Call It Like It is

We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.
1st Corinthians 10:13 TPT

Oftentimes, we use euphemisms when referring to something harsh or offensive or particularly unpleasant. One of the most common we use - 'passed' or 'passed away' in place of 'died', as if that makes it easier. Or 'let go' instead of 'fired'. My oldest brother and I had a conversation last week that included a couple euphemisms for someone who lies; one was 'stretching the truth', the other was 'enhanced communication'.

We do it in our Christian walk, too. We talk about our struggles quite a bit. Some may be legitimate, but some are definitely not. If we are honest, some of our struggles are just an innocuous phrasing for rebellion. We get tempted and we give in, knowing it's wrong, and then confess our 'struggle'. The truth (as I see it) is that it was a choice. I chose my will over God's will for my life. That's not a struggle. That's sin. The Word says in James 4:17 NLT, Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. 

God IS merciful. He is forgiving. He is faithful. He understands our weaknesses and loves us so much that He has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously. 

Prayer:

Father,  

          Open our eyes to see the Truth of our actions. Open our hearts to receive Your Word that we might live victorious lives through Christ our Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Passing By

Note: Thank you for all the prayer cover and loving support and words of encouragement you have provided in the last 10 days or so with Hurricane Harvey. The battle is hard, but we are victorious! We have much to be thankful for - and we are!! God is good! And the Internet has finally been restored - Hallelujah! It's good to be back together.
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Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.
Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.
Mark 6:47-51a NIV

I know I've read this passage many times, but tonight, it stuck out to me that Jesus was going to pass by them. The Message bible reads, "He intended to go right by them." And it reminded me of the old hymn, Pass Me Not, written by Fanny Crosby. Part of the lyrics - Pass me not, O gentle Savior. Hear my humble cry. While on others Thou are calling, do not pass me by...

Why would He do that? He saw them fighting the wind that was against them. He saw them straining at the oars. These were seasoned fishermen who knew their way around in a boat, plus they were His followers and they were struggling. Why wouldn't He just run to them and save them? But notice, it wasn't until they cried out in fear that He acknowledged them and turned to them.

How often do we do that? We're going about life, doing what we know to do. And there are those times when life gets really hard, and we just keep trying to do life in our own strength... All the while wondering why God doesn't do something. Can't He see what we're up against? Doesn't He see us struggling and straining? Is He really going to ignore our plight?

Have we called on Him or are we still trying to do everything in our own strength? Have we acknowledged and confessed our need for Him or are we too busy indicting Him? Are we passing HIM by?

Prayer:

Father,
           Forgive us for thinking that we can do anything apart from You. Thank You for loving us enough to correct us and to turn our hearts. Thank You for Your protection and provision. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePPOaX6HTPI

All That He Has Promised +

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

I met with some friends for lunch - all women - but with very diverse lives and backgrounds. I knew enough about each of those women to know that they were all facing huge challenges of one kind or another... but we had a great time. After all, how can you go wrong with Jesus as your common denominator (and the added enjoyment of Gringo's green sauce & chips on the side)?

What I witnessed at the lunch were Christians at their best. Some of them were really struggling with life-changing issues and yet, I watched as they applauded and affirmed a baby Christian, and strengthened one whose way has been steep, and encouraged another who was battle-weary. Warriors of the faith - 20 and 30 and 40-plus years of walking with the Lord - as excited to hear the discoveries of a new convert as they were to hear of the steadfast faithfulness of the Lord. And each one came away more focused on who HE IS than on what we aren't - more determined to light our world than to lay back to let someone else do it. All because we made the small, small effort to meet together, to encourage one another...

A little further in the chapter of our text for today, we find these words - Hebrews 10:34b-36, You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Emphasis mine)

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for friends and family who will cheer us on and help us to finish the race and not let us give up this close to the finish. Thank You for the good reports in the midst of the battles. We give You praise for those. Help us to strive for even more opportunities to encourage one another, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen