Monday, November 26, 2018

If Only We Had The Faith


“If Only We Had The Faith”
By Zach Wood
Acts 20:22-24 NLT
And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead.  But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

The Apostle Paul was one of the most bold and courageous men we could ever read about in the New Testament.  He went from persecuting Christians to becoming one and then went on to do things for the Kingdom that makes most of our jaws drop in awe.  Paul was a bold man and he was on fire for the Lord!

Read through this passage a few times and let the words sink in.  Think about what Paul is saying here.  He did not know what awaited him, except that troubles and jail were in his future and he accepted that. The passion he had was so strong that it didn’t matter what was going to happen to him along the way.

Paul also said that his life meant nothing unless he could use it to spread the Kingdom message.  Nothing else meant more to him than this mission.

What about us?  Do we have this faith?  Come on, be honest!  I will tell you that I often do not have this faith, but I wish I did.  I think about it and am ashamed so often that I back down at the smallest obstacles that come to me.  I get timid to share my faith with non-believers.  I have no problem sharing my experiences with those who are in the faith, but I am not good at it with non-believers.  So many fears stop me and I become timid. 

I fear that so many of us have fallen prey to the convenience of life that we live each day.  We have so many things at our fingertips and the conveniences just go on and on.  We don’t have to wait for much these days and so much is catered to us.  We like convenience!  Let’s admit it!  The moment something arises that brings us out of that convenience and comfort, we tend to back down. 

I’m wondering what it will take to bring us to a point where we are as bold as Paul?  We all have different personalities and respond to situations in different ways.  However, God does not excuse us from fulfilling His mission because certain things become uncomfortable and inconvenient. 

I cannot help but read words of Paul and ask myself, “If only I had the faith!” 

Do we?

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

We All Need A Sunrise Moment

“We All Need A Sunrise Moment”
By Zach Wood
John 14:27 NIV
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Last Monday morning, as I was driving my oldest daughter to school, there was a beautiful sunrise that took my breath away.  As I drive her to school each morning, I always wonder if we will see a great sunrise or not.  Some mornings are really neat, but this one was really spectacular.  What was especially cool about this sunrise was that both my daughter and I needed it to brighten up our morning.. 

Did the sunrise take all of our worries and concerns away?  No.  Did the sunrise make everything perfect that day for her or for me?  No.  What it did do was create a moment of peace in the midst of a somewhat chaotic morning.  For a few moments I felt an overwhelming sense of awe coming over me.  It was like all frustrations and concerns left me for a few moments so that I could just enjoy seeing part of God’s wonderful design.  I was just in awe of God and His beauty! 

Sometimes, we just need a sunrise moment.  With all the chaotic moments in our lives so often, we need something to take our focus away from the chaos so that we can focus on God’s beauty to be reminded that He is always with us.  The world easily throws us into chaos, but God wants to remind us each day of His beauty and that He is in control. 

Do you need a sunrise today?  Do you need a sunrise moment in your marriage?  Do you need a sunrise moment in the relationship you have with your teenager?  Do you need a sunrise as you face your difficult job?  Do you need a sunrise as you face losing your job unexpectedly?  Do you need a sunrise moment as you deal with a friend or family member who has a life-threatening disease? 

We all need sunrise moments to feel a sigh wash over us and just feel at peace from God’s promises that He is with us.  How is He trying to remind you that He is in control?  He gives each of us sunrise moments to soak in and enjoy seeing His beauty.  The last thing God wants is for our hearts to be troubled.  It is so easy to get overwhelmed quickly with life.  He so much wants to give us sunrise moments so that we can be overwhelmed by Him and not the world. 

Look for these sunrise moments through your day.  Take them in and enjoy them.  Let God’s peace surge through you and refresh you.