Whatchu Talkin 'Bout Willis?

I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, "Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!" Psalm 11:1 (NLT)

Why have I never noticed this verse before? Ok...that's not quite true, it's highlighted in my Bible so that means it registered in my brain at some point in time before today. So let me re-phrase...Why does this stand out to me today?

Re-stated simply this verse said to me this morning, (general, non-specfic application) "Thanks for your well meaning, logical, rational, for all intents and purposes, wise advice. But ahhhhmmm...I trust in God for protection, so there is no reason to run away from this. That action would directly contradict my belief. Yes I know it's dangerous and potentially hazardous to my health to stay here, but ahhhmmmm.... doesn't "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Psalm 34:7 (KJV)

Now here's the specific application, to me, Jared. Sure it seems crazy and unwise to quit my job so that I can attend classes for my Master's in Youth Ministry Leadership program because I can't get my leave approved. I just got this job. Quitting a job in this job market over a class? Not the best idea you had there Jared. There is no guarantee you will get another one. What are you gonna do? You're about to get married. You have a son. You've got bills! C'mon now dude...don't be a ninny. There's nothing wrong with taking a break from the program, withdrawing from the classes and maintaining the safety and security of your job. Plus you love federal holidays! Do you really want to go back to having to work on Thanksgiving and Christmas? Really?

No I don't, but...I trust the Lord for protection. This isn't just a class. Plus it is written..."do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV) Kingdom Business...let's go. www.youtube.com/watch

I know for some...my application may seem a little extreme. But is it really? According to the verse above, is flying to the mountains wise or cowardly? Is it smart or a lack of faith? Take my man Abraham in Genesis 22 today. He was asked to sacrifice his son of promise, the one he waited 25 years for, the one it took a miracle for his wife to conceive! Was the request God made extreme considering He regards the sacrifice of children detestable? Uhhhh...heck yeah! Plus, it's not like Sarah had anymore ticks on her clock! Abraham could have yielded to logic, reason, emotions, human wisdom, and fear. But He didn't. He didn't even allow Sarah to suggest "flying to the mountains" because he didn't consult her for her opinion. He just trusted God and obeyed. So what was the point of God's request? It's simple... "Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Genesis 22:12 (NIV)

What do you believe about God? Do you fear Him? Do you trust Him? Do you make time for Him? Is He your protection? Your Provider? Your Comforter? Your friend? Is He #1 in your life? How have you shown Him lately that you believe/love/trust Him? That you trust His Word? That it is living and active in your life; the lamp to your feet and the light to your path? Have you refused to compromise? Stood up for what you believed? Stepped out on faith? Have you been willing to give up that thing He asked you of you? Have you held on to what He's entrusted to your care even when everything inside of you wanted to and felt that it was best, to let it go? Did you stick it out or run away? Have you taken the "smart" road, the easy road or the narrow road?

Saying we believe/love/trust in God is easy. Proving it with our actions? Not so much! Knowing the right thing to do can be even more challenging! Praise God, for giving us His Spirit so that "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

As we encounter those situations which will require us to tangibly manifest what we say we believe, I pray that the Spirit will give us wisdom to recognize dubious counsel and empower us with courage to boldy declare, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18 (NIV)

Thank You Lord For Daily Bread.

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