Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts

Jesus Calling - August 7

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Understanding will never bring you Peace. That's why I have instructed you to trust in Me, not in your understanding. Human beings have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery over their lives. But the world presents you with an endless series of problems. As soon as you master one set, another pops up to challenge you. The relief you had anticipated is short-lived. Soon your mind is gearing up again: searching for understanding (mastery), instead of seeking me (your Master).

The wisest of all men, Solomon, could never think his way through to Peace. His vast understanding resulted in feelings of futility, rather than in fulfillment. Finally, he lost his way and succumbed to the will of his wives by worshiping idols.

My Peace is not an elusive goal, hidden at the center of some complicated maze. Actually, you are always enveloped in peace, which is inherent in My Presence. As you look to Me, you gain awareness of this precious Peace.

Proberbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.


Romans 5:1
Peace and Joy
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, wea]">[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Thessalonians 3:16
16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

 

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Life Principle 1

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Our intimacy with God -- His highest priority for our lives -- determines the impact of our lives. Genesis 1:26



First, re-write that for yourself.



MY intimacy with God -- His highest priority for MY life -- determines the impact of MY life.

I find that comments and verses mean a lot more and force me to look at them differently when I make them personal. You could even put your name in there and make it really personal.



Bridgette's intimacy with God -- His highest priority for Bridgette's life -- determines the impact of Bridgette's life. You get the picture.



God is a God of relationship. He all by Himself is a relationship (trinity: Father, Son & Holy Spirit). God wants a relationship with you, with me. The bible talks quite a lot about all the things God does that show how much he cares for us. As I write this lots of things come to mind, saving my tears, knowing the number of hairs on my head, the whole salvation thing...

how about just the amount of grace and patience and mercy He gives me every single day. I don't mean in a oh I'm so religious way... but think about it.

I was recently very upset with a situation in a friend's life. It didn't impact me directly, but the main crux of the problem was somebody wasn't living up to their expectations / their obligations and it was having fall out into her life. I was righteously angry. (that's a good kind of angry for the uninitiated). I was also trying very hard not to bad mouth the other person but look for the good there too. (I wasn't quite so successful in this I am sad to say, but that adds to my point.) While thinking about this God did His famous whammy on me and instead of seeing things from my safe and secure position over here out of the way where my motives are (clears throat) pure; God asks, and in what areas are you not living up to your expectations and obligations Bridgette? Who in your life might be feeling the burden your friend is because of the things you don't do? Hmmm, that's a whole lot less "fun'"

This could be one of those instances where I feel like I've been hit in the gut and all the air rapidly leaves my body while I crumple to the floor emotionally. But, this is my God we are talking about. He loves me. He wants what is best for me and I get to choose to see Him that way - which is to see Him truthfully. So when God comes up and asks me a question like: "That person there that you are having such difficulty with? How are you like them? How do you behave that way?" and I am given the gift of additional motivation to work on something I might have previously been content to let sit as is because it's not really bothering me.

The other side of this perspective change is I can then look back at the original problem person and see them differently. Not just see the "bad" they are doing, but see them through the eyes of experience. Yes, that behavior was bad. It was harmful. I often find myself doing similar things because I am feeling selfish though I don't care to call it that. When I look again, I see a human being who is falible and who needs all the same love, mercy and grace that I do. And then I see even more clearly where my relationship with God comes into play.

The closer I am to God, the more He has my ear. The more closely I am able to hear from Him, the more I know what He's going to say, what His desires are in my life. the same way I don't need my close friends to tell every detail of a story for me to understand how they felt in a situation because I know who they are. I want that in my relationship with God. He even makes it easier than that for me...for us. He gave us His Holy Spirit who talks directly to my spirit and goes everywhere with me.

I want to have a life that has impact. Don't you? I really do. Picturing myself looking back on my life; I don't want to have just gone through the motions or gotten through whatever; I want to leave a mark. I want people to remember me yes, but I want people to remember me as a christian. As the song Legacy by Nicole Nordeman goes. (lyrics & song on link).

So end of Life Principle 1: MY intimacy with God -- His highest priority for MY life -- determines the impact of MY life.

Questions:
Do I want to live a life that is fulfilling and significant?
Do I want to make a difference in the world?
Then surrend myself completely to Jesus Christ and ask Him to oepn my hear to His infinite love and mercy.

How will I live this Life Priniciple in my life?
How will I pursue a deeper relationship with God?

Pray asking God to draw me into intimate communion with Himself and to transform my life so that I can affect the world for the sake of His kingdom.

Remember:
God loves you and desired your fellowship and worship (Deut 6:5)
God wants my service for Him to be effective and fruitful (John 15:5)
God waits for me to invite Him to bless me (Rev 3:20)

 

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How Big Is Your God?

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We all struggle with difficult things in our lives at one point or another. Lately, I have found myself a bit shy with God, a little afraid. I truly hate admitting that, but there it is. And this is an odd place for me. It's only part of me that seems to be 'waiting for the other shoe to drop' and the rest of me knows God is good and regardless of where He takes me I'll be ok.

It's also an interesting place to be because traditionally in my life I've not been afraid of trials (for that is what part of me fears). I welcomed them because my life's hindsight shows me how close I am to God during them.

Two friends of mine in particular have really been put through the ringer. Well, that makes it sound past tense and unfortunately, it's not. Without going into extreme detail... we are talking about financial problems out of their control (for the friends of Job in us that means... not their fault) that have brought them to the brink of homelessness... more than once. Having to deny their children things that they really "should have" been able to provide. Devastating illness that will plague a family for months and possibly years to come. Not having money for gas, not having money for food, not having money for Christmas. It's heartbreaking.

I find myself constantly trying to resolve these problems. I think we all do when we hear of people who are struggling in any significant way. Oh... have they tried this? How about that? Truth is... there is little WE can do. These are truly God sized problems. I'm now joking with them saying... "I didn't know you were related to Job." One friend shot back, "Hey, we're all related to him!" eeek (If you don't know Job's story from the Bible that comment will have little significance. So happy reading!)

So, I have no great spiritual understanding to add to this.

Ok, maybe one thing.

When people share their difficulties, I think we should first pray. 2nd. we should continue to pray for them when they come to mind. 3rd. we should ask God if there are ways we can be of assistance -- this would be instead of offering all the solutions that come to mind.

Oh, now I'm thinking... (uh oh) do you think we offer solutions because we trust those more than we trust God? Do we really believe God will resolve the issue at hand? Do we believe that prayer works? That God listens and answers? This is a bit of a challenge for me now. oh, it's that same question that has been with me for decades now.... How Big Is Your God?


 

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Believing is Seeing

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Here's the other devotion... another from Proverbs 31 Ministry.

Believing is Seeing
Tracie Miles

"Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed'." John 20:29 (NIV)

Notice how I titled today's devotion "Believing is Seeing," and not the other way around?

If you think about it, we believe without seeing every day. We listen to the news on the radio or television and believe what they say is true. Even though we may see the broadcast, we did not actually witness the events. We listen to the gossip of others and believe their words to be fact.

However, when it comes to believing that God is God, and that the Bible is holy and true, many people struggle.

Why is it that we have a much harder time believing in a sovereign God, than we do a story on the news or from a friend? Why is it difficult for some to comprehend and believe that God created the universe, is in control of everything, and ordains life?

DOUBT.

Doubt is an incredibly powerful weapon that the devil uses to attack the minds of those whose faith is weakened due to struggles in life, feeling distanced from God, or who have never truly known the Savior.

Doubt occurs when we begin to think we have to see God to believe in Him, and when our faith is dependent on what our eyes can see.

But faith is not something we can see. There is no visual evidence. The official definition of faith is a "firm belief in something of which there is no proof."

Faith requires that we believe, despite not having any visual evidence.

If seeing were believing, then faith would be irrelevant and unnecessary. Jesus would forever be trying to convince us that He is the Holy One through signs, wonders and miracles. Our faith would always be teetering on the edge, and likely decline as soon as we felt the need to see just one more example of proof of His existence, His sovereignty, or His power. If we could see Him, we would probably never truly believe in Him.

Faith only comes by hearing God's Word, and believing it - no matter what - without a shadow of a doubt - without needing constant visual proof.

The cold hard fact is that we live in a world that thrives on proof. As a result, Christians will face pressure to doubt that God is real and alive. We will face opportunities to turn away from God and believe in other religions, which may seem trendier, more appealing or visually legitimate. We will face ridicule for believing in the unseen.

But that is where true faith comes in. Faith that is not swayed by new ideas, impressive people, or eloquent preaching. Faith that will not die because something easier comes along. Faith that is based on the belief that He was, is and will be the Savior of the world. Faith that can withstand the pressure of difficulties in life.

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (NIV).

We can't see God, but we can see His activity in our lives...if we believe.

We can't see God, but we can see His power working within us...if we believe.

If you ask me, we see what we want to see. We choose to believe...and then, we see.

If you have felt lured to doubt God's presence, power, and omnipotence as a result of listening to false teachings, being persuaded by others, or dealing with doubts that have been planted in your mind by those who don't believe because they cannot see, pray for God to remove those doubts today.

If you have been doubting God's existence because you cannot see His activity in your life, pray for Him to open your eyes to see His divine intervention. Pray for Him to saturate your life so powerfully that you cannot doubt that He is at work. Pray for Him to make His presence known to you.

If your heart desires to believe, your eyes will see the truth. Your faith will result in vision.

Dear Lord, impart in me an unshakable faith. Forgive me for any doubts. I love You and believe in Your sovereignty, forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Fresh Grounded Faith: Devotions to Awaken your Spirit by Jennifer Rothschild

My First Story of Jesus by Tim Dowley

Visit Tracies’ blog

Application Steps:
Pray this verse and ask for God's power to transform your life:. Romans 8:6 "So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace." (NLT)

Look up Romans 8:6 in other translations.

Reflections:
Are there any doubts in my heart today?

Power Verses:
Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (NIV)

© 2009 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

 

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Faith Foundations Course

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OK... so every now and then I really spend time on a website and look at all the stuff a particular ministry has to offer. Apparently, right now that website is In Touch Ministries with Charles Stanley.

I know you all have gobs of extra time in life (insert knowing laugh here) so I am giving you but yet another way to spend all this extra time.

In Touch has what they call Faith Foundations. It's a set of teachings that a Christian should have kind of 'under her belt', things you should know or at least be aware of as we walk this life of faith.

I plan to print one out at a time and read through them. I personally find the best way to do this is to print and keep in my purse. When I'm stuck in bad traffic or at a long light - I'll read. Walking to the bathroom - I'll read (yes, I really do this). Waiting in line or at the doctors office - I'll read. And of course, the ever popular, reading as I fall asleep option.

Now, should you choose to do this, do not think that you are free from doing homework, cuz you're not. I'll bring the ruler along and we'll do that whole Catholic school knuckle slap thing if we have to (evil grin).

Faith Foundations - In Touch Ministries
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The Sacrifice of Praise

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shared by Marla -- so appropriate after our discussion last night!

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name"
(Hebrews 13:15, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

The Bible tells us there are many ways to praise and worship God— but have you ever thought about what it means to offer a sacrifice of praise? It means that we acknowledge God above our circumstances. We live our lives in such a way that we honor and glorify Him no matter what is going on around us. We rejoice in all things.

For example, when somebody offends you and you feel like giving them a piece of your mind, but instead you just smile, do you know what you just did? You were saying with your actions, “I am living at a higher level. I am acknowledging God in every circumstance.” On the freeway, when someone cuts you off and you’re just about to tell them what you think, but instead you look over and smile, that’s giving a sacrifice of praise.

Remember, God promises to dwell among the praises of His people. When you continually offer up praise, you are inviting God’s presence and power into every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I choose to praise and glorify You in all circumstances. Help me, by Your Spirit, to be a light and example to the world around me. Thank You for working in my heart. I bless You today and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

(from Joel Osteen*)
note: please take his teaching under the advisement of Scripture & the Holy Spirit.
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God is Good

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GOD IS NOT REALLY GOOD. // YES, GOD IS GOOD
click link: The Goodness of God

This link will take you to a lengthy article on God's Goodness. If needed, I will pare the article down to something smaller. Just let me know in the COMMENTS section!

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