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Traveling Truths

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Jesus was constantly helping people rearrange their heart-level priorities, be it a rich young ruler struggling with over attachment to possessions or a self-absorbed follower with an off-kilter, overburdened servant's heart.

When we come to the frighteningly accurate realization that our hearts are 24/7 idol factories eagerly seeking things that will ruin us, we must fight just as tenaciously for righteousness as we do for our supposed rights when we think they are infringed upon. We must dive wholeheartedly into seeking what's best for Christ's Kingdom rather than trying to build and maintain our own. The peace of Jesus that passes understanding envelopes the heart that is so situated.

With these things in mind I want to encourage your hearts with some “traveling truths” (take these with you everywhere you go!) that I am confident will bless you.

1. Find your ultimate joy in the Lord rather than in something He created.
It is so easy for us to find our primary joy in lesser things than God. It is a constant battle with the world, the flesh, and the devil. But Jesus is our all-sufficient sovereign Savior – and He is the source of all our joy. Psalm 87:7 says “all my springs of joy are in You.” Nehemiah 8:10 says “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Jesus Himself said in John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy maybe in you, and that your joy may be made full.” Check out John 16:20-22 as well. Good joyful stuff.

2. Cast your burdens on the Lord rather than carrying them yourself.
We get weighed down with so many things in life don’t we? What we do with those burdens is crucial. Psalm 55:22 says “Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you”, which is what Peter is saying in 1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your anxieties on Him because cares for you.” The idea is of giving the thing that is weighing you down over to the One who can handle everything. He is all-powerful. Give Him everything that troubles you, the things you know you cannot handle, the things that are breaking your back. Cast it all on Him. He will hold you up. He IS holding you up.

3. Seek to bless others in the Lord rather than being blessed.
Proverbs 11:25 says “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched.” 2 Cor. 9:8 tells us that “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” Matthew 20:28 says that “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” When we seek to bless others rather than be blessed, we are blessed! God is so good. Seek to bless everyone you come in contact with and see what God does for the sake of Jesus and the Gospel! You will be blessed!

Take these traveling truths wherever you go this summer. Jesus is with His people always. He wants to use you for His glory and the good of others. Yield to the good purposes of God. Stay constant in prayer and the Word of God, letting the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Trusting Jesus is the best thing to do, bar none. To God be the glory.