Busyness: Ask Abba

I will cry out to God Most High, to God Who performs all things for me.

Psalm 57:2 (NKJV)

Who confirms the word of His servant, and performs the counsel of His messengers.

Isaiah 44:26 (NKJV)

For He performs what is appointed for me.

Job 23:14 (NKJV)

So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my Helper.'

Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)

'Abba, Father, all things are possible for You' (Mark 14:36).

God’s Firstborn introduced the Word, Abba: ‘An intimate term for God as Father' (Oxford Dictionary). Like we say Papa or Daddy today

The Son's communication with Abba was ceaseless (as our own prayers should be)… except for one dire moment on the Cross: 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?' (Matthew 27:46). 

Jesus lived in the Spirit of Abba for many reasons, including this one: God was the Source of His accomplishments. As a Man on earth, the Good Son confessed: 'I can of Myself do nothing' (John 5:30).

When He redeemed us each of us on the Cross, our heavenly status ROSE– with Jesus! We became brethren and children of God!

'You received the Spirit of adoption by Whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father' ' (Romans 8:15), 'And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!' ' (Galatians 4:6).

But.. here’s a big problem among Christians: We forget THE ONE WHO EMPOWERS us.

Before committing my life to Jesus, I lived in ceaseless communication– not with God, but with my own TO DO lists: jobs, worries, and crossed-off accomplishments… became my focus, my guide, and my god. UGG!

'And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life' (Matthew 6:27), or as the KJV puts it: 'one cubit to your stature?'

Jesus gives us a different 'to-do,' one that must override all other jobs:

'Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light' (Matthew 11:28-30).

As in… ask Abba!

  • 'If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!' (Matthew 7:11).

  • 'My help comes from the Lord, Who made Heaven and earth' (Psalm 121:2).

  • 'Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass' (Psalm 37:5).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

ASK ABBA! Give Papa your 'To Do' list. Watch as irrelevant jobs get erased and vital work gets done- with time to spare!

Busyness: Ask Abba (Part 14)

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban