Tag: Bible

“Few of you realize the spiritual hazards that you invite into your lives when you do not allow Me to direct your steps. If you did, you would never venture out on your own again. Do you not understand that everything that has been provided for you is for your good? Of course, there is the corresponding side of accomplishing My will, but obedience and full submission to Me and My will are also provisions for your safety and protection. Stepping outside of their covering is really very foolish. You have little ability to ward off all the forces that are determined to destroy you when you choose to go your own way without consulting Me and do what seems logical to you.

"I have recreated you to be able to function in the spiritual world. Would you not think it wise to learn from Me how to exist there? Allow me to direct your every step. If you cannot do it out of love for Me and a desire to honor My request for obedience at this time, begin by listening to Me and My Word so that things might go well with you.”

Jeremiah 2:13 NIV

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken Me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”

Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV

1) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

2) “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—

3) “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Have you ever noticed how children feel that they know so much more than they really do? I often stand back and watch the struggle that ensues after hearing the words, “I can do it myself,” or “I know how to do it.”  As a parent, my heart wishes that they could avoid the failure that is about to occur; but at the same time, I know the value of the lesson learned when they fail. My desire to teach them the proper way of doing something is not because I want to be “boss.” It is because I have more knowledge of the situation. I have been there before.

In a much greater way, our Father in heaven, Who knows all things, has set guidelines for us to function in so that it will go well with us—especially in the spiritual realm, a realm we know little about. We, however, choose to tell Him that “we can do it ourselves.”  Then, like little children, we cry out to Him when we have completely messed up the situation. A little silly, don’t you think?

I can’t do it myself, Lord,

Jim Corbett

“Are you available to Me? Can I count on you to move when I ask you to move and do what I ask you to do? How rigid is your life? How entrenched are you? So many of My children think that they are available to do what I ask them to do, but they place restrictions on My hand because of their choices and responsibilities. Most are so in debt that they serve all of the other gods that own them. There is no question that I can and will use you where you are, but are you sure that you are where I have asked you to be? I ask you this question. Would you sell everything or give away everything that owns you, if I asked you to do so? Why not?”

Matthew 6:19-21 NIV

19) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

20) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

21) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 19:21 NIV

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Some time ago, Merry, Jubilee, and I went on what turned out to be a five-year mission trip. We were called to go on faith, having just enough to get where we were called to go. Then we waited on the Lord for His next provision. Many judged us for living that kind of life. I’m convinced we were called to live this way so that we could “own” the messages we’ve been given for today’s church.

During our travels, we met and associated with the full spectrum of God’s people - from those who had the very basics to those who had enough for several lifetimes and craved even more. One major lesson that we learned about today’s church is, that even though most say that they are willing to serve God, they are in bondage to what they own; and it actually owns them. Very, very few would be able to go where the Lord might call them to go because of the entanglements in their lives.

We have discovered that many, in fact, have been called at one time or another by the Lord, and have refused the call for a myriad of reasons - all centered around their inability to let go of what they really serve. I believe that there are going to be a lot of very surprised people on the day they face Jesus.

Loosen my grip, Lord,

Jim Corbett

“Don’t override My plans with your unbelief. Please don’t hinder My work in you because you cannot fathom that I would have focused attentions toward you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. I made you with My own hands for Myself. You fit into everything that I have for you.  More than that, you fit perfectly into My arms. You have a soft place in My heart. I have designed you to rest there. I love you!”

Genesis 1:26a NIV

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness”…

Gen. 1:27 AMP

So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Gen. 1:31a AMP

And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it completely….

To hear that God was pleased with what He had created takes on much more meaning when we think about how hard He has pursued mankind over the years to maintain fellowship with Him. All of the Old Testament rings of passionate favor. It is the testimony of a God Who is deeply in love and patiently enduring the ignorance and rebellion of some, so that He could embrace those who chose to embrace Him.

The incredible covenant, implemented at the cost of Jesus, should confirm His love for us once and for all. He could’ve left us in our separated, fallen state. Instead, as an ultimate act of love, He gave His all. He made us to fit into His existence. He formed us to be part of His plans. He made a way and wooed us to choose His presence over whatever else would garner our attentions. He is truly our God; but more importantly, we are His loved creation. His heart has a place for us.

Choosing to go where I belong and fit perfectly,

Jim Corbett