Faith and Singing a New Song

May 9, 2024 Martha Rodman1 Comment

Sing a new song of praise to him, Play skillfully on the harp and sing with joy. For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. Psalm 33:3,4 NLT.

When I was in high school, I auditioned for choir (because my best friend was in it), I made it, but not by much. I am not a natural singer. So being honest with you, reading all the scriptures about singing a new song seems a bit vague and “for someone else”. But lately, I realize that we all sing a song–a song of the heart and soul.

I think we have songs of joy, songs of mourning, songs of hope and unfortunately, songs of discouragement. These heart songs are usually a result of our life experiences, not necessarily based on God and His will. If we are feeling based, our songs can see-saw between several tunes in one day! As I meditate on my own heart song, I remember songs of mourning, sadness and even songs of doubt. I also see where God worked to change my tune! He still is.

As I lean into His love more and more, I sing a new song! It has been a subtle day by day change. Every time I see His handiwork in the lives of those around me, my tune changes. As I seek Him and understand His faithfulness, my tune changes. How about you? Have you noticed any changes in your tunes?

God’s Word instructs us to sing a new song whenever He does a new thing in our lives. Gratitude and thankfulness help me change my tune from mumbling and grumbling to faith. I came across this scripture today: But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path. I will reveal to you the salvation of God. Psalm 50:21. NLT. There is something about giving thanks from a truly thankful heart that changes our tune. It causes us to sing a new song because of fresh revelation and reminds of all the benefits our salvation brings us.

When scriptures exhort us to sing a new song, they are urging us to sing a song of faith, a song of hope, and a song of joy. They cause us to meditate on the goodness, power and might of our God and get our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances. The other day I was struggling. I was supposed to go to a meeting, but I was tired and tempted to “skip” it. I knew I shouldn’t, so I put on my Spotify prayer and worship channel. As I listened, my heart responded. I entered into someone else’s new song and it helped change my own tune. I am grateful for songwriters who have the gift of putting my emotions, thoughts, and faith into singable lyrics. They help me communicate and express emotions I can’t even put into words.

We must allow the Holy Spirit to help us change our tune. He wants to help us bring glory to the Father. Scriptures talk about songs of lament, and at the appropriate time they are so helpful.

God wants to help us sing an authentic song. I remember when I was in college and prayed to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Alone, in my dorm room, I asked Jesus for this special gift. The reality of how real Jesus really is was made known to me in the early morning hours, as I was supposed to be studying for a geology test. I went to the only Christian I knew in my dorm the next morning at breakfast, and said, “Marilyn, Jesus is really real!” She looked at me strangely, and said, “Yes, I know”. The reality of my experience with Him made me sing a different tune…a tune with conviction. I believe when we have a new revelation of Him, we will sing a new tune. A five-year-old singing the blessing of marriage is not really believable. A man happily married for 50 years would be much more believable. Our tune changes the longer we walk with our Savior, and that is a good thing. We can ask Him to refresh our song or even teach us a new one! It brings Him joy and glory.

Father, I thank you for the new songs. I ask you to help us change our tunes when we need to. I thank you for songs of joy, songs of life, and songs that bring you honor. Forgive us for singing songs of moaning, songs of complaint and help us honor you with our heart songs. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith

May 2, 2024 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:

I had the privilege of watching the movie “Unsung Hero” this week. I laughed and cried as I watched the true story of this family face life challenges together. Because of financial issues, the Smallbone family of eight left Australia, pursuing an apparent open door in Nashville, TN. The door quickly closed, and they were left with a rented home, with no car or furniture. The mom was pregnant with her seventh child. This amazing mom made them beds from clothes in their suitcase. The parents came together as a team and so did the children. Often children are sheltered from the issues of life, but in this case, they had to work as a team. They prayed as a family and watched as God answered their prayers. It was often the mom’s perspective of seeing these difficulties as opportunities and adventures that held the family together. It caused them to all grow in faith and trust in the Lord. It reminded me of some difficulties my husband and I walked through following the Lord. I now see God was using them for good for my children’s sake.

Difficulties can make us or break us, it is true. Do we believe “he is a very present help in the time of trouble” or not? These were teaching moments for their children. I didn’t google the movie before I watched it. I knew it was advertised to be about “For King and Country” a male duo group. I did not know that out of this family came Rebecca St. James and the men in For King and Country are her brothers! Rebecca St. James is a singer/song writer that has encouraged many through her music. This movie is the true story of how God worked in and through her life.

As they rolled the credits, they included updates on the children and what they are doing as adults. It’s amazing that they are each accomplished in their fields. The difficulties they faced actually gave them a platform of faith for their current future. Praying with your children and modeling faith in a good God who does good things is always a good thing. Instead of turning away from the God of their parents, they are pursuing Him.

I am proud of my daughters as they are examples of faith, as well. I watch them encourage their children to trust the God we trusted in when they were children. They are married to men of faith and for that I am so grateful, but I watch them implementing some of the things we imparted to them, it makes my heart glad they have the same foundation. There were times we could have given in to fear and given up on trusting God, but by His grace we didn’t. We kept trusting and watching Him show up. He is still showing up, my friends. He is still trustworthy. Our son walks in the same trust, in the midst of difficult situations. He and his wife, Becca are a faith team as well.

When Darryl and I married, we chose to follow Him and His ways. We didn’t give up on Him or each other, but leaned on Him and sought after His ways. Active faith was evident in our lives, because we needed Him, and still do! My friends, don’t give up. He is trustworthy, no matter the trials or troubles you face. Release your faith today. Put Him and His ways first, you will never regret it.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3. NLT. Remember, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20. So ask largely for His grace, glory and purpose for every trouble, difficulty or trial you might be facing. Do not give in to depression or discouragement. Stir up your faith in who you are trusting. He is more than able, my friends. Instead of asking “why” am I here in this trial, ask Him what He wants to do in and through it. If you are going to be going through it, it might as well be for His glory, right? Cry if you have to, but cry with Him. Your story doesn’t catch Him off guard, but by acknowledging Him makes you even more aware of His presence and purpose in your life.

Father, help us release our faith in even greater ways. Show us how to glorify your name by trusting you. I thank you for the challenges we have faced in the past and how you showed up. We overcome by the blood of the lamb and our testimonies. Thank you for each one. Help us to not let fear direct our paths, but faith. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Heart Sickness

April 25, 2024 Martha Rodman2 Comments

I am sick at heart. How long O Lord, until you restore me? Psalm 6:3

These past few weeks I haven’t felt well. Congestion, coughing, fatigue and sinus issues were robbing me of my focus and well being. I called to make Drs. appointment, but he was on vacation, so it took two weeks. I thought, surely I will be better by then, but in fact it was worse. He ordered a chest x-ray, put me on antibiotics and recommended the usual OTC meds and rest.

Then, Sunday morning as I read Psalm 6, I came across this little verse where David confessed, “I am sick at heart.” I realized that not only was my body sick, but my heart was as well. I confessed to the Lord: “I admit to you this is where I am, right or wrong. My heart is sick.” It took courage to admit it. It was humbling. It was also freeing.

One description of a sick heart is one that is grieving, very disappointed, and feeling dejected. Some of life’s realities have caught me off guard lately. Unexpected difficult diagnosis, unexpected loss, or my feeling of inadequacy have left my heart feeling sick.

David goes on in the rest of the verse, “How long, O Lord, until you restore me?” As I meditated on that verse, I realized what David must have. I can’t restore my own heart. I need Him to do it. I need to trust Him to help me. Even with David asking the Lord, “how long” there is an element that it will happen. He expected to be restored. I got real honest with myself and Him. How about you? Are there any parts of your heart that may be sick? Do you have the courage to admit it? It happens to all of us, eventually. Confessing my emotions and thoughts to Him began to bring relief.

I kept reading Psalm after Psalm. Seeing myself in some of them, and being encouraged as David and the other writers shared their own struggles, was like sitting under a waterfall shower. I felt washed and free. My heart’s restoration had begun.

But I also felt unexpectedly exhausted. I went to bed and slept for two hours, woke up and went back to sleep for more. This is not something I usually can do during the day, but I woke refreshed, strengthened both in my heart and my body. For this, I am very thankful.

I asked the Lord, “how do I protect my heart from getting sick?” Then I thought maybe the right question would be first, “Can I protect my heart from getting sick?” I think that is probably more accurate. I think in our fallen world, it isn’t practical to think we won’t suffer disappointment, dejection or grief. It is one of the side effects of loving people. Our heart hurts for them and with them.

What am I trying to say? Don’t keep pushing through, or pretending your heart is ok, when it isn’t. Take the time to take it to the Lord and let Him restore your soul. Part of hurting with others is part of our fellowshipping in His suffering. He gets it and He cares that we do. We are called to bear or share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6: 2.NLT. Helping lift their load requires us to get close and personal, and that may involve some hurt. It is part of the loving package. But don’t forget, we also get to rejoice with those who rejoice! Romans 12:15. NLT.

Father, I ask that you examine our hearts and see if we are carrying any heart sickness. Please bring your restoration to those areas and help us not to be afraid of heart pain, because you aren’t. Thank you for bearing our burdens and teaching us to carry others, In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Worry

April 4, 2024 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.

Don’t you love the encouragement found in this scripture? When I read it, it is like a refreshing cup of water reminding me that all I have to do when I feel overwhelmed with worry or anxiety, to simply come to Him. Not to the TV, not to books or food, but come to the one who really is in charge of my life. When I do come in humility and sincerity, I find rest for my soul, along with grace for the right yoke and burden that I am supposed to be carrying.

I spent some time this morning reading through an old journal. This journal began in August 2012 when I was still a caregiver for my husband. It took me through his subsequent heart attack and a blood clot which lodged in his right leg that took his life. As I reminisced about this tough season, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness. August 23, 2012, I wrote: I don’t know how to take care of Darryl. I get so scared that I am paralyzed to move ahead. I need you to give me wisdom and insight. I am glad for the little things that show healing and development. I do not want to be a whiner or a crier. I need you to help me. I trust you. Today, we shall move ahead. I shall have a productive day. Satan shall not win. Is the paralyzed feeling coming from “do the right thing”? Afraid to do wrong? Be wrong? (Apparently I was reading in Colossians, for I went on to write:)

Colossians 3: receive: let the peace of God rule in your hearts. Remain: let the word of God richly dwell within you. Respond: whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Remember: Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are beneath, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. So here I am, waiting, trusting, needing you more than ever. Yes, Lord come, deliver me once again from myself…from the good girl mask.

Little did I know that six weeks later, I would be a widow. My caregiving was over. My prayers for wisdom and insight would be answered unexpectedly with my Darryl’s passing. Looking back at those days, I remember feeling so much pressure to do and be the “right” thing for Darryl and a concern for being and doing the “right” thing as a Christian–hence the “good girl mask” statement. I’m proud of myself for “coming” to the Lord with my fears and concerns. As I continued to read through this journal, I found so many times where I came to Him for help and guidance, crying out as David did for his help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; heart my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. Psalm 86:6-7. NLT. My current journal reflects the same cry for help as well, but also increased statements of trusting Him, so growth!

Dear friends, He is able and so willing to help us in our time of need. Do not be afraid to come to Him, as you are right now. Praying through those things that you are struggling with. He truly is our help in time of need. Don’t wait till you are overwhelmed, but meet with Him daily to sort through the things that are trying to distract or discourage you, before they just get bigger; robbing you of your joy.

Father, I thank you for this wonderful reminder that we can come to you and find rest for our souls, no matter our situation and circumstance. The rest and relief as we come is so amazing. It changes our perspective and restores hope. Thank you, dear Lord, for truly being a help in our time of need. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Worship Reset

March 28, 2024 Martha Rodman1 Comment

You must worship only the Lord you God. He is the one who will rescue from your enemies. 2 Kings 17:39 NLT.

I have a confession to make. Sometimes I like to skip over introductions and prefaces, and get to the “meat” of the things. I discovered I do that a lot when I am praying. This means I often just jump in to talking to the Lord about my issues or my friends and family concerns. I do this without taking the time to worship and honor Him. It means I have inadvertently developed a habit and left out an important part of prayer: worship. I know that there are several different types of prayer: thanksgiving, intercession, adoration and supplication, for example. But I felt the Holy Spirit touch this area in my prayer life for a re-set.

I am changing my ways, not legalistically, but relationally. Now, as I take the time to stop and acknowledge Him with a worshipful and honoring heart, it is like a reset. Worship is an attitude of the heart and when our attitude is in order, it affects our actions. I so appreciate it when my grandchildren take the time to ask me for a snack, rather than assuming they can barge in and raid my snack cupboard! Even though, it is where they will end up going anyway, after I usually say “yes”. I think it must be the same with our Lord. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful or dishonoring to Him, but now that I have consciously added it back, it has been a blessing.

Worship re-focuses me on who He is. It is a humbling position where we bow our heart before Him. When I do, I find it resets my heart and focuses on what is important, not necessarily urgent. My quick prayers are heard, I know, but they don’t really build the relationship I want with Him. Including a time of worship brings re-connection in some new ways.

When Jesus was teaching his disciples how to pray, He left us a pattern found in Matthew 6. Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. As I read through this passage again, I found myself repenting for my arrogance. The first thing Jesus wants is His Father’s name to be kept holy and honored. I love the scripture in Hebrews that reminds us we can come boldly into the throne of God in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) But making a habit of not taking the time to honor and acknowledge Him in His position eventually robs me of the deeper relationship I long to have with Him. The joy of sitting quietly, acknowledging Him and His position in my life, has added such and awareness of His presence into every area of my life.

Maybe, this is just my personal issue. If so, that’s ok. Making a habit to consciously, respectfully honor Him and His position with my words, not just my heart has been a good thing for me. Does He want to make any changes in your life?

As we approach this Easter and all the celebration, help us honor and glorify you in whatever way You desire. You are so worthy, my Lord of all our praise and worship.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for teaching me how to honor and worship you through prayer. Please keep on working to teach us your heart and your ways. Thank you, for loving us enough to keep perfecting us, no matter what the area. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and “Senior” Life

March 22, 2024 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Even in old age, they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The Lord is just! There is no evil in him!’ Psalm 92:14. NLT.

What an amazing promise! Our church has been blessed to be growing. There are many unfamiliar faces between our two services. One day, as I was praying and worshipping during the service, I noticed some of our long- time members. I thought, these are the faithful who were there when the building was built. I know some of their amazing God stories, but these new people probably don’t. I knew it was their time, treasure, and talent that physically and spiritually helped lay the foundation of this church almost fifty years ago. It was a humbling thought.

I did not want them to go to their grave, not knowing they were not only seen, but appreciated. Even more, I want them to know they are still useful to His church. Their abilities may have changed, but they have much more to give. I spent more time in prayer and contemplation, then broached the subject with our pastor. He sent me to do some investigation on the needs or desire of such a ministry. There was an overwhelming sense of “yes.” So Senior Life Ministries is beginning.

Many seniors feel invisible. I, myself, have experienced the feeling of invisibility. For example, my daughter-in-law accompanied me to a doctor’s appointment. I was a new patient. As I was filling out the forms, the receptionist kept looking at her for my answers! It was noticeable to both of us. Her attitude made me nervous and question my own competence! The great news is no matter what our age, we are not invisible to our God, nor should we be to His family.

I admit, I can’t do some things I used to do. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 reminds us: therefore, we do not lose heart, though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. Compared to some seniors, not even close to my age, my outer self has not wasted away as much as it could have! But, no matter how much we easily tire, or struggle to have the strength to open jars we must not lose heart. We must not let our bodies’ failures cause our soul to become discouraged. My dear ones, old and young, God has a desire and need to use you for His Kingdom’s sake, no matter your age.

Wisdom is found with the elderly and understanding comes with long life. Job 12:12. Sometimes, we assume people know what we know, or people don’t want to know what we know. One of the goals for our Senior Life ministry is to work cross generationally with our Next Youth program. Plans are already in the works to pray with them. To successfully cross pollinate, us seniors need to walk with God’s grace and humility. We can’t develop impactful relationships with a haughty, judgmental attitude. We need to make sure we’ve dealt with any bitterness, unforgiveness that would taint our influence. We need to put away the “grumpy” old man and lady persona and show them how to age with grace. We have things to share, but we must be careful they are God’s thoughts, not our thoughts. We don’t want to cause discouragement, disillusionment but hope and truth. The Jesus we want to share with them is the real Jesus, the loving powerful Savior that walks with us and talks with us. Discipling, teaching, mentoring are so needed for this next generation. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your p0wer to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Many Bible scholars believe David wrote this Psalm during a time when he was under the crisis of Absalom’s rebellion. You can hear his desire, “let me proclaim your power to this new generation”. Is that your desire? Begin to ask the Lord for these doors. It may start with a friendly “hello” at church. Or asking a young person about their life. My senior friends, God has a job for you to do. Just ask Him. Don’t give in to the devil’s lie, that you have nothing to offer; or nobody wants to hear from you. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes, work in your heart and put you to work! Remember, the harvest is ripe but the laborers are few.

If you are still breathing, God can use you. As a Senior, you already know life isn’t easy or necessarily fair. My prayer, when my husband had his stroke, was “Father, you better get everything you can out of this, because it is hard”. I’ve watched Him use my story to help others. Those hard things you’ve gone through can help someone else.

Father, I thank you for helping every Senior reading this article to open their eyes, their hearts and their hands for your use. I ask you to open the eyes, hearts and hands to younger folks to receive those gifts. Make room for them in your body, dear Lord. Stir up our hearts to be about our Father’s Kingdom no matter what our age. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and a Circumcised Heart

March 14, 2024 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Circumcise, therefore, the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. Deuteronomy 10:16 ESV

These past few weeks have been very busy. I have been spending time with the Lord and His Word, but I felt a separation from Him. As I prayed this morning, I asked Him for grace to receive from Him whatever I needed to connect. My daily reading schedule brought me to this verse, but I read it in the New Living Translation. Therefore, change your hearts and stop being stubborn. I thought, wow, that’s pretty clear. As read through the footnotes, it talked about uncircumcised hearts. In nature, foreskins, which have been removed, do not grow back. Unfortunately, our spiritual hearts can grow calloused, hard and unfeeling, which can lead us to unreceptiveness to the Holy Spirit. This effectively, separates us from our God.

Walking with the Lord in this life exposes us to not only our own thoughts and experiences but also those of our friends, family, co-workers and even our governmental leaders. Our heart is then subject to the abuse and challenges of life. The question is, what are we going to do with the disappointments, discouragements, and unmet expectations that we encounter? Whether or not we acknowledge it, it affects our heart (soul).

In this section of Deuteronomy, Moses was trying to prepare the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. He wasn’t just interested in their bodies entering, but their entering in with an understanding of whose they were and the whys. He spent some good amount of time reminding them of their shortcomings, and God’s grace. He rehearsed the mess up with the Golden Calf and how he had to go back up to the mountain with God a second time. He shared with them how he interceded for Aaron and the lives of the Israelites. I believe his heart was to help them understand the importance of making a decision to serve the Lord and Him alone, no matter what lay ahead.

I think he was speaking corporately, but in order for a nation to serve the Lord, every individual needs to make that decision. It is the same with the Body of Christ, we each need to decide to make Him Lord. And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 10:12. So how can we love Him, with all our heart and soul, if our hearts are hardened? If we have grown calloused? We find part of the solution in verse 16. Therefore, change your hearts and stop being stubborn. Circumcision of the heart implies submission and humility. It is acknowledging, God is God and we are not. It is choosing to walk in His ways not our ways.

When things don’t go our way, our fleshly tendencies rise up, and we want to take control. Maybe we look around for other “gods” to follow? My friends, the best thing we can do when we find ourselves in these scenarios, is yield to Him and His ways. Take the time to pour your heart out to Him and listen. Heartache is inevitable, but He binds up the broken-hearted. When we allow Him to comfort us in our sorrow, our hearts stay softened.

If you find yourself with a hardening heart, go to Him, not away from Him. Lean in to Him and His ways. Stay in His Word and take time to worship Him. These are all softening agents. Maybe confess your story to a trustworthy friend and ask them to pray with you. Expect God to respond. Release your faith. He is ready, willing, and able to help us through any difficult struggles. What joyous fellowship when we return–even if we have only strayed a little way. Take the time to allow Him to search your heart for all the “no’s” you might have said to Him. That is the beginning of a hardened heart.

Father, I thank you for helping us to walk with humble, soften hearts toward you. I ask you search our hearts for areas where we may have allowed anger, disappointment or discouragement to seep in, hardening our hearts. Remind us of your loving care. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and “Reminders”

March 7, 2024 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit’, says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6. NKJV

Let’s get a little background on this scripture. Zechariah, was a postexilic prophet–called to encourage the returning Israelites to complete the Temple. The people were discouraged. They had begun a good work, but due to lack of funds and leadership they had drifted to dealing with their own lives. The Temple rebuild had come to a stand still. These people had returned with enthusiasm from Babylon, but opposition from the Samaritans and other distractions took its toll. Have you ever felt discouragement try to whittle away at your God given assignment? Are you fighting doubt or your own discouragement? You might need this reminder: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Zechariah 4:6. NLT.

Zechariah (whose name means Yaweh Remembers) was sent to encourage Zerubbabel, the leader that was sent to restore the Temple. This was the fifth vision, Zechariah had. It was a vision of a golden lampstand and two olive trees. The golden lampstand had a bowl of oil on the top surrounded by seven lamps, each having seven spouts and wicks. I appreciate Zechariah’s forthrightness. “What are these, my Lord? What do they mean?” Don’t you know the angel asked. No, my lord, I don’t. The he said to me, This is what the lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. I keep repeating this scripture, because most things we are facing we can’t fix. But He can. It is a reminder of how much we need the direction, power and strength the Holy Spirit can give us.

I am sure Zerubbabel struggled with the weight of the task he was sent to do. The exciting expectation that the returning Jews had, waned. They began with great strength, but now they had stopped working on the Temple. The angel continued talking to Zechariah. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerrubbabel sets the final stone of the temple in place, the people will shout: “May God bless it! May God bless it”. Then another message came to me from the Lord: Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me. Zechariah 4:7-9. What an encouraging word to Zerubbabel! He would complete the re-building. I want to encourage you today. He that has begun a good work in you, (and subsequently) through you, will complete it. It may not look like you expect at this time, but it will be what He plans.

The angel was not finished. He went on to say: Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand. God rejoices when we begin, no matter how small. He rejoices when we do not grow weary in well doing. He rejoices in the small attempts we make. Zerubbabel still had to rally the workers to finish the Temple, but having the word of the Lord to boost his confidence was priceless. My friends, do not forget His Presence, just like the lampstand is there to give light. He wants to show us the how, when most times we are so busy asking the why we don’t proceed to the how and when. Zerubbabel already knew the what. The restoration was completed in 515 B.C.E. God’s promise was fulfilled. Keep walking my friends, your promises will be fulfilled as well, if we surrender and partner with the Holy Spirit. He is our power and might.

Father, help us to remember that Your work in us begins with Your Holy Spirit. You want us to rely on Him. He will lead us and guide us in all things. Help us to keep our eyes open to see what you are doing in the midst of discouraging situations. Help us to listen to Your voice and share its encouragement with those around us. We trust you, dear Father. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Faith Trust · Uncategorized

Faith and Conversation

February 29, 2024 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

The tongue can bring forth death or life, those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21. NLT

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. Proverbs 18:21 AMP

I want you to use your imagination. Pretend you are back in the Old Testament times. About one year ago, you are part of a scene where God miraculously helps you and at least 600,000 fighting men, their wives and children and foreigners who escaped with you from the bondage of Egypt. Together you walk across the Red Sea on dry land. Look up and see the cloud by day, leading you and the others and the pillar of fire leading you at night . More miracles are happening as you are called to pick up manna for food every morning. Can you taste its sweetness? Are you one of the women who try different recipes? Which tribe are you with? Did you willingly contribute to the items needed to help construct the tabernacle? Or are you one of the artisans that worked with gold or spun the fabric? These were real people embarking on an amazing journey.

How exciting, scary and a bit overwhelming it must have been. The joy of the escape, the blessing of God leading them must have been so awesome. I can hear them discussing the miracles over and over. But we know no matter how many amazing miracles they saw and participated in, the excitement began to fade…and grumbling began. Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the Lord heard everything they said. Then the Lord’s anger blazed against them, and he sent a fire to rage among them, and he destroyed some of the people in the outskirts of the camp. Numbers 11:1. NLT. This seems pretty extreme, doesn’t it? I think it reveals God’s thoughts about grumbling and un-thankfulness. I know He is gracious, merciful and kind, but reading this story is sobering. God does not like grumbling.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. After the fire, we find the foreigners who left Egypt willingly; began to grumble as well. Then the foreign rabble who were traveling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt. And the people of Israel also began to complain. “Oh for some meat!” They exclaimed. “We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted. But now our appetite are gone. All we ever see is this manna! Have you noticed that all it can take is one person to begin to grumble and complain or be critical and others begin to pick it up? It’s like a contagious virus! Like physical virus’s that get spread through a classroom with immature immune systems, the complaining “virus” can be spread through young believers–or even older saints can be infected if they haven’t been immunized with joy and thankfulness. After the foreigners began to grumble about the food and journey, the Israelites began to complain for meat.

Poor Moses. Moses heard all the families standing in the doorways of their tents whining. Don’t think your leaders don’t know when their sheep complain and are grumbling. It makes their work harder. And the Lord became extremely angry. Moses was also very aggravated. My friends, emotions happen. We can get frustrated and upset, but it is what we do with them that matters. Moses handled his aggravation by talking with the Lord. We can see he is quite clear on how he is feeling! And Moses said to the Lord, “Why are you treating me, your servant so harshly? Have mercy on me! What did I do to deserve the burden of all these people? Did I give birth to them? Did I bring them into the world? Why did you tell me to carry them in my arms like a mother carries a nursing baby? How can I carry them to the land you swore to give their ancestors? Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people? They keep whining to me, saying, “Give us meat to eat!’. I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far to heavy! If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!” Wow, that is an honest conversation! And it brought some great solutions.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Gather before me seventy men who are recognized as elders and leaders of Israel. (verse 16) They will hear the burden of the people along with you, so you will not have to carry it alone. (verse 17b). When we have a true complaint (or even a perceived one) the right thing to do is take it to the Lord, in faith, trusting Him to bring solutions.

We find the grumbling, criticism and complaints spread to Aaron and Miriam. God defended Moses, but Miriam came down with leprosy. My friends, God loves us to encourage others. He loves for us to speak words of life and to do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17. The book of James reminds us of the problem our tongues can cause. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! James 3:8-10. NLT.

We are no different than the Israelites, I am afraid. We can start fires or we can put them out by our words. My friends, the other day as I was praying for our church during a time of intercession, in my minds eye, I saw a bunch of fire buckets sitting around. I asked the Lord, what are they for? He said, I want my people to put out fires of division, disunity, gossip and grumbling.” God has been moving amazing in our church. I haven’t heard of any rumblings, but I felt it was a preventative move. Are you willing to be a fire bucket in your sphere of influence? To guard your heart and tongue from the wiles of the enemy? Can you graciously with loving mercy, correct someone who is stumbling in this area? Let’s determine to guard our conversations. Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19.

Please don’t think this is a small thing that doesn’t matter. We can either speak life or death. We can speak faith or we can speak doubt. We can encourage others or tear them down. Maybe your very word of encouragement will help someone else make it another day.

Father, I thank you for helping us in this area. It is so vital we grow in our ability to guard our hearts and what we meditate on concerning our brothers and sisters and our leaders. Help us to talk to you about our concerns, trusting you will give us wisdom and understanding. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and His Faithfulness

January 25, 2024 Martha Rodman1 Comment

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Psalm 36:5 NLT.

2024 is 25 days in. Life still keeps me on my knees and looking upward! It is amazing how in the midst of so many challenges God proves Himself faithful. I mentioned last week about the mess in my back bedroom. More issues were discovered and in some places, we are down to studs and the outside brick wall. But as I trust Him, and my wonderful contractor, it will get restored. All that takes is money, supplies and hard work. God is faithful to provide.

But what about other things, the harder things that money won’t fix? Can we trust His faithfulness during those times? Yes, we can. Here is an example of His faithfulness in one of life’s most challenging situations.

This past Sunday, my dear niece, Anne Hardy passed into the loving arms of our Savior. Anne is the oldest daughter of my oldest biological sister. A sister my triplet sisters and I were not raised with due to my parents personal issues. It was God’s faithfulness that brought each of us back together in person, when we were about 28. It is amazing how God re-connected our lives. His faithfulness was demonstrated through the prayers of our Aunt Freda; a dear precious believer who prayed our family would be reunited due to our adoption. (After our birth, the state became involved and some of our sisters were placed in foster care). My parents had eight children. My sister Betty is twenty years older than we are and is an amazing woman in her own right. Anne’s full name was Elizabeth Anne–the same as my daughter! (Because I only knew her as “Anne”, I didn’t know her full name!)

Anne’s last several months was filled with hospital stays as she battled pancreatic cancer. We watched God’s faithfulness as He strengthened her and blessed her. The outcome was not on our agenda, but His faithfulness was so manifested. Early on in the process Anne had a dream. In this dream she was in heaven. She saw many angels around the throne and it was beautiful. There was one angel who had the Book of Life, and said, “no, it’s not time for you”. Then she was escorted back to earth. I remember the peace and hope that came as she shared this dream with me. Yes, God was going to heal her!

Later on, she had a second dream (shared to me by her sister Debbie). In this dream, Anne wrote her obituary. As she finished and re-read it, she said, “you know this was a pretty good life!”. Debbie wasn’t happy about that dream. As it became obvious her time here on earth was short, the immediate family gathered in the hospital. Her amazing husband Doyle was at her bedside holding her hand. She had been through so much and Doyle exemplified God’s faithfulness in so many ways. Anne loved music. Doyle put on a Gaither song, “Mansion over the Hilltop” and as they listened to this promise, he leaned over and told her she was free to go. Her pulse and breathing ceased. Then Doyle felt a touch on his shoulder. As he turned to see who touched him, no one was there. It was as if Anne gave him one finally touch.

Someone asked Doyle how he was feeling. He said, “pure joy”. Only our good and faithful God could do that. Our God is so faithful. We need to trust Him more, and not let the enemy rob of us of who our God really is. These dreams and this final story are helping our family walk through these days. I know Anne has left some big holes in the lives of her mom, her brother and her sister, but our God is faithful and able to bring His comfort.

These two seeming polar opposite stories (my room issue) and Anne’s passing are examples of God’s faithfulness in my life this month. There are so many more. I want to encourage you to look out for them in your own life. I have found walking in thankfulness, brings me even more aware of His faithfulness.

Father, I thank you for Your dependable faithfulness, which not only reaches past the clouds but into every area of our lives, if we let You. I ask You help us to open our eyes in even the hardest places to find you, because I know you are there. Thank you, my dear Savior. In Jesus’ Name, amen.