Real Live Faith

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.”

“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

More and more it seems everyone is an expert on the Bible. They have mastered just about everything there is to know or learn in the 66 chapters of Genesis all the way to Revelation.

Can I give you a tip for the New Year? Don’t “pick a word” for this year.