Lambchop's Adventures

". . . do not worry about your life. . ." ( Matthew 6:25 ). Our Lord pointed out that from His standpoint it is absolutely unreasonable for us to be anxious, worrying about how we will live. Jesus did not say that the person who takes no thought for anything in his life is blessed— no, that person is a fool. But Jesus did teach that His disciple must make his relationship with God the dominating focus of his life, and to be cautiously carefree about everything else in comparison to that. In essence, Jesus was saying, "Don’t make food and drink the controlling factor of your life, but be focused absolutely on God." ~chambers It truly is amazing how He works when we surrender and focus on Him and allow everything else to come second......I want more!!!!!!!!!!

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin" (Matthew 6:26-28)— they simply are!

Our heavenly Father knows our circumstances, and if we will stay focused on Him, instead of our circumstances, we will grow spiritually— just as "the lilies of the field."

"Shall tribulation . . . ?" Tribulation is never a grand, highly welcomed event; but whatever it may be— whether exhausting, irritating, or simply causing some weakness— it is not able to "separate us from the love of Christ." Never allow tribulations or the "cares of this world" to separate you from remembering that God loves you ( Matthew 13:22 ).

The words of Oswald Chambers resonate within me as I read his encouragement, reminders, and insights of our amazing Father. Life really can be simple if we just stay focused. However, often times we allow things, people, and circumstances to distract us. He will be with us in times of trouble (Psalm 91:15). Often times our "troubles" are not that major they just happen to be things that distract us from where our focus should be.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ~ Hebrews 12:1-3

Have you ever ran a race and thought there's no way in the world you have the strength to finish it? That every bump, pot hole, or obstacle that arises keeps knocking you down and you're not sure if you can pick yourself back up? Lately, I've been learning and being reminded of what it is to persevere, where my joy comes from, and that when I grow weary and lose heart He is there. I'm learning that He will pick me up when I've stummbled, fallen, or landed flat on my face, when I'm so tired and things look so discouraging that I don't necessarily want to finish the race He is there carrying me even when I don't even realize it. Perseverance, joy, fixing my eyes on Him have become more real than ever before. There is nothing that I can do on my own strength but everything comes from Him and Him alone because I am His and not my own. As this year winds down and comes to an end, His Word truly is the bread that gives nourishment and strength. Thank you Abba for the pruning process in our lives!