Doses of Faith

  “For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury has cast in all the living that she had.”   Luke 21:4 (KJV)  How often do you worship?   Truly worship?          We do the rituals of praying before meals and praying at bedtime.   Some go to church Sunday morning.   It’s what they have always done.   Some go to church every time the doors are open.   It’s good to go to church, but when we go, are we truly worshipping and giving all to God in worship and in our daily walks?    In Mark and Luke, we have the story of Jesus and his disciples witnessing the rich men dropping their gifts into the treasury. Afterwards, the poor widow gives just two mites. Jesus brings this to the attention of his followers and tells them, “This widow has given more than all. The rich give from their abundance, but the widow gave all she had.”     I look at th...

Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (KJV)      At Christmas we sing songs of peace on earth and good will toward men, but there seems to be little peace or good will toward men spread around the world if you listen to the worldly news.   There are many stories of hate and crime, and the world is being painted as we are all doomed.   But, I know better.   I know better, because I know that there are men and women who express good will toward others.   There are men and women who are concerned about their neighbors, town, state, country, and the world.    They are more concerned about covering the needs of the others and not themselves.      We are blessed to have those who care and show good will to others.   There are the men and women who work with Samaritan’s Purse to help those in need around the world.   Others are those who work with organizations...

Some of my favorite years were where I served others on Christmas Day with some of my family.   The joy of praying with a homeless woman, the appreciation of the homeless man offering to help me to empty the trash and thanking me for the shoes and socks to keep his feet warm.   The smile of the child that had never had turkey and dressing on Christmas day is among my favorite times.   Then, working on making Christmas presents for my children and seeing their faces on Christmas day is among the most favorite.   Then, worshiping at midnight mass with my husband’s family with music and sincere worship of the Christ child made Christmas Eve special.   I look forward to more memories serving as God leads me.

     In five days, Christmas will be here, the day to celebrate Christ’s birth and to give glory to God. Wow! Shouldn’t we do that every day! But, Christmas is a day set aside each year to celebrate the birth of our Savoir. Families come together to worship. But, mostly, families come together to eat a huge meal and to exchange gifts. For some, this is a kettle pot exploding each and every year.       Some people have this Hallmark picture of the perfect family celebrating Christmas. Let me burst your bubble; life does not happen as we see in movies. Families have problems and tensions. Never look on the life of another family with jealousy, because they may have problems hid that you would never want. Don’t wish for another life, just take what God gives you, give glory and thanksgiving for our savoir, and give the day to Jesus, because it is the day we celebrate His birthday “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart ...

     I'm reading AW Tozer right now.  So, some of my thoughts are coming from reading his book.  We are like that, us humans.  Something is suggested and our mind goes with it.  My mind analyzes most everything.  At work, my brain automatically starts breaking down what ifs and consequences.  In other words, some people call me a procrastinator.  In the end, what I'm writing is not completely from who I'm reading as what I've read started me to think a little deeper about why, what, who, and consequences.      My favorite chapter (one of) in the Bible is Psalm 103.  I memorized it many years ago.  The first verse, "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name."  My mind, body, and soul went to desiring to bless, praise, and experience God with my whole being.  And, I asked the question, "Who is this writer?"  It is none other than David, and if you know what ...

Luke 17:18 "Were there not found any who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?"      How often do we give glory to God?  During the Christmas season, we sing and listen to songs giving glory to God.  We sing and praise God for sending his son as the Savoir of the World.  But, the rest of the year, do we give God the glory for each blessing he showers on us each day?       In Luke 17, Jesus heals 10 lepers.  In biblical days, lepers lived in colonies and were not allowed to live with family.  These 10 lepers approached Jesus saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." (13)  Jesus healed them and sent them to the priest as custom was in that day.  They were healed and after the priest examines them, they can return to their homes and family.  After the priest examined them, only one returns to "give glory to God" for the miracle of healing.  "He was a Samaritan."   ...

This morning as I prayed, I thought of a dear couple who gives and serves as they can.  Due to health problems, they don't have much.  It is ones like them that we should not forget, but we do, because they are always serving as they can without complaint.  I prayed for them this morning.  And, the verses that came to me were James 2:1-13.  Take time to read these verses today. James 2 Verse 1, My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.  Verse 8, If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you do well. Verse 9, But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. Didn't Jesus say that we are to love one another?  Jesus loved and cared for the sick, lame, and poor.  We should be doing the same.  Don't judge people, but accept them as they are, poor or rich, equally. And, this...

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 There is this lady who has chosen to be my tormentor for thirty five plus years.   As I committed to serve God, she has been there to find fault with my every move.   At times, her cruel words have brought me to tears.   Well, here we are in the Christmas season, and she is still there watching and waiting to criticize my every move for the Lord.   So, this past Sunday, as she wagged her tongue, I walked away and placed her at the top of my prayer list.   I have been praying for her continuously.   I’m praying that God will change her heart and fill her with His spirit of love.   Then, as I’ve been praying, God has given me others to add to my list.   So, I’m creating a special Christmas Prayer List. This morning at 5:30 AM as I’m praying for those God is laying on my heart, a small voice in my ...

     We can come up with multiple reasons for the failure of the churches in America and around the world, but the answer is simple.   We can talk about and analyze issues, but it comes down to churches leaving God out.   We can go to church for the wrong reasons and for the right reasons, but without having God in us, without loving God, without praising God, and without worshiping God, our right reasons are all in vain.   The church needs God in its’ heart.      I’ve seen how God changes people.   At times, I’ve been envious.   The drug addict who hears the Word of God, asks forgiveness, and let’s Jesus come into his heart becomes a changed man.   He is full of the spirit and can’t get enough of God’s Word.   He memorizes and shares the gospel.   He leads his friends and coworkers to the Lord.   As he grows in the Lord, he gives everything in his life to God.   He gave up all his earthly r...