Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 2, 2014
Jesus said to her [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
Trust Jesus first and verify His claims second. We cannot recognize the works of God until we exchange our works for belief in God. Before Jesus demonstrated His ability to resurrect the dead, He asked Martha to believe He was the resurrection and the life. Her faith preceded His power. Real trust is not expressed in a sentimental reading of a creed or the halfhearted singing of worship songs. Genuine trust embraces Jesus–the resurrected Savior, and then experiences Jesus–the resurrected Lord. In Christ, we pass from death to life to be with Him and enjoy Him.
Have you truly trusted Jesus and verified His presence and promises in your life? Belief is like a drawbridge into the comforts of Christ’s castle. Faith is a suspension bridge between sinful man and holy God. Trust is the tunnel under a river of worry, as we follow the Holy Spirit’s leadership toward the Lord’s best. Thus, make trust your ticket to traffic with Jesus. He promises peace, hope, forgiveness, wisdom, strength, direction, love and eternal life. Verify these things.
“Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches’” (Acts 12:11).
Furthermore, we have daily opportunities to trust and verify with people. It may be a child who asks for a second, third or fourth chance. Perhaps a struggling work associate has improved his skills,and desires an opportunity to reengage with excellence. Has a friend violated a trust, but asked forgiveness and took responsibility for their immaturity? When we trust individuals we give them confidence. So, we clarify expectations (even in writing), we trust, and we check up. Yes, as we extend trust, it’s easier for others to reciprocate. Trust grows healthy relationships.
Most of all, have you totally trusted Jesus in your heart and mind? Have you sought to verify His claims in a loving personal relationship with Him? Unregenerate religion thinly cloaks a conscience still soiled from sin. But, a sensitive soul that’s been born again is transformed by a mind renewal. Once we are resurrected in Christ, by faith in Christ’s resurrection, we are positioned to observe His resurrection power. Our loving Lord can’t wait to bring back to life dead souls, dead relationships, and dead deals. Trust Him and enjoy verifying His great works!
“We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).
Prayer: Heavenly Father give me the humility to truly trust You and to verify Your works with an obedient heart, all for Your glory.
Related Readings: 2 Kings 5:15; Nehemiah 8:12; John 6:35; 1 Corinthians 13:12; Galatians 4:9
Post/Tweet today: As we extend trust, it’s easier for others to reciprocate. Trust grows healthy relationships. #wisdomhunters
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© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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I found believing and faith to be untrue and pointless I thought god cared about me but apparently he must be to busy because not one of my prayers got awnsered in the ten years but hay he has a plan I’m convinced I’m not in it.
Dear Chris~
Thank you so much for reaching out to us after reading “Trust and Verify”. I can “feel” through your words that you have some serious dounbts about God’s Love for you and His willingness to answer some of your prayers. Chris~ 10 years is a long time to wait and I understand your frustration! Gracious! Please don’t give up, though. You are in a “holding pattern” for a reason and friend, HE LOVES YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE!. AS cliche as it sounds, this time of waiting is teaching you more things than you can even imagine. Trust Him, Chris. Can I give you some of His Promises to soak up?
Proverbs 4:10
Psalm 25:16-18
Psalm 128:1 And Chris, this is one of my favorites~ I literally CLING to it daily:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING
in all of your ways ACKNOWLEDGE HIM,
and He will set your paths straight”.
Proverbs 3:4-5
Chris, I KNOW this to be true because, like most humans, had to learn this the hard way. I would love to continue this conversation and hope we will hear from you again.
We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter. Blessings, Chris, and know that the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob is the same God that knows you and loves you!
Looking forward to hearing from you again~
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
gwynne@wisdomhunters.com
P.S. Towards the end of this devotional, there are two important questions:
“Most of all, have you totally trusted Jesus in your heart and mind? Have you sought to verify His claims in a loving relationship with Him?” Wow! These are great questions to really make one think things through. (I know it did for me…)Let’s continue our conversation…