Trust and the Bible

As we dive in to our "Trust" series we're looking at the kind of life Jesus invites us to live.  It is a life ruled, not by anxiety, but by ruthless trust.  What a challenge!

We all have areas of the heart in need of God's transforming love.  And somehow that transformation comes by actually encountering Jesus.  Jesus said "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest..."  Thankfully He is still saying the same thing.

One of the primary means of encountering God is through His Word, the Bible.  You'd think we would be so "well-versed" in this area, but in actuality it can remain a constant struggle.  I'm convinced my own struggles in this area come from having a wrong approach.  

It would be like flying in to an airport without any communication from the tower, and approaching the runway from the wrong direction.  The landing strip lights would make no sense and you'd always have the potential to crash into other planes.  Beyond the adrenalin rush you'd never want to try that more than once.

I came across this blog by Jen Wilken and found some interesting info on unhealthy approaches to studying the Bible.  
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/05/07/why-bible-study-doesnt-transform-us/

Take some time to assess your approach and allow the life of Jesus to transform...

And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3:18 Amplified Version

Freak out!?

Yesterday I could overhear someone a few doors down screaming at the top of their lungs.  It was like a reality show, except there weren't any bleeps to cover the f-bombs in every phrase.  They went on and on for what seemed like 2 minutes without a breath.  What was the subject of their alarm?  Their Amazon Nook E-book Reader wasn't working!

There is so much stress in our world, it seems like the littlest things can set us off.  Patience is an elusive virtue, and it is somehow connected with our ability to trust.

I'm excited to explore the subject of TRUST in our new series.  There are so many times in the Bible where God enCOURAGES us to trust.  And it is so challenging to move beyond thinking about trust, to actually experience it.

My dad used to say "inch by inch its a cinch."  That was his way of telling me to quit freaking out and take things slow-- trust God is in control.

And we can actually grow in trusting God in the context of relationships, work, blessings, tragedy, finances, decision-making, past, present, future, health, sickness and E-book readers.

I pray God blesses you with hope today, no matter how crazy things get-- that He loves you and He is trustworthy.