Philippians1:27b- “I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
Each week it seems easier and easier to find a parking space in the church parking lot.
67% of Americans say they go to church only three or fewer times per year.
The big questions is why???
Is it boring?
Do you have “better” things to do?
Please share your reasons for attending/not attending.
Matthew 17:20– “… Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
As I looked for a gift for a “new” Christian last week, I recalled a gift I received years ago that meant a lot to me. It was a clear glass locket with a mustard seed inside—the perfect reminder of the importance and power of faith in the Christian life.
From the smallest of seeds,1-2 mm in diameter, a typical plant consists of large, leafy greens and golden yellow flowers growing on a stalk in clusters. Mustard trees grow to be 20 to 30 feet tall, with a 20-foot wide canopy.
Grinding and mixing mustard seeds with water, vinegar, or other liquids creates prepared mustard. The seeds can also be eaten as mustard greens.
There are several reasons Jesus used the mustard seed in his parable, but my focus is on the topic of faith. Though the seed of faith begins small, it potentially grows to bear much fruit when we are patient and trust in God’s timing.
Our faith may be small, but coupled with God’s unlimited power, anything is possible.
Ecclesiastes 4:12- “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
In elementary school, I had two best friends. We did everything together. We defended and protected one another. We were a living example of a cord of three strands.
I have two sisters. We have always been close. When my parents passed away, we were able to support and comfort one another. Another example of a cord of three strands.
I am married to a good Christian man. We take care of, encourage, comfort, and uphold one another. Together, we are a cord of two strands. However, because we share a common faith, God forms the third cord in our relationship.
When hard times come, when sorrow invades our lives, when physical ailments might otherwise tear us apart, the strong bond of three strands preserves us because…
A CORD OF THREE STRANDS IS NOT EASILY BROKEN.
2 Corinthians 4:6- For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
Yesterday, I got a surprise visit from my sisters on FACETIME. Seeing them really made my day. It was almost as good as physically being with them, except that our conversation didn’t end with a hug!
I look forward to the day when I stand in the presence of our Lord and see him face to face. I cannot even imagine what it will be like to actually see him!
Now, Christians, we see him with eyes of faith, but one day his promise to us will be fulfilled and we will see him glorified!!!!
Isaiah 14: 26,27- “This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”
While we may not all agree as to what has taken place in our recent election, many were praying beforehand. Praying that God’s will would be done for the people of the United States.
These verses, from Isaiah affirm that God does have a plan and His plan will come to pass.
No matter what political party you may belong to, please believe that GOD IS GOOD. And while we may not understand what has taken place, He acts in a way which will lead to ultimate GOOD.
Take heart. He is in control.
Ephesians 1:5- “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
My husband is Greek. I am mostly German. Our “bestie” couple friends are Italian and belong to an Italian club.
They asked us if we wanted to join and we reminded them that we are not Italian.
They said it didn’t matter. We’d be “adopted in.”
We had a great time at the Italian picnic as newbie Italians. On the way home, I thought about the Bible reference regarding our “adoption as sons of God.”
So, just what does it mean to be adopted into God’s family?
It’s simple. When we come to faith in Christ, we are adopted into His family and given all the rights that heirs of God possess.
God doesn’t adopt people because they are worthy. He adopts them on the basis of His grace.
Christians are forever part of God’s family.
Hebrews 6:15- “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.”
Have you ever prayed fervently for something and—as yet—not have it come to pass?
Jen prayed that the “right” man would come along. For years, she prayed. But nothing happened.
Fast forward twenty-five years.
Jen connected with a nice man at her high school class reunion. They dated for awhile, but he ended up marrying someone else.
Ten more years went by.
Now retired, Jen became a volunteer at the county library where she met Hank. A nice guy. Funny and caring. Everything she’d hoped for—and more.
They married January 4, 2024.
When asked if he was worth waiting for, she answered an enthusiastic, yes!
God had answered both of their prayers—as he had been praying, too!!!
Like Abraham, Joseph, David, and Simeon, we find that waiting on God’s answers to prayer requires patience and faith. These men of the Bible persevered and trusted in God’s perfect timing even though they didn’t understand the wait.
The Lord’s plans for our lives are good. Patient waiting refines our character and glorifies God.
James 2:26- “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
In my mid-thirties, my local church began a series of sermons on different religions of the world. I learned what their teachings were, countries where each religion was most prevalent, and so on.
I was astounded by the number of religions who taught that “works” (doing good things) was the way to heaven. Yet, I’d always been taught that it was faith in Jesus Christ—and him alone—that was required for salvation.
I was confused and went to the Bible for answers. The book of James offered a clear explanation. Faith in Jesus must come first; then works are done as a result of the working of our faith within us.
A living, active faith is shown outwardly in works. So, there was the truth: We are not saved by works. We are saved for works.
James is a short book packed full of practical applications for living the victorious Christian life.
If you are struggling with the questions of salvation in your own life, may I recommend that you open your Bible to the book of James and let God lead you to His answer for you?
2 Corinthians 5:7- “for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
My vision became progressively worse until my world took on a hazy glow.
I consulted my ophthalmologist. Cataract surgery was in order.
I actually looked forward to it. The thought of a brighter world—maybe even a world free of the glasses I had worn since sixth grade—was very appealing.
Within a few minutes of surgery, I was released from my foggy world.
I think about times when I fail to see clearly the actions I should take and the decisions I should make. When I wrestle with the “why’s” and “how’s.”
Those are the times I go to God’s Word. I need His healing for my “spiritual eyes” bringing purpose and direction—a clear focus on what is important.,
One day, God will reveal all things to us. But for now, it is His Word that encourages and gives us insight. We can come before God with confidence, knowing that what we ask for aligns with His will as outlined in scripture.
Are you having trouble seeing the path ahead? Do you need someone to lead the way?
Surrender your own will to His and just follow.
Walk by faith, not by sight.
Philippians 2:4- “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Christians, here are some principles to keep you grounded in the midst of the Covid-19 Pandemic:
Do Not Live In Fear.
God promises to be with us. He will strengthen us and uphold us with “His righteous right hand.”
Be Compassionate.
Show the love of Jesus to those who are hurting.
Donate.
Be generous and give to families in need, your neighbors, and your church family.
The apostle John said, “if anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
Be The Hands and Feet of Jesus.
The greatest testimony of Christ’s love is for Christians to love the world the way Christ does.
Take Comfort in the Company of Fellow Believers.
Even if we cannot be with fellow believers, we can pray for them, call them, email them, send them a card.
Pray.
For the sick.
For provision.
For wisdom for those in authority and unity with other believers.
Trust in the Lord.
We serve a God who is bigger and stronger than any sickness, darkness, or weapon of the enemy. Our God is our healer and provider.
Trust in the Lord and shine the light and love of Jesus Christ in a fearful and shaken world.
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