Visible Faith

“When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,

Son, your sins are forgiven you.”

Mark 2:5

So often, Christians buy into the whole idea that our religion should be not seen and barely heard. We want to be politically correct. We don’t want to alienate those that we know and love who may not know Christ. So we change Christmas to holidays and say we had “family time” on Sunday instead of testifying about our experience at church. I know that the definition of faith is about those things that you cannot see, but I was struck this week by a verse in the Bible where it says that Jesus saw their faith. They broke through the ceiling…light pouring in as they pressed towards getting to Jesus. A man was healed because of the faith Jesus saw in these men. So this week, the question that keeps ringing in my ears is pretty simple: Can God see my faith? Maybe it's just me, but it's the type of demonstration of faith that makes me pray this prayer for you and me: Lord, help us to serve you with boldness so you (and others) can see our faith. 

Confident of Better Things

"But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you..."

(Hebrews 6:9a)

I always think of the book of Hebrews as the book on faith. That’s always what sticks out in my mind—the definition of faith in Hebrews 11 that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (vs. 1). But in my current study of Hebrews this small verse long before that popular one jumped out at me. You see, I was having one of those weeks wondering what’s the point and crying out to God for clarity on why things are the way they are. I was feeling as though no one was listening and wondering why I continued to talk. I was feeling inefficient, ineffective, and unfruitful. So as I read the words in chapter 6, I felt as though God was whispering to me on saying to be ‘confident of better things for me’. No matter what my circumstances look like today, better things are coming my way as a result of my relationship with Christ. And, what’s more, vs 10 begins by saying that God is not unjust and won’t forget what we do in labor for Him.

What a gracious reminder from our loving Father! Perhaps you are feeling inefficient, ineffective and unfruitful too. Perhaps you’re wondering why you are where you are and trying to see the forest for the trees. I want to encourage you today from the Word of God that I am confident of better things coming your way. Hang in there.

Be encouraged!

Blessings,

Andrea

P.S. Don’t forget to share this with another…you never know who is in need of a Hebrews 6:9 Word.

Do Something Good Today

This morning in my prayer time, I realized that I didn’t have a long request of God. My mind had been in overdrive all week long around the issues of love, relationships, finances, ministry, and more. But at prayer time…just one simple thought came to mind: “Lord, let me do something good today.” There's nothing earth-shattering about this devotional. I simply get tickled thinking about the prospect that, maybe…just maybe…today someone’s life will be better because I did, said, prayed something that was in line with God’s will and encouraging to their soul and spirit. Sometimes we overcomplicate the will of God to do good to others, but it's really just that simple. So today, I extend that prayer to you: “Lord, let <INSERT YOUR NAME HERE> do something good today. In Jesus Name. Amen.”

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, 

but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  

(Philippians 2:3)

 Be encouraged,

Andrea

How'd You Find THAT Button?! (Sigh)

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal

but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

2 Corinthians 10:3-4

I am like so many people who have experienced the loss and strain of relationships in my life. It’s hard when you invest time and energy and your heart into situations that turns into what could best be described as soured milk. It’s not a fun space at all. In fact I often find myself in a surrendered place reaching after God when my tears and/or anger overwhelm me beyond what I am able to handle…MOST of the time. I hate to admit it, but there are times when my buttons are pushed and the Lord is the furthest thing from my mind. There are times when anger and resentment and hurt take hold. There are moments when God isn’t my first thought but the AFTERthought once all of the cussing and fussing has subsided.

It seems to take me by surprise. I’ll think that everything is smooth sailing. My praises will be high. Life will seem like a bowl of cherries. I’ll know that I’m healed from daddy issues or old hurts or new hurts and then “BAM!” someone will magically push one of those very buttons and unleash a world of anguish that no one expected to see. I'll find myself throwing up my hands, shaking my head and muttering "How'd You Find THAT Button?! (Sigh)"

So after this happened for the millionth time recently, I figured a prayer was in order. “Lord, please help me to handle the buttons being pushed with YOUR grace and a sincere mercy. Help me to turn the other cheek and/or walk away, when all I want to do is stand and fight.” And in the midst of this moment of despair, the Lord reminded me that He has already won the war and that this right here was nothing but trick of the enemy to derail me from my focus on Him.

So this week, in your prayers, I want to remind you to see God with that same eye—asking for HIS focus on how to handle those buttons. Some of you just had a button pushed and some will close this devotional and see a finger hovering over a button in your life. Today is that opportunity to remember that this is not a battle that you even have to fight. This is a spiritual war that has already been won by Jesus. In the midst of that anguish, unleash a world of prayer instead of a world of hurt…unleash a world of praise instead of a world of heat.

Be encouraged!

Blessings,

Andrea

P.S. Don’t forget to pass this along and “pray it forward” (I read that on a Facebook post and loved it). You never know who is trying to deal with buttons being pushed and this may be just the word they need to refocus.