God Is Willing

Dear Friends,

“We have to realize that we cannot earn or win anything from God through our efforts. We must either receive it as a gift or do without it. The greatest spiritual blessing we receive is when we come to the knowledge that we are destitute.” Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

I have been involved in a local Journey group going on five years. We have been studying the various characteristics of God. Although I have read over many times scriptures about God’s willingness to be involved in our lives this time seems to be a little different for me. Some verses like Mt. 21:22 “If you believe you will receive whatsoever you ask for in prayer.” Mt. 6:14 “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you.” Though these seem to be far removed from each other they both speak about God’s willingness to be involved in our lives both to provide for us and to remove through his forgiveness anything that could block the relationship he wants to have with us.

You may be asking; “Why would God be willing to involve Himself with my life?” The problem with this question is that we cannot understand it. Instead we must simply accept it and grow in our appreciation of it. Grace is unexplainable, and the sacrifice of Jesus is unfathomable. His willingness in one way is demonstrated to us with what he provides to meet our needs. In essence He says to us, “Here is what I know you need.” Though it may not be exactly what we are asking for, it will be exactly what we need.

Earlier this week I was reading in Joshua how God dealt with Israel. Here is an example of God being willing to become intimately involved with people who were stubborn and rebellious. When Caleb, whom God had called, first wanted them to go in and occupy the Promised Land (Numbers 13:30) the Israelites rebelled. The people even wanted to stone Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 14:10) the two men God had called to lead them into the Promised Land. So God sends them back into the wilderness for 40 years for another period of training and trust. After this a new generation arose with a childlike trust in the Lord that was now ready to go in and conquer the land God had promised to them.

During this campaign when Joshua leading the people of Israel crossed the Jordan river on dry ground (Joshua 3:1-17) into Palestine, A memorial was erected (Joshua 4:19-24) males born during the wilderness experience were circumcised (Joshua 5:2-19) the Passover was celebrated (Joshua 5:10-12) and a crushing blow was leveled against the fortress city of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-27). Through all of this God was willing to help them do whatever was needed to take possession of the Promised Land.

But as you read a little further in Scripture there was disbelief and rebellion, even idol worship and yet God was willing to forgive them and do whatever was needed to bring them back into relationship with Him.

If you go back to the quote at the very beginning of this newsletter there is nothing you can do to earn anything from God. Embracing and living with the attitude that we are destitute without God will bring the greatest spiritual blessing such that you could not contain it!

Thank you for your continued support of our work. We look forward with anticipation and excitement for the future.

God bless,

Mike

“Learning To Do What Jesus Did” is available on YouTube.

In addition to the 9 DVD series being available through Wholeness Ministries you can now watch the entire series on YouTube. The book, an excellent training manual, has been taught around the world and is available in English and Spanish. You can buy the Book, CD’s or DVD’s at the Wholeness Shop.

Learning To Do What Jesus Did (9 parts)
Available on Youtube