Real Live Faith

Have you ever been in conversation with someone and they made an agreement with you, or settled plans, or made arrangements to be present or perform a task? You know those conversations. “Yeah, let’s get together and do this thing.” “I can totally help you with that this month.” “Can I borrow some money? I’ll pay you back.” James 5:12 reminds us, “But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you do not fall under judgment.” We are to be people of integrity.

It has often been said that your core is the foundation of your body, but it is also one of the weakest parts of the body for many people. We often associate our core with having “6 pack” abs, but our core affects more than our stomach area. It also affects our back, posture, balance, and even our breathing. It is the same way in our walk with the Lord.

We have a lot of fake things in this world. Fake leather, fake diamonds, fake purses, shoes, and clothes. But we can also fake things in our behavior. Fake smiles, fake laughs, and even fake praise. We sit in church, shout “Amen”, raise our hands, act like we love hearing God’s Word, but the issue is when we fail to apply God’s Word or let it change our lives.

When we are suffering, being persecuted, mistreated, or experiencing an injustice, we want it to end “right now.” The Bible reminds us in several places to “hang on”; the wicked will see their day! The key is learning to wait well.

“Can you do me a favor?” “Could you help me?” “Can you give me a ride?” “Could you help me with some groceries?” “Can you take me to an appointment?” “Can you help me with some paperwork?” Sometimes our phones buzz with yet another text or call from that one friend or family member who reaches out with every need.

Some seasons of life are harder than others. Sometimes the barrage of spiritual attacks is wearisome and difficult to endure. The sin wears us out and frustrates our spirit, making us yearn more and more for our Heavenly home. Is it because the spiritual attacks seem heavier, or is it because our sensitivity to sin is greater?

Spring is out the door and summer is quickly approaching. Many have already established their gardens and planted trees, flowers, bushes, and even grass. Have you ever noticed how the planting season is much like the sharing and receiving of the Good News of Jesus Christ?

Have you ever struggled with feelings of discontent? Have you ever looked at your home, car, job, or life in general and desired something more? You would even settle for just something different? If we’re honest, we probably could all testify to feeling discontent and overwhelmed at some point in our lives.

Have you ever watched a fellow brother or sister in Christ backslide? Have you, yourself, ever backslidden? What does that even mean? It’s when you, as a believer, return to bad habits, sinful behavior, or undesirable activities. We all struggle; even Paul testified to this in Romans 7. But how far you go down that path depends on you.

Who is the Lord to you? Psalm 18:1-3, “I love You, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my savior, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.”