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We have been having great discussions at our past few kickbacks! This last on in particular really stood out to me. Minister Ty talked about needing a new start and letting GOD take over.

There are few things I have found to be more difficult than to truly TRUST God with everything. I am being extremely honest here because obviously trusting God is essential to the Christian faith…. but the truth is it is a daily struggle.

There are so many choices that we make in life especially in our 20’s that could potentially affect our entire life. I suppose this is why these choices at times can seem so intimidating. But the fact is if we choose to allow our fear to dictate our behavior it does more damage than good.

This is why learning to TRUST God on a daily basis is so essential. Fear is the opposite of faith and it does not please God. According to Hebrews 11:6  “It’s impossible to please God apart from faith.”

To the quick reader that may seem like a bit of a harsh way of putting it. But after reading this verse again suddenly it hit me – God is not displeased with us just because we are disobeying him – he is not on some ego trip. He is displeased because he gave us the key to a peaceful and joyful life when he gave his only son to die for us. He gave us everything he has, and for us to take that lightly is displeasing to him because he desires to see us whole and happy. He desires for us to live fruitful and impactful and fulfilling lives. He knows this is only possible when we follow HIM and live a life of faith.

If you read the rest of the verse in the message translation it says, “And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.”

If anything God is not offended because he is like a tyrant waiting to hit us with a gavel if we don’t follow his impossible rules – the truth is he cares for us more than we can even imagine and he has plans for us that far exceed our finite limitations.

Ephesians 3:20 says, “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.”

God is not a pusher – he is a gentle lover. Wherever there is joy and peace and truth and justice that is where God resides. Religion has a tendency to be controlling and oppressive – the opposite of LOVE. But there is a true religion that comes from the heart of God. A religion designed to bring people together in unity and to bring out the best in each of us causing us to live a life worth living.

Romans 12 in the message translation says it best: ” Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” In our culture and 20 year old society maturity can seem like a dirty word to some, and each person has his or her own definition of maturity. This world has put I high premium on getting all life has to offer when you are young without taking into account the full impact of his or her choices. God desires that we build lives that continue to produce joy and satisfaction in our lives for the rest of our lives.

Where’s the real joy at where’s the true love at that’s where God is….. LETS let this reality sink in for a minute.