New Year, New Opportunities

FaithWalkDaily January 7, 2009

Happy New Year beloved friends!

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. ~Ps 9:10

I've been struggling with serious issues of trust lately for a number of reasons. There is trouble with a family member, war across the ocean, identity theft in the news and Internet hackers trying to find a back door into our computers. Can we feel safe anywhere? Trust anyone?

As long as I can remember I've always been a trusting - and some would say naive - person. I never thought of myself as naive, only wanting to give others the benefit of the doubt. But such awful things have happened and the news is so outrageous these days that my innocence has been stolen and I no longer have the luxury of trusting without good reason. Cynicism says all are guilty until proven innocent.

The fact is, we live in a world of sin. We are all guilty before God. Can any of us say we're perfect? Maybe in a given moment but it won't last. There is only one we can really trust because He alone is perfect, He alone cannot sin, He alone can save us from ourselves. Only God can be trusted.

I can spend my days focusing on all the negative and fretting about safety, or I can focus on the One I trust. That puts it all into perspective for me. I'm putting my trust in God. I'm turning my lens to the One who has saved me, guides me, comforts me, loves me unconditionally, will never abandon me, and always knows what's best for me.

Every difficulty we face is an opportunity to grow in faith. Let's praise God for new opportunities to draw closer to Him in 2009, to learn more about Him through His word, and to become the people He's always intended us to be, for His glory.

O Lord our God, we put our trust in you. Though we live in troubled times in a cesspool of sin down here on planet earth, we know nothing happens without reason and there's nothing we can't face and conquer with You on our side. Thank You for not forsaking us though we bring You much grief, for giving us the benefit of the doubt despite our stumbles. You are merciful O God, we praise Your name! In You alone we trust. In Jesus' name, amen.

Faith When Reason Fails

FaithWalkDaily December 9, 2008

It's been awhile since I've done any journaling. Writing helps me see where I am, where I've been and where I'm going. I haven't been getting much of anywhere lately. In fact, it feels a little like sliding backwards...

I've been asking often recently, "am I being tested?" If so, I'm not scoring so well. I'm not Job. Sometimes it feels like I'm going insane, like I can't hold up under the pressure. Except - laugh with me now - I am holding up. By a thread woven and held by the hand of God.

A friend was out of work for about six months a couple months ago. They were on the brink of losing their home and had cut out many unnecessary expenses. Then he landed what appeared to be his dream job. All was well. Until a few days ago when he was laid off.

A few months ago, another friend suddenly lost her husband for no apparent reason - he just keeled over and died at the ripe young age of forty-something.

Last year a friend's mother who was in her sixties went beserk. She left home, went on an insane spending spree, stayed in hotels, ate in restaurants, maxed out all her credit cards and nearly bankrupt her husband. Then she died suddenly.

I could go on and on with a list of seemingly senseless tragedies occurring within the Christian community. Are we being tested? How are we doing?

Let's look at Biblical history. Throughout the Old Testament, we see Israel tested again and again. Job was tested. In Luke 8, Jesus talked about the parable of the sower as He told the people to expect their new faith to be tested. Paul warns in Hebrews 3 not to have hardened hearts during testing as the Israelites did in the time of Moses. And James said, "...the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:3)

James gives us a reason. God tests our faith to develop perseverence.

But why?

Good question. I've come to believe that we need to go to heaven for the answer. We need to look to the time before man was even created. Consider the one who spoiled it all for us.

Lucifer, the bright and beautiful, the beloved of God, angel among angels, brilliant among all the heavenly host. So brilliant in fact, it went to his head. He suddenly found himself admired among his peers and desiring to be worshipped as he had always worshipped God. He aspired to be more beloved than God. It was his last desire before he was cast out of heaven. He got a new job - tormenting us and trying to lead us away from God.

For these times when reason doesn't make sense to me, I can only trust that it makes sense to God, that He's in control and that in the end, all will be well. When reason fails, God never does.

Ps 33:4
4 For the word of the LORD holds true,and everything he does is worthy of our trust.

Lord I submit all my fears and doubts, confusion and hurt, to the foot of the cross. All my trust is in you. Thank You for always giving us the grace to stumble and fumble our way through life, always there to pick us up and set us straight again. In Jesus' name, amen.

Don't Worry, Pray

FaithWalkDaily October 17, 2008

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ~ Philippians 4:6

Just this morning my husband admonished me to stop fretting and turn my problem over to God. Boy is that easier said than done!

Human nature is such that we tend to stress, fret, ponder, try to fix, make things worse, yell, cry, throw tantrums and when all else fails, we pray. Wouldn't it just be easier to pray first?

When faced with a situation that I couldn't help someone with, I used to say, well at least I can pray. Isn't it amazing how we put prayer down there at the bottom of the list, as if it were dirty laundry? Prayer shoud be the first and is always the best thing we can do.

So, we finally get to that pulling our hair out moment that forces us to our knees, and proceed to fret and stew some more. O we of little faith!

Can you imagine calling the moving men to come to pack up your furnishings for a move and then when they get there, you do all the packing yourself and load the truck for them? Not only would I not do a good job of packing, I'd surely run out of space in the truck for loading improperly, and then go to bed with a backache. When we call on God in prayer, pour out our troubles and ask for His help, shouldn't we then get out of the way and let Him manage our problems?

So what does that look like? I really have to consider this because submitting my needs to the One who has all the answers and then pursuing my own path is clearly not working for me.

First, I need to evaluate my situation. What am I able to do and what do I need help with? What do I need to wait on?

Second, I need to pray with Biblical reference and with sincere faith. God's word is full of promises that help us connect. What good is prayer if it's nothing more than lip service? God knows my heart. I can fool myself but I won't fool my Father.

Finally, I need to spend some quiet time listening, with my journal at hand. When the Holy Spirit speaks, I need to take notes. If I don't get any immediate impressions through my Scripture reading or the still small voice within, I need to commit to being attentive to His leading as I go about my day and week. The answers will come. All things work to the good of those who love Him and are called to His purposes. So I know I can rest after I've given it all to His care.

Heavenly Father, You are all-knowing God, able to do all that we can ask or imagine. Forgive me for trying to live as though I don't need you. Forgive me for bad choices and bad reactions. Help me today as I lift up every circumstance that troubles me, to be quiet enough to listen, to search Your word diligently and store it in my heart and to respond as the Holy Spirit leads. Precious Jesus, thank You for paying the price for my sins, so that I can come before our Father with my petitions. Thank You for forgiving me, for growing me and for every good thing and every trial in my life which strengthens my faith and draws me closer to You. In Your precious name I pray, amen.

His Grace and Mercy

FaithWalkDaily October 15, 2008

... he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. ~ Titus 3:5

Can you imagine what it must have been like to live as a Jew before Jesus came? Not only were they trying to live up to the laws given Moses, the priests had added law upon law upon law...to the point where a person could hardly move without sinning. There were laws governing what foods could be eaten, what colors were to be worn in certain circumstances, how to react when faced with difficulty (such as tearing ones clothes and covering oneself in sack cloth and ashes.) There were rules about when, where and how to pray, who could talk to God and where, even how to eat ones meals. Everything was managed by law.

There are religions that teach we must live up to the letter of the law IN ADDITION to believing Jesus Christ is the son of God in order to be saved. Today, we call that the impossible gospel. Jesus came that we could have life...

John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

1 John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Eph 2:7-8-10 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

So we see there is nothing we can do to be saved of our own accord. Only by the blood of the Lamb, the precious sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus, that we are promised eternal life.

Do we still have a responsibility to live up to the law?

Rom 6:14-15 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!

What Paul means is, the man (or woman) who has truly come into the family of God through faith in Jesus, desires a life pleasing to God. Though tempted, we will seek God's strength to turn from sin because we love the Lord more than sin, which ruled the old nature. Now made new in the covenant of Christ's blood, we no longer lust after the things of this world, but are drawn to the things of God. We put away the childish things of our past and grow in faith through daily Scripture reading, prayer and meeting in fellowship.

Lord, we fall before Your throne in all humility, knowing we are unworthy. Still tempted by sin of every color, shape and size, the Holy Spirit is our victor who empowers us for every encounter with evil. By the blood of Jesus our sins are erased and You give new life. Grant that we would find our strength and hope in His name alone today and every day until You return to bring us home. In Your precious name we pray, amen.

The Cost of Faith

FaithWalkDaily October 10, 2008

Acts 14:22
...strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.

Paul and Barnabas covered a lot of ground together, preaching in synagogues from town to town at great risk to themselves. Peter had already been thrown in prison for preaching salvation through faith in Jesus. Paul had been stoned so severely the Jews who'd done it thought he was dead and dragged him outside the city. There was a great price to pay for preaching Jesus.

What does that mean to us? It's not just about carrying the gospel, although that is certainly the plan for each of us. If we go back to the OT Scriptures, we see that it's all about living for God. And tons of failures along the way. I don't know about you, but it sure does ease my mind to know David didn't do life perfectly, Moses didn't do life perfectly, Ruth and Esther had their moments and Mary Magdalene had 7 demons cast out of her. Do you suppose she might have had a few struggles in life even after she was saved? Come on, none of us is perfect, so let's relax a little. But not too much.

Salvation, being forgiven for our sins and accepting the atoning death of Jesus, is not a ticket to ride. It's only the cash to buy the ticket. Now what we do with that cash is very important. We can waste it on foolish things so we don't get to ride at all and have to traverse that mountain on foot, or we can use it to honor and glorify God for a cruise on the Good Ship Lollipop.

Let me speak English. Life is as hard as we make it. God gave us the manual for living. If we read and abide by it, chances are it will be fairly smooth sailing, with a few storms to weather along the way, but excellent equipment to get us through with relative ease. If on the other hand, we choose to try it our own way, rebelling against God's wisdom, we're going to run out of resources before we run out of road, on our own and without a compass.

Will the gates of heaven still open when we get there? Probably. I don't presume to have all the answers by a long shot. But I'm pretty sure the road will be a whole lot easier if we choose to seek, listen and follow God's plans. Job's life is the perfect example. He did everything right, honored God, walked in faith. God let Satan take everything from him. Did he turn away from God? No. Was he hurt and angry? Yeah. But he remained faithful despite it all and God rewarded him with more than he lost for his faithfulness. Yes he had a rough spot but God smoothed it all out.

I know if my life is miserable, it's only because I chose to do things my way. We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God, that's a given. So why make it harder than we must?

There's a story about the refiner's fire that sums it up.

As the woman watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." (Malachi 3:3)

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

We should rejoice to be in that refiner's fire. It hurts. It's hot. But in the end, God has stamped His image on us, so we can shine for Him.

Heavenly Father, wow. You are amazing and we are stupid. Forgive us for wanting to do things our own way, for choosing the rugged mountain rather than accepting your gliding gondola to the top. We gladly accept Your refining fire, to shape us, purify us, make us gleam for You. Thank You for Your patience with us while we stumble in the dark. Thank You for lighting the way back to You. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

My Hope is in my God

FaithWalkDaily October 2, 2008

~ Psalm 9:18
But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.

Recently we've been faced with climbing some very rough terrain in our lives and I know my only hope is in God. When the world fails us - and it does time and again, God NEVER does.

I am who I am and there's no getting around that. At this very moment I'm dealing with a screaming worn out hip joint that needs to be replaced (and lack of money or insurance to take care of it,) bad liver, weepy eye, sinus pain and inflammation, frequent headaches, and nerve pain in my feet. Today is a good day. Add to that problems with a rental property we've invested in, the US economy is in the pits, troubles with my adult son who's moved back home and acts like a demanding tantrum-throwing toddler - honestly, some days I really want to catch the next train for the furthest reaches of the universe and disappear forever.

I'm not afraid to tell God how I feel. The One who knows every hair on my head, already knows! I don't have to be afraid to share my pain and sorrow with God. He is my Father, my comforter, my strength, my shield, my deliverer - He is everything to me. My hope is in Him. If I don't pour out my heart to Him, in essence it's like saying I can handle this alone; I don't need God. I can't handle anything in life with out Him; I do need God.

The truly marvelous thing is, that while I refocus my attention on Him, I forget about my hip, my eye, my sinus headache, and all the stress life throws my way. For just that time, all is well. I can see only good in my scope when focused on Him. My hope is in Him.

Where's your hope today? Perhaps it would help to adjust your focus. Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You! Thank You for always being there for me to lean on when otherwise I would just fall over. Thank You for being the merciful and loving Father You are, to hold and comfort me as I go through all the trials of life on earth. Thank You for saving a special place in heaven just for me. I can't wait to get home! In the meantime, pour out your strength, courage and perseverance to keep plugging along for Your purposes, a day at a time. In Jesus' name, amen.

Return to Recovery Road

Humble Huddle

FaithWalkDaily September 30, 2008

Rom 12:3-6
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. NIV

Isn't pride hindering each of us? What makes us angry when someone else gets the promotion we thought we should get? What makes me feel inferior when someone else gets an award? What is it that causes me to criticize another person? What makes me feel superior when another person stumbles? What makes me think I need a bigger house when my neighbor gets a room addition? Pride is an ever present companion and I've become so used to it, I hardly notice how it hinders my spiritual growth.

In remembering not to think of myself more highly than I ought, I can trust in my faith, that God has a plan uniquely crafted for my life. If I didn't get that award or promotion, it wasn't in God's plan. It's not that someone else is better or was favored over me, it's simply the way it is.

We are each members of a specific body - first the body of Christ. Then, on a smaller scale, the local body. And every single one - from the wealthiest and healthiest right down to the drooling, seizure plagued girl who cannot speak or participate - is figured into God's plans for His glory.

I'm reminded of the huddle in a football game - the way in which a team comes together to plan the next play. No man can make the play alone. Humbled in their huddle, each man submits his will to the whole team. We too need to gather in a humble huddle, seeking the Holy Spirit's plan.

We're all in this together. Let's not permit our pride to hinder our ability to grow in faith because we put our focus in the wrong direction. We belong to one another.

Lord Jesus, I submit all my pride to the foot of the cross. You've paid the price for that ugly sin and I no longer claim it for a refuge. Forgive me for holding on so tightly to my own ideals, my self-righteousness, my judgements, criticisms, and lack of forgiveness. Heal me O Lord, make me whole and holy; set apart to do Your will. Would I seek fist the kingdom of God and be grateful for whatever is bestowed on me or taken away. For You've assured me all things work to the good of those who love You and are called to Your purposes. There is nothing You haven't got a handle on. Here am I Lord, send me. Use me. Take this cracked vessel and seal it up with Your goodness and love, fill it with Your wisdom and mercy, and pour it out on the body to be used according to Your purposes. May I be content with my part, never trying to be more than I am or jealous of what others have. In Jesus' name, amen.

Am I a Christian

FaithWalkDaily September 17, 2008

36 "I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
41 "I do not accept praise from men, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?
45 "But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?"
~ John 5:36-47 NIV

These words of Jesus are very convicting and key to our destination. The Jews who persecuted Christ and sent Him to His death on the cross, were devout holy men. They knew the Scriptures. They had read the prophesies of the messiah and yet were blind to His very presence.

I was reading through the blog of a self-proclaimed "Christian" woman who is literally journaling her personal life online. Not that there's anything wrong with that if you don't mind the voyeurs of the world peering into the windows of your soul. And if you're going to put yourself in that position, I would only hope that while you're sharing your sinful nature, you would so do along with the solution and how you're living it (which she did not.)

After I read the first entry in the blog with my judgmental glasses on ;-)\ (though I repent and ask God to give me wisdom to help, rather than condemn) I read her profile and was shocked to find she was willing to share things about herself that are no one's business but her and her husband! Do we really care what kind of underwear she wears? And what kind of idiotic blog host gives users options for sharing such intimate information? Only one that's of the world, of course. Personally, I'd have left some of those details blank.

As I read this woman's profile, I could relate. I was a worldly Catholic for many years. I had no problem telling (or showing) anyone what kind of underwear I wore, or flaunting my great legs. I didn't realize I wasn't a Christian until I came face to face with Christ and became a born again Christian. I was immediately transformed. On the Saturday before I would probably have flirtingly told you the style, color and size of my panties but the following Monday I'd have blushed and exited quickly. The transformation with Christ in my heart was that drastic.

Am I a Christian? Without a shadow of a doubt. Are you?

How can you know?

Jesus said (John 14:6) He's the only way to God. Not some way. Not a way. Not one of many ways. The way. Do you believe that?

If you believe Jesus is the only way to heaven, do you believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God? Since Jesus is the fulfillment of Scripture (OT prophesy) and the prophesy of things to come (NT,) if you believe in Jesus, you must believe the Bible.

If you follow any other book or any other man, you are being led down a path to destruction. A true Christian follows Jesus alone, Trusting the Holy Spirit using the Bible as a guide.

Joseph Smith was a liar and a false prophet (Matt. 7:15, Deut. 18:21,22.) The Pope has abused the power of his position. Charles Taze Russell perverted the gospel among other blasphemous acts. There are far too many "Christian" leaders who, consciously or unconsciously have twisted the gospel to the joy of Satan and company.

Let's be safe. Stick with the basics. Read the Bible. Store God's word in your heart. Be prepared to give an account for the hope we have in Jesus so that others might come to the table of grace in His kingdom. Follow no man. Fellowship with other believers who have solid Biblical doctrine and understanding. Follow Jesus. Trust the Holy Spirit. Know that God is God and He will have His way. I'd rather be in His camp when the storm comes than out there floundering around wondering if I've got it right, blown away on the winds of the world.

Lord Jesus, open the eyes of our hearts, show us clearly who You are, give us wisdom and discernment in all things regarding faith. Guide us in paths of righteousness for your name's sake. Protect us from liars and false prophets, and beguiling worldy ways. Light the way Jesus, we want to follow You. Holy Spirit embolden us for the journey. Save us a place at your table Lord Jehovah - we look forward to that great feast! In the holy name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Mustard Seed Faith

FaithWalkDaily 9/11/2008

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
~ Psalm 40:1 NLT

Yesterday started off headache free for the first time in days. After some prayer and meditation on K-Love's Encouraging Word http://www.klove.com/EncouragingWord/, I thought it was going to be a wonderful day.

Then the enemy crept in while I was all puffed up and shattered my world. In one fell blow, with my defenses down, he bowled me over in an instant. I found myself flattened, on the phone with my husband who gave me terrible news. After hanging up, I tried to pray but I felt nothing but anger, fear and complete loss of control. I sat sobbing, wondering what to do.

Beside myself and unable to move or pray, I started calling friends I know who are strong prayer warriors. No one answered their phones so I began screaming at God, "HELP! HELP ME GOD, Where are you when I need You? Why do You hear everyone else's prayers and not mine? Why do You bless everyone else and not us? What have we done that keeps You from hearing our prayers? I want to serve You, want to be obedient. So if I'm doing something wrong, show me Lord, Help me!!"

After a few unanswered calls, I got my church directory and opened it and the first name my eyes rested on is a woman of deep faith. I called and poured out my heart to her. She immediately prayed for us, for our situation and for the other person involved. Her specific prayer was for these two men to resolve the problem as good Christians, in peace. She also prayed something like, "Lord, You have said we can move mountains with just the faith of a mustard seed. As small as our faith is, we know You're in control and that You can make this situation right for everyone concerned."

Through my sobs, I told my friend that I didn't think I even had the faith of a mustard seed anymore. She responded to the effect that the very fact that I had called, that I had reached out to others for prayer in my time of need, proved my faith. A simple but profound statement - words straight from the heart of the Holy Spirit. God poured a healing salve into my wounded soul through her wisdom.

Before she was even finished praying, my husband called on my cell phone to tell me this man had apologized and they had resolved the issue to everyone's satisfaction.

I don't always wait patiently. Sometimes I'm flat out kinetic - pacing, ranting, raving, crying. Perhaps that's as patient as I can be. God created me this way. He knows my heart, my needs, my abilities. Despite my lack of serenity, and inability to sit still, He has abundant patience. He turns to me in my time of need and hears my cry.

O Holy God, thank You for Your patience when I have none, thank You for Your mercy when I am far from You, thank You for providing for my every need though my faith is so small. You are marvelous and majestic, all powerful and all knowing, yet You attend to me as a gentle Shepherd takes care of the lamb gone astray. You have far greater things to attend to, yet no prayer goes unheard. You draw me into Your presence and guide me according to Your perfect plans. Protect me from the enemy - ever lurking, ever patient - just waiting to devour me. You etch Your word upon my heart for times when I can't think clearly, and the Holy Spirit brings them to mind to thwart the devil's attacks, when he taunts me with his lies. Thank You Lord Jesus, that You have paid the price for my sins, that You have made a way for me to bring my petitions before the Father. Thank You my Savior, my Redeemer, my Rescuer. Guide us through this day, with constant reminders, that You are Soverein God. In Jesus' name, amen.