faith and hope

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 KJV

Faith.  Do I have faith? Do I have enough faith? That depends sometimes on how things are going.  It shouldn't depend, but it does at times. I get side tracked and look around at the circumstances instead of God.  We may start to think God cannot help us and we may begin to doubt, but....

When we have faith, our hope and confidence are completely focused on God.
I may not be able to see the answer, or even a glimmer of hope in some circumstances,  but when I keep focused on the promises of God, there is always hope. His Word can sustain and strengthen in the hardest of moments. When we cannot see through the trial, we can see hope in His promises.

We can believe His plans are for our good, not our harm. (Romans 8:28) We can trust that He is our shield and our place of safety. (Psalms 18:1-2) We can trust that He is already working to bless us and keep us.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord , He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Psalms 91:1‭-‬4 KJV

We have promises in the Word of God.  We have nothing to fear and no reason to ever doubt the Word of God. His Word is true and He never fails to keep His Word. We can say: For ever, O Lord , thy word is settled in heaven.
Psalms 119:89 KJV
We know He is not slack concerning his promises. (2 Peter 3:9)

When life or situations seem to overwhelm you or feel impossible, that is when faith becomes most important. When it seems that desperate prayer may not be answered, when illness threatens, when that lost soul you so desperately love and want to see saved seems so far away,  faith in God's  Word will carry you into the promises.

I have seen God heal the illness.  I have seen the impossibly lost come to Christ. I have seen God take an impossible situation and change it miraculously. I have seen prayers answered. I know God will continue to make a way when there seems to be no way. He will heal, deliver, and bless. He will not forget His promises and He will not fail.

Keep your faith firmly planted in Christ. Read His Word and cling to the promises.  Trust Him in spite of the what you can or can't see.  He will come through for you. Just believe and find hope in Him. Never lose hope. Jesus Christ is our hope.

For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:37 KJV

issues of the heart

I love how the Bible always has advice for every situation you can face. I especially love Proverbs. Proverbs is full of the best advice for anyone seeking to live a life of joy, peace, and righteousness. The following passage from chapter four of Proverbs particularly stood out to me recently.

Proverbs 4:20-27

My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.²¹ Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;²² For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.²³ Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.²⁴ Put away from you a ^[c]deceitful mouth,
And put perverse lips far from you.²⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.²⁶ Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.²⁷ Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.

This passage tells us that we need to follow the words of the Lord. Anyone that is speaking words that are negative, deceitful and evil need to be aware that this type of speaking goes against what is good and right in God’s sight. We need to be aware not just of following the Word of God, but also what words we speak.

We need to pay attention to the word of God. We must listen to it, hear it, and not let it depart from our eyes. We must read it and most importantly, keep the word of God in our hearts. What we plant in our heart is most important for out of the heart, spring the issues of life.

What does this even mean?  The actions and words that come out of our heart reveal what we love, who we love, and what we hold dear.

If I react with patience, love, and faith in God, then my heart is revealed to hold faith, love and patience. My heart is responding with what I have held dear. My heart is responding to a situation with what I have planted in my heart and mind.

If I react with anger, bitter words, fear, and chaos, then I have planted those things in my heart.

My heart issues forth the things I have planted in it.

What we sow, we will reap even in our own lives.  Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

If I have not sown the things of God into my heart through reading and study of His word, prayer and seeking Him, then my heart is not prepared to respond with His word into my own life and situations.

Our response to crisis, to trouble, to trials, reveals what we hold in our hearts. What do I mean by this?  When a trouble comes, do we respond with speaking faith, speaking His word into the situation and seeking God’s guidance or do we respond with angry words, speaking doom and gloom or react out of fear?

I have watched many people over the years respond to crisis in both of the ways above. My grandparents will always stand out to me as an example of responding in faith. When they had two children in two different hospitals, they did not allow despair and fear to reign. They responded by encouraging and praying with other parents in the same situations they were in. They held onto faith, they trusted God even as they laid their precious daughter to rest. Had they always responded this way? No, they had learned to do so over many years of trial.

I have also seen people respond to a crisis with fear, angry words, and confusion rather than trust. It led to hurt feelings, depression, and even turning against God. Any response that takes us from God rather than into His presence should not be acceptable.

Our response to any situation reveals our heart and what we have stored up. God asked me: “What have you placed before your eyes and allowed to enter your ears? What have you poured into your heart?  What have you kept in the midst of your heart?” 

Have we allowed the distractions and entertainments of this society to take the place of His precious word? His word is there to comfort, guide, protect, and keep us from harm and heartache. When we stand on His word, we can have correct response of placing faith and trust in Him. We can stand on His word in the face of any trial or struggle and know that our Heavenly Father is holding us, protecting us and has good in mind for us. No matter the situation, I want to respond with faith not fear; with trust not anger; and with peace, not chaos.

My heart has plenty of room for more of His word and even more as I remove the things that take away from my faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ.  May we ever place His word before us and in our hearts.  

be thankful

There are times I forget  and times I really don't take time to notice, but I am so blessed. God has truly been good to me. I haven't earned it nor do I deserve it, but I am blessed. Does that mean hard times haven't come? No. It does mean that God has been with me through it all. I was looking  through some old pictures and recalled times my son had surgeries,  times of loss, times of rejoicing, my kids being baptized and playing in the snow. As I looked at pictures of loved ones lost and all the fun times, I could think about how God's goodness has carried me through every moment.  My husband and I will be celebrating our twenty fifth anniversary next month. That is twenty five years of learning to trust God, praying for one another, and learning how to love each other the way God loves. It's years of failures and victories. It is the ups and downs, good and bad. It has times when I held him up and times he held me. I am so thankful for a husband that seeks God and turns to God to become an even better man. I am thankful for my two children who are blessings. I am so proud of them and who they are. I rejoice as they are growing and learning how to serve God and others. Have they always been perfect angels? No, of course not. But they are wonderful. I am thankful for my life and health. I am thankful for my job and yes, even my bills. I am thankful for my church and my family. I have so much to be thankful for.

Why am I saying all this?  Because I can so easily focus on what has gone wrong and all the stresses. I can get so caught up in worry over many things, most of which I cannot control. I can fret and worry over finances, health,  my kids, the future, etc. When I do this, my eyes and my heart lose focus on  the goodness of God.  I begin to lose the joy and peace. I begin to feel the fear and depression. I begin to fail and question more. My faith wanes and I begin to complain. It slowly gets ugly. This is exactly what God does not have in mind for us.

He has not given us a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)He does not want us to stress and worry. He says we can cast all our cares on Him he cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)  He is able to give us all we need and provides for us in ways we can never even imagine when we put all our faith and trust in Him. When we are thankful and full of praise, we are able to keep the right attitude and keep our eyes focused on God.

O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
Psalms 108:1 KJV

We can keep thankfulness as our attitude and change the way we see our circumstances.  When we are grateful, we show appreciation and actually feel more happiness and peace. We more easily recognize our blessings. We see the blessings all around us rather than focusing on the problems.  We can look to Jesus to get us through and know He has already taken care of us by giving us the greatest gift of all: salvation.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 KJV

As we approach Thanksgiving,  I hear so many talking about being thankful and counting blessings.  There is joy in the counting of blessings. I love the feeling in the air at Thanksgiving  as people take time to recognize the blessings and appreciate the goodness of God. We need to keep that attitude all year long, not just for a season,  but for a lifetime. Imagine how much worry we could avoid if we just stayed focused on being grateful  rather than finding reasons to complain. I am going to do my best to make thankfulness my heart's first thought rather than worry. I am going to try to stay thankful even after the special day has passed on by. Every day, I want to start with saying thank you to God for the blessings of the day.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
Psalms 140:13 KJV

Thank you, Lord, for all Your blessings on me.

peace , not anxiety

We often question ourselves and what we are are supposed to do. We have self-doubt, anxiety and worry. We may not really believe that we are actually chosen and ordained of God to do a work for Him. We may become fearful, lonely, and even depressed. BUT, He has called each of us to share His love and the great news of the Gospel with those around us. We have purpose in Christ and we are loved by our creator. He did not form us for no reason. He has a plan for each of us.

Thus saith the Lord the maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is his name;
Jeremiah 33:2 KJV

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.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

God wants us to realize that He wants the best for us and has set a plan in motion. We need to trust Him and place our faith in Him to the utmost. We should not worry or fear when we are putting every bit of our faith and trust in our loving God.

Anxiety is on the rise in our society. Every day anxiety keeps people from reaching out, trusting, and living the life with which God has blessed them. Anxiety destroys relationships and creates depression and hurt. Anxiety tells you that no one cares, that you aren't good enough, and actually creates hurt when there shouldn't be. Anxiety causes you to find fault and feel hurt from someone who truly had no intention of hurting you. Anxiety is not from God. It separates us from Him.

Anxiety is a spirit that goes against the will of God to keep you from really trusting and believing in the plan God has for you.

 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
II Timothy 1:7 NKJV

We have many good reasons to put aside anxiety. The biggest reason is it is keeping us from a good relationship with our heavenly Father. We cannot truly trust Him nor can He truly fulfill His plans in us when we allow anxiety to keep us from giving Him our heart fully and completely.  We aren't able to give everything to Him when we listen to anxiety's lies.

We need to find ourselves at an altar and repent for not trusting God and ask for His help in defeating anxiety once and for all. Living in anxiety keeps us from the peace and joy that God has for us. We need to live in His peace and experience true Joy rather than what anxiety has created.

Jesus spoke these words about peace and joy:

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27 NKJV

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 15:11 NKJV

We need to understand that anxiety is not God's will for us. His will is peace and joy. He offers us good things and wants to give us good gifts. He does not want us suffering and fearful. He wants better for His children.  He has the best for us, not just getting by,  dwelling on hurt or fear of hurt. That is the goal of the enemy of our soul.  He wants to destroy and keep us from the goodness of God.

We can call on Him and He will answer. He will bring about His mighty will in us if we turn it all over to Him.
We can cast all of our cares at His feet and walk in faith knowing He is taking care of it all for us. He will lead us and make our paths straight.  He will answer our prayers, meet our needs and supply for us in  ways that will amaze us when we call on Him in complete faith and trust.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3 KJV

I pray we can put aside the fear, worry, hurt and trouble that anxiety has caused. We need His peace and joy operating in us. That is what will change lives, draw the sinner to the love of Jesus, and make us truly effective in the Kingdom of God. Let's call on Jesus when we hear the painful whispers from anxiety telling us lies of pain, hurt, and fear. Let us find strength in Jesus and the in the Word of God to stand in faith, live in joy and claim peace that only comes from Him.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:7 KJV

grounded and settled

I always find encouragement and challenge when I read Paul's writings. Paul was sold out to the work of God. He denied all else so he could preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone and everyone. God used him mightily to spread the message to not only those he spoke to, but also to every generation since through his writings. Paul wrote half of the New Testament.  He gave details and explanations about what it means to live as a Christian and to be Christ like. When I read his writings, I end up feeling challenged to be better, to change and allow more of God in me.  I highlighted the following verse a few weeks ago and it still stands out,  especially the first part.

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Colossians 1:23 KJV

Grounded and settled.  We must be grounded and settled in the gospel. We cannot allow anything to draw us away or distract us from the truth of the gospel.  We can see examples all around us of beloved friends, family and even leaders whom have lost the way in Christ.  We try to understand, explain, and even question why, but we are not always able to change their minds on our own.  Only they can come to the realization that they still need Jesus in their lives.  They are not grounded, rooted, nor settled in the truth.

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Luke 8:13 KJV

We need to be aware of where we stand in our faith. We need to be settled and grounded,  immovable. We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted from the  truth of God's Word. We need to always be in the process of drawing closer in our relationship with Him. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus. When we become complacent,  even comfortable with where we are, is when other things can creep in and take our focus off of God. We become lackadaisical in our commitment to Him.

This happens in many relationships. This same thing happens in marriage and other important relationships. Ideas, thoughts, and distractions enter in when we are not proactively guarding our hearts and minds from distraction or malcontent. Many hearts are broken by lack of attention, lack of pursuit, and downright betrayal.

God will never be the one to turn away, cheat, lie, or break our hearts. We do that ourselves when we do not pursue Him with our actions, our thoughts, and our love. We become unsettled and are no longer standing firm on the foundation of his truth. We become easy prey for the lies and distraction of unbelief and betray the One who loves us most.

We need to keep our eyes on the prize, our hearts set on Him, our minds engaged in His word, and our actions ever leading is closer to Him. We need to be as Paul said, grounded and settled, and cannot be moved away.
Regardless of what others may say and do, we need to stand our ground.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13 KJV

We must be ever mindful and on guard of the attacks against our minds, hearts, and faith. We can easily be persuaded when we are not on guard and sure of the truth. We need to be ever seeking more of God to find strength,  we need to be emersed in the faith, encouraged and be an encouragement  to others with fellowship aand church attendance, as well as seeking God through prayer, Bible study,  and fasting. We must daily be engaged with the Spirit of God to be lead by Him and protected by Him
He will guard our hearts and minds when are submitted to Him in obedience. We cannot give up on Him. He will never give up on us. He will never leave us or forsake us. How can we ever forsake Him? He redeemed us by the shedding of His blood. He bought and paid for our salvation and freedom. He set us free. He loves us more than anyone else we could ever meet. I cannot turn back now. I am all in. I am His and He is mine. My commitment is rooted in His blood and in His love for me. I want be able to say as Joshua said:

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord , choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord .
Joshua 24:15 KJV

I may not be able to change your mind or anyone else's mind, but my mind is made up. I will be grounded and settled. I will not be  moved away from the gospel. My root will be planted in God's righteousness. I am firmly planted in the Rock, Jesus Christ.

A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Proverbs 12:3 KJV

that ain't right

We are often very aware of what is right and wrong. We teach it to children and tell them to choose the right things. We expect good and right and condemn the wrong very often. In our society, we hear many people talking about how someone did something and they  may say, "That ain't right!"  We are quick to see how someone fails and identify the wrongs and the rights. Our political arena is full of people pointing fingers and calling each other out over perceived wrongs. As the story continues, we often find that same wrong coming back to haunt the accuser as well. 

I am no longer surprised by the next scandal or the next accusation. Politics in America, and the world, has become a rather sad display of accusations, backbiting, and lack of morality. This isn't about being progressive, conservative, or anywhere in between. This is about what we truly need to understand.  We need to realize that we all have a choice to make about right and wrong. We all have a responsibility to live by what is right. The truth about right and wrong starts with the little choices so we can make the big choices later. We must do our best to choose good based on  the truth of God's word . We will be held to that standard in the end . 

My son was telling about a little situation at school and I responded by explaining that doing that particular action would be stealing. He replied, "but everyone does it, and the teachers said to."  My husband simply replied, but it is still wrong and we don't do wrong just because others do it or say to do it. We choose to do what it right because God says to do right.

James 4:17 says "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is a sin." We are given plenty of direction and explanation in the Bible about what is right and what is wrong. We are given a clear understanding of what is sin and what is not. We are then given the opportunity to apply this truth to our lives every single day. We make a choice to do what is good or to sin. Simply put, you choose to sin even when you know what is right. 

There are people out there saying, "You do you." or,  "I choose my truth." There is no truth outside of God. We need to understand that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. (John 14:6). We cannot find real truth outside of obedience to the Word of God. We cannot explain it away, or change it. We cannot ignore it and hope it doesn't really mean what it says. God spoke and it is truth. His Word is truth. He is truth. We can only find good and right in Him. We can only find peace and happiness when we submit to Him and His ways. We can only find true contentment by believing and obeying His word and choosing to follow Him.

Joshua 24:15  And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

I have this on my wall of my living room for my family to see and read. I hope we all have this embedded and buried deep in our hearts so it will nourish our faith and help us to everyday choose to serve the Lord through our actions, our thoughts, and our lives. I do pray that my children and my family chooses to do what is good and not allow our sinful nature to continue to rule our hearts and our lives. 

Deuteronomy 30:19I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

We have a choice we make every day and sometimes every moment. We have a choice to choose life and truth or not . I want to choose life. I want to choose blessing. I choose to do what is good. I pray I can make that choice every moment. When I fail, I will choose to run to the Savior and make it right. I want His approval above all else. I want to show my love for Him by how I live my life and the actions I choose. I want my choice to say that Jesus rules my heart and He is my first choice. I want my life to be a reflection of His truth and His love for me. Let us pray that our choices are for good and what is right according to His Word. 

trust through the process

I often bake and I enjoy making things. I like getting to that finished product and seeing what I have accomplished.  It takes a process to get to the end product. I cannot just throw in some flour and say it is a cake. There is a recipe, measuring, mixing, and baking. There is a time of cooling and a time of decorating the cake.  It takes an ordered process and it takes time.
In Ecclesiastes chapter 3 we learn there is a time for every purpose under heaven.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;  A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;  A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;  A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;  A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;  A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;  A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1‭-‬8 KJV

There is a time for going through a process. A process means there is change and growth. Growth means we are in a process.  We don't instantly become adults.  We go through a process.  Living in this life should mean we are growing.  We may be fully grown adults, but we should still be in a growth process, maybe not physically any more, but spiritually, emotionally, and in maturity.

When I cook or bake, there is a process. When something is being built , there is a process. We are also in a process.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 KJV

This life has good times and bad times.  We go through times of struggles and times of victories. Each of these are part of a process that God is using to bring us closer to Him. He wants to use these opportunities to change us, mold us,  and make us more like Him. God asks us to trust Him as we go through these processes.  We may feel like we are being mixed up or even put through a fire.  We may see a lot of things that want to capture and hold our attention to get us to take our eyes off of God. We may become distracted, overwhelmed and maybe even lost in the many things of living in this world.  But God says to keep our eyes on Him and our faith firmly placed in God. He has our best interests in mind and He knows where we have been,  where we are, and where we need to go. We are going through a process. He may even be taking us through a process to increase His will in our lives. We may not see the recipe or even know where we will end up. God does. He is the Master and the Potter. He is working on us and taking us through a process of growth and change if we allow Him to do what He has in mind.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 KJV

There is a purpose for our process. There is a purpose for every trial and every victory. There is a God walking with us, leading us, and carrying us through every thing we face in this life. We only need to trust Him through the process. His ultimate goal is to bring us closer to Him every moment so we end up spending eternity around the throne in heaven. He want us to run the race with endurance, fight a good fight,  finish the course, and keep the faith. I Timothy 4:7.

Each part of the process is our opportunity to place our faith in Jesus, to lean on His wisdom, to trust Him completely, and to find strength in the joy of the Lord.

He is my Shepherd

The other day I realized that I have known one particular verse pretty much my whole life. Psalms 23:1  The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. I recall being very small and being able to quote this verse with my mom and in  Sunday school. This verse has been planted and embedded in my heart and mind for a long time. It popped up the other day in my mind as I was thinking and praying about some concerns and then again a little later on my Bible app as the verse of the day. I realized that God was reminding me that He is a good Shepherd that cares for His sheep.

The Hebrew for this verse is Jehovah Rohi. This literally means "The Lord our Shepherd." It means that God is a caring God who takes care of us and our needs. He provides and protects. That is what a good Shepherd does for His sheep. He doesn't leave them alone and in need. He is there tending the sheep and watching over them.

I needed to be reminded about how much He cares for me and all of us that day. We sometimes get so focused on life and the problems, we forget to rest in the knowledge that He is a good Shepherd watching over us in loving care and concern. He knows well what we need and what is best for us.  In Matthew 6:8 Jesus said,
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
This tells us He is already aware and is working on our behalf. We don't need to worry, we only need to trust Him.

Why do we need to know the scriptures and verses such as these? These verses help me when I need to remember what God has promised and remember who He is.  I need to know that His word speaks about my needs and even my desires. There are promises in His Word meant for all of us. Reading His word reveals these promises and learning them keeps them hid in our heart to rely on and sustain us when we need encouragement and strength. We can recall these verses and find life abundant to keep moving forward and keep growing faith in Him.

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalms 119:11 KJV

My parents taught me scriptures early on. They planted a love for God's word and made sure I could find my strength in the Word of God.  As a tiny child I knew The Lord is my shepherd. I have never forgotten this verse. It still brings  peace and comfort some 40 plus years later. It is the Word that sustains and builds my faith.  I can still rely on God's promises.  I find there is no other joy or comfort like God's  word.  I am grateful I have Him to turn to in all situations, good and bad. Plant the Word and hide it in your hearts and your children's hearts.  Give them and yourself the best source for life that there ever will be.

run the race with faith

I enjoy reading. I especially enjoy reading the Bible. The Word of God often reveals things about God and challenges the reader to be better and move closer to God.  Yesterday, as I read Hebrews chapter  12, the first verse kept my attention.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1 KJV

The eleventh chapter had just listed heroes of faith, ordinary men and women whom had displayed faith in God during extraordinary circumstances. Here in the very next chapter we are immediately called to recognize the great groups of witnesses surrounding us, the men and women who are the examples of faith who can attest to what God did, can, and will do. We can read their life stories. But I also thought about the witnesses of our walk with God. We have people all around us that will witness our lives as we walk in faith.  We need to be aware that we can look at those who have gone before and strive to live a faith-filled life as they did and at the same time, be an example of faith to those around us.

The second part of that verse tells us that we need to lay aside the weights and sin that holds us back and works to destroy our faith. We cannot run this race of faith carrying around weights and permitting sin to be in our hearts.  These things will cripple our ability to be a faithful example.  When we hold on to those things, such as anxiety, depression, self-doubt, fear, addiction, bitterness, and so on, we cannot run for very long and our endurance is no longer there. We are weighed down and bogged down with life's frustration and cares. We have to lay all this down so we can really run in faith.

Paul knew this. He knew that this would not be easy, but he gave us a key to help us  in verse two.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 KJV

We only need to look at Jesus. He endured the cross for us. He offers us life. He can help us lay aside the weights and forgives the sin. He changes our lives so we can run.  He is the author and the finisher of our faith.  He will keep working on us so we can endure and finish this race, not just barely make it, but with endurance and victory. He will take the weights for us. He said,
"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" In Matthew 11:30 KJV. He takes our heavy burdens so we can run freely and gives us a light burden instead. We can become an example of what faith in God can do.

I encourage each of us to look at the examples, the witnesses of faith we have laid out in scripture and around us to see what God can do, then be one of those examples of faith to those who need to see what faith in action. Lay down the weights and sin and run the race that is before you. Run with faith and be a witness to someone else.

linger just a little while

We often get very busy in this life. We have so many things to do with jobs, family, and activities. We stay busy and may even feel like we will never get it all done.  Busy, busy, busy. But, do we get so busy doing all the things we do, that important moments are rushed and may even be forgotten?  I purposely schedule time to pray and read my Bible every day. I find this is extremely valuable to my sense of well being and to my spiritual growth and wellness.   However, I have realized that at times, I even rush through the time I have scheduled.  I get distracted and hurry because all the other things waiting for my attention.
 
The other day, as I was praying, I felt like God was asking me to just wait or linger just a while longer in my prayer time; to take time to just be there and to just linger in Him.  It felt so peaceful and I could feel His love just holding on.  It is so hard to move on from those moments.  Too often, we are so hurried we forget to linger just a moment and soak in the good.

Wait on the Lord : be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord .
Psalms 27:14 KJV

There are times that the presence of the Holy Spirit is so sweet and almost tangible. I love to be in those moments.  But, in my rush to my business, I may forget to just wait on Him.

This goes for many moments in life. There are times we may need to just linger a little longer. Maybe linger just a bit in conversation with someone who needs to talk, or maybe linger a bit longer in that sweet hug from your child.  Linger a little longer as you see a sunset or witness something good.  Soak in these moments. These moments strengthen relationships and strengthen faith. These moments build up courage to go on. These moments let others know we care. These moments of lingering may be the times we can really hear God speak to us with clarity.

Jesus told  his disciples to go and wait in Jerusalem for the Comforter after his resurrection. They went and waited in the upper room.

 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Luke 24:49 KJV

We see later in Acts that the Holy Spirit was poured out on them and they began to speak boldly. Through the preaching of Peter on that day, 3,000 souls were added to the church. This outpouring came through waiting.

We need to take time to wait and linger just a little longer to hear from God and to experience what He has for us. We need to wait on His promises. We need to linger in His presence to find strength and encouragement. We need to linger a little longer in His word to learn and understand Him more. We need to take time to linger in the moments that are important and with the people who are important. Some of the other stuff will wait and may not be as pressing as we think.  May we stay and wait just a little longer with the Lord who made us, saved us and loves us more that we even understand. He is more important than all those chores and jobs claiming our time anyway.  Wait on the Lord.

rend my heart

Sometimes a word or a verse really grabs my attention.   This verse in Joel, and in particular, the word 'rend' captured my thoughts and attention.

Therefore also now, saith the Lord , turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:  And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
Joel 2:12‭-‬13 KJV

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, rend means 1. To remove from place by violence: wrest,  2. To split or tear apart in pieces by violence, 3. To tear as a sign of anger, grief, or despair.

As I think about the context that Joel was writing these words I relate the lack of holiness and sinful state in which Israel had been found to where our current society, even the church itself can be found.

Joel was calling Israel to repent from the idol worship and the outright sinful state they had turned into. Israel had completely rebelled and turned away from God. God was so displeased, he allowed the natural consequences to transpire, sent other nations against Israel hoping they would realize that they were not doing the right things. He hoped that Israel would turn from the wickedness. He sent prophets to warn them and call them back to Him. Israel ignored the prophets. Israel suffered great consequences before they finally turned their hearts back to the God Almighty that had waited  and loved them deeply.  It was the hearts that were not committed, not in a position to love God.  They loved themselves, the pleasures of the world and the easy things. There had a hardening of their hearts to the things of God.  They were allowing sin to reign and had accepted this as a lifestyle.  Does this sound familiar?

Today, we are seeing consequences of a people wno have turned from God. We have a sinful, violent society  with no one willing to take the blame.  We see violence and lifestyles all around us and even in churches that reflect a love of self and pleasures rather than a love for God and His righteousness.  Many make excuses and set aside righteousness. We set aside the things of God and we do not take it serious as we begin to hear a call to turn back to Him.

Thankfully, God is slow to anger, full of grace and mercy. He is kind.  But he is calling His people to awaken.  The church needs to rend it's heart. The people of God need to rend their hearts; break their hearts for the sinful state we find around us.  We cannot stand idly by and make excuses for what is happening around us.  We need to turn our hearts to God, seek Him and let our hearts be broken for what is breaking the heart of God.  It is not His will for the suffering brought about by sin. It is not His will to see violence overtake us. It is His will to save souls and change lives for the better.   He wants to use His people, but we must be willing to be used.  He needs His people to follow after His heart. Our hearts need to be in tune with His heart. We are mistaken to think God does not see our sin. We are mistaken to think God does not want to help the lost and suffering. We are mistaken to think God does not love the hurting and even those that do the hurt. We, as the church, need to rend or tear our hearts apart to get to a place that we can feel compassion and be moved by those around us.  Are we concerned for the souls around us? Do we notice the world suffering around us enough to pray, to seek God on behalf of those that don't know God? Do we reach for the lost and dying? Do  we fast and pray with fervancy because we truly believe that God is the answer for the pain around us?  Have we allowed our hearts to be moved by the things that move God? Have we become numb and unwilling to move with the heart of God because we are too worried about our pleasure and status? Has the church become too bogged down in distraction to actually be the hands and feet of God?

May we arise from the slumber and the slow lull of sin that has blinded us, hardened our hearts and distracted us from the true purpose of the body of Christ. I pray that my heart be broken. I pray that I turn my heart, all my heart, to the work and service to which God is calling me. Are we willing to fully commit ourselves to Him and His purpose to see a change in our world?

  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 KJV

This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
Psalms 24:6 KJV

As Joel wrote, let us seek the heart of God with prayer and fasting.  Let us mourn for the things that go against God. Let us seek to please the Lord and in doing so, bring about a spiritual change in our lives and in our communities. Rend our hearts, Lord. I rend my heart for you.

the best advice ever

Many people love to give advice.  Some of it is good and some of it not so good. We can choose to follow advice given to us or not to follow it. I do like to be given wise advice and try to take such advice to heart. I want to learn from those with wisdom and maybe avoid mistakes and problems when I can. That is one small reason  I really like to read the Bible.  I find so much wisdom and lessons for life in the accounts recorded in the Bible. God made sure the Bible addressed every part of life we will possibly face. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are two books just packed full of good advise. These two books are accredited to King Solomon. When he became king of Israel,  he asked God for wisdom to be a good leader. God was so pleased by that request, he responded with not only great wisdom but wealth beyond imagination, peace and favor from around the known world, and a magnificent kingdom. 

One of the last verses in Ecclesiastes gives the very definition of our duty as a human being. This may be one of the best pieces of advice ever given.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV

Basically, with all the wisdom and advice the teacher, or writer, of Ecclesiastes had written down, the conclusion that our very purpose is to fear God and obey His commands or law. 

It comes across as a simple thing yet this statement is one of the hardest bits of advice for mankind.  We are born into sin, full of selfish pride and often do not want to admit our need for God.  But, when we fully submit to the plan God has for us, we find rest, peace, and joy just by fearing God and keeping His commands.  This one piece of wisdom is quite weighty.  By keeping God's commands, we are able to fully submit our will and our lives into the hands of our Creator. This allows Him to pour blessings into our lives, use us for His glory and give us a testimony of His amazing grace. We cannot fully know our Savior until we understand that this is His plan all along.

From the beginning,  God has only asked mankind to follow His commands. It was Adam and Eve's choice not to follow His simple commands that ushered sin into this world. Our choices  now, to either follow His commands or not to do so, create the atmosphere of our lives to either be filled with the fruits of serving God or the fruits of our sin. We make the decisions that affect the outcomes in our lives. We decide to follow the commands or not.

So many people in this world, and especially in America, spend large amounts of time, energy and money trying to figure out who they are and what their purpose is.  I have witnessed teens ruin their lives trying to fit in, seeking pleasures, and trying to figure out who they are . I have witnessed a spouse being heartbroken as the other spouse walks away because they have determined that they have no purpose and need to find themselves.

The whole answer to each of these seeking questions lies in the Word of God.  Our whole duty, plan, and purpose lies in understanding that God has a perfect plan and it will be found by keeping His commands. We are given a choice to place ourselves into His loving hands by following those commands or continuing the cycle of searching through this sin soaked world never fully satisfied.
The Word of God is there and placed before us with all the direction and wisdom we could ever need. It gives us access to the Father, gives us understanding of His great mercy and love, and helps create the relationship He has been waiting to have with each of us.

The decision is ours. We can find our whole duty and our purpose given by our Loving Savior by following the advice of a wise a great wise man: fear God and follow His commands.

prepare for the storm

The past few days have brought us a lot of thunderstorms, including a nearby tornado. Yesterday morning after a particularly rough overnight storm, we found a large tree branch in the back yard. We really don't know where it came from. It was blown in. Storms come in the natural world. We have no control over when they come. All we can do is be prepared and seek safety. My husband prepares for storms and emergencies. He has an emergency backpack of supplies and makes sure it is always ready even when there are no storms in the area.  He stays prepared. We know we will have some basic supplies if we ever need them.

Spiritually, we also have storms that arise. We cannot control them, but we can be prepared spiritually to face the storms. We need to be ready even when there is no storm, when all seems right and in our favor.  We still need to be on watch and ready to face a storm. Storms come when we least expect them.
We need to be be on guard and prepared to face situations that may seem to flood over us and overwhelm our soul. We are going to face trials and storms. In this life, we are guaranteed troubles. These struggles come as part of life, but we do not have to be spiritually blindsided. We can be prepared.

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:6 KJV

When we keep ourselves in a position of drawing closer to God with prayer, study and relationship, we are keeping ourselves in a state of readiness. We will know that in a moment's notice,  we can call on our heavenly Father as a storm begins to brew and blow in our lives. God is ready to hear our prayer and will stand up for us.

So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
Isaiah 59:19 KJV

We know we can run to Him and find safety, protection and strength to face any storm that comes our way.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10 KJV

His Word is full of promises for us to find strength and in which we can take refuge. We can trust Him through every storm and trial because we have prepared ourselves even when life seemed good and free of struggle. We cannot always lean back and coast along.  We must spend some time in preparation for rough times.
I recall scenes of people boarding up windows and packing sandbags when hurricanes were being predicted to hit coastal areas. They were preparing days in advance. They did not wait till the hurricane was already blowing and flooding their homes and businesses. They were preparing. This did not divert the storm, nor did it keep the storm from causing great struggle and difficulty, but in many cases, it helped them endure and maintain a standing structure.

We will not be able to stand through some of our storms without preparation. We are not strong enough on our own. We need God to bear us up. We need Godly brothers and sisters standing with us in prayer and in faith. We need God and God alone to get through some of the rough storms that blow our way.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13 KJV

We can place our hope in Jesus and know that He will be our peace and our safety to go through every storm and trial. We can build this faith and hope during the good times and the blessings so we can still be standing as the storm blows and brings with it the struggle.
We may need to rebuild some and make a few repairs, but we will know that God carried us through and we are still able to stand and say that He is our strong tower. We will still be praising because He gave us strength. We will still know that He is God  and we have peace in the midst of any storm.  We can prepare to face what comes our way when we have God as our place of refuge and strength. Are you ready to face the storm?

a strong woman is...

For my daughter:
As a mother of a daughter who is growing up very quickly, I am becoming very aware of what type of woman I hope she becomes. There has been a lot of media attention placed on the idea that women need to be strong. There are a lot of images being pushed and concepts portraying women who appear strong according to the current idea of what a strong woman should be. In today's media, a strong woman is independent, on her own, doesn't need a man, decides her own fate, and declares her ambition and self-pride in the face of any who dare question her. I see young girls following after the pattern of those in media telling us to be proud and loud, to be our own person who needs no one.

I dare say, I do not believe this is what a strong woman is or should be.  I grew up with many women  role models whom I always view as strong and amazing.  I grew up hoping to emulate these strong women. They were not famous. They were not on television, in politics, or in books. They were ordinary women living what most would call ordinary lives.  They were my grandmothers, aunts, and women in my church family. They were wives and mothers. They were followers of Jesus Christ.  They were beautiful, hard working, and strong. They were needed and also relied on others as they partnered with husbands and others to make sure things were accomplished. Most of all, they trusted God.

While society in general has misconstrued the value of being a wife and mother, these women in my life have lived out what it means to be a valuable wife and  mother. They fought hard to feed their children, make a home, and support their husbands. They were valued and important. They understood that as a wife, they were a partner with their spouse. They worked together with their husbands to make a good life, to raise their children to be a good part of society, and demonstrated great faith along the way.  I grew up watching these women and hearing their stories of overcoming great obstacles and struggles. I watched my maternal grandmother carry on after the loss of my grandfather as she still had her younger children to take care of. She worked hard, she raised a garden and canned food  to make sure her children never went hungry. She started off every morning early with her Bible and prayer and a very clean house.  I watched my paternal grandmother suffer the loss of two of her daughters. She never once gave in to anger or self pity. She, instead, clung to Jesus and faith that He was carrying them through it all. I remember stories told of how prayer and faith was answered with miracles. A dear woman I grew up admiring told of how she and her husband woke up to find their baby dead. They prayed and he came back to life. She told of how when they had no food, she prayed and God supplied.  I heard of travels and moving across the country with small children and perils faced from my grandmother and great aunt. I watched my own mother, day in and day out, care for us and many others. As a pastor's  wife, she had a lot on her plate, but she did not give up. She fought for others, prayed hard, worked hard and made a difference to many people.  I admired the courage and faith of my mother in law as she laid her husband to rest. These women imparted wisdom to their children, equipped them to live successful lives, and lived out their faith unabashedly. They were and are Biblically strong women. I have many women in my life right now whom carry on day to day as strong wives and mothers.  Not at all what media would consider as the example they want to advertise.

I go to Proverbs chapter 31. There is a description of  a truly strong woman.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.  She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.  She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.  She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.  She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.  Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.  She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.  Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.  Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord , she shall be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31:10‭-‬31 KJV

This woman is described as wise, hardworking, shrewd in business, a homemaker, and highly regarded by both her husband and children. She is an example of faith and praised by her husband and children.  She has earned this praise because of her strength of character and great care of her responsibilities.  She has worked day in and day out to make sure her family and home were cared for and excelled at her endeavors in and out of the home. None of this was about about self, but it was selfless and sacrificial. She gave of herself  for her family. Yet, she is highly valuable, of a price far above rubies.
The role of wife and mother is respected and valued by God as it is described here in Proverbs. She is greatly valued.

Society has taken away the value of the role of a wife and mother. We are told that we must choose between  being a wife and mother and being successful in society. We are told these roles are weak and worthless by media.

The Bible description is the opposite of the societal description of a strong woman.  Not once, did I ever see these women as less than equal or less than strong. They were partners with their spouses, spoke their mind, gave valuable input, and were respected and loved. They were and are my superheroes.  They are my living examples of what a strong woman should be.

I aspire to live a life as equally powerful and strong. I want my daughter to see a woman who is a wife and mother who lives a life full of faith. I want her to know she will be valuable in those roles as well as any career she may choose to pursue. She can stand in faith and live a life that portrays Jesus to her own children someday. I want her to know that strong women do not need to shout about how strong they are in the faces of all she meets. She will be praised by her children and husband.  She will be blessed because of the work she puts into her family and daily life. Her daily persistence and faithfulness will speak volumes of her worth.  I pray she sees how strong of a woman she can be when she leans on Jesus  and His Word. I pray that I can be an example of a strong Godly woman she will want to emulate. I pray she fulfills the description in Proverbs 31. May she see all the ordinary women around her and understand the strength they carry within them.

May all women be valued for they are precious in God's eyes. They are designed and given great purpose. They are to be partners and mothers. They are to be providers and keepers of hearts and homes. They are to be consistent and enduring. They are to be wise and faithful. May we attain this kind of strength knowing there are young girls in need of Godly examples of what it really means to be strong. May we seek to attain true strength.

the burden and blessing of example

During a worship service, as a member of the worship team, I get the privilege of being able to see a lot of what people in the sanctuary do during worship. The other night, as the pastor had called up some folks who needed special prayer, I watched one of our 4 year old little girls on the front row.  As people were being touched and moved by the presence of God at the altar, she was watching intently, raising her hands, praying in her own way. She was responding to the presence of God. She was taking in what she was seeing. She was learning from what she could see happening at that altar.  She was seeing examples of faith right before her and learning from them. I have also sat in Sunday school with the little ones and had another 4 year old little girl tell me about how mommy says bad words that only grownups can say and not little kids. She had a few more things to say. Her example at home is not consistent with what she is being told. She sees an example that does not glorify God in word.  What will she follow when she grows up.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation(conduct-NIV), in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12-14 The Message (MSG)
11-14 Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.

As a Christian, we are called to be examples in several areas of our lives. We are called to live our faith before others so we can inspire them to also live a life pleasing to God.

Paul instructed Timothy to be an example in several areas:

-word    -the things we say, they are life and death, they betray or reveal our heart
               Psalm 19:14
                Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight,   
                O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

-conversation/conduct- our conduct, actions reveal our walk with God
1 Samuel 2:3
             Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for
             the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

-charity –our love of others reflects the love God has for them
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

-spirit- walk in the Spirit, spirit of God, not our own spirit, (faith and spirit combined in some versions), this may also be your attitude and demeanor
Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

-faith –faith is what we believe, and how we respond to what we believe
Philemon 1:6
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

-purity –this is the reflection of choosing what is right. Of allowing even our private thoughts and private life to reflect God’s holiness and purity-his cleansing that has been done and is being done in us.
Proverbs 20:11
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Each of these areas need to reflect Christ working in us. Or words and conduct need to reflect the love and Spirit of God. Our faith should be revealed by how we react in every moment. Purity should be upheld in and made clear even in the private moments no one else may see. Those private moments alone are often revealed as God knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts. The thoughts in our hearts are what come out of of our mouths and become our actions. Our example must he consistent regardless of our location or who is or isn't around.

We are also called to be separate from the world. We are to live a life that is different and set apart for the display of God working in our lives. In 2 Corinthians chapter 6 Paul explains that we are a temple of the Living God. We are to be set apart for His Spirit to operate and dwell in us.

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

We should be a different kind of person. We should stand out, We may not fit in. We should not fit in with the sin around us.

Why is our example so important? I recently read that young people are leaving churches because they are not seeing faith lived out in their homes.  They aren’t seeing their parents live what they say they believe. The faith talked about on Sunday morning  is not evident in the lives of the parents and others they see. What children see and hear in the home is more important than anything else when it comes to raising a child to have faith and relationship with Jesus.  If those telling them about Jesus, aren’t living a life that reflects Him, they are losing that child. Many leave the church or see no need because there is no difference between a Christian or a sinner.The ‘Do as I say not as I do” – attitude has become accepted. We cannot tell a child or any one else to live a certain way and not be an example. We need to show them what faith in God can do.

Complacency in our daily walk has become the norm and we accept a lot to things we should not. We do a lot of things we should not and forget to do things we should be doing for the Kingdom of God.

The definition of complacency means a feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, often combined with a lack of awareness of pending trouble or controversy.

Effects of complacency are little things creeping in and  no longer alert or alarm us. We allow sinful habits and slowly we move away from God rather than toward Him. Amos warned Israel of this.

Amos 6:1.4-7 NIV
Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,
    and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria,
you notable men of the foremost nation,
    to whom the people of Israel come!
 You lie on beds adorned with ivory
    and lounge on your couches.
You dine on choice lambs
    and fattened calves.
5 You strum away on your harps like David
    and improvise on musical instruments.
6 You drink wine by the bowlful
    and use the finest lotions,
    but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.

Spiritually Complacent has been shown in research. Barna Research reports that since ’91, Americans have become more spiritually complacent. 40% of born again Christians do not attend church or read the Bible in a typical week, 30% are not "absolutely committed to the Christian faith" and 70% are not involved in a small group that meets for spiritual purposes. The percent-age of adults who can be classified as "born again" rose from 35% in ‘91 to 41% in ‘01. However, participation in 4 key behaviors declined; Bible reading (down from 45% to 37%); church attendance (from 49% to 42%); volunteering at church (from 27% to 20%); and adult Sunday school attendance (from 23% to 19%). (Barna Online 3/5/01)

The Church, the people of God, need to realize that it is time to rise up and fulfill the walk that God has called us to: to be an example, a light set on a hill, a holy priesthood. Not only when we go to the church building, but in our daily routines, activities, interactions, work places and especially in our homes.

The Psalmist said Let the word of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable.
Psalm 19: 7-14
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

I want to be an example that will attract people to Christ, not turn them off or run them off. I want my life to stand as a walking testimony of God's love and faithfulness. I want people to see what God can do by how I live in faith, love and deed.

Matthew 5:13-18
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Our example is seen by those around us. What are they going to see in us that will attract them to Christ?  I hope they see a working of faith that does not fall in the face of adversity. I hope they see a growing example of patience and love that gives Grace and mercy when it is not earned.  I hope they feel love and hope when I am around. I hope the feel the drawing of the presence of God that calls us to  a place of repentance and earnest living for God. I do not want to be an example of complacency and sin that is hidden behind closed doors. One of the greatest testimonies of a pastor that passed  is when his daughter spoke of him and said that the man you saw in church was the same man they saw at home every day. I want my children to say that of me.  I don’t want to appear one way at church and then be completely different in my home. I want my children to see me live what I say and profess about God. I want my daily life to reflect the promises of God. I want to be example that draws men to God not drive them away.

Hebrews 4:11
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

I pray we can live as examples to this world that will show the love of Christ. I pray we take seriously that our example is our testimony of who God is to those around us. Our choices, words, and actions reflect Christ Jesus and what He can do. If we choose not to reflect him in our private actions and in our daily loves, we are failing to give others a true picture God in action. We are to reflect Christ in a way that will make others want Him, not push them away. What we say and do has great influence on those around us.  They need to see God working in us to really understand what He can do for them. We are called to  be an example. This may seem like a weighty burden. We become responsible for our actions and words. We are to bear responsibility. But, this is also a blessing.  We can be blessed as our example grows and we see souls attracted to Christ through our influence. We can be blessed as we can mentor and help guide others to live for Christ. We can continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge of who God is as we lead others. We can be a positive influence as long as we guard our testimony and example as precious and important. May we balance the burden with the blessing of example. May we lead them into the deep of serving God wholeheartedly with no reservations.