Romans 1:5-7 We Are Called!

5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 1:5-7 NIV

Because of Jesus' sacrifice, the power of God on just the chosen ones - Israel - is no more. We can all receive His grace which is an undeserved right to forgiveness and eternity with God. His love extends to all men, women, and children. We have all become His chosen. 

And when we accept the call to "obedience that comes from faith," we choose to step into the unknown each day for His glory. Our lives are no longer our own - but they are His. But this is only for a time. You see, the faith it takes to surrender each day will one day in heaven no longer be needed. "12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12

The faith leading to obedience is only needed now while living in the middle of the chaos. In heaven, we will see Him whom we love and serve. We won't need faith; we will just be. 

But for now, we are all called to walk by faith. It's not a burden, but a privilege because we are among the called. And by that same faith we share with others this privilege of being called to the faith of the redeemed. 

Father, thank you for the provision of faith given to us all. Help me to walk in the obedience of that faith and share it with others until one day we can see you face to face. Your grace and peace covers me daily. So be it. 

Further Thoughts:

1. Why were the Israelites the chosen ones?
2. Why does Christ's sacrifice make us all chosen?
3. In the "obedience that comes from faith" how are we to obey?
4. Restate why we only need faith here and now before Jesus comes again. 

Judges 6:11-24 "I'm Not Capable"

"But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." ~Judges 6:15 NIV

Recently, I was watching an episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition (ABC). They told the story of a young girl who had a terrible disease. (Let's call her Annie.) While she was in the hospital, she made friends with another little girl who was battling cancer. (We'll call her, Liz.) Annie felt so badly for Liz and what she was going through, she decided to do something about it. This little girl went out and started raising money for cancer research. Annie raised hundreds of dollars and remained friends with Liz. Even years later when the show went in to build Annie a new house, she was in the middle of a project making key chains to sell for cancer research.

How many times when God calls us to do something do we say, "I can't." "I'm not trained." "I don't have enough money." "I'm too young." "I'm from the weakest tribe and am the least in my family." Gideon had given up before he even began, and here's why. He started from the lie that so many people get caught up in -- God only uses the strong and the capable. Actually, it's quite the opposite.

Look at how many times God uses the weakest of the weak -- some real weaknesses and some perceived. Moses (speech impedement), Joseph (second from the youngest of 12 and made a slave in a foreign country), David (a boy facing a giant), Ruth (a young widow from the wrong family), Rahab (a prostitute), Peter, James and John (fishermen that changed the world). You see, although God wants us to develop our gifts and talents, go to school, train up in our positions, He also wants us to understand that the real power comes from him alone. All we must do is be willing to let Him work through us. There is nothing God can't do with a person possessing a willing spirit. Slaves can be freed; nations fed, and giants defeated. Gideon was just another person falling into the trap of self deprecation believing that God can only use the strong. But he was wrong and God changed the history of the Israelites through Gideon.

What are you facing that God has asked you to do, and yet you feel unworthy to do it? Me? I'm in the middle of writing a manuscript. The deadline is looming, and I'm really not sure I have anything to say that anyone would want to read. And truthfully, I'm right. But God has something to say. If I am open to Him and willing to let Him use me, great things can come out of this book. In our weakness, He is made strong.

Further Thoughts:

1. What is God calling you to do in which you feel completely incapable of doing?
2. What specifically do you need from God to make it happen? List the ones you know and trust Him for the ones you don't know you need.
3. What are you doing right now in your own strength?
4. What lies have you been believing?
   
5. How do we practically allow God to work through us?

Father, forgive me for trying to work your miracles for You. Of course, I failed. Use me, Lord. Give me Your strength, Your creativity, Your words. You know what you want to accomplish through me. I trust You to do it. Amen.

Judges 6:1-6:10 "Sorry, I Forgot....Again"

"I snatched you from the power of Egypt and from the hand of all your oppressors. I drove them from before you and gave them your land." ~Judges 6:9 (NIV)

Here, once again, the Israelites did evil in God's eyes and the Midianites swooped in. For seven years God's chosen suffered under a foreign oppressor. It finally got so bad that they cried out to God for help -- again. This time, God didn't just rescue them, but reminded them of where He had brought them from and their disobedience to Him. Thus, they are suffering.

When I read this passage, two questions popped into my mind. 1) Why are we so forgetful? 2) Is there a way to break the cycle of forgetfulness?

All of life is filled with peaks and valleys. We experience them in our marriages, our jobs, our weight, our moods, our exercise plans, our bank accounts. So is it just inevitable that we will have peaks and valleys in our spiritual walk? Probably. My daughter, Gabby, was just at youth camp. She said that the speaker, Matt, gave a great final sermon on coming down from the mountain top that they had been on all week -- both physically and spiritually. Gabby summarized it this way, "You can't keep the high, but Jesus can keep you in the lows." With sin, pain, and disappointment in the world, we are going to experiences many highs and lows. But we serve the King and have His Spirit living within us. There must be a way to minimize those lows that cause spiritual forgetfulness. I need to be able to face the next mountain I need to climb by remembering how God enabled me to conquer the last mountain. And the one before that. And the one before that.

Here are some ways I know I can remember:

1. Stay in the Word and Prayer!!! If I become slack and don't maintain regular times alone with the Lord, I drift in my thinking and attitudes. It's like checking the rope daily to be sure the boat is connected to the dock. If you don't, wind, rain, and the pounding waves will loosen that rope and the boat will drift away. I need clear rope-checking time every day.

2. Faith Journal. I have not been good about keeping this and need to do better. When I just stop and think for a while about my life and the things God has brought me through, I am completely overwhelmed by His faithfulness. I have so to speak been rescued from Egypt; I have faced plague and famine; I have met up with opposing armies at insurmountable odds. God has worked in my life, and I must remember His power that can conquer any obstacle I face and trust the He will be there again. But to do so, I must stop and remember. Quiet reflection time is difficult to find with jobs, families, responsibilities. But floundering in the insecurity of facing battles without power is so much worse. All I have to do is remember and believe.

3. Keep myself accountable. I'm a list maker. If I don't, I will not remember. Already this week I double booked myself because I didn't write down the first commitment. Maybe I need some more vitamins or possibly shock therapy, but I just do not have a good memory. Used to; but time has robbed me. In the same way as I use lists to keep track of my "to do's," I need accountability to keep track of my spiritual walk. I have my husband and one main female accountability partner, but then I am also in an accountability group. Those regular meetings help keep my mind on God's activity in the world today. I am constantly reminded through those ladies of God's power at work in and through every day people, and it builds my faith and attentiveness to His plan.

4. Run from sin. If I am doing #1-3, this one is so much easier to accomplish. Because I spend time with my loving Father, I want to obey Him. Because I remember His faithfulness in the past, I don't want to hinder Him working in and through me in the future. And because I am accountable to several people, I have fellow warriors fighting through the battle with me and I am made stronger.

I know I am going to face times of doubt and fear. I know that I will sometimes start up a mountain with trepidation. But I will push through because I have safeguards in place to make me stronger. I never want to forget again -- He is always with me.

Further Thoughts:
1. When have you forgotten and what were the consequences?
2. Do you really want to be there again? Why or why not?
3. What's your plan to not forget God's faithfulness?
4. Who are you going to ask to hold you accountable?

Father, we are frail and weak, but that is no excuse for forgetting your amazing grace and faithfulness. Empower our minds to remember, Lord, and help us develop daily habits of remaining focused on You and the goal -- to run the race well in Your strength and power.

Hebrews 4:14-16 "Hold On"

Dedicated to Claudia Johnson. A woman whose faith never seemed to be shaken.

Read Hebrews 4:14-16.

"... let us hold firmly to the faith we profess...." NIV

In review, we started Hebrews with that fact that Jesus is over angels and yet was made in the same image as we are. He went through the same temptations, but was without sin. Unlike Moses and the Israelites, Jesus never turned His back on God and therefore, did not receive the punishment of being without the promised land like they did. The Israelites made poor choices and were not able to enter into God's rest (the promised land.) Their lives serve as an admonishment to us to keep on the narrow path -- choose obedience so we can enter into His rest one day.

THEREFORE, we have seen that we have a high priest who takes our sins away once and for all. He is completely worthy and capable of accomplishing for eternity what had to be done annually before. So we should "hold firmly to the faith we profess." Our faith cannot be taken lightly. A high price was paid for it. Neither can we live flippantly. Obedience is a requirement to finishing in His rest.

So we must hold on. Hold on through the doubts. Hold on through the struggles. Hold on in good times and bad. When all else fails, hold on. He will never fail you. God has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. No matter what we endure here, God has us in the palm of His hand and will carry us through the storm. "Approach the throne with confidence" for He is waiting to guide you through this life we've been given. He is never short on "mercy and grace" and will bring us safely to our rest.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read Hebrews 11. When our faith is shaken, hearing of others' strength can spur us on.
2. Are you doubting or struggling in your faith? God can handle your questions. If I can be of help, please leave a comment or email me at jerolyn@bogearfamily.com. I'd love to search for the answers with you or just be in prayer while you are in your valley.

Colossians 1:3-4 "Remembered"

Read Colossians 1:3-4.

"...we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints...." NIV

"We have heard of your faith" really struck a chord with me. This young church in Colosse had displayed such a faith that Paul had heard about it from the other believers. Faith - believing in what is not seen; living out that belief through their actions of love, and sharing their faith with others who hadn't yet heard and believed. That is what Paul had heard about.

I was just this morning wondering what people hear about me. Do they hear about my faith or all the other stuff of life that isn't really that important? Or is my faith so ingrained in the every day activities of life that they are one and the same? Hmmmm. I think I fall short. So why is that? What causes us to fall short of being known for an active, living and breathing faith life?

First, we can get caught in the mundane, but necessary activities of life. Yes, faith can be lived out in everything, but do we remember to do that? Helping a person cross the street, checking on a sick neighbor, asking someone how they are doing and really listening to the answer -- unspoken, as well as, spoken. These are all ways that we can bring our faith into the routine part of life. Now, if I can just find a country where I didn't need to shower but once a week, wore no makeup, exercise and clean houses were against the law, and where I needed less than 8 hours of sleep every night. Then I'd have more time for important stuff.

But would I use my time wisely if it was given to me? I know so many people that have done amazing things for Christianity and for the world. They have lived out their faith in ways that I will never be able to touch. I do know I can live wiser with what I have right now -- making better use of the time I have. I want to be remembered for my faith, and when I leave this earth, I want the Father to be able to say that His kingdom was advanced in some minuscule way because I was here.

Lord, keep me focused. Help me to use my time wisely to share my faith with others who so disparately need to know you. Don't let me get bogged down in so much life that Your life is sucked out of me. Keep me on the path You would have me to walk.

Further Thoughts:
What are you going to be known for? Will it be your faith?
Read Hebrews 11 and be reminded of the faith of our ancestors.
How can you use your time more wisely for Christ?

Joseph: Genesis 47:1-31 "Joseph's Calling"

Read Genesis 47:1-31.

"So Joseph settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property...." NIV

You can't read this and not be amazed at where Joseph has come to date. He began as a lowly shepherd boy -- granted, spoiled by his father -- but of lowly birth in Canaan. Now he has risen to a powerful position in another country and is saving the people from starvation. Oh, to have a Joseph in the United States right now. Someone to clearly see the need and meet the needs of the people. Is the plight of the Canaanites and the Egyptians where we are heading? Will we come to drastic measures to survive? It's possible. But as God had made sure Joseph was in the right place at the right time to do His work, so God will have His people taken care of in His timing and His way. Many of us already feel that God is allowing the difficulties of today stir in the hearts of the people of the church to actually be the people again. Maybe we are the Joseph they are looking for....

Although the Canaanites, I'm sure, felt terribly abandoned by their God, He'd never stopped working on their behalf. Here they were in a foreign land, starving, forced to sell the land they had been given and their service to Egypt for food. The promised land must have seemed very far away, and it was in human eyes. But in the eyes of the Almighty and His power. the promised land was merely a step away. God had some lessons to teach His people that required they begin in slavery.

How often do we feel like God is far away? Maybe we don't think He hears us or even cares about what's happening to us. But He never leaves us alone. His actions are always in step with His plan. If we have to endure hardship, it's because there are lessons to be learned and good will prevail in the end if we are faithful. His greatest desire is for us to love and trust Him in obedience. That's it. All the good and bad in life is secondary to loving and trusting our Father.

Joseph knew that. He had seen good times and bad ones. He wasn't living where he belonged, so God brought his family to him. He wasn't living the life he was supposed to be living, so God raised him up to second in all of Egypt. Sometimes, what doesn't make any sense to us is exactly what is needed to fulfill the Father's plan.

Trust and obey

For there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus

But to trust and obey.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do you feel very far from your promised land? Either God has some lessons for you to learn, or maybe He's redefining your promised land.
   
2. Has the church become lazy? How can we be the Joseph our nation so desperately needs?
   

2 Peter 1:1-11 "Adding to Faith, Part 1"

Read 2 Peter 1:1-11.

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." NIV

Peter, towards the end of his life, continues addressing the scattered congregation of believers. While Peter's first letter encouraged the believers to remain strong through persecution, his second letter focuses on dealing with false teachers and evildoers within the church. Both letters call believers to a deeper and truer walk with the Lord.

Whether we face outside opposition or internal invasion, the strength of the whole comes down to the devotion of the parts. Each believer is called to faith and action and when each one does so in increasing measure, the power of the body increases. 

To grow as a believer Peter tells us how to "participate in the divine nature" in verse 5. "Make every effort to add to your faith..."

"goodness:" If we are turning from the evil that was prevalent in our life before Christ and that is still dominating the world today, we will go toward the opposite action to that of goodness. Goodness requires a self-sacrifice that evil does not encourage. It looks out for others before self and desires the greater good over self-satisfaction.

"to goodness, knowledge:" Here is the part about studying His Word. When we focus on His Words, we can learn more about Him, His nature, how He works. When we know more about who God is, we know more about His nature that lives within us and about what is expected of us. The other amazing part about being in His Word is the way His Spirit uses the Word to speak directly into our lives. The Logos becomes our Rema. What an amazing and supernatural form of communication. The trick is.... we have to answer the call.

"to knowledge, self-control:" The temptation to be pulled back into the ways of the world is tremendous. Most of the time, we won't even realize what is happening. It may begin small -- some selfish act or attitude that we allow to creep into our thinking. Then as we nurture that selfishness, it grows and grows eventually taking over our entire worldview and God-view. We filter all of life not through the eyes of the Father, but through how life will affect us. Everything we do runs through that self-absorbed filter and brings us back to an indulgent attitude on life. But we must keep our self-control -- not succumb to the temptations that attempt to pull us back to the life we used to live -- and remain on our guard at all times. You'd think resisting would get easier with time, but remember we are dealing with a cunning enemy. If we are onto him in one area, he'll just change his tactics and attack in another unexpected arena. He never stops trying, so our eyes must always be focused on the Truth to recognize the lies when they come our way.

"to self-control, perseverance:" No one ever said the Christian walk is easy. It is a constant battle to be in a minority and opposing everything around you at all times, and stay true to your calling. This is where the rubber meets the road. Are you going to "stand firm, steadfast" as Peter admonishes in 1 Peter 5:12 or will you waver and slip back into your old ways? Jesus never promised an easy life of luxury and comfort. In fact, He promised just the opposite. He said that we will have trials of every kind. But if we can keep our focus on the true prize; if we can keep our eyes on Jesus and His ways, we can make it through. Our time here -- in good times and in difficult ones -- is very short. We are just a scratch on the rope of eternity. But our lives in paradise are forever and forever. I can take a little trouble here to receive eternity with the Father.

Part 2 on Monday.

Further Thoughts:

1. Which one, if any, of these areas listed so far are the most difficult for you? Why? What do you need to change in your thinking, actions, or attitudes to be in line Scripturally with what God chooses for you to increase your faith?
   
2. Find an Old Testament person that maintained each of these attributes well. What was different about them? How did they keep their focus?
   

1 Peter 3:13-22 "The Right Fear"

Read 1 Peter 3:13-22.

"Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." NIV

Peter has told us to live doing good, not evil. Show brotherly love. Here he cautions that we still may be harmed or persecuted for doing good. Then he says this line above from vs 14 -- do not fear what they fear. So what do they fear and why don't I need to have the same fears?

Fear is a very prevalent emotion in every generation. It may change from circumstance to circumstance, but always comes back around to the same reasons that someone at some time has been afraid. Today, I'd say we are afraid of financial ruin which could lead to joblessness, and homelessness. People have been at this same place before -- look at the depression. About a year ago, we were afraid that we would never be able to use our cars again because of gas prices. A few years ago, say in about 2004, we were afraid of the Iraqi's with the war and Iran and North Korea with nuclear weapons. In 2001, we were afraid of terrorists. And on and on it goes. There is always something to be afraid of. In the modern era, it's usually whatever the media tells us to fear. 

Everything people fear are things that could take away something we have -- possessions, power, security, family, their life.... All their fears are based on "me." But a believer, on the other hand, has surrendered all those things to the Lord to do with as He wills. We recognize where those blessings come from and allow Him to hold them in His capable hands. We don't need to fear losing our possessions; it's just stuff. We don't need to fear losing power; we serve the One with the ultimate power. We don't need to fear losing our security or our family; the Lord watches over His sheep. We don't even need to fear losing our life; this life we live here is not our final destination. It is merely a thin shadow of our true home. So if my life is taken, I'm going to a much better place. 

Now I say none of this to mean we don't use common sense or don't work hard to keep a roof over our heads. "Fools rush in where angels dare to tread." We must use the brains God gave us with the little wisdom we do possess. But none of it needs to be wrapped in fear. The only fear that the Bible encourages is a fear of God. He should be the One that we come crawling to on hands and knees with our faces to the ground seeking His mercy, grace, and guidance. It is in our hearts that we should "set apart Christ as Lord," not our fear. We don't have room for two lords.

Isaiah 8:13: "The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary...." NIV

Further Thoughts:

1. Compare and contrast fear and faith. Support with Scripture.
   
2. Is fear your lord? Why? Is that choice really working for you?
   
3. Saul lived in fear all the time. What was he afraid of? Is that a fear that lines up with the world or God?
   
4. Memorize some Scriptures on biblical fear.
   

James 5:13-18 "Prayer Faith"

Read James 5:7-12.

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." NIV

James gives the answer to about anything we can face -- trouble, happiness, sickness, sin. That one word is pray. One of the simplest acts man can do. It can be filled with words or a simple, "Help" or "Thank you" or "My Lord" will be enough. We underestimate the power those unembellished utterances hold. With a word a mountain will be moved or with a word we are ushered into the presence of the Almighty.

In our visual, instant-gratification world we live in, prayer can seem so inactive and useless. But we must never forget the power. When I was with my mother in Fargo the last ten days of her life, I had people from all over the country praying for me. I didn't really know this until I came back home and saw all the emails, facebook messages, and cards. But I'll tell you -- I felt those prayers. I have never been so buoyed by prayer in my life. There is truly power in those simple spoken words of faith, petition, and praise. And until we truly grasp the power of prayer, we will walk ineffectually through the motions of Christianity. That communion with the Lord is the foundation of our relationship -- speaking, but mostly listening. And when we spend that time with Him and learn who He is, and surrender every moment to Him, our prayers will mirror the character and will of God. Then things will happen that will blow our minds. It may not be today, or tomorrow, but it will happen. We serve a faithful Master and no one is His equal. Pray to Him, believing.

Further Thoughts:

1. Look through the Old Testament. Who knew how to pray? How do you know? What evidence did they show of being an effectual pray-er?
2. Do you pray but struggle with the faith to believe your prayers will be answered? If so, are you surrendered to whatever God has for you?
3. Spend time every day talking with the Lord. His Word and Spirit speak to you. Are you listening?

James 2:14-26 "Living Out Faith"

Read James 2:14-26.

"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." NIV

This begs the question, Am I living out my faith? I can study the Word all I want and believe that everything in the Word is true, but if my life does not reflect the Word and Jesus Christ, what good is it? If I am not applying my beliefs to how I live my life, what's the use?

So how do we know how to apply our faith? Jesus and the other mentors of the Bible are a great place to start. They show us how to live out our faith -- loving people with the love of Christ. Emulating their choices and decisions will teach us how to respond in similar situations. The steps to full devotion can be learned from those who came before us.

Then we have the Holy Spirit. When in doubt, whisper a prayer and ask the Lord what you should do. He never leaves us dangling by a thread. He will guide our steps if we only ask and listen. But the steps of faith in asking and listening are still worthless if we do not act on His answer.

We were not placed on this earth to sit back and become fat with knowledge and belief. We must put feet to our faith and reach out to a world who needs to hear about Jesus and see Him in action.

Further Thoughts:

1. List people in the Bible. Beside each name, write out how they lived out their faith.
2. What stops you from living out your faith -- fear, laziness, ignorance? How are you going to combat this lie of the enemy that is paralyzing you in your walk with the Lord?
3. Ask the Lord to show you what deeds He wants you to do in His name? How will you glorify Him?

James 1:21-27 "Living the Word"

Read James 1:21-27.

"Therefore,...." NIV

Okay, here is that time where we see "therefore" and need to ask, What is it "there for?" God has just instructed us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because anger does not lead us into a righteous life. So how do we please God with our life? What are we to do?

First, we make a choice to put off moral filth and evil. You may say, "but I'm not morally filthy or evil." Are you? Have you examined your life lately and matched it up to the standards of God? His Word is our moral compass; His life our example. We will never be able to match it exactly, but are we even close? The enemy of lies is cunning and slick. He leads us into areas of compromise that we would initially say we would never enter. But because we go there inch by inch instead of mile by mile, we don't seem to notice the subtle changes we are allowing into our life until it is too late and we are fully enmeshed in a habit, relationship, or philosophy that is contrary to the Word of God. Take inventory -- how's your house looking?

We should regularly take a hard look at our life and see if we have let any compromise creep in. But the rest of this passage gives us a way to avoid desiring the things of this world. James tells us to live out the Word that has been placed in us. That can have two meanings....Jesus is the Word and the written Word of God. Once we have received Jesus into our hearts, our desire is to live for Him, right? Well, that's the goal. But with the bombardment of the enemy's temptations to indulge self, we must diligently be on our guard against slipping into old habits and desires. Our focus should be on His Word. Learn who Jesus is so you can live as He lived. Study His Word and life. Hide His words in your heart. Then emulate His actions. That's why James says that you cannot merely read the Word, you must live it. Study and sermons are all good, but they are only a means to an end. The goal is to live as Christ lived. That is the truly righteous life that God desires. Put feet to His Word.

Further Thoughts:

1. Have you been only studying and not living out His Word? What is He calling you to do? We are to live out the Word in the big things and the little things of our life. Make a list of where you need to do better in living the Word.
2. Read James 2:20. (KJV) Search for other passages where we are told that we must live the righteous life beyond just faith. Search "works," "deeds," "actions."

James 1:1-4 "Joy in Trials - A Faith-Builder"

Read James 1:1-4.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers...." NIV

James, the brother of Jesus, identifies himself as a servant of God. In the Greek that is a slave or bondservant. A much stronger word than our word "servant" implies. And he is a servant of "the Lord" Jesus Christ. Not just Jesus Christ. James is acknowledging the deity and sovereignty of Jesus Christ. Lordship means that Christ is over all James does and all he is. James is surrendered completely to Christ's leading. (He wasn't at first, but he certainly is now.)

The Dispersion is referring to the scattering of the Jewish believers. This Dispersion happened after Christ's death and resurrection when the Jewish Christians were scattered out among the Gentiles. As the head of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, James wanted to encourage and instruct his people who were living in foreign lands among foreign customs and beliefs.

James begins with joy in trials. Not happiness in trials -- we are never told we have to be happy about difficulties. Happiness is an emotion associated with circumstances. Joy is a choice made deep within our spirit. That's really the only way to have joy in trials -- seeing them as a passing moment that will not rob me of the hope God has given me.

However, trials do test our faith. They push us to the point of once again deciding, do I believe God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. (Beth Moore's Believing God) Can I trust in His promises to always be with me through everything I face; to never give me more than I can handle; to hear my cries; to hold me in my distress?

I love that word, "steadfastness." The NAS says it even better, "endurance." And the KJV says, "patience." All these words infer longevity, hope, and commitment. The more our faith is tested and we maintain the integrity of our beliefs through it, the stronger is our commitment to continue through whatever the enemy throws at us. That's why we have joy in trials. They may not be any fun now, but if I handle them with the grace and tenacity that my Lord gives me, I will come out the other side a stronger servant for Him -- one that will go the long haul. That's the person that God wants to use for His mission to the people of this world. He needs the trial endurers that possess an unwavering faith so that when the storms come, they will stand.

Oh my Lord, I will joy in my trials as long as it makes me a more faithful servant of You.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read more on James (see dictionary entries on right-hand column), the brother of Jesus.
2. Read about Job. No one knew trials more than he did. How did his faith increase because he persevered?
3. What trials are you facing now? Are you handling them in a way that will increase your faith, or destroy it?

Matthew 27:45-56 "The Final Sacrifice"

Read Matthew 27:45-56.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" NIV

As He hangs on a cross, we see another example of Jesus living out the same feelings we have all had at one time or another. Why has God left me alone here in this mess? Why do I have to hurt so when He can take it away with one word? Why me? I don't deserve this....

Of course the pain we suffer is nothing compared to what He endured. Not only was He going through one of the most excruciating forms of execution, but He was suffering spiritually by carrying the weight of the world's sin. It's no wonder He felt abandoned. No one should have to endure that agony. But He loved us too much not to.

And look at the result. The curtain in the temple was torn in two symbolizing the end exclusivism in approaching the throne of God. We are all now given access to the Almighty through the final high priest, Jesus Christ. People were raised from the dead. His own tormentors recognized Him for who He was. The world was changed forever!

We grieve for the pain Christ endured. Even the physical earth shook at His death. But His suffering was for a purpose far beyond His physical pain. He did it for our eternal salvation. The results were worth the trials.

Our suffering in this life, whether real or perceived, is for such a short time. And if we just persevere and learn from our trials, the results could impact the world. There still may be times that we feel like God has forsaken us. But that is simply the enemy's lie. He will never leave us or forsake us. He may allow certain trials to come into our life, but only so we will be stronger and more in line with who He is and His will. We will be led to rely on Him, trust Him in a greater way than ever before. But if I succumb to the enemy's lies and stop believing in the Truths of God, then Jesus' sacrifice was for nothing.

Lord, thank You for the sacrifice You made in taking my sins. Use me as a testimony to Your grace and mercy. Help me to always keep my heart focused on Your Truths in every trial I face. I never want to forsake You.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read the accounts of Christ's death in the other gospels.
2. Watch the movie, The Passion of the Christ.
3. Read James 1:2-18. List how we are to handle trials and temptations.
4. Spend some time today thanking Jesus for the sacrifice He made for us. Express your thanks in your own unique way -- write or sing a song, write a poem, dance around the room, kneel in silence, shout for joy.

Matthew 21:18-22 "Faith Without Doubt"

Read Matthew 21:18-22.

"If you have faith and do not doubt...." NIV

Jesus' authority is making itself more evident in the narrative. Before this point, He has shown his authority mostly through healing and through His preaching. He has been very vocal with the Sadusees and Pharisees. But after the temple event where He physically throws out the hypocrites, Jesus displays a power He has not shown before this. Is it because the time is short and He feels the pressure of making His point quicker? Somehow, He must make the people see the truth.

Then of course in this particular passage, we see two messages. First, that anything that isn't bearing fruit is cursed. A tree with leaves should have fruit. The leaves could represent the appearances of a Christian walk. But without the evidence of fruit, the tree is useless. In the same way a Christian is useless without producing fruit. There is no depth to their belief and thus no lasting, productive service to the Master. He desires our heart more than our sacrifice. But a heart surrendered to Him will yearn to serve. And one serving Him and others will produce fruit.

Secondly, Jesus points out the power we have in Him if we have faith AND do not doubt. We can say we trust someone, and we may have some level of trust. But complete trust comes without doubt. It's like rappelling. I can say that I trust that the harness and the rope and the belayer are all going to do their job. Afterall, I've watched several people go down the mountain before me, and nothing has happened. However, there is probably a small part of my brain that is still unsure if I'm not going to be the exception. Jesus is saying that inkling of doubt is what stops us from being able to tap into the complete power He provides. If God is leading us to do something, we must throw ourselves into it with complete abandon for it to happen. The results are not based on God's ability to do it, but on our ability to trust Him. That's His priority - not the result, but the process. He wants us to grow in our faith in Him to the consistent point of complete abandon. If God says it will be, and we believe completely, it will be.

Let go and fly -- the harness is secure.

Further Thoughts:

1. Moses began with a tremendous amount of doubt. List what His doubts were. Then list the amazing steps of faith that Moses took so God's power was displayed.
2. What does it mean to pray according to His will? How do we know what God's will is in a given situation? Support with Scripture.
3. What is it that God wants you to do in complete trust of Him? Do it!

Matthew 19:13-15 "Like a Child"

Read Matthew 19:13-15.

"Let the little children come...." NIV

How often do we devalue the importance of the children in the kingdom of God. They are seen as immature and ignorant of God's ways when in fact they may know the best. As we become older, we develop an arrogance that knowledge and time tend to incubate. And I think that is something we all fight until we die.

I have realized since I started this blog and have been so regularly in the Word, (I also lead a Bible study and write my daughter's Bible curriculum.) that I feel like I know less and less and that my actions and attitudes are simply decrepit. When you sit at the feet of the Almighty day after day, you can't help but see your inadequacies. The difference between a child realizing that and an adult is that a child is okay with there situation. Simple is fine; needy is a regular part of life; dependence is natural. Oh, to be like a child again.

Lord, give me the simple trust and dependence of a child.

Further Thoughts:

1. What children in the Old Testament displayed simple trust in the Almighty? How did God use them?
2. Spend some time sitting and observing a child. What about them would make Jesus say that "the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these?"
3. Ask the Lord to show you how He wants you to be more like a child and ways that you need to stop being like a child.

Matthew 17:24-27 "Fish-mouth Faith"

Read Matthew 17:24-27.

"Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin." NIV

I love the unexpectedness of Christ. Christianity in itself is an upside-down version of the world. But Jesus Himself takes it even a step further. If we ever think we have God figured out - His thoughts and His ways, we have reached way too low. Talk about an out-of-the-box thinker. His creativity is so exciting. Walking in faith, trusting Him to meet needs, is an exciting adventure. When those men were being raised as good Hebrew boys learning the law, did they ever anticipate that the Messiah would tell them to go out and get the tax money from the mouth of a fish? And what does this passage say about Peter? He actually went out and looked in the mouth of a fish. What faith.

Lord, I want fish-mouth faith. Whatever you tell me to do -- no matter how far outside the box it is -- I want to go straight ahead without hesitation. You have always been faithful to me; I'll always be faithful to You.

Further Thoughts:

1. In the Old Testament, who were the out-of-the-box thinkers and how? What can we learn from their faith living?
2. Has God ever told you to do something that seemed really odd at the time but later proved to be exactly what needed to be done? If so, what did you learn about God through that experience? What did you learn about yourself? Are you still walking with a faith to take those kind of steps again? If no, why not?

Matthew 17:14-23 "To Stand"

Read Matthew 17:14-23. For commentary on mustard seed faith, see previous post.

"'O unbelieving and perverse generation,' Jesus replied, 'how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?'" NIV

Does God get frustrated with our lack of faith? Does He ever just want to throw in the towel over our puny attempts to believe? Why does He have such patience with our human tendency/sin to doubt?

I remember so many times when my kids were little, I would tell them to trust me. I'd be teaching them how to say a word, and they didn't think that was how it was said. "Trust me, that's how you say that word." Or I'd tell them to jump, and I would catch them. They'd argue that I wouldn't do it. "Trust me; I will not let you fall." My middle child is my most adamant arguer. Sometimes he would continue arguing so long, my patience would run out, and I'd finally say, "You know best." And then let him suffer the consequences of his arrogance.

Thankfully, the Father is so different. Our God is a gentleman. He will not press Himself on us, but wait with extreme patience for our eyes to refocus on Him. Sometimes, He must stand by and watch us suffer the consequences of our doubt. But then the next time, He is faithfully there to catch us if we will only have faith in Him.

I so do not want my Lord to look at me when I stand at the judgment and say, "O unbelieving and perverse generation." Surely, I can find deep within me a small seed of faith that will trust Him no matter what comes my way.

That same middle child asked his father and me last night how we would handle someone threatening our children because of our faith. I pray that we never have to face that situation. But in all I do, small and monumental, I want to possess a faith that will stand.

".... because it is by faith you stand firm." 2 Corinthians 1:24

Further Thoughts:

1. Do doubts plague you? If yes, why? Do you believe in God or do you believe God?
2. Read Hebrews 11 again. Many have come before us that needed much more faith than we need.
3. Is God calling you to take a step of faith? Watch this video clip from "Indiana Jones and the Holy Grail."
   

Matthew 15:29-39 "Amazed Praisers"

Read Matthew 15:29-39.

"The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel." NIV

Today, at least in the U.S. we don't see these kind of healings very often. But they do still happen and they are quite dramatic examples of God's power in our lives.

Even though we don't see that many physical healings, we do see God's activity in other ways. My question is are we amazed and give Him praise?

I was reading through the prayer requests from our church this morning. One said, "Anger and frustration. Praise God for help with my finances." I'm not here to criticize the way a person expresses their prayer requests. But I'm looking at a larger principle here. Now there are many good things about this request. First, that she is bringing her request to God. She recognizes her anger and frustration as not right, and seeking His help. Also, she is giving Him praise for helping with her finances and by doing so acknowledging His work in her life. Those things are all good. I guess what struck me is that these two things are back to back. Now I'm sure the situation causing these emotions is a legitimate need. I don't doubt that. But what this request made me wonder about is if we spent more time praising God for the things He does do and standing in amazement over the miracle of His work in our lives, would we have to deal with as much pain in other areas of our lives?

How many times have I thanked God for an answered prayer and then moved right on to the next item for help? And that's if I remembered to thank Him. I think if I focused more on the amazing things He is doing in and around me, I'd have very little to say to Him about the frustrations and difficulties. By focusing on His activity of love, my other difficulties seem to lesson because I know that God has it all under control. He's not going to leave me dangling on the end of a rope. If He is faithful in one area, He will take care of me in all areas; that is His very nature. Maybe it will not be dealt with in the way I necessarily would choose, but He knows the best way for me, for Him, and for the kingdom of God.

I want to stop being a whiner, complainer, and so needy all the time. I'm going to choose to be an "amazed praiser." It won't be an easy change. Feeling needy is in our very nature. But I can do it with time and discipline. Oh, I'll still lift my requests to Him. He tells me to ask. But maybe I will not feel so desperate each time because my mind is already set on His faithfulness in the past. So I'm going to start today to be an amazed praiser. And I'll do it again tomorrow. And the next day and the next until it just becomes a part of my first response. I serve a faithful God and I need to be faithful to Him in return.

NOTE: Right after they praise Him for the miracles He has performed, He feeds 4000 people with just a few fish and loaves of bread. Maybe if I'm faithful to praise Him in the little things of my life, I'll be able to see even greater miracles. To him who is faithful with a little, much will be given.

Further Thoughts:

1. Spend some time just listing the amazing things God has done in and through you. Give Him the praise He so deserves.
2. Maybe if the Israelites had spent more time praising and less time complaining, they wouldn't have gone through so many ups and downs in their relationship with God. List some of the things they were focusing on each time they drifted from following God. How do those things compare with the complaints we have in our lives today? Are we acting like the Israelites?
3. Will you join me in being an "amazed praiser?" I know it will make a positive difference in our lives.

Matthew 15:21-28 "Crumb Seekers"

Read Matthew 15:21-28.

"Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." NIV

On first reading it appears that Jesus is acting harshly to this non-Jewish woman and seems a strong contradiction to the Christ we know. We know he speaks to the woman at the well, who was also not of the Israelites. But in actuality, Jesus is fulfilling His calling by bringing the message to the Jewish people, not the Gentiles. That was to come later.

But the woman, rather than being defeated by Jesus' "dog" reference, recognizes her unworthiness of the gift that Jesus had for her. She is simply satisfied with the crumbs from the table if that is all she can get. Such faith appeals to the very nature of Jesus as God - His compassion cannot turn her away when she exhibits such faith.

When faced with the grace of God, we are all but dogs seeking after crumbs. In fact, we don't even deserve the crumbs. Our sin is so abundant and any goodness we possess is as filthy rags compared to His goodness and purity. We must simply and humbly come before Him to receive anything He deems our faith should receive and be thankful. We are not equal with God, never will be. But we have access to the Almighty if we just humble our hearts before Him and believe. If all I ever receive from the Lord is crumbs, I will still be blessed beyond anything this world can give me.

Further Thoughts:

1. Do you come before the Lord with humility or arrogance? Why does arrogance not work together with faith?
2. Compare and contrast the attitude we are to take when approaching the throne with facing evil in the world. Support with Scripture.
3. Why are we granted the grace of Christ now as Gentiles if He came for the Jews?

Matthew 14:22-36 "Eyes Only For You"

Read Matthew 14:22-36.

"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." NIV

So much in this passage. Notice first of all that Jesus reclaimed the solitude time He had lost when the crowds appeared in verse 13. There are times in life that people really need us and our solitude may be delayed. But later, we can come back to it.

Then, He goes and walks on water. You've just got to love Peter here. No matter the final outcome, he was the only one who got out of the boat. He believed enough. I'm just in awe of his courage. But like most of us, when the difficulties come, the wind whips up and the waves crash, we look at the obstacles instead of at Jesus, and we go down crying for help. Hasn't that consistently been the pattern. The Hebrew children did it for years in the desert after leaving Egypt. Over and over again - walk in faith, take eyes off of God and onto the trouble, drowning, cry to God for help. And we are still doing it the same way. I want some spiritual glue that forces my eyes to remain fixed on Jesus. I want a tunnel vision to His presence and all the troubles, frustrations, and difficulties around me can't be seen. I may be buffeted by winds and torrents, but with my eyes on Him, I can stand.

Oh God, give me that vision! I'm so tired of sinking among the obstacles. Break this cycle in me. I want my eyes glued only on You for I know that You are my strength and my shield. Amen.

Further Thoughts:

1. Read Psalm 139 several times. Know that He loves you and is trustworthy.
2. Here are the complete words to "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." Read them, then watch the video.

O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s a light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no more hath dominion—For more than conquerors we are!
Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.

Watch this and rest in His presence.