Writing On Eagles Wings

Scripture: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

Examination: Paul is writing this letter to encourage Timothy, his “son in the faith”, to stay strong and keep preaching the truth. He uses himself as an example of continuing in the faith despite hardships and persecutions, and reminds Timothy that he has a godly heritage of which he should not be ashamed, and to have assurance that what he has been taught is good, true, and confirmed by the Holy Spirit within him.

Application: Today is Friday the 13th. This day has long been thought of as ominous and foreboding. Many harbor fears and trepidations about this particular date. Superstitions abound on this day where people refuse to walk under a ladder or open an umbrella indoors. Moreover, ancient religions and mythological traditions have perpetuated the notion that the number 13 is a bad omen. Examples include not using the number 13 for a floor in tall buildings or for an airplane flight due to triskaidekaphobia, the fear of #13, and the potential for catastrophe in doing so.

While so many world religions use fear to keep their followers, it is good to know that our God does not give us a spirit of fear to compel us to worship Him. In fact, He is just the opposite. Jesus stated this in John 4:23, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” God desires a relationship with us, but He doesn’t force it upon us with fear tactics. He desires our worship because of what we feel for Him in our hearts… a true love for the Lord.

1 John 4:7 states, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” Because we know that God is love, we can also have a faith that is born of divine love, not one spawned from fear. 1 John 4:18 reiterates, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

We never have to fear in our relationship with Jesus. We have a faith built on a foundation of love. Isaiah 41:10 records God saying y, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Our faith is planted with love, and Ephesians 3:17 states, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,”. It is also grounded… secure and immovable in His love. God is always faithful, loving, and true. There is no need to fear for those who trust in the Lord.

Memory Verse: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

Stretching your thoughts:

1. To which superstitions, if any, do you have the tendency to believe are credible?

2. Upon which do you depend most – faith or luck?

Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless,
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

(from “Abide With Me” by Henry Francis Lyte

Scripture: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

Examination: The first chapter of Acts describes the last 40 days of Jesus’ ministry after His resurrection and culminating with His ascension. It also details the apostles’ preparation to carry out the “great commission” as commanded by Christ.

Application: Today is National Popcorn Lover’s Day. Popcorn pops because the tiny amount of water (14%) stored inside each kernel turns into steam when heated, building up intense pressure within the hard, sealed shell. At roughly (180º C/356º F), the hull bursts, causing the starch in the kernel to expand rapidly, bursting to become popcorn as we now it. The Holy Spirit is a lot like popcorn.

Upon salvation, the Spirit of God indwells the believer. He isn’t an overpowering force that compels us to do certain things, but He does have a specific task to accomplish in each of us. Jesus made that clear in John 14:26. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Even though He has a purpose to fulfill in our lives, we can inhibit His work. In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Paul cautions us to “Quench not the Spirit.”

Often the Holy Spirit is referred to as “living water”. John 7:38-39 states, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”. When we get excited about Jesus, His Spirit begins to stir within us until we can contain Him no longer! The thrill of knowing our sins are forgiven by Jesus, and that He is preparing our eternal home is so powerful that we can’t help but share Jesus with others! This is the Holy Spirit on fire within us and then bursting forth, and we “pop” the gospel message out for others!

But just like popcorn, when the heat is turned down, the water within the kernel loses its energy and the corn doesn’t pop. It just sits on the bottom of the pan. Likewise, when we “quench” the Spirit, the excitement of salvation dwindles down and simply sits within us. It doesn’t sizzle; it doesn’t burn within us; it just settles down, leaving us lacking the energy or desire to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

So if our complacency is quenching the Spirit, and we have no spiritual fire within us, what can be done?

• Actively thank God every day for His goodness to you.
  • “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” – Psalm 55:17
• Read the Scriptures daily.
  • “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” – Joshua 1:8
• Serve others with the gifts and talents God has given you.
  • “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” – 1 Peter 4:10
• Share your story of faith in Christ.
  • “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;” – Psalm 107:2

This is a great start to re-igniting the Spirit of God within you! Before you know it, everyone will see Jesus in you as the following truths “pop” forth: the reality of your salvation, the truth of the Scriptures, and the joys of living for Jesus! Let’s keep the flame of our faith burning brightly, thus allowing the Spirit of God to keep popping for all the world to see!

Memory Verse: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” – Romans 15:13

Stretching your thoughts:

1. If you’re not “popping” for Jesus, what has caused your faith to cool?

2. When was the last time you knew you were “popping” for Jesus?

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me,
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

(from “Spirit of the Living God” by Daniel Iverson)

Scripture: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14

Examination: Paul is explaining that believers must endure through the struggles and challenges of being a Christian and living in a sinful world. The union of believer and non-believer leads to strife and disharmony.

Application: Today, my husband and I celebrate our 48th wedding anniversary. It’s hard to believe that nearly 5 decades have elapsed since we exchanged our marriage vows. We’ve had our share of ups and downs, things that easily could have broken our union, but we had the determination to stay together no matter what. It was a promise we made before we ever stood at the altar and said, “I do”. However, that vow to never part is not one we could have kept on our own.

Without including the Lord in our lives, we would be easy prey for a world that thrives on selfishness, lustful pleasures, and anything else that goes against the holiness of God. Our marriage struggled at times, raising our two children had its challenges as well, and living with another person was often complicated, but through it all, Jesus was faithful to His Word and helped us navigate together our way through anything that threatened our bond.

There is a reason that God cautions us to associate ourselves with those who are of a like mind. Sharing the same faith as another individual solidifies the relationship you share because it is based on something beyond human reasoning. It is based on the One who loves you beyond comprehension. The One who died to give you life. It is based upon the Lord Jesus Christ, who desires you and your spouse to build a successful marriage with Him at the center.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” With Jesus in a marriage, it stands strong against the world and the powers of hell. Being able to pray with my husband when conflicts arise in our home, regardless of what they are, gives us a united strength… a strength from the Lord. Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” There is nothing that the three of us cannot do together, for Jesus tells us, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27).

Together, my husband and I have built a beautiful life that gets better as time passes. While we don’t know where we’d be if we had lived a life without God, we are certain it would have been nothing compared to the one we’re living now. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Truly, together with Jesus, we live a life more abundant and more blessed than we could have ever dreamed!

Memory Verse: “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3

Stretching your thoughts:

1. Why is it important for you to have a saved spouse?

2. What is the most important thing you and your spouse do together for spiritual growth?

He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts.
Rest assured this troubadour is acting on His part.
The union of your spirits here has caused Him to remain
For whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name
There is love; there is love.

Well a man shall leave his mother and a woman leave her home
They shall travel on to where the two shall be as one.
As it was in the beginning, is now until the end.
Woman draws her life from man and gives it back again.
There is love; there is love.

(from “The Wedding Song” by Paul Stookey)

Scripture: “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” – Mark 10:15

Examination: In the first part of this chapter, Jesus is teaching on various key topics involving the family, including marriage and children.

Application: One of the most wonderful moments in my life occurred when I sat with my eldest granddaughter as she prayed in her little girl voice asking Jesus to forgive her and be her Saviour. She was only five years old, but she had a clear understanding of the gospel, and later that evening, she was able to explain her decision to her dad and mom.

For me, I was a 12-year-old girl when I realized I was a sinner and needed the forgiveness Jesus offered. It was during a church service where a missionary was sharing his work, and as would be expected, he incorporated a gospel message. In my case, it was the Holy Spirit that spoke to my tender heart, opening my eyes to my need for Jesus. I will never forget kneeling at the altar quieting praying for Him to forgive my sins and accepting Christ as my personal Saviour, and I will never forget the joy of knowing I belonged to God forever!

Teaching children about the Lord is one of the most cherished ministries in which I serve. Working with 4-5 year-olds in Sunday school and 5-8 year-olds in AWANA, I have many opportunities to talk about salvation. Their young hearts are so open to the gospel, and when a child wants to know more about Jesus and how to be saved, it is such an honor to be able to share the truth of salvation with them.

The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”, and that includes children. It is so important to have a children’s ministry and plant, water, and even harvest the seeds of the gospel in their young fertile minds. Sometimes we adults complicate things with our preconceived notions of what should be said in a prayer or where we should be when we get saved, but Jesus said to come as a child in simplicity with an open heart.

Never refuse a child if he or she reaches out to be saved. If you’re not confident in helping a little one in their quest for Jesus, please reach out immediately to your pastor or children’s ministry worker for assistance. Also, if possible find the parents. Why? This is such a monumental decision for a child, and it establishes a strong bond with those who are present. Also, if the child is not really grasping the concept of forgiveness and salvation, it gives the parents insight on how to continue the conversation at home, hopefully leading to a full understanding at a later time and subsequent salvation for their child.

Never forget that children are so accepting of unconditional love, and when their heart moves toward God, it is our responsibility to help them find Him.

Matthew 18:6 cautions, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Stretching your thoughts:

1. To whom could you go if you were uncertain of how to lead a child to Christ?

2. If you are saved, what are your memories about the time when you accepted Jesus as your personal Saviour?

Memory Verse: “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
They are precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world

(from “Jesus Loves the Little Children” by Clare H. Woolston & George F. Root )

Scripture: “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” – I Thessalonians 5:21

Examination: Paul is writing to the believers in Thessalonica. In this chapter, he begins with a reference to the “day of the Lord”. This is a time when God directly intervenes with mankind to judge sin and provide deliverance. While Paul is referring to a future time of judgement, he instructs the Thessalonian Christians on how they should live in the present. One particular specification in which he cautions them is to question those who claim to know spiritual things and to prove that what they say is indeed the truth of Scripture.

Application: As a middle school teacher, I encouraged my students to question concepts that I taught in the classroom. One important rule was to ask respectfully, but any question was welcomed, and if I didn’t know the answer, I promised to find it for them.

Blanketly trusting what a person tells you simply because he or she stands in the front of a classroom or behind a pulpit is dangerous, yet so many people will assume that if a person is in a position to instruct, they must be completely credible. This is not necessarily so.

When it comes to biblical teachings, Christians must exercise wisdom. The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:1, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” This means that we should not blindly accept everything we are taught in regard to godly things. So how do we “try the spirits”? There are two primary ways.

The first and most important method is to go to the source… the Bible. Acts 17:11 gives the example of the Bereans. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Any teaching from a church service, Sunday school class, Bible study group, etc., must be in 100% agreement with what Scripture says. We are never to skew the Bible to meet our own personal theology. 2 Peter 1:20 states, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” God’s Word is His Word, not man’s word. It is to be accepted as such without need to adhere to cultural philosophies, personal beliefs, or church traditions. However, it often requires preaching and teaching for us to understand biblical concepts, which is why God has given certain individuals, like pastors or teachers, the ability to present the Word of God to others.

The second way is to ask questions. When I don’t understand a biblical concept, I know I can go to my pastor. He always takes the time to help me understand those things that I don’t quite grasp, and he always uses the Scriptures to support what he explains to me. Additionally, he shares reference materials with me when I am studying a particular biblical topic so that I can dig a little deeper on my own. Because he supports his explanations with Bible passages or verses, I can always rely on his help. Occassionally, there are some answers that cannot be found verbatim in the Bible, and a good pastor will always point out how he arrives at a particular response that is logically derived from the Word of God.

Both of these methods require prayer for God’s wisdom and for His Holy Spirit to provide understanding. God will not condemn you for asking Him questions. Even that forbidden question of “Why?”. However, we must also remember that sometimes the Lord doesn’t answer immediately, and for those questions, we simply have to wait on God and trust His Word, for He promises that in due time, “… all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” It is not always easy, but it is a vital part of our spiritual growth.

Lastly, if you’re going to ask a question, be willing to accept the answers you get. Have an open mind and allow the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to God’s truth. Remember, He promises in Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:”.

Memory Verse: “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” – Matthew 7:8

Stretch your thinking:

1. What have you questioned in your walk with God?
2. How did you resolve it?

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

(from “How Firm a Foundation” by K/John Rippon)

Scripture: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” – Matthew 16:26

Examination: In the beginning of this chapter, Jesus basically rebukes the religious leaders of Israel for their teachings and practices. Midway, Jesus asks who the disciples believe He really is. When Peter responds that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v 16), the Lord affirms this. Finally, in the latter part of the chapter, Jesus speaks to His disciples about His suffering and death. When Peter protests, Jesus chastises him, then explains that the soul is more important than anything in the world including one’s life.

Application: I heard a very challenging message in church today by Missionary T.J. Bing. He and his wife, Hannah, plan to serve the Lord in Italy. This blog will be incorporating some very important concepts he shared in his message to the church today.

The value or worth of something is usually determined by what someone is willing to pay, exchange, or do for it. This is different for each individual. For example, if I were stranded on a desert island, I’d pay a lot for a boat to get me back home. But if someone lived in a place without a nearby lake or river, a boat would have little value to them.

From a spiritual perspective, we must ask ourselves, “How much is the human soul worth?” To God, our souls are incredibly valuable. So much so that He sacrificed Himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, to give us the opportunity to spend eternity with Him in heaven instead of a Christless eternity in hell, which as sinners, we deserve. Even when we were His enemy, the value He placed upon our souls compelled Him to make a way for our sins to be forgiven, and that way was on the cross.

God knew that millions upon millions of people would never accept Christ as Saviour, and thus would choose hell over heaven, yet He died for all. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” No matter who we are; no matter where we live; no matter what religion we claim; no matter what language we speak… Jesus died for and offers a “whosoever” salvation to everyone. But it’s a personal salvation. No one can obtain salvation for you. No one can pray you into heaven; no one can ask God’s forgiveness for anyone’s sins but their own. Additionally, you can’t earn your salvation. Nothing you do, including attending church, getting baptized, tithing money, giving to the poor, etc., can merit heaven for you. There is nothing you can do to work your way into heaven because in God’s eyes, our works are just like filthy dirty rags. Isaiah 64:6 reminds us, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

The bottom line is there is only one way to heaven, and that’s through Jesus Christ. He said, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  (John 14:6). Truthfully, if there really was another way to get to heaven, it would have been pretty foolish of Jesus to choose to die a horrific tortuous death on the cross. But it wasn’t foolishness; it was divine love that nailed Jesus to the cross, and it’s this love that saves us from our sins and promises us eternal life in heaven.

So, what is it that is so important to you that it keeps you from Jesus. Career? Social media followers? Money in the bank? Embarrassment? Friends? Something else? Are any of those worth more than your soul? Are any of those worth spending eternity in hell?

Joshua made this statement when speaking to the nation of Israel after they had settled in the land God promised to them. “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

This could easily be reworded to be more relevant for today: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the career ladder you seek to climb, or the followers you desire on social media, or the company you presently keep…”  Your soul’s place for all eternity is the most important thing to consider. If you choose Jesus, then you can say, like Joshua, “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Everyone will have eternal life, but as every realtor knows, the most important thing is location, location, location! It’s the same for eternity. The location for everyone is either heaven or hell. How important to you is your eternal home?

Choosing Jesus is really quite simple. Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Your soul is worth everything to God, and He did everything He could to save it. How valuable is your soul and its eternal home to you?

Memory Verse: “And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”  – Acts 16:31

I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus; no turning back; no turning back.

The cross before me, the world behind me;
The cross before me, the world behind me;
The cross before me, the world behind me; no turning back, no turning back.

(from “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” by Sadhu Sundar Singh/Simon Marak)

Scripture: “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” – John 10:29

Examination: Jesus teaches that He is the “good Shepherd” and continues to define His relationship with His followers as one between a shepherd and the sheep. He goes on to explain that God protectively holds His “sheep” in His hand and no one can remove them from Him.

Application: When I was little, my dad would hold my hand whenever we were in a situation where I needed his protection. It could be crossing a street or walking around a busy department store. Nothing could pry my hand from his grasp, not even my own squirming would make him release me. I belonged to him, and he kept me safe from everything… even myself!

This is exactly how it is with God. Once we accept Jesus as our personal Saviour, God’s hand wraps around us, and we are forever safe in His care. It is impossible to lose the gift of salvation that His Son provided for us because God holds us tightly in His hand, and our position with Him is a done deal. Ephesians 2:8 states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”  I am so secure in the palm of God’s hand that even I cannot jump out of it!

The reality that God will never allow anything to sever our bond is such blessed assurance, as the old hymn states. Here are a few verses in the Bible that remind me of God’s faithfulness to our relationship.

• “And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
• “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” – Joshua 1:9
• “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” – Psalm 16:8
• “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:20

Regardless of whether I backslide, fail, or even intentionally choose a sinful way, God doesn’t allow me to fall from His hand. His grasp on me remains firm, and He gently speaks to my heart through His Word and Spirit, bringing me to repentance and restoration. It is good to be held in my Father’s hand forever!

Memory Verse: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”  – 1 John 5:13

I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender. 
They're leading me in paths that I must trod.
I have no fear for Jesus walks beside me, 
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.

So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise,
They don't worry me; for I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God.
He walks with me, and naught of earth shall harm me,
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.

(from “Sheltered in the Arms of God” by Dottie Rambo)

Scripture: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:18

Examination: Paul is explaining the need to be united as believers, not divided because of who preached the gospel to them. Instead, he instructed them to focus on Jesus. Additionally, he explains that the wisdom of man falls short even when compared to the “foolishness” of God.

Application: For decades, scientists believed that a bumblebee was not supposed to be able to fly. Its body was too big for its tiny wings to support, plus it flew at speeds too low for flight to be sustained. It was absurd to see this rotund little creature flitting from flower to flower. Eventually science discovered that the bumblebee doesn’t fly like a bird or a plane; its wings move in a figure-8 pattern instead of up and down, generating lift in each direction.

There are many occasions in the Bible where unexplainable and unbelievable things happen. To believe in these events would be absurd… if you didn’t have faith! Here are a few of those “absurd” occurrences in the Scriptures.

• The parting of the Red Sea
  • “And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.” – Exodus 14:22
• The floating ax head
  • “And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.” – 2 Kings 6:6
• Calming a storm at sea
  • “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” – Mark 4:39
• The Resurrection of Lazarus
  • “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” – John 11:44
• Peter walking on water
  • “And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” – Matthew 14:27

This last example takes place during one of the disciples’ crossings of the Sea of Galilee. Seeing someone walking on the water toward them frightens them, after all, no one can walk on water! However, Jesus calls out and tells them that it is He and they need not fear (Matthew 14:27). Peter responds, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” (v 28). Jesus then invites Peter to come out of the boat. Matthew 14:29 records the event. “And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” As the impulsive disciple focuses on Jesus, he does the impossible! He walks on top of the water! Perhaps in a moment of realizing the impossibility of what is happening, Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to sink into the sea! Matthew 14:31 describes what happens next. “And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”.

Even though Jesus seemed to chastise Peter, His first action was to save the disciple from drowning. This is comforting to us today because we can know, without a doubt, that when our faith wavers… when we think it’s absurd that God would act in a certain way… Jesus will never allow us to drown in our disbelief. He will always reach out to us through His Word and Spirit to help restore us to Himself and renew our trust and faith in Him.

An absurd faith? To some, maybe, especially when one considers a verse like Romans 5:8. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” It does seem absurd that a holy God would suffer great agony and die on a rough rugged cross to save mankind from its own depravity and sin, but that is exactly what Jesus did. Time and time again, both in His Word and in my life, I am assured that there is truly no absurdity in placing my faith in a God who sacrificed Himself for me and loves me with an everlasting love!

Memory Verse:  “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” – Proverbs 28:26

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand: all other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, his covenant, his blood, support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand: all other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

(from “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” by Edward Mote)

Scripture: “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” – Daniel 3:17-18

Examination: Nebuchadnezzar has erected a massive monument to himself with the decree that all will worship him. Three young Hebrew men refuse to bow down, and the king threatens to throw them into a fiery furnace if they do not comply. Their response is that regardless of what the king does does to them, they will not bow down to him. They go on to say whether or not the Lord delivers them, they will continue to worship the true God.

Application: Unfortunately in life, bad things happen to good people. When circumstances are overwhelming, it is often difficult to hold on to one’s faith. However, it is vital to remember that in those hard times, the very thing that we should do is cling to our faith with all our might because God is the One who can do anything and everything.

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were cast into the furnace, Nebuchadnezzar fully expected to witness the death of the three men. Instead, he was stunned when he looked into the furnace moments later. Daniel 3:25 records his outburst, “… Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” This seemingly impossible situation was under God’s control the entire time. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego held on to their faith regardless of what the outcome could have been, and the Lord delivered them.

When King Darius sentenced Daniel to death, like Nebuchadnezzar, he was astonished to find the prophet alive and well the following day. Hoping that Daniel’s God had spared him, but fully expecting the prophet to have been torn apart by the lions, Darius called out to him the next day. Daniel 6:22 records Daniel’s response, “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.” Against all odds, Daniel survived without a scratch. His faith was rewarded by His God.

In the New Testament, we read of many occasions when God moved in miraculous ways to save His people… occasions where faith was deeply tested, and it seemed as though the outcomes were against all hope. God cares about each one of us and asks us to share with Him every concern we harbor in our hearts. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us of what to do, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Whether it be terminal illness, death of a loved one, loss of finances, persecution for your beliefs, rejection from family or friends… regardless of the cross that you are called to bear, hold on to your faith. 1 Corinthians 16:13 states, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” God is faithful and will always be so. 1 Corinthians 1:9 proclaims, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Unlike the myriad of circumstances in which we find ourselves, God remains our constant. He will hear us when we cry out to Him; He will always respond according to what is best for us and in perfect alignment to His will. He will never fail us, never abandon us, never ignore us. We must remember the truth of 2 Timothy 2:13, “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” Even when our faith wavers, God remains faithful… regardless.

Memory Verse: “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”– Psalm 34:1

As I look back on the road I've travelled,
 I see so many times He carried me through;
And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life,
My Redeemer is faithful and true.

My Redeemer is faithful and true. Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new. My Redeemer is faithful and true.

And in every situation He has proved His love to me;
When I lack the understanding, He gives more grace to me.

My Redeemer is faithful and true. Everything He has said He will do,
And every morning His mercies are new. My Redeemer is faithful and true.

(from “My Redeemer is Faithful and True” by Steven Curtis Chapman)

Scripture: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” – James 2:17

Examination: James writes about the interconnection of faith with works. He declares that it is not the works that save, but rather the works come as a result of one’s life after salvation. It is a direct result of being saved and becoming a child of God.

Application: Believing in God is not enough to be classified as placing one’s faith in Him. The Bible tells us in James 2:19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Satan believes in God, as do his evil angels, but there is no repentance or salvation for demonic beings.

Like anything else in life, having faith in someone or something involves active decision-making. Having faith in God means that a person couples their intellectual belief , the knowledge received from the Word of God, with purposeful action related to that belief.

Faith in Jesus involves the intellectual belief that He is the Son of God; He did die on the cross to pay for our sins, and He rose from the grave 3 days later. The purposeful action is repenting of your sins, asking Him for forgiveness, making Him your personal Lord and Saviour, and surrendering your will to His in every aspect of your life.

Once a person’s faith and trust is placed in Jesus, and His gift of salvation has been accepted, that faith is reflected in a new life lived according to the Scriptures. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Being “new” in Christ means there is a life change. Titus 2:11-12 tells us, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”

Our faith in Christ should be manifest in what we say, what we do, how we interact with others, and how we give to God what He deserves from us. Faith in action is our testimony to a lost and dying world that Jesus is the One who makes the difference in our lives. Hebrews 13:21 tells us that faith in Christ will “make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Let your works shout to the world that you belong to Jesus and He belongs to you!

Memory Verse: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” – Colossians 3:23

My life, my love I give to Thee,
Thou Lamb of God who died for me;
O may I ever faithful be,
My Savior and my God!

I'll live for him who died for me,
How happy then my life shall be!
I'll live for him who died for me,
My Savior and my God!

(from “I’ll Live For Him” by R. E. Hudson)