Please forgive me for the delay in continuing this series. The Lord has had me direct my energy, time, and attention towards helping plan an amazing event. An event to equip His children for the ministries He has appointed them for.
Here is a link to view this event, which is available for people like you. Who wants to thrive and seek incredible transformation through the Lord in your family, workplace, and community? It’s on from the 30th May-2bd June.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/2775345842543990/permalink/9591296070948899/?
Now back to our current series.
Did you know that the Lord trusts you more than you trust yourself?
Let’s recap.
The thought that the Lord trusts us is so often completely different than what we think or believe.
You may be saying, “
How could the Lord trust me, as I still make mistakes, slip up, and sin and am far from perfect?”
The very fact that you understand all this is why He trusts you!
As it reveals the one thing the Lord is looking for, to release Himself into and onto.
Let me explain, the Lord already knew you would be where you are and struggling with all you do.
That’s why He sent His Son to die for you !
Also, why Jesus endured all He did for you !
All you have to do is look at the ones Jesus chose to be His disciples. To see that He does not choose the ones who are perfect .
As look at all the baggage His 12 disciples had when they were chosen and walked with Him.
That did not stop Him from choosing them and trusting His power to them. In fact, Jesus’ response, after seeing what the 12 disciples did and how they acted . Actually led Him to choose and entrust His power to another 72. (Luke 10 )
The very fact you think you are not worthy is the reason He has chosen you to trust.
When we understand this truth, it will set you free.
John 8:31-32 (NKJV)
Lastly, we looked at the story of the lady caught in adultery, who was brought to Jesus by scribes and Pharisees. Remember, they asked Him what should we do with her? As the law says to stone her.
John 8
Let’s read it, starting with verse 7 (NKJV).
So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
Jesus knew there was only one in this crowd who could declare he had no sin, and that was Him.
Let’s continue reading with verse 8.
Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Watch what happens next.
As this is what we have been talking about above.
John 8:10 (NKJV)
When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
What an interesting question ! Was Jesus puzzled over the fact that no people had stayed, condemned, and stoned her ? I think not, He was just helping this lady to see the Truth of the situation around her ! What happens when the Truth is standing in front of her? And this Truth was about to set her free.
Today, we will conclude the journey of the end and the beginning of life for this woman. As we continue walking towards the understanding and discovery. That the Lord trusts us more than we trust ourselves.
Let’s start in John 8:11 with the lady’s answer.
She said, “No one, Lord.”
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
One of the things that stops us from understanding that the Lord trusts us more than we trust ourselves is that we are not perfect. But perfection is only possible by the Lord Himself and no other thing including us. We were never called to be perfect or do things in perfection.
Aren’t we supposed to do our best.
Yes, but I think we get confused on the journey and think that our best, must be perfect. So we strive to do everything in perfection. But the Lord never asked us for this, as He knew we could not do it. Well a least without Him. As I think and believe with Him and only with Him perfection is possible. Why ? Because He is perfect.
I remember thinking like this one morning. I had just had a call from our electrician working on Encounter Centre . He said that the builder had screwed down all the plywood on the floor upstairs. So that we will now have to pull it all up to be able to run his wiring. I was downhearted and so took this despair to the Lord. As I knew He had said if we cut any corners on the build the bill would be ours. But if we build it in excellence He would cover the bill. To my surprise the Lord gave me this remarkable statement “I never ask you to build Encounter in perfection, But I asked for it to be built in Excellence, as Excellence allows for mistakes on the journey.
The same is true I believe for every area of our lives.
We are called to do things in excellence meaning
the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.
As this is how we should represent the Lord on Earth.
This is why the Lord trusts us with what He has given us as He has provided everything for you to achieve it.
We are called to trust in Him and start doing all we can do ! We need to see any mistakes as opportunities to grow, learn and be better. This is the way He has called us to live life.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct thy paths.
Let’s finish there for today !
Challenge Time:
- Find a time to spend with the Lord, without distractions. Ask the Lord to reveal to you how He sees you! Say, “Father, how do you see me?” and write down His answer.
- Now, ask the Father to reveal Himself for who He truly is and write down what He says.
- Next, ask the Father to reveal to you your future. Ask Him about His plans, purposes, and will for you and for your life. Write down everything He reveals to you. Take time to ask Him questions along the way.
- Lastly, give Him thanks.
Father, I thank you for this journey of discovery and truth. I am grateful that you trust us more than we trust ourselves. Today, we place our total trust in you and ask that, according to the scripture above, you will lead and guide our paths. So that we all, Lord, will be able to achieve all Your plans, purposes, and will for our lives. We give you all the glory in Jesus’ name. Amen.
For those of you, who want to place an offering at the alter or plant a finical seed in the fertile ground of the Lord. Maybe you could contribute in someway towards His House, we are currently building. To equip the saints for ministry, then release His word through them, in a variety of ways.
Below is a link to a secure website, so you can do this safely online.
https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=87bf3759-ef4a-4ae2-ac5d-902b82587e44
Or our bank account details for New Zealand memebers,
Encounter Centre – 03-0481-0007448-000
If you require a receipt for tax purposes please email to info@encounterministries.org.nz
Craig Patten
Founding Pastor/Prophet
Encounter Centre & Ministries
Thanks Craig and God bless you for being such a tireless and faith filled and faithful servant of our God most high.
Love and blessings,
Colin Ashby 😊👍