Growing in faith, by his grace, one day at a time



Sunday, December 1, 2013

You Are Precious


Ephesians 1:4-6 (NKJV) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.
Just imagine. Before we were born, God knew, loved and chose each and every one of us as his children. We were predestined as children of Jesus Christ and he made us unique and special for his purpose. 

With the current population of the world at 7.2 billion it is difficult to understand how he could possibly know and love each of us, but he does. God has perfect knowledge of each of us.  He wants to interact with each of us as if we are the only person on earth. God is all knowing, omniscient and everywhere, omnipresent.  He knows everything that we think and feel, what we need and desire, and our dreams. He knows every step we take and He walks with us every step of the way. We are each precious to Him.  

Isaiah 43:4 (NKJV)  Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life.

We may become influenced by the world and take the wrong path at times, confused and caught up by material pursuits, but God knows the intentions of our hearts.  He made us and knows that we are capable of living the life he had planned for us, if only we accept him and allow him to work through us. We only need to take time to seek him, talk to him, love him and trust in him.  

Psalm 139:1-4 (NKJV) God’s Perfect Knowledge of Man 
Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up;You understand my thought afar off.  You comprehend my path and my lying down,And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue,But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.

Dear Lord - Sometimes I feel so small and insignificant in this grand world you created. But you tell me I am special and precious to you?  Oh, thank you so much!  Thank you Father for loving me despite all of my weaknesses.  I know that you know all of them, despite my lack of acknowledgment and confession. I am grateful for your mercy and grace and to be your child and for the blessings you provide to me each day. Teach me Father to live the life you have planned for me.  Amen.

My dear readers, I encourage you to watch the touching video in the link listed below.  It is only four minutes long and will be worth your time. 

Sunday, November 24, 2013

David’s Song of Thanksgiving


1 Chronicles 16:7-36

On that day David first delivered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brethren, to thank the Lord:
Oh, give thanks to the Lord!
Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!
10 Glory in His holy name;
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
11 Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!
12 Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,
13 O seed of Israel His servant,
You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!
14 He is the Lord our God;
His judgments are in all the earth.
15 Remember His covenant forever,
The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations,
16 The covenant which He made with Abraham,
And His oath to Isaac,
17 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,
To Israel for an everlasting covenant,
18 Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan
As the allotment of your inheritance,”
19 When you were few in number,
Indeed very few, and strangers in it.
20 When they went from one nation to another,
And from one kingdom to another people,
21 He permitted no man to do them wrong;
Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,
22 Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm.”[a]
23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.
24 Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonders among all peoples.
25 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised;
He is also to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens.
27 Honor and majesty are before Him;
Strength and gladness are in His place.
28 Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
Give to the Lord glory and strength.
29 Give to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him.
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
30 Tremble before Him, all the earth.
The world also is firmly established,
It shall not be moved.
31 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
And let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”
32 Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
Let the field rejoice, and all that is in it.
33 Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice before the Lord,
For He is coming to judge the earth.[b]
34 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.[c]
35 And say, “Save us, O God of our salvation;
Gather us together, and deliver us from the Gentiles,
To give thanks to Your holy name,
To triumph in Your praise.”
36 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting![d]
And all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the Lord.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  GOD BLESS YOU!

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Your Plan, God’s Plan

Matthew 7:14 (NKJV) 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

I used to think that when we live life in God’s plan that the road would be straight, smooth and without struggle or pain. To the contrary; living life in Gods plan requires strength of mind, body and spirit, patience, resilience and endurance. It takes work to be a Christian but in the end the rewards will be greater than you can ever imagine.  It is not easy to dodge the curveballs and spikes that Satan throws in our path, but through unending faith and God’s grace we will make it through to victory. 

Sometimes the path we choose may feel irresponsible or risky in the natural world, but is absolutely the right move to stay on course with God’s plan. His plan is unique and special for each of us, therefore the road for each of us is designed differently.  Too often we find that we trust and are influenced by people and the material nature of the world and lose focus on what is most important to God. People will always disappoint you, God never will. Don’t ever lose faith in him, because he never loses faith in you. When you find yourself in a deep valley, he will reach out his hand to you to pull you up, dust you off and send you on your way. 

Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man.

Don’t be afraid, no matter what comes your way as God is in it with you. Don’t worry, put your trust in the Lord, he knows the future and his plans for you. Don’t lose hope, but live joyfully as you receive the gift of life for each new day and give thanks during your trials. Whatever trials you are facing, you will get through it and when you emerge on the other side you will find yourself closer to God. Find the gift in that trial and its place in molding you and preparing you for something greater. 

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)

But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man, The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Here is something to make you smile today so we don’t take ourselves so seriously that we miss out on the dance of life.  This New York traffic Cop will make you smile: 



Sunday, November 3, 2013

The Decisions We Make

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 
And lean not on your own understanding; 
In all your ways acknowledge Him 
And He shall direct your paths.

I love making decisions. What I don’t like is the period of time analyzing, discussing and agonizing over all of the options before making it. Perhaps this is just a sign of age, as I was more carefree and sometimes reckless in decision making when I was young.  I know now that it was by Gods grace and forgiveness I was always able to bounce back and correct course when I chose the wrong path.

I have learned a lot from my mistakes and perhaps that is why I am more cautious today. Perhaps this is just a normal part of life and growing up spiritually.  

Today, I find myself consulting with God on every major decision and even some of the seemingly small ones. Major decisions that impact relationships, finances and health are the big ones. Now I pray more often about the major decisions before I make them, which helps me to spend less time asking God for help when I make poor choices without consulting Him. 

Think about how many decisions you make in a day and how many of them do you discuss with God.  

Every choice and decision we make has consequences, good and not so good. For the things that are within our control, we always choose our consequences.  In addition to the major stuff every day you decide: 
  • To get out of bed or sleep in
  • To eat or not eat breakfast, lunch and dinner (healthy or otherwise)
  • To go or not to go to work
  • To drive, walk or take a bus
  • How to dress (clean and according to your work or sloppy without care)
  • What kind of mood you will be in - happy, sad, grumpy, mad, angry...
  • How you will treat and greet others (with love, joy, happiness or with criticism, distain)
  • How productive you will be (how much effort, energy and commitment you give each day)
  • To exercise, read a book, plan for the future, or lay around and watch TV till you fall asleep
God gives us free choice, but we must do our part by doing what is right in our hearts, by asking God for guidance and then doing what he says, even if it wasn’t what we had in mind. God always answers prayers for those who ask and are obedient to his word.  

I pray that all your burdens are light and your decisions come easily by His grace.  Have a blessed day!

James 1:5 (NKJV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

1 John 5:14 (NKJV) 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 30:21 (NKJV) 

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,  
This is the way, walk in it,” 
Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.”


Sunday, October 20, 2013

Foundation of Faith


Matthew 7:24-28 (NKJV)  

24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”  

28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching.

If you have ever experienced an earthquake, then you understand what it feels like to have the earth move beneath your feet. 

We lived in Los Angeles during the Northridge earthquake in January 2004.  I remember looking at the clock on the night stand next to my bed and the numbers glared 4:31am.  It was dark and all I heard was a deep rumbling, the sound of glass shattering and furniture toppling all around. I tried to crawl out of bed but the force of the jack hammer type movement tossed me around like a rag doll.  It didn’t last long, but in the moment it felt like it would never stop. Fortunately we were not injured, but it turned out to be a wake up call for better preparedness for future such potential disasters. 

In this passage, Jesus teaches us to build our lives on a strong foundation of faith so that we are prepared to weather every storm and situation in life. We have and will continue to face many challenging events in life for which we may not always be prepared financially, emotionally or mentally. The best way to be prepared for all situations is by building a rock solid foundation of faith. 

Loss of job, bankruptcy, loss of a marriage or partnership, loss of a home or loss of a loved one are not the types of things we plan for when we start out in life. Sometimes there is no way of predicting or preventing situations that happen to us. There is one thing that we can control and count on and it is that our Father will never leave us and by having a solid foundation of faith we preserve our integrity, self-esteem, health and maintain hope for a future. We start by reading his word, prayer, doing the right thing everyday and by trusting in him in ALL circumstances.  

You may have seen this video before, and if so then it is an excellent reminder.  Remember God is in all circumstances in our life and while we may not like them, it may be his way of protecting us. 


Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God

E.W. Kenyon - “Faith talks in the language of God. Doubt talks in the language of man.”


Sunday, October 6, 2013

Embracing a New Day


Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 11 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. 


Rose sat on the raised hearth of the fireplace in the predawn darkness sipping hot black coffee from a Styrofoam cup. The house was boxed up and ready for the movers.  But was she?

Rose and Charlie bought this house shortly after they were married 26 years ago. She worked hard to make it a safe and loving home for their family. Their two children, Matthew and Lydia grew up in this house.  It was the hub for holiday and family celebrations, the launching pad for school dances and sporting events and a place where the kids gathered after school.  It was a place of comfort and love, just the way she had planned it. 
It all changed ten months ago when Charlie died suddenly in a car accident. Since then she has been in a fog of disorientation and indecision. How could God take the love of her life from her? She was his little Rose and he was her rock and her soul mate!  They had built a beautiful life and Christian home together.  They had plans to move to a ranch, after the kids moved out and to grow old together with a farm of organic vegetables and exotic roses from all over the world.  In an instant, all her hopes and dreams were gone.  

She ached for her dear sweet Charlie wondering if she was making the right decision to sell the house.  She prayed about it for the last three months.  Five weeks ago, her good friend Carol, a real estate agent approached her about a beautiful ranch located 30 miles outside of town. If she sold this house, she would have enough equity to pay cash for the ranch and live out their dream. At first Rose resisted and wondered how she could possibly do this without Charlie!  

Matthew, Lydia and Carol finally convinced her that it is the right thing to do and that it was what Charlie would want her to do. To carry on with their plans.  She had an offer on the house within a week after it was listed.  Her dear sweet Lydia reminded her that when it is God’s plan, everything falls into place easily.   

Rose set the empty coffee cup down on the hearth and clasped her hands together and bowed her head to pray. 

Dear God,

I admit that I am afraid Father, but I am putting my total trust in you. Your plans may not be exactly what I had planned or hoped for, but I trust that you are guiding my path and that you know what is best for me.  Help me to adapt and embrace the changes and accept the direction and path you have set for me.  I know that you will walk with me and will not let me fall.  I am so grateful and blessed for my life and all that you have given to me. 

Amen. 

When Rose opened her eyes she could see the first light of dawn and glorious streams of light streaking across the sky through the early morning clouds.  Just then she saw the moving truck pull in rumbling up the driveway.   

She smiled looking up at the clouds and said, “Okay God, it is a new day and I am ready”. 

Joshua 1:9  This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Corinthians 15:51 - 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed


Letting go of the familiar and navigating through change can be very difficult, but also very rewarding if we can learn to trust God.  When we allow change in our life, letting go of the grip we open the door for God to help us grow and live the abundant life he has planned for us. When we resist change out of fear, we can become complacent and stuck in our routine. Without change, life cannot continue to exist and will eventually die as a vine without water.    

God is the creator of change. It is what nourishes us and allows us to grow in mind, body and spirit. The seasons change, the light changes to darkness and darkness to dawn.  Change is healthy and all around us.  Embrace it when God presents it and surrender to him even when it doesn’t feel good, as it is His way of moving you forward according to his plan.  He loves you and will never let you down.  

“God’s plan for your life, far exceeds the circumstances of your day”  Louis Giglio




Sunday, September 15, 2013

Lonely Road of Faith


    My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  James 1:2-4

When I woke this morning, I lay quietly in my bed feeling tired and discouraged by seemingly impossible hurdles. Unable to make decisions and feeling sad, I lay wondering how I could possibly write a blog that would lift and inspire others. I prayed for guidance as I do everyday and a million thoughts swirled around me like rainbow of light, but I was still confused. So I poured a cup of coffee and sat down in front of the computer. After a few minutes, God led me to youtube.  Smile now. It is a sign of our times and I believe that God uses every vehicle possible to communicate with us.

I came across this lovely song called Lonely Road of Faith. The lyrics and the youtube link are listed below. It gave me the lift I needed and I hope it will do the same for you.

Indeed, throughout our lives we will walk that lonely road of faith. Our faith is tested and grows as we walk through each storm and trial in life. Life will never be perfect. There will always be difficulties.  It is how we choose to navigate the winds of change and the trials that is the mark of our faith as Christians.

We can choose to feel sad, angry, discouraged or we can choose to stand tall and walk through the storm knowing that we are never alone. God is with us guiding our path through the calm and stormy days alike. Just hold on, God won’t let you fall.

Have a blessed day and enjoy this beautiful song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSgTAJiWXvs

Lonely Road of Faith, Written by RJ Ritchie and performed by Kid Rock

Up and down that lonely road of faith
I have been there
Unprepared for the storms and the tides that rise
I've realized one thing, how much I love you
And it hurts to see, see you cryin'
I believe we can make it through the winds of change

God is great indeed
If you believe, in the everlife
Yeah we gotta
Make some sense of the pieces that we've found
And if you just hold on, I wont let ya fall
We can make it through the storms and the winds of change


Though I walk through the valley of darkness

I am not afraid
Cause I know I'm not alone

And if the wind blows east, would you follow me
And if the wind blows north, would ya stay your course
And if the wind blows west, would ya second guess
And if it blows to the south, would you count me out
And if the sun don't shine, would you still be mine
And if the sky turns grey, would you walk away
Would you say I do, if I say I'll be
And walk this road through life with me
You know I love youuuuuu

On this lonely road of faith
On this lonely road of faith



Lonely Road Of Faith lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.




Sunday, August 25, 2013

Keep Your Eyes On The Teacher


 Jesus Walks on the Sea 


Matthew 14:22-33 (NKJV)  

22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 

23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 

24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 

26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 

30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

I love the humanness of this parable because it illustrates how even the disciples at one time were fragile in their faith. Jesus, our quintessential teacher used every opportunity to teach the disciples.  Today, Jesus continues to teach each of us through our circumstances and the people in our lives. Jesus never takes a day off.

We can learn great lessons and realize God’s plan for us if we keep our focus on Him and not allow ourselves to be distracted by the turbulence in our lives. So how do we keep our eyes on Jesus?

Pray continually.  When we pray we have a more acute awareness of God’s presence in our lives and it will help us to stay focused on Him rather than on all of the things in life that steal our joy. The best thing we can do when we feel overwhelmed and distracted by life, is to stop and pray and refocus our energy on Him.

Read His Word.  Even if we only spend 15-30 minutes each day reading scripture it can have a profound affect on our perspective and put us at peace as we go about the business of each day.

Surrender.  Surrendering all of our concerns to him is the ultimate form of trust. When we surrender, it means that we release ourselves from destructive thoughts and activities like worry, stress, anger, unforgiveness and insecurity.  It is in our best interest to let go of our grip on these things that over time can destroy us spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. Not only is it toxic to us but eventually this destructive energy will take a toll on our relationships with others.

Keep Childlike Faith.  Never give up on your aspirations or on Him. God always keeps his promises. It just may take a little longer than we would like, but He is a faithful loving God and expects us to be the same. Childlike faith is the purest form of trust. It means standing before him with our eyes and arms wide open, accepting him at his word with no doubt or fear.

Hang with Other Christians.  There is nothing like community to bolster the spirit and fill us with love and confidence. We are not alone in our struggles and they are not unique to us. Holding hands with other Christians helps us to keep our flame of faith burning brightly.   

Hebrews 12:1  
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 
As Christians, we are unstoppable.  Check out this YouTube video for a boost!   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5-Cqpa09zM