Friday, October 1, 2010

“.. . patient in affliction. . .”




“Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.”

Romans 12;12 (NIV)



When we face difficulties in our lives, it is human nature to get anxious and up tight as we try to go through the trials. They come in many forms-unemployment, illness, financial woes, relational issues, and anything that causes interpersonal misunderstanding.

We have to realize we don’t go through these circumstances alone. We can relax because God through Jesus Christ guides us through the deep valleys we have to traverse. Because we have Jesus, we CAN relax and deal with the issues we face and deal with things that vex us.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Be Joyful In Hope. . .



“Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.”

Romans 12:12 (NIV)



A friend’s older sister has been ill for almost two months. At one point, it looked like this older sister wouldn’t be with us much longer. My friend had a meltdown not her usual way of dealing with life issues.

Several people prayed with her one night after Bible study. The prayer fellowship people prayed when they met a little later.

We can be joyful because, as followers of Christ, we believe He walks with us as we go through our days no matter how rough.

We can be joyful because we know He hears and answers prayers of those who abide in Him.

Being joyful doesn’t mean we don’t hurt or experience sadness. Joy comes from deep in the heart and soul. Joy comes from the Lord.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Genuine Faith




That the trial of your faith, being much more

precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried

with fire, might be found unto praise and honour

and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” I Peter 1:7 (KJV)



We have times when we notice people and their behavior. We have to understand what causes people to act the way they do.

Have we ever met someone who sees nothing wrong in talking about people behind their back? Or do we know a person who chooses to be reckless with their health by pursuing self-destructive habits? What about a person who prefers to keep things in a state of drama all the time?

In these situations, I wonder about their faith. Is it real? Do they practice it daily or do they parade it around for everyone to see when the occasion seems to warrant.

In my experience, I have learned that our faith, to be tangible, has to be practiced each day. We pray in faith-believing that God hears our prayers and will act on our requests. We make plans in faith- understanding those plans may have to be changed, canceled or postponed. We sometimes forget our plans are just that OUR PLANS. God’s plans are the one’s that count.

When our faith is the real deal, we trust God for all we are, all we do, and all we have. He made us. He gives us certain qualities to use for Him. He provides all we need.

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...