Life Arises!

Have you ever noticed that while you are minding your own business life happens? It appears that all is going well, everyone is getting along, and out of no where – boom – you are hit with a struggle, pressure, or problem. I call that life arising! This happens to everyone.

For Christ – followers we have a real hope during these sudden outbreaks. Our hope is the resurrection life of Jesus Christ. We gain this hope through a simple adjustment in our lives. We gain it thru FAITH; simply taking God at His word.

1 Thess. 5:16-19:

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire

Here are some simple steps of FAITH:

Relate everything, minute by minute as it arises, to the adequacy of what Jesus is in you, and assume that his adequacy will be powerful –

1 Thess. 5:16 – proves we can be cheerful, in fact, must be cheerful. There is no excuse for gloom or doom for the Christ-follower.

1 Thess. 5:17 – pray without ceasing – this means that you expose by faith every situation as it arises, to the power of the one who lives in you.

Any pressure, promise, problem, responsibility, or temptation you expose to the Lord Jesus in faithful prayer.

1 Thess. 5:18 – when you have done all this you have no alternative but to give him thanks in EVERYTHING. A good rule of thumb is the thank before you receive, thank as you receive, and thank after you receive. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

If there is any situation that you are not ready to step back – in recognition of the total adequacy of Christ in you – then you are out of the will of God – and “quench the Spirit”. 1 Thess.5:19

You are called by God to this HOPE – to walk by faith.

Have you learned to step out of every situation and relate it wholly to what He is in you, and faith say “Thank you”?

Always Enthusiastic,

Dr. Rusty Newman

Toad-ness

Have you ever heard the story about the princess and the frog? Sure you know the one. This princess is enjoying her golden ball when unexpectedly it drops into a stream. The ball is rescued by a frog. Short version princess kisses frog and frog becomes a prince.

This story is originally a German tale by the master story weavers the Brothers Grimm; it's called The Frog King. In the original version instead of a kiss the princess gets very irritated at all the questions of the frog and violently throws it against a wall. SPLAT - Instant Prince!
Encounter the wall and encounter the truth.

We spend a great deal of time hoping to be "kissed" by a Royal and rescued from toad-ness. Honestly, Toad-ness is a trap. Its a curse placed on us that we cannot escape on our own. no way of escape, purchase of escape, or earning through goodness.

Toad-ness becomes a way of life. Sure something inside of us cries out that we must be more than all this-royalty even. But we appear to be stuck this way - slimy, green, and longing for flies.

Toad-ness, after a while, becomes familiar and comfortable. It even starts to feel normal. The apostle Paul even felt this way - he claimed, in so many words, that he was the ugliest toad of all - 1 Timothy 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst.

The Frog King was released because of the kindness (albeit begrudgingly given) of the Princess on three nights - what was the kindness she gave? In a word, GRACE.

Grace is the KISS that releases us! Look at the grace-kiss: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.... The passionate kiss of grace is Jesus Christ...encounter the wall - encounter the truth!

The only way our toad-ness can be changed is through Jesus!

Always Enthusiastic,
Dr. Rusty Newman

Where you going?

Where are you going? This is the question that leaders help people wrestle with. It happened in the life of Israel - Moses at the border of new territory proceeded to give a challenge to the people. It may be a challenge for us today as well.

"Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey Him and commit yourself to him, for He is your life. Then you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." Deuteronomy 30.20

Where are you going? Are you going into new territory? Are you heading into uncertainty? Are you living in enemy territory? No matter - make a choice. It is up to you to decide. Choose to love the Lord God, obey him and make a commitment of your life. He will provide. He will protect. He will bless you.

I close with this prayer:
My Father, You are the Lord my God. I desire to love you, listen to your voice, and hold fast to you, for you, Lord, are my life. I have made my choice. Amen!

Always Enthusiastic,
Rusty Newman