Trials Increase Faith

Have you felt you were forgotten? Have you felt as though you were purposely left out? Have you felt abandoned? Did people you thought you could count on turn their back on you? Have you thought that God no longer cared for you?

Feeling abandoned is difficult for us. We may have people close to us turn away and leave us. We may think there is no one who cares. We can get depressed and feel helpless due to these thoughts. Yet, God has not turned his back on us, but will never leave us.

Naomi thought she had been cursed. She thought she had been abandoned by God. She had fled with her husband from a famine. He later died. Her two sons, who were sustaining her, died. She decided to return to Bethlehem in her despair. She encouraged her two daughters-in-law to stay with their families. Ruth refused and traveled with Naomi to Bethlehem.

Naomi would realize later that God had not abandoned her. Instead, God had used her situation, dire as it may have been, to bless her in a magnificent way. She is the grandmother of Obed, who is the grandfather of David, the greatest king of Israel. Naomi is the mother-in-law to Ruth, who gave birth to continue the lineage that would ultimately result in Jesus coming to earth.

No matter how dire our circumstances, God has not abandoned us. He is still at work and will bless us. We are to continue in our faith, trusting God has something greater in mind for us. After all, it is often in the trials of life that we grow the most. So face those trials with 

confidence that growth is coming as well as God’s blessing.

I pray we all trust God is always working. I pray we face our trials with confidence, seeking growth. I pray each one of us hold onto our faith during times of trial, believing our faith will be strengthened. Trust God is working. Gain confidence during trials. Seek growth. Hold onto your faith.

Ruth 4:16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom and became his nurse.

None Are Lost

Have you ever felt as though you were adrift? Have felt untethered, like boat bobbing on the water? Are you feeling that way now? Are you seeking to set your feet on solid ground? Do you desire to hear positive news? Will you listen, if you are given the best news of all?

There can be times in our lives when we feel like we have no anchor, there is nothing solid for us to hold on to. Those are troubling times. Our minds wander. We feel unstable. We may even think we will never be stable again. But we simply need to remember the best news of all.

Jesus tells us that no can be snatched from the hand of the Father. Therefore, if we have committed our lives to Jesus, we will always be held by the Father. Those feelings we have are false feelings Satan is using to attempt to pull us away. Yet, Jesus says he cannot. The strong and comforting hands of the Father will continue to hold us.

Here is the other amazing thing Jesus says, He and the Father are one. We may be able fully grasp that, but we can believe it to be true. Why? When we look at Scripture, everything else Jesus said was true. His witness has proven true over and over again. So, even if we do not understand how two (or three) can be one, we can trust that Jesus spoke the truth.

Being in Jesus is the same as being in the Father. Being in God is being in the most stable place we can be. Even during times of unease, we can trust God is working. We may not see him working. We may not feel him working. It may be some time before he reveals the work he has been doing. Yet, we can trust that it will all work out to our good.

I pray we all choose to be in Jesus. I pray we trust that Jesus and the Father are one. I pray each one of us knows that God is always working on our behalf and continue to hold on to him. Choose Jesus. Trust Jesus. Know Jesus and the Father are one. Know God is working. Hold on to God.

John 10:29-30 “My Father, in regard to what he has given me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

Listen Well

Have you experienced people not listening you? Have you told them something of importance and they pay no attention? Have you ever had someone say something to you and you did not listen? What were the repercussions for not listening? Were they significant?

We, as humans, often have a bad habit of not listening, especially if it is not the news we want to hear. Someone speaks a truth to us that we do not like, and we question them. We have done it to others. Others have done it to us. Yet, we know we should listen.

Parents can especially relate to having their children not listen to them. It seems as though from the time they are in their mid to late teens until they reach thirty years old, they go through a phase of thinking they know it all. That is when the parents realize what a pain they had been to their own parents and realize why they made some of the mistakes they made.

Jesus faced the Jewish leadership who were not listening to Him. Though He had not explicitly stated He was the Messiah, through His teachings, healings, and raising people from the dead, He had stated He was the Messiah. They simply did not want to nor were they listening. They certainly did not believe Him.

Perhaps we should evaluate how well we are listening to Jesus. We need to evaluate how well we are obeying Jesus. Otherwise, Jesus may say the same thing to us He said to the Jewish leadership. We need to realize that Jesus came to do the Father’s will and to testify about God’s plan for all of us. If we believe Jesus, we are His sheep.

I pray we all listen to Jesus. I pray obey Jesus. I pray each one of us will evaluate how well we listen and obey Jesus, choosing to follow Him and be one of His sheep. Listen to Jesus. Obey Jesus. Be a follower of Jesus. Be one of Jesus’ sheep.

John 10:24-26 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me, but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep.”

Demonstrated Love

How do you show your love? Or do you only voice your love? Is your love demonstrated through your actions? Or do your words ring hollow? Do you think love is shown by giving gifts? Or do you make an effort to show your love by serving others?

Love can be challenging for some people to show. Some believe telling someone they love them is enough. Others may rarely say they love someone yet will demonstrate their love through action. We all like to hear someone loves us and also want to see it in their actions.

Tabitha, or Dorcas as she was also known, was a woman who demonstrated her love for people through her actions. She was a follower of Jesus. Her love for God shown through in what she did for others. In her good works and giving to others, she demonstrated her love for others and for God. She was a seamstress who made both inner and outer garments. We can reasonably assume that she gave some of the clothing she made to those in need. She likely also used the money she made from her business to help in other ways.

Though Scripture does not state she was a widow, she may have been since we are told those who took care of her when she died were widows. There may have been a group of widows who had banded together to take care of one another. Their care for her and weeping over her indicates how much they loved her.

We are called to love others as Jesus loves us. Jesus tells us He loves us but also demonstrated His love for us through His actions. We may only think of His love demonstrated on the cross. Yet we need to look at how He treated people when He walked this earth. He showed His love by forgiving them, feeding them, healing them, and even raising some from the dead. As a follower of Jesus, we are to demonstrate our love for Him by serving others. Just as Jesus served in many ways, we can serve in many ways.

I pray we all take a deeper look at how Jesus served. I pray we understand all the ways Jesus showed His love for us. I pray each one of us chooses to show our love by serving others. See how Jesus served. Understand how Jesus shows His love. Demonstrate your love by your actions.

Acts 9:36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity.

I Shall Not Want

Psalm 23 is one of the best-known passages in the Bible. We often hear it read at funerals or memorial services. Many people will read it or recite it when facing difficult situations. It is used to provide strength, comfort, and peace when we feel weak and troubled.

Yet, we can read, recite, and remember Psalm 23 at any time in any situation. It is a Psalm we can wake up with every morning to start our day on the right foot. Starting our day with reassurance that God is with us can make each day a better day than it otherwise would be.

The first line of the Psalm says it all. It speaks volumes. It states God is our shepherd, which implies many things. A shepherd cares for his flock. He ensures they are properly fed and watered. He protects them from attackers who seek to kill and destroy them. He protects them from being stolen by thieves. The flock knows that as long as they follow the shepherd’s voice, they will be safe and cared for.

The second half of the first sentence speaks to trust. In stating that we will not want, we are putting our trust in God to provide all that we need. Our trust in God puts us at ease. We trust God to guide us on the path he would have us take. We trust him to provide us with a mate, a job, food, clothing, and shelter. It also means that because of our trust in God’s plan we do not frivolously desire the trappings of this world.

Yes, the first line of Psalm 23 says it all. Even if we do not memorize the entire Psalm, we should memorize the first line, recite it every morning, and live our life believing it to be true. Doing so will eliminate fear, stress, anxiety, frustration, and unhealthy desire. Living by this one sentence will free us to become the people God wants us to be.

I pray we all know that God is our shepherd. I pray we put our trust in him and his plan for our lives. I pray each one of us live our lives free of the trappings of this world, becoming who God wants us to be. God cares for you. God will provide. Follow God’s path. Become the person God intended.

Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

A Great Testing

Have you been through testing? Have you had to pass testing to be included into a specific group? Was the test you endured an especially difficult test? Do you feel like you are being tested every day? Do you know there will be a great testing that will come in the future?

We all face tests. Some are relatively simple as we progress through school. Others are more difficult, specifically professional tests required for certain jobs. Some of those professional tests can be very challenging, requiring a deep knowledge of the specialty we are pursuing.

The testing referenced in today’s passage refers to a trifold test—physical, mental, and spiritual. Many translations interpret the “great ordeal” as the “great tribulation.” Regardless of the translation, the original Greek refers to a significant test. This testing likely includes persecution and may include martyrdom. This testing is believed to come during the end-times. Jesus referenced this great testing in Matthew 24:21.

Though I have not experienced a trifold testing of physical, mental, and spiritual, I have experienced significant testing including physical and mental. Having went through Marine Corps bootcamp and later through Drill Instructor School, there are times during those training schools when you are tested physically and mentally. You can begin to feel as though the testing will never end and wonder if you will survive it.

In the case of the great ordeal or great tribulation, we are told it will last for seven years. Throughout those seven years, many will die, either from a natural death or martyrdom. Those are taken to heaven and given a white robe will be those who hold onto their faith regardless of the ordeal they must endure. It will require a deep faith rather than a superficial one. It will require enduring ridicule, physical pain, and mental torture. The only way to survive it will be to be spiritually strong in our belief that Jesus is the Son of God and believe in His promises.

I pray we all seek to increase our faith in Jesus. I pray we grow in both knowledge and belief that Jesus is the Son of God. I pray each one of us prepare ourselves for a great testing and hold onto Jesus’ promises. Increase your faith. Increase your knowledge. Believe in Jesus. Prepare yourself for testing. Hold onto Jesus’ promises.

Revelation 7:13-14 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Diversity In Heaven

Who do you think you will see in heaven? Have you thought about it? Have you wondered about the amazing diversity there will be? Do you look forward to seeing people you have never seen before? Are you looking forward to standing before the throne of God?

We hear a lot about golden streets, crystal palaces, and pearly gates. We don’t hear as much about who will be in heaven with us. But it is not only heaven, it is also for eternity in the new Jerusalem on the new earth. Heaven and eternity is amazing to look forward to.

There are some people who do not like diversity in people. What I have found to be true is those people have not been exposed to diversity in any real way. Oh, they may have seen someone different from a distance or only for a few moments, but they have not really been exposed to them. When we get to know people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and races, we find out they are all human and we become more impressed with God’s creation.

John tells us that he saw people from every nation, all tribes and peoples and languages in heaven. That means we will see people from places we have only heard of. There will people from cultures much different than ours. How can this happen? There are people in nations all around the world who are worshiping God, who believe in Jesus.

Too often we get wrapped up in our own little world, our own bubble. We don’t look beyond our neighborhood. We don’t think about people half-way around the world putting their faith in Jesus the same as we do. We forget that Jesus came to save everyone in the world. That means people we don’t know and cultures we have never visited. Yet, we will meet them one day and spend eternity with them, victorious in Jesus.

I pray we all take time to think about heaven and eternity. I pray we look forward to a diverse group of people being with us for eternity. I pray we know Jesus came to save everyone all around the world. Think about heaven. Think about eternity. Look forward to diversity. Know Jesus came to save everyone.

Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands.

Be Made Whole

Have you ever denied that you follow Jesus? Have you been afraid to let others know you are a Christian? Have you realized you need to be redeemed? Have you asked Jesus for forgiveness? Do you know that He will reconcile you to Himself?

We all deny Jesus at some point in our lives. Whether it is out of fear of reprisal or because we are ashamed. Perhaps many of us are beyond those days, but it is a very real challenge for our young folks and those who are new Christians.

Peter had denied Jesus on the night He was betrayed. Though Peter had been with Him for three years, he feared being captured and facing the same fate Jesus would face. It is one thing to talk boldly when things are going along well and quite another when suddenly faced with persecution or bodily harm.

Jesus knew He needed to redeem Peter. Not only did He need to redeem him, but He needed to do it in a way that Peter would both know without a doubt he was redeemed, and he would feel contrition. Jesus knew exactly what to do and how to do it. He has the same knowledge about each one of us.

Perhaps the question we need to wrestle with is, are we willing to allow Jesus to redeem us? The only other option is to continue to wallow in our brokenness. Therefore, we should confess our denials and sins to Him and ask Him to redeem us with His grace.

I pray we all realize we deny Jesus at some point in our lives. I pray we ask Jesus to redeem us. I pray each one of us trusts that Jesus will redeem us, welcome us back into the fold, and make us whole. Ask Jesus to redeem you. Trust that He will. Be made whole by Jesus.

John 21:17 He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

Preparing for Old Age

Have you ever stopped to imagine what your life will be like when you retire and grow older? Have you thought about it as you have seen your parents or grandparents grow older? What do you foresee? How are you planning for that time in your life? Are you preparing for it?

When we are young, we don’t think about growing old. It’s not until we get into our mid or late forties, maybe not until we get into our fifties that we finally take notice, if then. Growing old is not on our minds as we go about our busy lives of work, family, and entertainment.

Jesus spoke a truth to Peter after He had reconciled Peter to Him. It is a hard truth that all of us will have to wrestle with. We may not be crucified as Peter was, according to tradition. However, we will get to a point that we can no longer clothe ourselves and will be taken to places we prefer not to go.

How do I know this? I visit at least one nursing home every week. I talk to the residents there. I know they do not want to be there, but they can no longer care for themselves. There are many reasons they cannot. The reason may be weakness, failing eyesight, or some form of dementia. Regardless of the reason, they are where they don’t want to be and often need assistance dressing themselves.

The ones I speak with most often are Christians, members of the churches I serve. They do well in those facilities primarily because of their faith in Jesus. They know He will never leave them. They cling to His promise of eternal life spent with Him. Some even pray that He will come get them, though not from a fatalistic perspective. They simply want to be relieved of the pain and be with Him. We all would do well to think about how we will handle a time when we need others to assist us in getting dressed in places we would rather not be.

I pray we all contemplate what getting older will look like for us. I pray we learn lessons from our parents and grandparents. I pray each one of us knows that Jesus will never leave us. Contemplate getting older. Learn valuable lessons. Jesus will never leave you. Trust in His promises.

John 21:18 “Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.”

Credit to God

We like to take credit for what we accomplish. In fact, you might say we take pride in it. We get upset, perhaps very upset, when our boss takes credit for something we did. Or worse, someone else on the team we are working with takes credit. We believe credit should be given where it is due, especially when we believe we deserve the credit.

If we are followers of Jesus Christ, we do not follow this axiom very well. Rather than giving the credit to God, we take it all for ourselves. Rarely do we give God thanks for allowing us to do what we do, to accomplish what we accomplish. When was the last time you thanked God for him allowing you to accomplish what you accomplished on any given day?

If you think this is something new, perhaps it is to you, but not to God. After the resurrection, Jesus went to meet His disciples along the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. Peter had decided to go fishing and six others went with him. They fished all night and caught nothing. As morning was dawning, Jesus appeared on the shore and asked if they had any fish to eat. Of course, the answer was no.

Then the miracle happened. Jesus told them to cast the net on the right side of the boat and they would catch some. The disciples might have wondered how a man a hundred yards away standing on the shore would know where the fish were. However, they cast the net and caught one-hundred-fifty-three large fish. There were so many they could not haul the net into the boat but had to drag it alongside as they rowed to shore.

When they recognized it was Jesus, Peter jumped in the lake and swam to shore. He was so joyous that he could not wait. Once the other disciples finally get the boat ashore while dragging the net full of fish, Jesus tells them to bring some of the fish they caught.

Notice that Jesus doesn’t take credit for the catch, even though He provided it. He makes His disciples feel as though it was their effort, and it was to some small degree. Yet, it was Jesus who miraculously provided the fish. Also, notice the disciples did not give credit to Jesus for providing the fish. Sound familiar? Don’t we do that?

God provides us with so many blessings, including our ability to walk, pick things up, think, understand, see, and remember. Those are just a few of the things we do every day around our home. If we start thinking about all we do at our jobs or leisure activities, the list quickly grows out of control. All of it is because God has provided.

One significant lesson I have learned is, the more I thank God for what he allowed me to accomplish that day, the more I accomplish in future days. Therefore, allow me to suggest to you, give God the credit for what you have accomplished today. Thank him every day. Take note. See what God will have you accomplishing in future days.

John 21:9-10 When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”