Jesus is the ROCK in our Relationships















Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Life from His Vantage Point 1-13-16

“The Spirit of Truth will guide you into ALL truth…All that belongs to the Father in Mine…The Spirit will take what is Mine
and make it known to you.” Jn 16:13-15

Natural man has no need of God for he is sufficient within himself. Sure, he may have earthly wisdom, but he does not possess spiritual wisdom, the kind of wisdom that sees far beyond what is “being presented”.

Tragically, in society today, most Believers choose not to arm themselves in God’s infallible Standard. Culture and our “well-meaning-world-embracing friends and family” loudly proclaim advice based on what is seen … rarely considering what may actually be going on beneath the surface of things. Spiritual discernment is neglected or abandoned for personal feelings and political correctness. Unbiblical thinking and worldly attitudes are both the result and the norm.

Oh that we may seek to understand what is taking place from God’s vantage point.
(“actual reality” vs. what is being presented) Oh that we may choose today God’s direction for our thoughts and action, rather than our feelings. As God leads, may we then acknowledge, face, change, and forgive others, and ourselves as we move forward.
Jesus won the victory; Believers navigate life from a position of VICTORY!
(Incomparably great power of the indwelling Spirit for us who believe. Eph.1:19-20)

Bear in mind, in order to see from God’s vantage point, we have to know our Savior intimately. Intimacy with Jesus creates trust, and trust allows us to step out in faith.
Remember the Red Sea crossing? 
Parting the Red Sea took a faithful first step for the Israelites. 
~What is your "Red Sea" currently? (Seeming impossible situation or relationship)
With this area or relationship in mind, just perhaps, might we be basing our perceptions and decisions on “appearance”, not discerning what is “actually going on”?
Are we willing to turn to the Lord and trust God, not our feelings? 
~Like the fleeing Israelites at the Red Sea, as we draw near to God and step out in faith, we can expectantly rely on God to supply truth, guidance and miracles!

Look forward 5-10 years. What kind of person do we want to be? What do we want life to look like? Now, determine to make choices today in line with that picture.
~Shaun and I travel a lot. It may be warm and sunny in Santa Barbara, but cold and blustery in NYC. We have to resolve to dress for where we’re going, not where we are currently.
It takes intention and discipline to walk faithfully into the unseen!

God has a will, a purpose and a plan for each of His kids…so does the devil. Living in this time, we cannot afford not to have a discerning spirit. “Don’t be conformed to the PATTERN of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is! His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Rom. 12:2

Let's be brutally honest with ourselves about ourselves. Time is short. He's coming soon. May we be a bride ready for her Groom.

Much love and hugs,  Shaun and Betsy