Friday, November 28, 2008

The Wisdom of Faith

For we walk by faith, not by sight--2 Corinthians 5:7 NASB

Seeing is believing. We’re all familiar with this expression. Unless we can look at something with our eyes we do not believe it exists. Yet for Christians, the opposite is true. We believe without seeing, which is another way of saying we walk, or live, by faith. We know that without faith it is impossible to please God. (Heb 11:6) In order to claim and receive His promises we must believe that He exists even though we have not seen Him.

At first glance, it seems supernatural. As human beings our perception is limited to the physical world, that is until we let go and let God take control. Then we develop sight beyond sight, or the ability to believe in what our normal senses do not perceive. We are able to do this as we study God’s word and incorporate it into ourselves and into our lives. As a result, having faith becomes the most natural thing in the world. Natural, but not necessarily easy, since belief in the unseen is not considered normal to the average person. As Christians, though, we are called to embrace the unseen God wholeheartedly. Then we can begin to receive the peace and the power He promises every true believer.

Heavenly Father, help me to keep my faith in you regardless of outward appearances. May my eyes stay on you always for you are my hope and my strength.

© Copyright 2008 G. Francis Johnson

Friday, November 21, 2008

Pray for My Plastic Animals

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

On Wednesday nights, Pastor Bruce ends the service by asking the congregation for prayer requests and praise reports. Sitting near the front of the church with his mother, the pastor’s three-year-old son, Zachariah, raised his hand.

“Yes Zac,” the pastor said pointing to him.

“Please pray for my little animals,” the child said. “I’m worried about my lions, tigers, bears, and dinosaurs.”

Pastor Bruce nodded. In the closing prayer, he included a request asking God to ease Zac’s worries over his animals.

One week later Pastor Bruce found Zachariah’s miniature plastic animals. They were crowded into a large jar of petroleum jelly. Approaching his son, he asked, “When you asked us to pray for your animals, why were you worried about them?”

“I was afraid they couldn’t breathe in there,” he answered.

Dear Lord, I know that my problems are sometimes of my own making. Yet, you always listen. Help me to remember that I can talk to you about anything in my life. Thank you for consistently being available to grant me your peace.

© copyright 2008 Christy Struben

Friday, November 14, 2008

Forgiveness

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Eph. 2:8 (NIV)

I volunteered at the Medical Center at lunch time, helping residents open containers, feeding others, and being nimble fingers for some. I was blessed to get to know a lot of the residents.

As I approached Mr. Jim, I said “Good Morning.” Mr. Jim gave me a hateful sideward glance and commented to the lady beside him.

“This is my nephew, Will, who has come to say he’s sorry.”

He spoke each word with emphasis, laced with disgust while he glared at me. I stopped abruptly because I happen to be female, shoulder length hair - definitely not the nephew type. I wondered, should I correct him? Then I said very slowly,

“Yes, I am sorry. Will you forgive me?”

“I knew you’d come sooner or later.” he said.

Just then the food trays made their clanky entrance. Mr. Jim maneuvered the snack table closer to his wheel chair, checked over the food, then busied himself with eating. As he ate, I peeled off foil tops from puddings, put straws in drinks and wondered what to say next. Then he spoke softly,

“Yes, I’ll forgive you.”

Later as I walked down the hall, I wondered what offense the nephew had done. Regardless, he was forgiven with no effort on his part. Then it dawned on me. That’s what Jesus did for me.

Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for taking our place on the cross. Thank you for forgiving us our sins as we forgive others. Help us to see that the person we free when we forgive is ourselves. Amen

© Copyright 2008 Lois Gosley

Friday, November 7, 2008

Fall

Matthew 5:16: Jesus said,

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. (New KJV)

As I look upon the beauty of fall, I see Jesus in it all. Beams of light bounce from leaf to leaf, leaving nothing but beautiful colors glowing in the trees. Each leaf seems to be illuminated. My eyes are drawn to the vast bunches of colors, each one having a different meaning. Yellow for the sunshine and the hope my Savior brings. Orange for the warmth of His touch. Red stands out the most; it is the Blood of my Savior, which makes me free.

The brilliance of fall brings warmth, sunshine and freedom. As the sun penetrates the sky and touches each leaf leaving it glimmering with beauty. My Savior sends beams of light to me. I let God penetrate my heart and his beauty shall be revealed in me.

Father, I pray the Holy Spirit will lead and guide me and that your light will shine through me for the entire world to see. Bless me, Lord, with your presence as I worship you.

© Copyright 2008 Marcella Panowicz