LEARNING DAILY

Jeremiah 17:7-8, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Pastor Jonathon Moore said Jesus came to give life to those who believed in Him, to give an abundant life. He then asked the question, “What is an abundant life? This message was not about “naming and claiming” what you want, nor about what some preach as a prosperity gospel. It was a message about “rooting yourself in God, trusting Him” (JM). Examine the difference between the man who trusts God first and the one who does not in the previous two verses. “Thus says the Lord: Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.”

Pastor Mores stated, “It is obvious that trusting in your own strength and confidence is not what to do because doing so limits you in your life. Be planted in the things of God to be your provision.” God wants His followers to trust in Him. How do you do that? “Put God first!” (JM). Put God first in all things, trusting that He will guide you. Easy to say and write; not always so easy to do. Pastor Moore put into three words what I have tried to convey in this blog for years!

“Put God first in all things!” That’s the theme throughout Scripture. In the book of 1 Kings, God takes care of Elijah when he is hiding from Jezebel by sending Ravens with meat for him to eat. Eventually God sent him to a hopeless woman (there has been a great drought) who has only enough for one last meal for herself and her son. Elijah told her to take care of him first and God would supply her need. She fed Elijah and God supplied her need. “God’s provision is on the other side of your obedience” (JM). Elijah obeyed God; then the widow obeyed God by putting Elijah before her own need.

“Trust requires action” (JM). Walking the narrow way with the Lord is about aligning yourself with God’s Word, having faith, and relying on His power to do what He says He will do. Just like a tree is firmly rooted where it gets nourishment, Believers are to ground themselves in the promises of God found in His Word and in His guidance. When Believers do that, there is no need to be afraid of the storms that come in life because they know they are rooted deeply in Him; He holds them, and keeps them with His grace! “Don’t fear! Do what God says to do. God reacts to that just as He reacted to Elijah’s faith and the faith of the widow” (JM).

Pastor Moore concluded with this message is not just about finances. Obedience is the key to a successful walk on the narrow way. It is about putting God first in your life. Don’t give God the leftovers or crumbs of your finances, your time, your efforts. Your walk on the narrow way is about spending quality time with Him each day. Pastor stated what each of us should do – start your day in God’s Word and in prayer. Place your faith and trust in Him when difficult circumstances and trials come; lean on His protection and direction. His Word alone provides a solid foundation, an unshakeable base that gives strength and guidance just like that tree planted by the water.