Whirlwind

When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous have an everlasting foundation. http://bible.us/Prov10.25.AMP

A friend of mine is going through the whirlwind right now.

Make that two friends.

Or more...

You may know someone, or you yourself may be going through a whirlwind lately...

May this verse bring encouragement to all those going through the whirlwind right now.

Trial

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. http://bible.us/Jas1.2.ESV

Have you thanked God for your trial yet today?

Shield of Faith

All the kids have been watching the Chronicles of Narnia movies. It's definitely brought out the warrior spirit in my boys. Grandpa helped my son Josiah build his very own shield (he named it his "shield of faith" ;) and sheath for his sword. You can guarantee he loves it!

One Day At A Time

One day at a time.

That is the phrase that continues to come to my mind. It represents a lifestyle in our current situation, but it also represents the walk of faith the Lord had us on.

I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow.

It is Jesus who encourages me to become like a little child, to live life today and don't be anxious about the cares of tomorrow.

Look at the birds of the air...

So I will take no thought of tomorrow, rather, focus on today.

Do I have all I need today? Were meals provided? Good health? Shelter? Clothes?? Yes.

Praise God. One day at a time....

Trust, He Will Act

About 10 years or so ago, an older and godly man in the faith encouraged me with this Scripture when I was trying to determine what to do with my life.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:5

Ten years later I have never forgotten that. I didn't know at the time that he was actually quoting scripture. Today, this scripture encourages me so much for this season of our lives.

May it encourage you as you pursue His will too.

Trusting in Him...

His Kindness

God is so kind. His love for His people is too great for me to comprehend.

In this season of trial and adventure, it's been difficult to not try and lean on my own understanding. Of course, my understanding falls short. It's limited. And as days pass, it seems as though I end up with more questions than answers.

During our time of worship today at The Chapel, God gave me what seemed to be three specific words. They were words I needed to hear, and bring great peace and comfort to my heart.

Now, my mind would have said I needed some more "direction" inspiration from Him, but God knows best, doesn't He? God is more concerned with my faith and my character over what I will be doing tomorrow.

He's got tomorrow handled. It's my heart He's after.

I'm learning to walk with Him closer and wait for HIS timing and provision. It is a good work He is doing in our lives.

As each day plays out, I believe He is guiding our steps. I can take comfort in knowing He has all the details,

and,

He has me.

That's all I really need to know.

Peacefully Wasted

Wow, I am wasted.

Maybe it's all the travelling. Maybe it's spending most of the day in the hot sun today. Maybe it's just the pressure of needing to make a buck.

I'm not totally sure what God is trying to speak to me in this season, but, there seems to be more than one thing He's after.

One thing I am trying to do better is to "go with the flow," or maybe the better way to say it, take it a day at a time.

Of course, that is easier said then done.

I want so bad to know the answers to life's questions, to have my life nailed down, figured out, you know? If I had my way I would have my whole life written down (at least the high points) and planned out before any of it happened. That way if life threw me a curveball, I could just go to the "plan" to see what was next.

Of course, therein lies my problem.

I like to find my comfort in my own understanding. You know what? I've realized lately that there is a peace that comes with understanding. There is a peace in knowing the why and the what... all the details. But life has a way of throwing things our direction that are beyond our understanding. We can't figure out why, or we can't predict the future, etc.

I want the peace that surpasses understanding. The peace that comes when you don't know the answers. The peace that comes from God alone.

Part of obtaining that peace I believe is learning to go with His flow. I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow.

And, as part of the process of going through a storm, my faith is built and I get to know Jesus a little more.

Isn't that what it's all about?

He Will Act

I am humbled. I saw this verse played out first hand today.

God. Works. Miracles.

One step at a time.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

http://bible.us/Ps37.5.ESV

Listen

Ignore the balloons... supposedly they're there for inspiration too?

As mentioned before, God is carrying us through a difficult season. A faith-testing season, a character building season... A good season.

These series of three inspirational quotes were on my iGoogle home page today. With what the Lord may be doing in our lives, all I can say is wow, Wow, and WOW! When pressure is on and difficulties arise, it seems we can sense Him all the closer in those times, and, if we are willing to listen, He also seems to be speaking so clear.

Maybe this is one of those times.

What about you? What are you facing? What is He speaking to you?

Or, maybe better, are you listening?

Weeds Of Fear

I took this picture the other day, and it reminded me how life can grow anywhere. Against the greatest odds, great dreams have been born and great lives have been lived.

I'm also reminded that evil can grow anywhere too. Just like this tree found a crack in my driveway and cement wall; doubt, unbelief, fear, etc. will take what ground you give it.

I have struggled with fear recently. The holy spirit has helped me to gain much ground and turn back this fear, not giving into it and living in greater freedom and faith.

But there are still areas of fear in my life.

And if I don't snuff them out now, that fear will take hold of any ground I give it, attempt to steal back any ground won for faith, and try in any way to become a strong tree (a stronghold of sin) in my life.

No ground must be given to the enemy. My lot is faith, my life is Christ. Just like the Isrealites before us, sin in the camp is not to be tolerated.

Don't tolerate the devil's tactics today. Take ground. Have faith.

You and I are holy vessels for Jesus.

Stressin' No Mo

I've been stressin' a little lately. When I'm stressin', I start taking life and matters into my own hand, leaning on my own understanding and efforts. But after a healthy and loving smack upside my head by my wife, and some time in prayer with the Lord and in His Word, the tea kettle is cooling off and I am getting some sense back. Some God-sense.

God sees our struggles and stresses differently than us. Therefore, it's important for us to know and have His mind and perspective and wisdom for the things we go through.

This morning I went to a verse that I have visited much over the years - Proverbs 3:5,6.

Most people, including myself, put such emphasis on those couple verses of Proverbs 3. And we should, as His Word in those verses helped ignite life and perspective and trust in Him in my heart as I read them this morning. However, I was delighted by what I read in other parts of Proverbs 3 as well, as they too encouraged my faith.

Maybe they will encourage someone else's faith too...

Proverbs 3:1-12 NLT

My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.


Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.


Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.


Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.


My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Refuse to Fear

I desire to live the fearless life that God has for us. It's easy for me to slip into old habits of control (illusion) and fear.

So today, I refuse to fear.

I refuse to allow the devil that kind of control in my life. I must take ground back from him and where I have allowed fear to reign and not faith. It is on that battleground I must lift of the banner of Jesus and raise the flag of faith.

Yes, I choose faith.

And so I lift you up, Jesus. The destroyer of fear and the Prince of Peace. I chose this day faith over fear. Especially tomorrow, this Resurrection Sunday, I have every reason to live the fearless life. You conquered death and fear. And I will walk in the victory you have won for me.

Fear that Torments

Fear activates the devil like Faith activates God. Jentezen Franklin.

I watched the message on Fears That Torment Our Lives by Jentezen Franklin yesterday. I soo needed it, and I believe it will be a blessing to you.

Check out part 1 below, and be sure to watch the rest of the message...

Faith

Four of my kids walking along the Erie Canal in Albion, NY

I want to thank everyone who took even just a few moments to pray for us and our extended family during this season of loss. We appreciate your love and support so much in this time.

We made it back home late tonight after spending a couple days with Liz's parents and family up in western New York. It was an emotional, but fulfilling trip. And, it was good to be around family.

Though it is never easy to say goodbye to a family member, Liz's "Papa" lived a long and full life, raising nine children, married for over 50 years, traveled the country, and did his best to be a light for Jesus. He loved the Lord, and so we are encouraged that he has been united with the Eternal God who rescued him from his sins.

I was so thankful that my children were able to attend the funeral to honor their Great Grandfather in that small way. I want them to understand that they are part of a bigger picture, that we are to honor fathers and mothers of the flesh and of faith, and I want them to know that there is both a beginning and an end to life. What we do on this earth truly does matter, and one day we will all meet our Creator when all is said and done.

I am thankful for my wife's grandfather (and grandmother) - for their faith and desire to serve the Lord. They passed that faith to my mother-in-law and then on to my wife, and now it is passed to my children and theirs one day too.

We are all part of a bigger story, God's story. And I am so thankful that my family and I get to play a small role in His masterpiece.

Remember the Colosseum

Picture from awesomestories.com

I am reminded this morning of the Christian lives that were lost in the Colosseum of old. I am encouraged in my heart to night forget their faith, their courage, their sacrifice.

We must not forget the sacrifice our brothers and sisters in the faith have made throughout the years and even up to today. From the stoning of Stephen, to those who may give their life even today for the Gospel, we must not lose sight of those paying the ultimate price for faith in Christ.

In persecuted nations, they are well aware of the cost of following Christ. In lands of religious freedom (arguably coming to an end in America), it is easy to forget that as we gather in pretty church buildings and openly preach the Truth, coffee mug in hand, there are those in cold jail cells around the world worshiping the same Creator with shackles on their arms, awaiting a visit from their torturer.

Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Hebrews 13:3 ESV


It is beneficial today for us to remember the martyrs, the persecuted. Beneficial for us and them. We need their faith and courage. They need our prayers and love. We are one in the body and share in the same faith, the same Lord, the same Spirit.


Let's remember the Colosseum today.

Tebowing

Our country in many ways revolves around football this time of year. Families and friends structure their weekly schedules around games that are played. It's easy to see that football is the most popular sport to follow and watch in our nation.

I'm not sure when the last time was that I saw a complete NFL game; it has been a little while though. I do however follow from a distance as a sports fan in general. As such, it's hard to miss all that media that has been focused on Tim Tebow.

As his name has popped up more and more, I have taken the time to look into his football talent, and his character that I have heard a lot about. I can strongly say that at least from watching his life from a distance, he seems to be the real deal.

In the few interviews I have seen, and some of the football highlights of his games that I have watched, his faith quickly rises to the surface. This young man is I am sure all over national news and radio, and clearly, his faith is all over him. Because of that, he is a tremendous example to the world about what it means to be a believer in Christ.

So, if you haven't taken the time to look into Tim Tebow's life, if you haven't witnessed his winning personality, his faith in Christ, I would encourage you to do so. And I would I also encourage you to pray for him when you think of it.

And, by the way, he has done a pretty good job of taking a losing Broncos team, and turning the team into a .500 ball club with a starting record of 4-1. Not too shabby.

As for "Tebowing," you don't know?! Kidding... Google it :)

Practical Faith

One practical action I have taken lately to live without fear is to write the above verses and quote on a half piece of paper, and place it in one of my dresser drawers. Each day, I can pull it out and read from it for a brief moment, and remind myself of the truth in God's Word.

What I wrote on that paper was inspired by another post I wrote regarding fear. I wanted to look at these nuggets of truth daily to help remove the wrong patterns of thinking into my life.

It's funny, I never would have thought of myself as a fearful person, which goes to show we can deceive ourselves regarding who and what we really are like. One of the worst consequences I see from living with fear in my life is serving Jesus out of fear, and not love. I hate that. In the end, I feel like that fear feeds my self-righteousness and the temptation to think I can be right with God on my own merit. I'd have to think more about this, but I believe there is a connection in there somewhere.

I don't like admitting I live with fear, I'd like to believe and say I am super-faith-man... unfortunately that just isn't true. But being honest with ourselves about where we are at is a start. It's hard to know where you are going, let alone how to get there if you don't even know where you are at.

So yes. I am afraid. I live with fear. I have allowed fear to control my life in many aspects. And it's sin. It's wrong. It has to stop as a follower of the Lord Jesus. What is there to fear when He is my God and King? Yet, my flesh will come up with all sorts of reasons to be afraid if I let it.

And so I must fight. Fight for faith. Fight for a renewed mind, so that the Holy Spirit can move and reach and operate freely through me. Fight so that I can walk in greater intimacy with my Lord. One thing I know to use to fight effectively is the sword of the Spirit - His Word.

On a side note - one of the best combats to fear is the Presence of the Lord. There is freedom there, even freedom from fear. It is difficult to live overcome with fear, or other sin, when we are walking in the light of His presence, overcome with HIM.

Onward.

No Fear

I tweet. I enjoy it. I get to follow the people I chose that I have an interest in, a relationship with, or who add value to my life through the 140 characters they have to write their thoughts.

One person I recently started following was Taffi Dollar, wife of Creflo Dollar of Creflo Dollar Ministries. I know little of the Dollars, though, I am amused by their last name, and I have enjoyed some of their tweets. One in particular caught my attention the other day that I found beneficial and spoke into my life. Mrs. Dollar's tweet said this:

"TaffiDollar: Pray for your children. No fear! Shut the door on fear with faith. Live the fearless life. Fear robs you & robs them of their peace."

So true.

I struggle with fear when it comes to my children. When I give into that fear I am giving into sin. God commands us to not be afraid. Nor did He give us a spirit of fear, rather perfect love casts out fear. God through His Word has made it clear that we are to live a "fearless life," but the reality of my life right now is that I allow myself to live with fear. I have allowed fear to creep in, not only in regards to my children, but other areas of life as well.

And so I chose, today, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to live a life without fear. I chose, instead, to live a life of faith.

Faith Booster

Psalm 119:27 says, Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

What a great way to build faith. When we meditate on the great things God is done, we are encouraged in our faith. We are encouraged to believe God for more of the same and greater! The problem comes when I fill my mind with what I feel He HASN'T done. My faith crashes at that point and its hard to step out in faith and believe God for more.

Jesus perfectly revealed the Father. In doing that, He healed all who came to Him. I have never seen a place in Scripture where He turned someone down for healing. We too are to pray in faith for healing with Jesus as our example. We have power through the Holy Spirit to do great works! However, if I meditated on all the times I have prayed for healing and it didn't happen, my faith isn't encouraged. At all. In fact I'm probably more discouraged. On the other hand, when I meditate and remind myself of the times healing has occured, I am encouraged and empowered to believe God for more!