Doses of Faith

      As I'm reading Zechariah chapter 7, I consider how easy it is to let things come before loving our neighbor.  The people of Jerusalem had grown wealthy and their hearts became as hard as the gold and silver they desired.  I can see this happening to us.  Isn't this the problem with our country?  We all want but don't consider those who don't have like the orphaned children, broken widows, the man who lost his job with no way to feed his family, the many immigrants desiring a better life, the families losing everything to to fires or storms, and the poor and broken hearted.  It is easy to say let the government take care of them as we collect our stimulus checks.  Have we become those people with hard hearts?      Jesus taught his disciples to love not hate.  There was no room for a heart of stone among Jesus and his followers.  When the Pharisee asked Jesus, "What is the greatest commandment?"  Jesus made i...

      Silence.  Some crave for a silent moment.  Noise is everywhere with the noise of children or the annoying, consistent, nonsense coming from a co-worker.  The streets are loud with horns and rushing traffic.  Oh! to be able to find a quiet spot.  Then, there are those who wish for some noise.  The one stuck at home during a pandemic, the one recovering from an illness, or the single retiree missing the noise and considering the empty house too quiet.  We need people whether with the noise or without, but we also need the Lord and time with our Lord in silence.      The definition of silence is quiet, still, hush, tranquility, and peace.  So, being alone for many days is not true silence if there is no tranquility and peace.  I believe we all have an inner spirit which spurs our desire for silence.  I find that silence at sunrise.  It doesn't matter where I am; I love waking up before sunrise to see...

      Do you ever wonder if you are on the right path?  Have we let the political atmosphere of the last six years define us as individuals?  On social media there are harsh words of disrespect towards one another.  A person can post a Bible verse to have harsh responses which do not relate to the verse posted.  If you don't agree with a person's view, you get blasted for being a member of the wrong political party.  Does anyone consider their words before posting?  Do I?      This morning while reading Haggai chapter 1, I stopped at verse five, "Therefore, the Lord of host says, 'Consider your ways.'"  When was the last time that I took the time to consider my ways?  Do I let my interest in politics or the news I read control my thoughts and opinions?  Am I making time for self meditation and Bible study?  These verses gave me things to ponder. You have worked much, and bring in a little You eat, but you do...