I’ve been discovering lately, that although I enjoy many “new” things, others come with a bit of apprehension. I wonder if the Israelite’s felt the same joyful anticipation but also a bit of dread when they entered the Promised Land? For forty years they lived in the wilderness as nomads. Following a pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night; they experienced a type of security in their routine. But then things began to change. Joshua replaced Moses as their leader. They were finished with the wandering season and about ready to do the “new” thing God had promised so many years before. Continue reading “Faith is needed in and for the “new””
Tag: Faith
Faith Needs Celebrations
Faith and Celebrations!
When you think of the Christian life do see it as a steady battle, or at least a series of battles that seem never ending? Sometimes it can feel like that. We can feel like Elisha’s servant who when faced with enemies all around felt hopeless and defeated. Elisha prayed, “Lord open his eyes” and he saw the angels of the Lord surrounding them. Victory came to them that day, and I am sure the servant was never the same. Do you think they took time to celebrate? I imagine they did. Continue reading “Faith Needs Celebrations”
Faith and the Why Question
How do we grapple with the questions that arise in our life? The difficult circumstances of life often provoke some of the most difficult questions that can disrupt, disturb or disconnect our relationship with God or amazingly they can cause us to draw closer to Him.
Last week I received news that an old friends young grandson (he graduated from high school in 2015) passed away in his sleep. As of now, I don’t know if they even have a medical reason. He just went to sleep and did not wake to another day on this earth. Reading his obituary it sounds like he touched many lives on his abbreviated life for which I am sure his family are so thankful. However, I am sure as they navigate life with a hole they are struggling with the ”why” question. Continue reading “Faith and the Why Question”
Checked your joy level lately?
Last week I talked about faith through surrender–not always an easy task. As we surrender, by faith, to His will we can do it grudgingly or joyfully. Our choice is to dutifully go about our tasks because we know it’s the ”right thing to do”, or serving with joy? I would love to say I always serve with joy, but alas it is not true. We are often surrounded by “joy stealers”, and if we aren’t careful we can find ourselves as depressed, depleted and discouraged believers. Not really the abundant life our Lord has planned for us.
Faith To Surrender
Early Sunday morning as I was driving to our Easter service, I was thinking about the faith it takes to surrender to the Lord and His will for our lives. I realized we would not be celebrating Easter if Jesus had not surrendered to His Father’s will of the death on the cross. He is our wonderful example.
The faith that is involved in surrendering to His will is not easy. Hebrews 12:2b says Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. (NLT) or the NKJV who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus thought about what he was going to have to endure. I always wonder how he went from the last meal with his disciples, where he served them: lovingly washing their feet sharing what we now call communion with them–and also knowing what was coming as he released Judas to his mission of betrayal.
Then they made the trip to the Garden of Gethsemane.
Faith Encounters 