Tag Archives: Christianity

Great Faithfulness

15 Monday Oct 2012

Posted by in beauty, Christianity, faith, Fall leaves, favorite songs, fun stuff for grandparents, Fun stuff for kids, hope, joy, love, picnic by the creek, streams, wisdom and understanding

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Great Is Thy Faithfulness
words by Thomas O Chisholm, music by William M. Runyan

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
there is no shadow of turning with Thee;   Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;

 As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be. 

Summer and winter, and spring-time and harvest,
Sun moon and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. 

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!   Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed,
Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness Lord, unto me!

“Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”               Lamentations 3:22,23

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Fear And The Eyes Of Faith

08 Monday Oct 2012

Posted by in Christianity, faith, fear, fun stuff for grandparents, Fun stuff for kids, love, wisdom and understanding

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“I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.  Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”            Psalm 34:4,5

We took our three year old grandson to the mall this morning.  We had no intention of buying anything, we just wanted to take a leisurely walk indoors on a rainy day.  Every thing was going well with Shepherd holding his Daddo’s hand as we walked along.  But then suddenly something attracted his attention and he started pulling as hard as he could to go and see it.   I wonder if that’s the way we walk with Jesus.  We are content to walk along holding His hand until we see something we want that may not be His will for us.  We pull and strain to be free so we can go “our way”  instead of following His way.  Sometimes He lets us experience these detours from His way.  But usually it doesn’t take long before we realize the consequences of our disobedience and we wish we had never left His path.   Our grandson took off running and Daddo chased him.  It was all a great game to Shepherd.  Once I remember taking my son to go shopping and when I looked around he had disappeared.  For several moments I called and searched and began to feel panicky when I couldn’t find him.  It turned out that he had crawled under a circular rack of long coats and was happily sitting in the middle of them.  It was his idea of hide and seek.  But my son had no idea of the fear that I was feeling when he didn’t come when I called.

God knows exactly where we are when we take off on our own way.  But often times we can not see and have no idea of the danger we may be walking into.  Fear is sometimes the only thing that will make us come running back to Him.  What a wonderful feeling it is to be held in the loving arms of a grandfather who loves and forgives us just like our heavenly Father when we have strayed.   Sometimes we forget that this wonderful omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God is the only one who can guide, protect and provid for us.  His love is unfailing, yet we turn to the world hoping to find help and answers.  We become too busy for God.  How it must grieve His heart when we turn away from Him.  Over and over the “Heroes of Faith” in the bible illustrate God’s faithfulness. When they prayed to God, He saved them from their difficulties.  We must teach these stories to our children so that when they have a problem, they will first pray and turn to God rather then seeking the world’s advice.

Elisha the prophet had an intimate relationship with God and it enabled him to see with the eyes of faith.  The king of Aram sent horses and chariots and a strong force of men to capture Elisha.  But Elisha, looking with the eyes of faith, told his worried servant,  “Don’t be afraid.  Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”     II Kings 6:16 

The servant was only able to see with eyes of fear that focused on the opposing army .  But Elisha prayed,  “O LORD, open his eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”   II Kings 6:17

Faith is a little like anything else in life.  As we exercise our faith it grows stronger.  In order to reach our goals and follow God’s plan for our lives, we will have to step out in faith over and over again.  Just like Peter, we may be willing to step out of the boat but most likely when we do, we will begin to look at the waves and storm and start to sink.  When we take our eyes off Jesus and begin thinking about how hopeless our situation appears instead of depending on the mighty power of God, our strength will fail.  We will crumble to our knees under the stress.   But being on our knees may well be the best place to be.  When we realize we are helpless, we  begin to realize how much we need God.  Trusting that God knows the best way for us and has planned every step of the way enables us to see with eyes of faith and rest confidently in His peace.   “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”      Psalm 91:14,15

Unwavering Faith

30 Sunday Sep 2012

Posted by in Christianity, faith, hope, patience, wisdom and understanding

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“For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.”          Psalm 71:5

Children love to play hide and seek.  But the funny thing is that the little ones somehow seem to think that if they close and cover their eyes, we can’t see them.  I wonder if occasionally we do that with God.  We close our eyes to His word and fail to listen to His voice and disobey Him hoping that He won’t notice.   But of course He sees everything and it must break His heart knowing that He has something wonderful planned for us if we will only wait on His timing.    So often I am guilty of being impatient and trying to plan things my way instead of waiting on Him. Or even worse, I think something can’t possibly happen so I give up and don’t continue to pray.  Hoping and wishing for something is not enough.  God wants us to develop great faith.   Have you ever wondered about the real meaning of the word “hope.”  Webster’s dictionary defines it as “yearning with expectation.”  In the past I felt like if I said that I was hoping something would happen, it showed a lack of faith.  The second definition in Webster’s says, “one in whom trust or confidence is placed.”  Perhaps hope is step 1. and the purpose of hope is to lead us to prayer which is step 2.  The only one I can trust and place my confidence in is God.  After we pray and spend time talking to God and listening to Him, we need to go to step 3. which is reading the bible and thinking about how God works.  Seeing how God worked in believer’s lives in the past enables us to be confident that He will love, protect, and guide us as well.  Hope, prayer and bible study enable us to develop an intimate relationship with God which will strengthen our faith.  This leads to step 4 which is praise.  We know that all things are possible with God so we begin to praise Him because we are confident that God in His amazing love is working out all things for our good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose.”     Romans 8:28

I believe that the reason God placed so many examples in the bible of courageous men and women of faith was to encourage us to stand firm in our faith.  One of my favorites is the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  When they refused to bow down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, they were brought before the king.  Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar warned them, “But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace.  Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”   Daniel 3:15

The best part of the story is found in their reply.  “If we are thrown in the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king.”     Daniel 3:17

The faith and testimony of these young men is so strong it amazes me.  I call it unwavering faith.  Their final statement shows the strength of their conviction and allegiance.  They were committed to stand firm no matter the consequences.   “But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”             Daniel 3:18    

God honors this kind of faith.  When King Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace, he saw four men walking around in the fire unbound and unharmed and he said that the fourth looked like a son of the gods.  Then he approached the opening and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out!  Come here!”   Daniel 3:26    Their faith opened the eyes of Nebuchadnezzar and he praised the one true God.  It also resulted in untold numbers coming to believe as they heard the story of how God rescued these men.

Our children’s heroes today remind me of cardboard cutouts.  They have no inner strength or backbone.

They only have fantasy powers and abilities to fight evil. 

If we do not teach our children that the only real strength and power to fight the enemy comes from God, how will they survive in today’s world?

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”        Ephesians 6:12   My prayer is that God will open our eyes to the truth and give us discerning spirits so that we will stand firm and honor Him with unwavering faith.

“By standing firm you will gain life.”         Luke 21:19

Ingredients of Patience

24 Monday Sep 2012

Posted by in Christianity, faith, favorite songs, fishing, fun stuff for grandparents, health, hope, joy, love, patience, peace, wisdom and understanding

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“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.”          Psalm 40:1   I often see a fisherman standing at the edge of the surf when I go for a morning walk along the beach.  Not long ago I watched a great blue heron who was watching the fisherman patiently, hopeful that he would toss him a fish.  Perhaps you have watched two fishermen sitting in a tiny rowboat not saying anything, just fishing for hours.  Waiting and watching and some days not catching anything.  But they come  back again before dawn the following day.  It is hard for me to imagine having that much patience.  I wonder if fishermen fish just for the silence and peace of a quiet lake early in the morning.  Perhaps they fish because it is a time they can be alone with God.  Are they really fishing for fish or peace of mind and soul?   There is an old saying “patience is a virtue, acquire it if you can.  It’s seldom found in women and never found in men.  But I don’t think there is much truth in this saying….

Friends, I am guest posting at Nikki’s place, Simplystriving for her “Music Monday” post this week.  Nikki is a precious Christian blogger and homeschool mom and I love reading her posts.  I know they will bless your heart as they do mine.  Please clique on Simplystriving to continue reading about finding patience in this hurry up world of ours.

Locked Gates and Prayer

17 Monday Sep 2012

Posted by in beauty, Christianity, depression, faith, health, joy, love, peace, roses, wisdom and understanding, worry

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“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  Jeremiah33:3

When the burdens of life become too heavy we can go to God in prayer anytime night or day and know that He hears us.  Prayer is having a conversation with God.  It involves both speaking and listening to God.  What a blessing it is that we can speak with Almighty God any time we have a need.  God doesn’t keep office hours and leave for long vacations or weekends.  He doesn’t even have a secretary that listens to our requests and decides whether it is important enough to have Him call us back later.  God never closes the gate and locks us outside of His love and concern.  God is available and desires for us to come to Him so that He can guide us to discover His best for us.

Have you ever felt rejected by someone or a group of people you thought were your friends?  Sometimes we are rejected because of race or religion.  Sometimes our values and priorities make others uncomfortable and they’d rather not have us around them.   Sometimes we aren’t really rejected but others are just too busy to spend time with us.Frequently we build walls around our own hearts – walls of bitterness, anger, fear and grief.  We lock the gate of our heart and refuse to let God in or even our friends and family.  We are held captive by our emotions.  Once we lock the gate to our heart, it is almost as though a roaring lion stands guard at the entrance, daring anyone who loves us to come near.

“Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”            I Peter 5:8    But God promises to rescue us if we will only turn to Him.  We need not be held captive by unhealthy fears and emotions.   Prayer is the key that can unlock the gate.  It is God’s greatest gift to man.  It enables us to fellowship with Him and find hope and guidance for our lives.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”                       Jeremiah 29:11,12

God desires that we unlock the gate to our heart so that He can come in and renew a right spirit within us.  It may not seem easy to open the gate.  The hinges may be rusty and the lock frozen shut.  But oh, it is so worthwhile!  When you let Jesus come into your heart, you will feel a great rush of love come pouring in and you will discover a peace that is above and beyond all that you could hope for or imagine.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”     Romans15:13

Steadfast Trust

08 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by in beach sunsets, beauty, Christianity, faith, favorite songs, music, peace, worry

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“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.”          Psalm 143:8

When I look back at the way the Lord has faithfully led me, I wonder why I still have concerns about the future.    Over and over again Jesus told us not to worry but when I see storm clouds up ahead I want to turn and run for safety.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”             Psalm 51:10

Jesus didn’t promise that we wouldn’t have difficulties but He did promise us His peace in the midst of these problems.   When we have steadfast trust we do not let changes, difficulties, sorrows and illness steal our peace.  A steadfast spirit trusts in God even when the way seems dark and dangerous. The storms of life will either draw us nearer to Jesus or cause us to turn and run in the wrong direction.

Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer”

Written by Keith Getty and Margaret Becker

 Chorus 1
“May this journey bring a blessing
May I rise on wings of faith
And at the end of my heart’s testing
With Your likeness let me wake”   Verse 1
“Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labor thro’ the storm
You have called me to this passage
And I’ll follow tho’ I’m worn”

Verse 2
“Jesus guide me thro’ the tempest
Keep my spirit staid and sure
When the midnight meets the morning
Let me love You even more”    Verse 3
“Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go
And at the end of this long passage
Let me leave them at Your throne”

Ending
“Jesus draw me ever nearer
Jesus draw me ever nearer
Jesus draw me ever nearer to You
To You” Each day I must make a choice to either choose fear and anxiety or the peace of Christ. If I ask Jesus to take control of my life’s journey, I can know for certain that He will enable and empower me to follow the way which He has planned just for me.  Only God can see the map of my life from beginning to end and real safety is placing my trust in Him.

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”            Isaiah 26:3


Invincible Faith

01 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by in beach sunsets, beauty, Christianity, faith, health, peace, worry

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“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”    Hebrews 11:1

In order to stand firm in my faith, I must have God’s word in my mind and written on my heart.  Without His word I am as helpless as a little child standing at the edge of the ocean crying and afraid to move as his feet sink into the soft sand and the waves wash over his toes.   “Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.”           Psalm 55:23

Have you ever been in a car accident or heard bad news and felt so frightened by it that your legs started shaking and you could hardly stand?  Jesus promises that He is faithful to help and support us when we cast our troubles on Him.  He promises to never let the righteous fall.

“The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry.”   Psalm 34:15

Righteousness is not just being good or doing good.  When God told Abraham,  “Look up at the heavens and count the stars if indeed you can count them.  So shall your offspring be.  Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.”      Genesis 15:5,6     Righteousness is believing God!

When we fix our eyes on Jesus we develop a trust that can not be shaken by the storms of life.  We are convinced that Jesus has our situation under control and we know that we can depend on this awesome and loving God as we walk though our difficulties with Him.  Thus even in the midst of a storm we will be completely at peace in His Presence.   I would like to tell you about a young husband, the father of two small boys who has shown what I think of as Invincible Faith.  These are his own words and his faith in God will bless your heart.

“It’s hard to believe it has been over four weeks since the initial aneurysm ruptured.  It can’t be that long ago, but it has been.  Four weeks, two days, 20 hours, and one minute exactly, but who’s counting?  Me.  I’m counting.  I’m counting all the horrifying images when I first saw Jana unresponsive and gasping for air; I’m counting the multiple hospital trips to finally get her where she needed to be; I’m counting the numerous surgeries and procedures that seemed to come almost daily.  I’m counting the lost hours from an exceptional wife and two adorable children, hours that I will never get back.  I’m counting that yes, but do you know what else I am counting?  I’m counting the thousands of people who have cared enough to pray continually and at a moments notice.  I’m counting the many doctors and nurses and residents who have worked their hardest to keep Jana alive.  I’m counting the opportunities to connect with other families and share in their strife.  I’m counting a best friend who takes on this ordeal as his own, has organized and planned so my focus was on Jana, and will drop his life to be at my side any time of day or night.  I am counting my family and friends who have taken my children as their own and allowed their lives to go virtually unchanged considering the circumstances.  I am counting the miracles I have witnessed with my own eyes and the hand of God that embraces me still.  I count and see how in the midst of pain there is joy; in the midst of sorrow there is laughter; in the midst of defeat there is victory.”

The following was posted a few days ago following Jana’s move from the hospital to a rehab center where she is in the Disorders of Consciousness program.

“So I am talking with the doctor about what my expectations were.  I told him that I didn’t have any.  I know what I hope, I know what I want, I know what I pray, but I don’t know what to expect.  I was getting the feeling that he was preparing me for the fact that she may not awaken.  That I needed to think about the next step.  Funny, but I thought this WAS the next step.  Having been through it before, I saw what he was doing.  He was preparing me and didn’t want me optimistic.”

“But why was he telling me this as we just got here?  So I asked him what he saw that made him say that.  He said it’s not what he saw, just all that she had been through.  Then I realized something:  He doesn’t know my wife or my God.”

“So I smiled a little and said, ‘I know where you are going, but you haven’t seen what I’ve seen.  You haven’t experienced the miracles that I have experienced.  So I tell you what, I won’t get too optimistic, and you allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised.’  He looked with a half smile and said okay.  I don’t think he had much faith in my faith.  I look forward to sharing with him God’s power over the next four weeks.”

“Jana seemed more alert today than I had seen her in the past two days.  I know the move was very stressful on her, but she kept her eyes open much longer in spite of that.  Her eyes were scanning the room more and not just staying in one place like they had been.  She even followed me with her eyes as I walked closer to her bed.”

“Jana is working every day with three therapists sometimes individually and sometimes as a group.  Today in therapy, we actually used her phone and I called her.  (The ringtone on Jana’s iPhone is a recording of her son’s infectious giggle.  It makes you smile every time you hear it.)  Jana seemed to lean her head towards the phone and “speak” many things.  Most of these were nonsensical and barely audible, but I didn’t care.  I didn’t care that she wasn’t answering me, or that her responses were not appropriate or that I could barely hear her, it mattered that she made the effort and that made my heart sing.  I have never looked more forward to the mundane task of talking to my wife on the phone as I do right now.  I will never take it for granted again.”

Jana is the beloved teacher of two of our grandchildren and is a dear and much loved friend of their entire family.  Please pray for her and her family.  Prayer is powerful and God is still in the business of working miracles everyday.

“O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.”      Psalm 84:12