war not sure that they would return. Think about the entrepreneurs who started businesses that to this day shape our quality of life. They took some risks for sure. Especially, think about the British men and women who were seeking religious liberty and so much more and were willing to “stand up” against a regime that they believed was oppressive. The United States of America, with all of its issues, is a nation that has trusted in God throughout the years. In fact, this inscription is on much of our currency: “IN GOD WE TRUST!” The phrase was first suggested to Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase by a Pennsylvania ministry in 1861, who allegedly argued that God would protect the country during the Civil War. The capitalized phrase would first debut on the two-cent coin in 1864. In 1956, Congress declared it the official national motto, replacing the Latin phrase E pluribus unum.
It’s important to remind ourselves that much of the beginnings of this nation was founded on Christian principles. Of course, I am not naive to think that it was all about honoring the Lord Jesus Christ - it wasn’t, but it was definitely a part of our initial fabric as a nation. Sadly, much has changed.
The best way that we can get back to our Christian roots is if we as individuals will demonstrate authentic, audacious, and active faith in God! Our nation needs it. Our families need it. Our church needs it. Our community needs it. We ourselves need it. Why? Only God can save, heal, bless, change, and give unspeakable joy! Praise the Lord! God bless the United States of America!
Posted in Devotional