Faith

A second Wind

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

How strong are you? How important is it for you to be strong? In what ways would your life be better if you could battle every foe, overcome every obstacle, win every race, endure every heartache, beat all the odds and always be a winner? You already have within your grasp the wherewithal to be that person, not out of pride or a desire to win, but out of faith and a desire to trust. God with us is our saving grace, the one who lifts us when fall, embraces us when we are lonely and chilled by the winters of life. He keeps us above the fray. He gives us our second wind when we are breathless with fear and uncertainty and helps us finish the race, a winner not because of our efforts or because we finished first, but because we finished at all, with His help.

Trust

Be strong, banish fear and doubt. Remember the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 

Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet. Really. Please. Don’t. So much is bandied about in the ether, a never-never land few of us understand, that it is imperative to be suspicious of what comes your way, especially in those massive forwarded messages. I appreciate the sentiment when someone forwards interesting links. They want to share something they believe is important, funny, informative or cute. Too frequently when I follow up and try to find the original source, it is often attributed incorrectly in the version I received, or not a real experience, but a tearjerker story a talented creative writer conjured up. Nor am I keen on the “Jesus Loves You” e-mails and links that imply that if I don’t forward this message on, I’m just not with the program, I’m not a real Christian, I’m sadly flawed because I don’t spread the word or keep the candle burning or plant another seed (or 20, which seems to be the magic number to assure my membership in the club of three percent who will pass it on). What I believe, and can find firm corroboration for in Biblical texts, is that Jesus loves me whether I pass on an e-mail link or not; this truth is the glue that binds together disparate people from all over the globe. I don’t need to forward an e-mail to assure me of my place in God’s love. I have God’s word, and that’s enough for me.

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Thanksgiving

Every Day a Celebration

So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Today is my birthday and this verse is a wake up call. My days are numbered, and I don’t know what that number is, but knowing this helps keep life in perspective. What I do today, counts. What I do in this moment will make a difference for me, and maybe for others. Being wise is the opposite of being careless. It’s treasuring all the people in life whom I love and who love me. It’s deciding every day to be kind instead of cruel, joyful rather than morose, thoughtful about what I say rather than caustic, generous in thought, word and deed, open minded yet steadfast and firm in my faith. I count each day a blessing, a gift to be opened with anticipation and care. On this day and every day I pray I have the good sense to make the most of it.

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Peace

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The price of freedom

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:9-11 

As we celebrate our country’s independence perhaps it is also a time to evaluate another battle. This nation’s independence was won through sacrifice and perseverance. It was also paid for in blood. The lives of many have been lost in the name of freedom and democracy. So it has been historically and continues into today. Fighting a world away causes ripples in our lives making us feel less safe and more fearful. Battles for democracy in countries we can scarcely imagine rage as people try to break away from repressive rule.

A similar battle goes on in our lives every day. We are assaulted in countless ways by alluring messages that take us away from our faith. We are bombarded with reasons to question God’s plan for our lives and the world. We consider moral imperative to be repressive and confining. We want to be free of restrictive covenants and judgment. We want to do what we want to do, no matter the cost. Fortunately for us God is a vigilant protector. He provided for our salvation through the blood of our Savior. His Grace assures our pardon. The battle continues, but the Victor stands ready to lead us away from temptation and toward His light. Through prayer and praise we can find a place of peace even in the midst of conflict.