May 5-6, 2012
“Turn To Jesus” Means…
Transformational Thought
Can you believe all the changes since the year
2000? Computers, laptops, iPads, cell phones, texting, the internet, Netflix.
And that is only a slice of communications. So how refreshing is this fact … Jesus
never changes! When you climbed out of bed this morning, regardless of how you
might have felt, or the subtle changes you went through last night, Jesus had
not changed during the night, the last decade, or the past 2000 years … or
forever. He is trustworthy and consistent, a solid rock in which to ground
yourself.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
No matter what your situation, you can turn to
Jesus. Turn to Jesus … what does that mean? Obviously not just a physical
turning, but let’s look at something more practical and powerful. First, we
need to turn away from the world’s values, the world’s way of measuring
success, its influences, and its decision-making strategies. It means turning
away from the desires of our flesh.
What choices are you facing? In every
circumstance we all make one very key decision that determines the outcome of
that particular situation. That key choice is, “Which lenses will I use to
view, experience, and assess this particular event God has allowed to come into
my life?” Turning toward Jesus really means understanding, grabbing hold of,
and using God’s instruction, forgiveness, grace, promises, and character to
form the lenses I will use to view each situation God brings my way. Following
Jesus means … choosing His way and His lenses, not yours … choosing to receive
His love and all that goes with it … choosing to trust Him.
If you use His lenses, of course you will still
have problems and challenges. Remember the trials Jesus endured? But each one
of these opportunities (yes, I called them opportunities) will be easier to
navigate. And even more, you will get through them in a way that grows you
psychologically and spiritually, because it won’t be you who responds to the
adversity. Jesus, who lives in you, will be responding. You will perceive and
respond in a Christ-like way, thus actually developing the Mind of Christ.
Today, choose to turn to and trust Jesus, doing
things His way. Examine your lenses, that is your attitude or worldview. Do you
engage in life’s adversities with a Godly perspective, or a me-centered view? God
has room to work in your life. He will help you move on past the hurt, pain,
and failures of the past. He will give you hope for the future. Use lenses
based on who He is and what He teaches. Don’t use those distorted lenses with
all the muck you’ve accumulated from this world. Your lenses are your decision,
so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I do want to trust You … not
just verbalize it, but actually trust you in every circumstance. I know You
love me and that Your plan for me is the best plan. Please keep me on track … show
me the next step … and the next one after that. I know turning to You isn’t
physical, it is all mental. Help me turn it all over to You and allow Your
perspective to be my lenses. Not just in the good times, but also in the times
of testing and discomfort. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the one
whom I choose to follow, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't
try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything
you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't
assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!
Proverbs 3:5-7
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is
no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by
trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the
LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future.
Jeremiah 29:11
