LIVE in the NOW!

I have been said to “Live in the Now!” Referring to most of the time irresponsibility in making decisions that don’t always pan out for the best. A sense of spontaneity whereas I’m almost a little too spontaneous. A problem that persists in not fulling thinking things through and processing the outcome or consequence. I’m also a bit more of a dreamer that spends a lot of time in the future and what can and should be. These attributes as most people who recover from any addiction can agree most of their lives are spent in the here and now without any thought to what lies ahead. After reading this morning I realize that God wants us to live in the here and now, but, in a completely different way than I am used to. He calls us to trust him enough that we allow things to happen without emerging into the abyss of self-control and lost predictions. He wants us to live brightly in the light of his love that never dims or fades. So many of us are guilty of “future tripping” we blind ourselves and prevent the actuality of the Now when it actually becomes the Now! As a constant projection into the future role playing in our minds what we do or say. Maybe before a prayer, a meeting, an interview, a big game, we tend to “allow ourselves to prepare” yet all we are really doing is seeking self- sufficiency, we are lighting our own way with a light that constantly is being blown out. We use match after match or flick after flick to relight our candle that never really holds a steady flicker of light wondering how others never have to pull out a matchbook or lighter. Although only a slight minuscule sin that consistently goes unnoticed, it is yet again ourselves who block the blessings from above. The secret is to put our candle on the shelf and only use the bright spotlight of God. The light that constantly burn s inside all of use. Stop future tripping, stop pretending to know everything when we should really only proclaim to know ONE THING! That thing, is the faithfulness of God. God wants us to LIVE IN THE NOW, fully depending on him for every step we take. He is truly faithful to us; we must have true faith in him. Get rid of the feelings of inadequacy and self-sufficiency, rejoice in the abundance of love God has for you.  Step down from the horse and open your eyes to the truth. I’ll start, “My competence is nothing without my trust and faith in you lord.” We are human built with shear incompetence when it comes to our actions, our words, our thoughts. We are built to bask in the light of God, to fully commit ourselves to him so he can shine brightly in and through us! That means ALL OF US! Our competence level is solely to be in the faith of our creator,  built TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD!. John 15:4 Jesus states, " Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. We have got to stop divvying up responsibility, believing we can handle this and I’ll need Gods help with that. “TRUST in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in ALL your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NIV). In the words of Brian Johnson and Bethel Music, " For we trust in our God, and through his unfailing love, WE WILL NOT BE SHAKEN..." So  I leave you with this, when you begin to future trip, STOP! Look up and ask God to guide your steps. Stop Worrying about it and let him consume your words and your actions. Yes! LIVE IN THE NOW, confident in God and his plan. Be DISCIPLINED and Competent that our God is for us! BE COURAGEOUS! Have the courage to set down your candle and pick up his spotlight, the one that shines brightly in you and never fades or shimmers! HUMBLY watch everything in your life transform, (trust me on this one, I see his faithfulness, love, mercy, and grace every second of every day.) STAND firm and be still, KNOW THAT HE IS GOD! Today I put down my candle, Will you put down yours?