The Never Ending Journey of Faith

We are not alone in this journey of faith. Not only has Jesus preceded us, but so has a “great cloud of witnesses.” (Hebrews 12:1) All these witnesses remained faithful even though they did not receive their promises.

This is what faith is: to live on the basis of promise. Faith, if it is faith, must have an aspect of not-having. If we have already received the promise, it loses its character as promise. Promise must remain beyond us. Faith is the continuing on even as the promise recedes. In fact, not only must the promised rest remain as promise, the present must be shaped by suffering. This is the life of faith.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Faith is a journey towards perfection. It is the journey towards a promise. It is a journey through suffering and obedience. Jesus is the pioneer and the high priest of that journey. Our ancestors, all of whom were pre-Christian Jews, can also show us the way. Our task is also to help others on their journey of faith.

-Lewis R. Donelson, From Hebrews to Revelation

Veteran’s Day 2009…Just Wondering…

In light of recent events in the United States, particularly the shootings at Ft. Hood, I am wondering about the implications of war as it pertains to fighting other Christians. As we all know now, the Muslim shooter at Ft. Hood had expressed a desire to be exempt from fighting in other countries where he might have to kill a Muslim brother. I certainly do not condone this mans actions, and I deplore his callous acts of murder. But, it did get me thinking about going to war with others who claim to be Christians. We know that the gospel has been preached almost completely around the world, which means that in any given war, we could find ourselves fighting, and killing men and women who share the same belief system as we do. I’m not sure how I feel about this topic, but it certainly is worth thinking about. What are your thoughts?

With that said, I am truly grateful for each one who has served in the military. On this day, I am reminded that my freedom was not obtained without cost…it was paid for in lives of men and women…Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, husband and wives, sons and daughters. Thank you veterans for your sacrifice!

And finally, thank you Jesus for making the greatest sacrifice! An act of obedience that led to my salvation and the expectation of eternal life in Heaven!

Signs, Signs, Everywhere are Signs!

SIGNS!

The dictionary defines the word “sign” as any object, action, event, pattern, etc., that conveys a meaning. Today, as I was checking my morning Facebook messages, I was encouraged to see “signs” that good things are happening in the lives of many of my acquaintances. Circumstances may not yet be perfect…but things are changing for the better. I am grateful to the Lord for His blessings!

As I thought about this idea of “signs,“ I was reminded that signs can be good or bad…subtle or obvious. It can be advantageous to heed a warning sign that signals something needs to be corrected. Likewise, we need to hold close those signs that suggest the tide is turning…that something good is going to happen today!

(Pause for a song – Selah…)

CHORUS

I just feel like something good is about to happen

I just feel like something good is on it’s way

He has promised that He’d open all of Heaven

And, brother, it could happen any day

When God’s people humble themselves to call on Jesus

And they look to Heaven expecting as they pray

I just feel like something good is about to happen

And, brother, it could be this very day

VERSE

I have learned in all that happens, just to praise Him

For I know He’s working all things for my good

Every tear I shed is worth all the investment

For I know He’ll see me through, He said He would

Yes I’ve noticed all the bad news in the paper

And it seems like things get bleaker everyday

But for this child of God it makes no difference

Because it’s bound to get better either way

(Let’s sing together now…)

CHORUS

I just feel like something good is about to happen

I just feel like something good is on it’s way

He has promised that He’d open all of Heaven

And, brother, it could happen any day

I’ve never been more thrilled about tomorrow

Sunshine’s always bursting through skies of gray

I just feel like something good is about to happen

And, brother, it could be

Better watch and pray

What if it could be this very day

The Holy Spirit whispered to me to ”look for, and hold close“ the signs that are sent for my encouragement. As a pentecostal believer, I have been programmed to expect the BIG, the miraculous, the loud…I look for the answer to come with the earthquake and the wind. But, in doing this, I have often missed the small signs that suggest God is up to something…

So today, I choose to be mindful of the ”signs“ that come my way. If they are warning signs…(Am I developing a bad attitude?, Am I growing impatient with my circumstance? etc) then I will make the necessary changes that will promote corrective action. If they are good signs…then I will praise Him in advance of the expected blessing!

So, until another day…keep on the ”Right“ way!

God, Are You Listening?

Have you ever wondered if God is listening to your prayers? My guess is we have all felt that way. When it seems that God is not listening, doubt seeps into our minds concerning all that we have been praying about. And doubt is destructive…it will kill faith quicker than anything.

Recently, while reading in Daniel, two particular phrases encouraged me greatly. In chapter 9, verse 23, the angel of the Lord speaks to Daniel and says, “The moment you began praying, a command was given.” Notice, not only did God hear the prayer, but at the moment he began praying, a command was given concerning the situation. But also notice the follow-up statement to Daniel. The angel said, “I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God.”

2 years later, (One chapter later–Daniel 10:10-12) Daniel is again mourning the current state of affairs. He is interceding on behalf of the nation when he receives a troubling vision from the Lord. While waiting on the Lord to reveal the meaning of the vision, the angel of the Lord once again appears with these words, “Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven.” But notice the angels words of greeting. He said, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.”

The purpose of Daniel’s encounter with the angel was twofold. First, to unfold truth to Daniel. And second, to encourage Daniel and let him know that he is precious in the sight of the Lord.

So, when it seems that God is not listening, just remember that He has heard the very first words that you uttered in prayer, and that He will answer appropriately in due time…because He loves you and wants you to be encouraged!

Vision Versus Dreams

“In My Spirit there can be no cherishing of personal dreams. They must be put to death whenever they are detected. Only the doing of the Father’s will is to be sought, and there is a vast difference between a God-inspired vision and personal dreams and aspirations.”

-Francis J. Roberts