Faith and Fair or Unfair

March 20, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of you faith produces patience. James 1:2-3 NKJV.

During our small group meeting last night, we read the above scripture. Once again, I realized something important. I have not yet learned to “count” it joy when I meet a trial or trouble. As I mentioned it, one of our other members suggested when we post a prayer request or struggle, we would use the code words “count joy”!

I am not sure if James wants us to rejoice instantly or when we have time to evaluate the test. As I looked up the word “count” it means to judge, consider or have the rule over. It is our choice which category to place the various trials we face in. As I thought about these choices, I thought about a spreadsheet. What kinds of things do I put in the joy/faith category? The birth of a new grand baby? Watching my children grow in the Lord? Hearing an answered prayer? It is easy to place these in the “fair” category!

Most of us, if we want to admit it have a “fair” or “unfair” category. It is quite a normal human trait. Consider Cain’s response to God’s question, “Where is Abel?” “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain felt God’s acceptance of Abel’s sacrifice, and did not think the rejection of his sacrifice fair. Unfortunately, he thought it was so unfair that he killed his brother. (You can read the story in Genesis 4). So my friends, what types of trials and tests have you experienced that may be in the “unfair” category? Are there unresolved tribulations in your soul, that you still ‘feel unfair’?

Loss of a job? Cheated on by your spouse? Or maybe you cheated because your spouse was ‘unfair’? How about struggling with children’s sicknesses or diagnosis? Financial issues? James tries to help us focus on the joy that can come from these tests. I believe he is doing this because he experienced it firsthand! Apparently, according to John 7:5, his biological 1/2 brothers did not believe in him. But after the resurrection, he believed. We find him in the upper room with his mother and other brothers, according to Acts 1:14. He eventually became the leader of the church in Jerusalem, and you know that must not have been easy!

According to the NKJV we are to count the trials of our faith as joy. The NLT tells us: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. Once again, it seems like it is our choice how we perceive these trials. The Message Bible is even clearer: Consider it a sheer gift, friends when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. Wow, this takes a mind shift for sure. So where do you put the trials you are currently facing? In the fair or the unfair section? Would it make a difference if you could see how He could be working it all out for good for you?

Most teachers give tests after they have taught the material. They believe their students are ready to do well on it. I believe the Lord, as our Teacher does the same. When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:3-4. Maybe the question is, do you trust the Teacher? Or your ability to learn?

Most of us try to avoid all trials and tests. We want comfort and stability. Again, it is very natural when unexpected trials show up to feel like this is UNFAIR! But, I have to admit most of the God inspiring lessons in my life came from difficult trials. These trials were God changing for me. I am not talking about dealing with the effects of sin or giving in to temptation. There are lessons to be learned from that. I am talking about learning to stand in the face of the trials of our faith. Learning to live life as a widow was one of the most challenging tests of my faith. I hated to even use the word “widow”. Some trials and tribulations we can squirm around, but not this one. I had two choices. I could live life in the “unfair” zone. Or I could trust our fair God. I decided to see what He would do with this season of my life. My emotions, at times, really want to live in the “unfair” zone. But I have learned that my Savior is trustworthy. The length of time my tests and trials end up in the “unfair” category depends on the issue. How about you?

We must understand that everything that happens to us may not be good or easy by itself. When we put it in His hands, He works it all out for our good. This is why we can move our tests from ‘unfair’ to ‘fair’, as we watch Him work out those tests and trials for our good. That good will include, the patience and endurance that James tells us about. These attributes will help us grow in Him and His ways.

Father, I thank you for helping us trust you even when the tests and tribulations seem unfair to us. According to our understanding, they may not always make sense. We choose to trust you. We rely on you to help us not get stuck in any emotional feelings of “unfairness”. We trust your ability to work all things together for our good and your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Uncategorized

Faith and Heart Honesty

March 6, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3. NLT.

April 2010, my husband suffered a massive heart attack that led to a massive stroke. It was obviously a very trying time. I found a journal entry I wrote on July 2, 2010. I need you, Lord. Desperately. I need your love, grace, and help. I am afraid Darryl won’t progress. I am afraid that once he gets “better”, his “better” is not ‘enough’. I am afraid that the healing process is contingent on my little faith.

These words took me back to the emotions I was obviously going through. But amazingly, I didn’t stop there. All the above are settled with your touch. Fear is tormenting. You are love and peace. I know you love me and Darryl. You are walking these things out for many situations. I will surrender once again to be a coin in your pocket, ready to be spent anyway you choose.

Oh my friends, when we are honest about our fears to the Lord, He shows up. As we wait on Him, He begins to show us how to deal with our fears. I remember peace coming as I wrote what I knew about His character. Simply listing our fears without including Him in the scenario can magnify them. But, reminding ourselves of who He is can being to free us from those fears.

This heart honest with the Lord, was definitely not a one and done! August 7, 2010 found me sharing these words: I am troubled, I need you to help me. I am afraid of the future. I feel alone. I feel abandoned in the very place I need you–on the inside. You are good. I “see” Your goodness, but I don’t feel your goodness. I see and feel my badness, my need of a Savior even more desperately than I have ever needed you before. I need your help. Your sent Joan, Vanda, Joyce and the girls, but I need you. Abraham waited YEARS for the promise to be fulfilled. I am impatient for it now. Abraham and Sarah had to deal with their own deadness. I feel dead as well. I feel more dead than ever before, but…. (Those listed were such a God sent gift to help Darryl and I. There were many more!)

I actually ended there…no great declaration of faith, just simple heart honesty of how I was feeling. It is almost fifteen years since Darryl’s heart attack. And I am still walking with the Lord. I don’t always understand the circumstances of my life, but I know He does. Life is still challenging, but the lessons I learned during this season have stood me well.

If you are struggling with fears, anxiety or frustrations, I encourage you to take the time to process it with the Lord. There is something helpful about writing them down. In March of that same year I wrote: an encounter with God comes from a heart cry. A heart cry comes because we are desperate. Desperation comes because of a painful awareness that our soul is in trouble. Was God preparing me for this future overwhelming, life-changing event? Probably. He is that good. The amazing thing is God already knew where my heart was struggling. Peace came when I was honest with Him. If you need some scriptural foundation for being honest with God, take a look at King David. Psalm 6:2 have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord for my bones are in agony,. I am sick at heart, how long O Lord until you restore me? Psalm 13: 1-3: O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle in my eyes, or I will die. But he goes on to verse 5-6: But I trust your unfailing love, I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me. NLT.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Oh my friends, God wants to return the sparkle to your eyes. Take the time to share your honest heart. But don’t stop there, begin to remind yourself of what He has already done for you. Do not let the fears and regrets of your past hold you back. Do not let the concerns and fears of the future stop you from moving ahead in His ways. It is not worth it!

Father, I am so grateful we can be honest with You. I thank you for listening with attention and concern. I thank you for teaching us how to keep our hearts free from the clutter of fears and hidden anxiety. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Uncategorized

Faith and Praying for Others

February 27, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, Colossians 1: 11 NLT.

Are you ever overwhelmed by all the needs in your life and the lives of others you really care about? I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit and His ability to show us how to pray. It is one area I want to grow in this year, praying more effectively.

So here are some steps I am trying to incorporate. Maybe they will help someone else..or you can pray for me!

Instead of going straight to bed and sleep, I’ve incorporated listening to worship. I intentionally try to listen to the words and worship along with the music. Afterwards, I pray for my more challenging situations (at least in my mind!). It is much easier to release my faith after worship than without it. These are probably situations I’ve already prayed for during the day.

Another tool I’ve added is praying Paul’s prayers. Growing up as a Baptist girl, we did not have set prayers like some of our Catholic or Episcopalian brethren have. We did pray the “Lord’s Prayer”, but not too often corporately. We were encouraged to just pray from the heart. It took me a while to incorporate these amazing prayers for myself and for others. Like the above scripture, praying for others to be strengthened with all his glorious power so [they] will have all the endurance and patience [they] need. May [they]be filled with joy. This is a prayer that can be prayed for almost everyone! The Greek word translated ‘endurance’ here is hupomone. It is a word that combines “hupo” meaning under and “mone” meaning to remain. So when praying this prayer, we are asking the Lord to help our friends to bear up under difficult circumstances without weariness or defeat. It specifically refers to situations, not people. So many are dealing with difficult circumstances around me. I am so grateful I can pray this prayer for them.

Along with praying for the needs of others, I haven’t forgotten the scriptural instruction to pray for our leaders. When I hear people complaining about either our political leaders or spiritual leaders, I want to ask, “have you been praying for them?” This is a reminder to pray for our leaders, my friends. Criticisms or behind their back complaining are only going to hurt your soul, not bring any positive change. I urge, then, first of all that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. I Timothy 2:1-2.

When was the last time you prayed for your enemies? Maybe your enemies comprise of those who do not think like you do. You see them as a threat. Matthew 5:44, But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Isn’t that an amazing scripture? It tells us to love our enemies first! Then pray for those who persecute us Difficult to do. I believe if we put this into practice, our enemies may become our friends. Really interceding for others, enemies or not, changes our hearts towards them. Love and hope springs up where fear and animosity once grew. I challenge you to pray for the person who irritates you the most. Ask the Lord to bless them, you will be changed.

None of these steps or tools are new or unique to me. Believers have been using them for generations. Praying in faith, trusting God’s Word, which tells us the prayers of the righteous avails much, is such a privilege. Ask Him to persecuted church? Christians that are in prison because of their faith? I have an internet friend who lives and ministers in India. She asked me to pray the other day because some of the local pastors were arrested for their faith. Then I discovered an American pastor friend (along with their team) was in a different part of India and was placed under house arrest for their faith as well. Gratefully, in both situations, these brave leaders were released. However, the local Indian pastors live under the constant threat of arrest, beatings or even having their homes torched.

My friends, it is time to grow in intercession. It is how we can partner with Him to increase the Kingdom.

Father, we are like the first disciples, needing you to teach us how to pray. Forgive us for our small vision and small faith prayers. I ask you to help us grow in this area for Your Kingdom’s sake. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Uncategorized

Faith and Sickness

February 20, 2025 Martha Rodman1 Comment

The Lord will strengthen him on the bed of illness: You will sustain him on his sickbed. Isaiah 41:3. NKJV

No blog was written last week, because I came down with the flu. It wasn’t fun (and in fact, I am still recovering from it). Maybe it was my feverish brain, but I began to ponder, what is the “right” way to deal with sickness. Or is there a “right” way?

The first couple of days were quite rough. I managed to send a message to my Life Group team, letting them know we would not be meeting. It brought offers of help and prayer! I admit at this time, I was too ill to really deal with “ministry guilt”, that came later. My dear sister came to my rescue. She went to the store and brought meds and various quick nibbles. She filled all my straw cups (I had three by my bed) which made it easier to keep hydrated. Because this wonderful “Bug” came with throwing up the first day or so, I really couldn’t keep things down. It made me reluctant to try and eat anything.

By day 3 and 4, I started trying to expect to be over it. I tried to catch up on my devotional reading plan. I was grateful for the ability to listen to the Bible. My eyes were hurting too much to focus and read. Some of the ladies in our Life Group are dealing with difficult things. I wanted to pray magnificent prayers. I ended up trusting the Lord to intervene. I feebly mentioned their name before Him. “Father, I trust you with my friends”.

Somewhere in this journey, I remembered I was supposed to host and lead another meeting for our Senior Life Ministry Planning team. I was able to find my laptop and send out a cancellation notice. This consumed more energy than I expected, so back to bed. The ministry guilt started to raise its head. Push through, you could have worn a mask…what’s wrong with you? Living through some out balanced teaching of healing can really affect your soul at this stage. I had to remind myself, that Jesus is the Savior and Healer, not me. My energy level, brain focus ability and body simply would not let me do more than rest in His love. Trusting His grace.

The good news of God’s faithfulness was apparent, when I received a phone call from a hurting friend. God’s Spirit showed up and I was able to speak life, focus and help into the situation. I felt so wimpy at first. But as we talked, my care for the person helped me tap into His Presence with God’s Truth. I did take another nap after the phone call

Living alone and being sick is not for the faint of heart. My son, who I probably got this from, was a few days a head of me, so I monitored his progress via his wife. He has recovered. I’m on my way, just dealing mostly with fatigue and sinus congestion. I appreciate the texts and encouragement that people were praying for me. Somehow there is a balance between being remembered and overwhelming with questions about how you are feeling!

So once again, I’ve learned to rest, trust and enjoy Him, even when I don’t feel well. As a younger believer, I used to feel guilty and shame over sickness. I thought it was a sign of weakness, now I’ve learned better. If nothing else, it reminds me that I am made of flesh. It helps me understand the afflictions of other, and I’ve learned to give myself much more grace. My friends, let us be gracious to ourselves and each other. I’m asking the Lord about changes that should be made, but in the meantime, I choose to rest in His love, and going to take another nap!

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

Father, I thank you for being faithful, even when I am not. You are with us on our sickbed and for that I am grateful. Please keep teaching us how to best display your glory, no matter what state we are in. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Faith Trust · Uncategorized

Faith and Application

February 6, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today—yes, you so you will trust in the Lord. Proverbs 22:17-19. NLT.

I have been having an ongoing conversation with the Lord. We have discussed why so many in their later season of life experience so many challenges. It seems the advertised “golden” years are not as golden as the commercials would like to portray! People hear about the joys of retirement with traveling, golfing, or cruising. However, many seniors face unexpected physical diagnoses. These diagnoses can limit their mobility and interactions. Last year I got to experience physical therapy for the first time because of a knee condition. Now both knees are complaining and I need to courage up to tackle a flight of stairs! These are fairly common complaints for those of us in our 70’s.

There is also the hovering concern or specter of dementia! Oh, I forgot a word or date. Could this be an early sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s? So what are we to do? Let fear ruin our lives? That definitely is not the answer! So I prayed and talked with the Lord about navigating these older years. I asked Him why things seem to be so hard. He shared a simple insight. He said it is time to apply all the lessons about Him we have already learned. Every lesson about His trustworthiness and His faithfulness, we are to put into practice. It is a time to lean ever more upon Him and what His Word has to say in every situation.

Often we can move through life with our heads full of knowledge about God and His ways. It is when we face challenges to actually apply what we know , is when we find out how much faith we truly have. Jesus told us that in this world we would suffer tribulations. James is very clear on this as well. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know when your faith is tested, endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1: 2-4. My senior friends, if your faith is being tested, it is a good thing. It is not easy, but He will work it out for your good. It will also benefit others. This is not just for senior friends, but for all of God’s children.

He also reminded me. These years are our last opportunity to show what it means to be a believer in Him. Whether or not we like it, people are watching you. Your family, friends and acquaintances really need us to model what it means to be a believer during trying times. When my sister was first diagnosed with lymphoma, God led me to Philippians 4:6-7. Very simple and familiar scriptures, but they became very real to me. Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. I keep applying these lessons through her breast cancer journey and now her heart and kidney concerns. The don’t worry part is challenging, but I am getting better at it!

My friends, it is not God’s plan that we simply spout platitudes about His goodness, but we must believe it. When faced with the trials of our faith, we must know that 2 Peter 1:3 is true. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. There is no disqualifying circumstance to this verse. He has given us everything we need for living a godly life, the choice is “do we believe it?”. Oh my friends, the lessons you are learning today will benefit you greatly. They will help you, no matter what you face tomorrow. Many times it is the small things that help us endure. I remember singing (very croakedly) “this is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it), during the first few weeks after my husband’s stroke. It came from deep within my spirit from the earlier lessons He taught me. This simple scripture helped me get through those tough days.

So no matter what season of life, learn to apply what you know. If you need more help in a matter, ask Him for it–or a good friend. Remember, He is our teacher. What a blessing it brings to Him, when we apply what we know!

Father, I thank you for teaching us how to apply Your Word to every circumstance we find ourselves in. I thank you we don’t have to worry about our future, because you are already in it. Prepare us for our future, but helping us learn to walk with you today. Help us truly “apply our heart to your instruction”. In Jesus’s Name, amen.

Uncategorized

Faith and Hope Less

January 30, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15: 13 NLT.

I had the chance to talk with another widow this week. Her husband and mother passed very close together about four years ago. She is a firm believer. She wasn’t questioning God’s goodness. Instead, she was seeking to learn how to walk through these sometimes paralyzing struggles that grief can often bring. Somehow during the conversation, someone used the word “hopeless.” As we talked, I thought about “hope less.” versus hopeless. Had my hope level dropped amid so many challenges?

Think about a thermometer. When we take temperatures for fevers, we want the numbers to go down. Can you see it now? A hope thermometer? Is your hope increasing or decreasing? I had to admit that in some areas my hope is less than it used to be. It was a reality check, but in a good way. Life hasn’t been easy for many lately. Those close to me have been dealing with very hard things. I talked with a lady yesterday at church. She had been a wonderful life group leader. She shared she had to step down, because her husband was diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer’s. Her mom had passed away from the same disease, so she knows sort of what lies ahead.

She told me, I still believe in our God who heals, and am trusting Him for our future. When life sends us these curves, it is hard. Many older saints are facing even more difficult trials than ever before. I asked the Lord about it, and He said, “it’s time to apply everything we’ve learned in the past”. It is not a time to give up and lose hope or heart. It is a time to lean even harder on Him and His character. This last season of our life gives us the opportunity to really live as an example of the believer. Not easy, but it must be doable!

I realized I had actually lost some hope (hope less). I began to pray and ask Him to help me. Proverbs 13:12, is very clear: hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. NLT. When things are “deferred” put off, delayed or even suspended we can become discouraged. Little children can fuss and fume over short delays, but as we mature we can endure it a bit better. There comes a time when we have to admit, “Lord, I think my heart is sick”. You may be trusting Him for healing, finances, a relationship fix etc. But it hasn’t happened yet. So what do we do? Grow sicker and sicker? No, my friend. We need to go back to the Lord. I wanted my husband to miraculously recover from his heart attack and stroke. When we began to see improvement, we were all so excited. But, after caring, trusting, praying and loving him, two and half years later he joined Jesus.

So now what? I admitted my heart was sick. I had many conversations with Him, sharing my feelings and disappointments. Some I wrote, some were simply heart felt prayers. I had learned enough about Him I did not stop until peace came. The scripture in Romans 15:13 tells us He is the God of ALL hope. So it makes sense to go back to the source and ask Him to restore your hope. Paul was praying for the Roman church, that the God, the source of hope, would fill them completely with joy and peace. He wanted them to experience the fullness of the Good News. This is God’s wish for us, that we will be filled completely with joy and peace. I admit, I am still working on that!

Hope can be a bit elusive at times, which is why we find this exhortation in Hebrews 10:23. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Isn’t this the crux of the matter? Do we believe He is trustworthy? When hope wanes, we often take our eyes off Him and onto the immensity of the situation. Our enemy wants us to blame God, get us to believe “if He really cared…” (you fill in the blank!) Paul told Timothy, This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of believers. 1 Timothy 4:10. I want to remind you and me today that He has already proven His loving care. Do whatever you have to do to focus on the Living Loving God, then your hope will rise.

Psalm 119:74 states: May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. If you lose hope, many around you will too. But if you stand strong in God’s Word, you will also strengthen those around you. Lately, when I turn on either my Alexa or Spotify worship, there are so many songs about warfare and struggles. It made me wonder if God is causing His artists to write and produce such songs. We must need them. I found my faith rising as I listened to these encouraging sounds. If you are not a musician like me, we can forget about adding it to our warfare weaponry. But when I do, it is so refreshing.

I want to remind us again that in this world we are going to have trials and tribulations. We can either become hope less, or grow in our hope.

Not just regular hope, but confident hope. Hope that makes us not ashamed or afraid. Do I feel disappointed in myself that my hope thermometer went down? Of course, I felt disappointed. However, I am so grateful for the Holy Spirit. He helped me get back on the right path. Remember Romans 5:4-6. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and dies for us sinners.

Father, I thank you for showing us that even though we may lose some hope, we don’t have to become hopeless. You teach us to not lose hope. We can hold on and not become hopeless. Help us to grow in Your hope, a hope that encourages us to trust You no matter our journey. You are the source of all Hope and we can depend on you. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Uncategorized

Faith and Excuses

January 23, 2025 Martha Rodman1 Comment

A man prepared a great feast and sent out invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests. Come, the banquet is ready. But they all began making excuses. Luke 14: 16-18. NLT.

I mentioned before that I host a Life Group (small group) in my home. It is a privilege and blessing to grow together with these dear sisters. Some of them have some mobility issues. There is a two step concrete porch that leads to my front door. I felt a bit hopeless and frustrated as I watched these ladies navigate the steps with walkers and canes. I often heard, “I wish there were hand rails”. I didn’t know what to do.

When my home was built in 1969, there were no handrails installed. I just thought, I am sorry. I can’t install handrails into concrete. This was my legitimate excuse. After a few months, I thought, maybe they do make a product. how do I really know they don’t. So, I googled it! I was surprised to discover they make such a product. To top it off, I can get them from Amazon Prime. So there went excuse #1. But how expense would this be? Quickly excuse #2 went, because they were in my budget! But then excuse number #3 began swirling around in my mind. Suppose they look bad and it detracts from my homes value? I am not a “visualizer”…so in my mind I could not imagine what the final product would look like. So I procrastinated.

Excuse #4. I asked my friend and contractor, Kenny, if he knew how to install them. He said yes, and he would do it. But excuse #3 was still standing strong, would it be worth it?? One Sunday, our pastor preached a sermon about “love going beyond”. I realized that moment if I loved these women, as I claim, I must buy them and have them installed. Love took away every excuse about this project. I would feel terrible if one of them fell. Or worse, if they chose to quit coming because they didn’t feel safe. Especially since I knew there was a solution.

In the parable of the great feast, Jesus tells, none of the excuses were legitimate. One bought a field, and wanted to inspect it. I am sure that field wasn’t going any where. Another, bought some oxen and wanted to “try” them out, again it could have happened at another time. Even the one who got married, could have chosen to come. When God asks us to do something, do we remember He understands all about our life? Or do we make our flimsy self-centered excuses? The excuses usually involve our time, effort or money. Each one of the “excusers” were focused on themselves, they did not consider the expense or effort the one who did the invite had gone to. I think we are often guilty of the same thing.

Luke 14 sets the stage for this parable. Jesus is at the home of a Pharisee, and some other religious law experts. They were watching him, but he also was watching them! After asking them if it was permitted to heal on the Sabbath, he healed a man. He then watched them vie for more prominent places at the table–which led to an exhortation about humility.

We then find Jesus encouraging the host. He tells the host not to invite those who could invite him back. Instead, he should go out and invite the lame, the poor, the blind, and the crippled. Embedded in verse 14, he gives us a clue to the why and what our perspective should be. And then you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:14 ESV. In other words, it is another way we can sow our treasures in heaven. We make the wrong choice when we focus only on this life. We make decisions based on time, effort, or finances for the present rather than for heaven’s sake.

Oh my friends, watching the ladies enter and leave my home last night was a blessing. They thanked me for the installation. I am trusting God about any changes to my home value–I’m not planning on moving anytime soon anyway!

Remember, when God asks something of you, He remembers your frame. He knows everything about you–even in the asking. So if you don’t see a way, ask Him to make a way. If you are afraid of the outcome, tell Him that. Ask Him how to move forward, because His ways are always best. Let’s get rid of our lame excuses and just get on with it!

Father, help us do your will. Freely, joyfully and faithfully. Thank you for helping us deal with our excuses, no matter how big or how small. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Uncategorized

Faith and Confidence

January 16, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

9 Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9. NLT.

Our God is constantly amazing me. I am so awed by His character, His promises and His faithfulness that I can only sit quietly before Him. This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel says: Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. Isaiah 30:16. NLT. So I would ask us to examine our confidence level? How confident are you in the Lord? I am not just talking about head confidence, but heart confidence. Where you actually expect Him to answer your prayer!

We are exhorted in Hebrews 4:16 to come boldly to the throne of grace in our time of need. Can you just picture it? A bold soldier striding into the War Room, telling the commander-in-chief, we need help. This soldier has utmost confidence that the commander-in-chief has the needed supplies and weaponry to defeat the enemy. They trust their commander-in-chief to deploy whatever strategy is necessary to win the current battle. With no hesitation, he makes his plea. He then waits, trusting his commander-in-chief to answer. This is how our God wants us to enter His throne room. NO fear of interrupting or bothering the commander in chief, just confidence that He is able and willing to supply every need.

My friends, one characteristic of mature faith is confidence. Often people don’t pray because they don’t really have the faith to believe God is going to answer that prayer. James 4:2 tells us “you have not because you ask not”. If you do not expect Him to answer, why bother asking? When my children were younger, we did not have a lot of extra funds. My oldest was an astute young lady. She really didn’t ask for much or often. I think she just assumed we couldn’t afford it. As a parent, my heart hurt when I found out (when she was an adult!) that she wanted to take ballet lessons! We will never know if she would have gotten to have them or not, because she didn’t ask. I know people who have not asked for healing because they don’t want to bother the Lord. My friends, you are doing Him such a disservice!

Oh my friends, difficulties, trials and challenges arrive in everyone’s life. The blessing we have is that we don’t have to face them alone. Deuteronomy 7:7-9 is an amazing reminder of God’s motives and character. Moses gave this discourse of remembrance to the Israelite’s, to help them as they entered the Promised Land. The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and he was keeping an oath he had sworn to your ancestors. His love and care for them was not based on what they were or could or could not do. It was based on His promise to love them and care for them. It is the same with us. We have been adopted into His family, as our Father, He cares for us. Does that give you confidence? Or do you struggle with understanding His Fatherhood? My friends, please ask Him to reveal to you what it truly means to have Him as your Father. Take the time to understand this. Don’t live beneath your privilege as His child.

If you are insecure about your relationship with Him, it shows you don’t know Him well enough as yet. Read one of the gospels. Watch how Jesus interrelates to his disciples and talks to His Dad. Read the letters from Paul and see how Paul prays and talks to the Father. We can pray those same types of prayers for ourselves and others!

When we boldly enter God’s throne room, we must do so with faith, but also respect. He is, after all, Lord of All. The respect and trust we give Him means we trust His answer. The answers may be a quick yes or a definite no. Sometimes, like natural parents, the answer might be to wait and see. In all cases, we need to trust Him. Don’t give up, keep on asking, seeking and as He promises you will find. Often, during the waiting times, if our eyes are open we can learn so much about Him and ourselves. Our desires may change. The initial toddler-like demands for a yes transform into a wiser acknowledgment. We realize, ‘I don’t really need that, thank you for the no.’

Confidence is really an inner trust and faith in Him and His ways that is born out of knowing Him. Knowing Him takes time and requires intention. The more we do it, the more confident in Him we become. That is always a good thing.

Father, I thank you for helping us grow in our confidence in You and Your ways. Show us areas were we rely too much on our own ways, and not your ways. Teach us to return to you and rest in Your ways, learning from You about You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Uncategorized

Faith and Legacy

January 9, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15. ESV.

The word the Lord gave me this year for our family Christmas sharing, was legacy. I felt to encourage all of us, but especially my grandchildren, that they are actually developing their legacy right now.

When most people think about leaving a legacy, they think about money and possessions. But as a believer, we have an opportunity to leave an even greater legacy. This legacy can influence many, not just our own families. I discovered in my biological family missionaries went in the 1800’s to what is now Senegal, very close to where Darryl and I ministered in Ghana! Did they pray for future generations to influence the region? We won’t know till we get to heaven.

We found out that some of our relatives founded a college for freed slaves They also established it for their children. It is now Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina! Their heart was for education. I wonder if my heart to teach came from this DNA? Is it a coincidence that our oldest grandson graduates in May, with an education degree?

I just finished watching some of the memorial service for our 39th president, Jimmy Carter. What a legacy he and his wife left, not only for our nation, but also for the Kingdom. I admit

, Darryl and I were so isolated (no TV, no radio) that when he ran for president, we had no clue who he was! We realized weren’t being good citizens at that point. How could we pray for our country if we didn’t even know what was going on? There is a stigma upon “one-term” presidents that they somehow “failed”. He did not let that stop him from living an impact full life. He left office at 56, in 1981 and by 1982 they founded the Carter Center which continues touching lives all over the world. He came from a small town in Georgia and continued to champion small towns and villages around the world. Each speaker mentioned his faith. He was a man of character. He not only verbally shared his faith with others, but he lived it. I found myself praying for those in attendance, that they would embrace this man’s faith and change their world.

So my friends, if you are reading this, you are still breathing. If you are still breathing, then you are still forming your legacy. One of my last conversations with my father involved money. He said, “Martha, you and Darryl will never have any money”. I said, “when did you teach us?” We are open to anything you want to share. He said, “well, stay in the lane God has given you. I only lost money when I tried to step out in areas God did not anoint me to do (like oil or gold mines)”. So we took that to heart and stayed in God’s calling, ministry.

I have tried to be wise with my finances, so my children will not have to care for me. But I admit I am more concerned for my spiritual legacy. I want to exemplify what it means to love the Lord. Serving Him is the best life you can lead. It is my heart that they discover their own relationship with Him. Jesus instructs us in Matthew not to store our treasures on earth. Instead, we should lay them in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy. There is a balance we need in stewarding our finances here on earth, while focusing on heaven as well. God give us Your wisdom, please!

Oh my friends, another area of legacy is our character. Are we gracious? Hospitable? Or are we difficult to please and get along with? Do we seek to let the fruit of the spirit be tasted by everyone, or only those we deem worthy? Are we short-tempered and focused on ourselves? If you are in a later season of life, it may be difficult to change your financial legacy. But, we can always change our spiritual and character legacy. It is in our control.

Paul exhorted all believers in so many of his letters about behavior issues. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. Romans 12:9 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32. Therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:12-14. Many people read over these verses (at times, me included) without applying them to their own lives. Even after such an encouraging and uplifting memorial, the commentators quickly judged and criticized. They focused on the difficult relationships the current living presidents have with each other. I don’t know if they realized they were sowing seeds of division. This happened right after listening to stories about how the man they were honoring sought to bring people together!

Thinking about my own life and those who have impacted me the most, are those who have applied Paul’s exhortations. They took the time to be gracious and kind. They encouraged me to seek our Savior even more. My parents taught me the logistics of hospitality, but I learned the heart of hospitality from a home church I attended as a student at the University of Washington. I am still learning how to do this. It’s not easy to change, but with His help we can.

Cartoons make fun of the grumpy old men and the “Karen’s” of this world. Unfortunately, they are based on reality but this should not be the case with us believers. Christians get mocked in the media because of hypocrisy. Let’s not give them fuel for the fire. President Carter, according to his grandchildren, lived a genuine Christian life, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, so can we. Thank you, Jimmy Carter for your legacy that we can learn from.

Father, help us leave Your kind of legacy, but we need your help to do it. Show us our short comings, and help us make any change necessary. Forgive us for messing up. We are so grateful your mercy covers a multitude of sin for us, let us make sure we share that mercy with those we meet. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

“Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter” by Carol M Highsmith/ CC0 1.0

Uncategorized

Faith and Resets

January 2, 2025 Martha Rodman3 Comments

So how are you doing entering in this New Year? Do you feel strong and hopeful that God is going to be moving on your behalf this year? Or are you entering this new calendar year with uncertainty? Do you find yourself saying, “I hope it works out” or “I hope we can make it”? Sometimes our situations speak so much louder than our faith. Maybe you are growing weary in your battles, wondering if you have the strength to finish. Maybe you find the rising grocery and fuel costs overwhelming. You might wonder how you are going to maintain, much less moving ahead and If your emotions are running higher than your faith, it’s time for a reset and re-evaluation.

How do we do that? First, take time to look at the different areas of your life. It is a good time to examine not only your physical health, but also your physical environment. I know I need to add some more movement into my schedule (like exercise!). This is my choice! I wish I could blame someone else, but it is on me. Just because I failed in the past, doesn’t mean I have to fail this year. How about your home? Do you have areas that need some changing and up doing? Maybe deep cleaning or de-cluttering? Or do you choose to “live” with it another year? These things are pretty black and white. Either you do them, or you don’t.

Emotional evaluation can be a bit trickier. It may be hard to admit you have some depression, discouragement or insecurity. An honest conversation with the Lord is always so helpful in these areas. He is a safe place to admit your struggles. Confess your weaknesses (perceived or real) to Him. Freedom and encouragement are waiting for you. Ask Him to show you how to move through those areas. If you need more help, then ask Him to open the right door or lead you to the right person. Sometimes He will show you the roots of your emotional situation. If He does, then trust Him to show you what to do about them. It may entail forgiveness of yourself or others, and if it does then walk that out. One time He showed me a root of abandonment, that came from my adoption story. Just that revelation brought freedom and understanding. He is after all the Mighty Counselor! I’m focusing on our emotional health because this has been a hard year for so many.

Obviously, our spirit, body and soul are all integrated. I admit, sometimes, I wish I could just tend to my spirit and the rest of the stuff would be handled, but not so. So how do you evaluate how your spirit is doing? The first thing I would look at is your hope level? Are you hopeful about your future. In Romans 15:13, Paul emphatically states God is the source of hope, and will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. So the next question, how is your joy and peace level? We once had a friend who was like the old Tony the Tiger commercial. Life (or anything else you asked him about) was GREAT! We knew life wasn’t always that great, but it had become his automatic response. He thought that, as a Christian, he always had to be GREAT. After growing in the Lord and in His ways he learned to have a more balanced approach. When I focus on Him more than my problems, I have more joy and peace. Hard situations do not overshadow my focus. I automatically hope for His intervention. I believe in His ability to use those things for good in my life and the lives of others. It may take a minute for my emotions to catch up, but I know He has a good plan.

Looking back on my younger believer self and my self today, I can see where I have grown. I have grown through applying the Word to my situations, instead of my situations to the Word. I have grown through honest conversations with Him and submitting to His Will as I have known it. My friends, I have learned to let the Word of God be the cleansing agent in my life. I read it every day. It touches my soul. This brings the refreshment and reset I often need in my perspective. I know some of you totally understand this, while others have yet to experience it. Don’t give up. Ask, and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you, for everyone who asks receives, the one who seeks finds; and the one who knocks the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7 NIV. Asking, seeking and finding are all action words. Sometimes we have to wait, but we must always ask, seek and find in faith. So my friends, if you are needing a reset He has one for you. We often have not because we ask not. So evaluate what you have been or have not been asking. It does make a difference. Maybe you thought you were asking, but actually were just whining (I may have done that a time or two or one hundred!)

Living in hope is so much better than living in hopelessness. If your hope waxes and wanes, ask Him to show you why and what to do about it. Join a small group where you can encourage each other in His ways. Do not neglect assembling yourself together with His body. You will not prosper as well as you could.

Father, I thank you for helping us take the time. With courage, we do a reset and evaluation this time of year. I thank you for the courage to ask, seek and find everything we need to prosper this coming year. You are an amazing personal God who has good plans for each of us, in Jesus’ Name, amen.