----FAITH CHALLENGE ~~

~~~"The righteous man shall live by faith."
---(Romans 1:17)--

---IT IS a certainty in the Christian life = you will be challenged to rely on God more with every aspect of your being. This is the purpose of the sacrifices you will be called on to offer, the seasons of waiting, and the leaps of faith you'll be pressed to make. You will be placed in situations where you must make a choice = "Do you trust the Lord's wisdom or you own?"

Hopefully you'll acknowledge: "He is God!" But it does come at a price. It will mean trusting Him when life hurts, nothing makes sense, you cannot see the path ahead, and the burdens appear more difficult than you can bear. But in every instance He is saying, "Trust Me, and experience the powerful and eternal things I've planned to accomplish through you."

This is the process by which your faith grows. You obey Him above your own wisdom, fears, insecurities, and natural senses, and He readies you for a more profound relationship with Himself and a more meaningful and abundant life. So listen to God and say 'yes' to Him no matter what. Don't spend the rest of your life constrained by your own limitations. Trust and obey Him. ~~

--"Lord Jesus, You are God. I step out in faith knowing You always lead me in the best way possible. Thank You, Lord, for leading me in Your everlasting way. ~ amen.~"

--MY HOPE IS IN JESUS BECAUSE HIS WISDOM SURPASSES MY OWN AND HE CAN OVERCOME ANYTHING I FACE. ~~

--IN TOUCH/CS ~
---"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." --(Hebrews 11:1)

---"But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." --(Hebrews 11:6)

---"Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." --(Romans 10:17)

---"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."-(Hebrews 12:2)

---FAITH REQUIRES PRACTICE ~~

--"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice."
---(Philippians 4:9)--

---We as disciples are called to be practitioners of our faith. "Church" language works against us, though, because we've been taught that church is something we "attend." Our faith is not something we "attend"--we don't go to watch Christianity like we watch a ball game.

But we've brought that mentality to our faith-life, and we've imagined that the objective is to sit on the sidelines and evaluate. That is not Biblical. Church isn't about a building. Church isn't what happens behind the podium. We are the Church- -you and I--and we are to take everything we experience inside the Church building and put it into practice outside the Church building. ~~

--"Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Church throughout the Earth,. Strengthen Your Church to preach the Gospel and to hold fast to Your promises. Provide wide and effectual doors for Your believes to tell about You in all circumstances. Help us, Lord, to never be ashamed of You and your Word. In Jesus' Name, amen. ~ "
---Turn Up The Light/Pastor AJ~

---A Crucial Foundation/ FAITH ~~

--"Put on the new
self, created to be
like God in true
righteousness and
holiness."
---(Ephesians 4:24)--

---STEPHEN grew up in a rough part of East London and fell into crime by the age of ten. He said, "If everyone's selling drugs and doing robberies and fraud, then you're going to get involved. It's just a way of life." But when he was twenty, he had a dream that changed him: "I heard God saying, 'Stephen, you're going to prison for murder.'" This vivid dream served as a warning, and he turned to God and received Jesus as his Savior--and the Holy Spirit transformed his life.

Stephen set up an organization that teaches inner-city kids discipline, morality, and respect through sports. He credits God with the success he has seen as he prays with and trains the kids. "Rebuilding Misguided Dreams," he says.

In pursuing God and leaving behind our past, we--like Stephen --follow Paul's charge to the Ephesians to embrace a new way of life. Although our old self is "corrupted by its deceitful desires," we can daily seek to "put on the new self" that's created to be like God (Ephesians 4:22,24). All believers embrace this continual process as we ask God through His Holy Spirit to make us more like Him.

Stephen said, "Faith was a crucial foundation for me changing my life around." ~~

ODB/ABP~
[When you look back over your life, what comes to mind as key moments that prompted change? What long-lasting change resulted? Share your testimony with others. You may be the witness they need to surrender their life to Jesus. We all are needed in God's Army here on earth. "You are loved with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms." ~ ]
.

--HAVE FAITH IN GOD, NOT MAN ~

---"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!"
---(Romans 11:33)--

----The Bible teaches that “the foolishness of God is wiser” than the cleverest human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25). “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness” of the message of a suffering Savior to rescue “those who believe” (v. 21).

God always has ways of surprising us. Instead of the triumphant king the world would expect, the Son of God came as a suffering servant and died a humbling death by crucifixion—before He was raised in unsurpassable glory.

In God’s wisdom, humility is valued over pride and love shows its worth in undeserved mercy and kindness. Through the cross, our unconquerable Messiah became the ultimate victim—in order to “save completely” (Hebrews 7:25) all who place their faith in Him!

--"Heavenly Father, I praise You for the wisdom of Your ways. Help me to trust You and walk humbly with You today. Lord, I want to follow You and not man's ways. Your was is always best. Help me, Lord, to stay on the strait and Narrow path with You, in Jesus Name. ~ amen~'

--ODB/JB~----/"FAITHFUL ONE" / Brian Doerksen and Kathryn Scott / <https://youtu.be/tum3U_28Xc4>
-----------

---ALL THINGS ~~

--"God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
--(Romans 8 verse 28)~

--Have you ever experienced a difficulty that's utterly confounded you? You can't make sense of what's come to pass. Why in the world would the Lord allow what's happened, especially when you're trying to be faithful?

--As you wrestle with such circumstances, here's a truth that can give you hope= The Lord is actively involved in everything you experience. Now, this does not signify that God always instigates the problems you face. Rather, it means He only permits adversity if there is some divine, eternal purpose He can achieve through it. You may not be able to see what His reason is, but you can fully trust that if you'll continue following Him in faith, eventually you'll see some worthwhile good come from your suffering. This may not be evident until we arrive in Heaven with our Lord.

God can work through all things that happen to you for your good and His glory. That's right--all things. There's nothing you can experience that He won't use to teach you something important. Therefore, take your hurts and confusion to the Lord. He wants to give meaning to your life, so allow Him to reveal His great purposes to and through you. Remember, others are watching believers. We must show them where our faith is, in Christ. ~~

---"Lord Jesus, help me to understand all You wish to teach me. Lead me, Lord, in Your way, everlasting, in Christ's Name.~ amen~"
-----IN TOUCH---"COMPLETE"/ Parachute BAND ~~ / <https://youtu.be/XEUztyAdqGY>
~~~~~~~~

---OUR GOD SUPPLIES ALL OUR NEEDS ~~

--I have a cousin who is a Baptist Minister. When we were growing up, we only saw each other a couple of times a year. Now we see each other even less.

A few years ago, when I hadn't seen him for some time, I suddenly began thinking about him and his family. I just couldn't get them off my my mind. And for some reason, I felt compelled to send him a check for $100.00. I thought about it for a few days and made more than one trip to the post office, yet did not mail it. I finally mailed it with a letter saying I hope I wasn't offending him, but I believed the Lord wanted me to do this.

A couple of weeks later I received a reply. My cousin said it never ceased to amaze him how God worked in his life. And now God had once again shown him, through us, that He would always meet our needs. My cousin said the only concern he had was that I had sent too much. All he had needed was $97.56. ~~

--Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul ~~--"PSALM 91 / New Creation Church --<https://youtu.be/kgvx9drZXpk>
~~~~~~~~

---JESUS IS ALIVE NOW!
---(Touching Lives/ Pastor James Merritt)


---“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.”
---(Luke 24:5-6)--

--Most religions (the world has over 270 of them) are built on philosophies. The four major world religions are built on personalities.

----Judaism claims that its founder was Abraham, who died in 1900 B.C. He was buried and physically is still dead. Buddha, who died around 477 B.C, founded Buddhism. He was buried and physically is still dead. Mohammed, who died in 632 B.C, founded Islam. He was buried at Medina where his tomb is visited by thousands of devout Muslims every year and physically he is still dead. Jesus is the founder of Christianity. He died, was buried, but He came back to life and He is still alive.

Someone once said, Christianity begins where other religions end: with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The empty tomb is a game-changer.

There is a story about a Buddhist in Africa. He was befriended by a missionary, who began to share with him the gospel of Jesus. He eventually surrendered his life to Christ and became a follower. When he was asked why he changed his faith the former Buddhist said, “It is like this. If you are walking along and you come to a fork in the road and two men are there and one is dead and the other is alive, which man’s directions are you going to follow?”

--We all must decide who or what we are going to follow. Jesus is a risen Savior and a reigning Lord. This changes everything. Because He lives, His followers are in relationship with Him. We don’t just believe what He said or study what He did; we have the joy of knowing Him personally through the Holy Spirit. There is no other god who offers such intimacy. The Gospel is this: Christ died for you so that you might live not only for Him, but also with Him.

--"Father, There is no other God besides You, and no other Savior but Your Son Jesus. I pray that I will never take for granted the joy of knowing and serving a risen Savior. Help us, Lord, to be bold with our faith and tell others of the new-found-eternal life found only in You, in Jesus Name."
-[Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you." --(1 Peter 1:3,4) ]~

--I LIFT MY EYES UP~~

--[Please Read/ PSALM 121]

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made Heaven and Earth. --

He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade on
your right hand.

The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

The LORD will protect you from
all evil;
He will keep your soul.

The LORD will guard your
going out and your coming in
From this time forth and
forever." --(PSALM 121/ NASB)
---"I Lift My Eyes Up" / Brian Doerksen / <https://youtu.be/9g4eqKDkDiw>

------CONFORMED TO HIS IMAGE ~~

--"And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly."
--(1 Corinthians 15:49)--

--ONE OF THE Most amazing promises of the Word of God is that those who "love God" and are "the called according to his purpose" are those whom "he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son" (Romans 8:28-29)

Adam and Eve were created in His image physically in the beginning. "So God created man in his own image...male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27). Presumably this means they were created in the physical form that God knew He would assume when, in the fullness of time, He would become man Himself, in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ.

That image was marred when Adam (and, in Adam, all men) sinned. Nevertheless, it can be restored spiritually when we receive Christ and "have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Colossians 3:10).

But this is not all. As our text reveals, we who have been made in God's earthly image (both physically and spiritually) will also, in due time, receive His heavenly image. This will take place when Christ returns. At that time, "we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye...and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

In what way shall we be changed? The Lord Jesus Himself "shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body" (Philippians 3:21). His body, after His resurrection, was still His physical body, but it was no longer subject to pain or death and was able to pass through walls and to speed rapidly form Earth to Heaven. That is "the image of the heavenly" to which we shall be conformed some day soon!
For "we know that, when he shall appear, we hall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2)
---ICR/HMM~

--"GOD OF THE AGES"/ Charles Billingsley~~
--<https://youtu.be/YnM3lc-LyzY>

--(Verse 1)
He is the image of the invisible God
The first born of creation
He is the first, the last,
The one who matters most

[:: VERSE 2 ::]
He is creator, ruling sustainer of all
He holds it all together
He is the Word of God
The hope for all the world

His name is lifted higher
Jesus, your name is lifted higher

[:: CHORUS ::]
We bless you Lord, God of the ages!
Highest of all we magnify you
Your name will be exalted, exalted!

[:: VERSE 2 ::]
(Chorus 2x)

(Bridge)
Who can compare?
Who can compare to you, to you?
(Repeat 4x)

(Chorus)

---COMPLETE CONFIDENCE ~~ FAITH IN JEHOVAH GOD~

--"I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
---(Philippians 1:4-6/ NIV)--

----All around me I see people who are leaders. Some are in the corporate realm, managing large organizations. Some stand at the front of classrooms, teaching with authority. Some oversee jobsites, coordinating multiple contractors. Some step into a surgical suite and save a life. Some walk onto a factory floor and ensure that a product comes off the assembly line. Some are at home, guiding children toward maturity and taking care of their family’s needs. All of these roles require preparation, coordination, and responsibility. But when it comes to our faith, and someone asks, “Could you host a small group?” we lose our confidence and say, “Sorry, I’m not qualified.”

*** I’d like to invite you to ask the Holy Spirit to help you in this area. He will show you how to use the confidence you exhibit in the world to become a person of faith who is able to invite someone toward the transforming power of God. [**We must remember, our faith is in God, not in (so-called) 'faith teachers'. Beware of these people.**]

--THINK ABOUT IT
The work of the gospel is a partnership, and the Lord has promised to give you the skill and confidence to do your part. Think about the leadership skills you use in the world and how you might use those skills to advance the Lord’s purposes in the earth.

PRAYER
--"Heavenly Father, You have promised to equip me and give me the grace and confidence I need to invite others toward faith in You. Open my eyes, silence my fears, and encourage my heart to walk into opportunities to extend Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen."
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson

---THOUGHT FOR THE DAY~
'I WILL TRUST JESUS WITH A
CHILD-LIKE FAITH AS I REACH
OUT TO THOSE IN NEED~'

----LIKE A CHILD~~

"Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven."
--(Matthew 18:4 /NRSV) --

--A Pastor friend of mine was recruiting volunteers to portray Biblical characters at his district's confirmation retreat. Knowing that I enjoyed portraying Biblical characters, he asked me to play Bartimaeus, the blind beggar who called out to get Jesus's attention. [ See / Mark 10:46-52] As the children rotated through several Bible scenes in groups of four of five, I sat cross-legged, with my eyes closed tight, calling out, "Jesus, have mercy on me!" With each group, the teacher would read the story from the Bible, and then the group would move on to the next scene. To my surprise, after one group moved on, one child turned back. I was about to open my eyes when I heard her footsteps and felt her small hands on my head. "Jesus loves you, she said, "and He has given you back your sight!"

I was deeply touched that this child had not been content to leave the blind beggar alone and still wanted to meet Jesus. I wondered, How often have I avoided reaching out to a hurting person? When could I have shared words of hope with someone in need? This child's faith has inspired me to take the time to talk with others about Jesus' love. All Christians are to show the love of Christ. Jesus has called us to be 'light' in this dark world. Let's shine for Jesus!
--"You are the light of the world. A City that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it
gives light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in Heaven." --(Matthew 5:14-16) ~

--"LORD G-D help us to have the faith of children, and may we live out that faith in how we interact with others. Lord, we want to shine for You, in Jesus Name."--Amen~
--Upper Room/ JH~

------

---STEADFAST LOVE / GOD IS IN CONTROL~~

"Give thanks to the God of Heaven.
~His love endures forever."
--(PSALM 136:26/ NIV)--

--Several years ago I joined a devotional challenge where participants choose a word for the year. I chose the word love, initially focusing on examining my love for God. To reinforce my commitment, I posted a photo in my office of a heart drawn in the sand on the beach with waves crashing nearby. Inside the heart was another heart saying, "Love God." One morning a co-worker noticed that image and said, "Wouldn't it be cool if after the waves crash over it, the words, Love God were still there?" He smiled and walked away, saying, "Not likely is it?"

His remark made me reflect again on what it means to love God. Just how steadfast is my love for God? Is my love for God "written in the sand" only in good times? When things get tough, is my love for God still readily spoken, tangible, visible? How likely am I to boldly declare that I love God after a storm has come and the waves of loss, grief, disappointment, rejection, and fear have crashed over me?

The questions I asked myself still remain. But after reading Psalm 136, I was thankful knowing that God's love for me will always stand. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

-"LORD G-D, help us to remember that your love for us is infinite and everlasting. May we remain steadfast in our love for You in every situation. We pray these things in the Name above all other names, Jesus. ~amen~
--"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." ~~(Hebrews 11:1)

--"Without faith it is impossible to please him (Jesus); for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."
--(Hebrews 11:6)

-"Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believes." --(Mark 9:23) --"In Control"/ Hillsong/ <https://youtu.be/VbvLtM_167k>
~~~~~~~~~~~
--UPPER ROOM/CR~

--WHATEVER THE COST / DO WE LOVE THE APPROVAL OF MAN MORE THAN WE DO OF LOVING JESUS?

---WHATEVER THE COST ~~

--"They would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear."
---(John 12:42)--

--[Please read JOHN Chapter 12/ verses 27-43 = 'JESUS FORETELLS HIS DEATH' ]

~~~The film Paul, Apostle of Christ takes an unflinching look at persecution in the early days of the church. Even the movie’s minor characters reveal how dangerous it was to follow Jesus. Consider these roles listed in the credits: Beaten Woman; Beaten Man; Christian Victims 1, 2, and 3.

Identifying with Christ often came at a high cost. And in much of the world, it’s still dangerous to follow Jesus. Many in the church today can relate to that kind of persecution. Some of us, however, may feel “persecuted” prematurely—outraged any time our faith is mocked or we do not receive something we think is due us.

Obviously, there’s a colossal difference between sacrificing social status and sacrificing our lives. Realistically, though, self-interest, financial stability, and social acceptance have always been intense human motivators. We see this in the actions of some of Jesus’s earliest converts. The apostle John reports that, mere days before Jesus’s crucifixion, although most Israelites were still rejecting Him (John 12:37), many “even among the leaders believed” (v. 42). However, “They would not openly acknowledge their faith . . . for they loved human praise more than praise from God” (vv. 42-43).

Today we still face societal pressures (and worse) to keep our faith in Christ hidden. Whatever the cost, let’s stand together as a people who seek God’s approval more than human praise.

---ODB/TG~--Yes, we all are sinners saved only by His grace. This song, "Clean" by Natalie Grant explains where we were before He saved us. Only Jesus can make us clean. "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory in Jesus Christ." We must keep short accounts. When we have sinned the Holy Spirit convicts us, it is then that we must confess / repent (1 John 1:9)= "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." --<https://youtu.be/dqfgjSPMcnc>
----------

---THE PATH OF FAITH ~~

-"Continue to have faith and do what you
know is right. Some people have rejected this,
and their faith has been shipwrecked."
--(1 Timothy 1:19)--

~~The faith-filled prayer is a prayer of admonishment. The prayer of faith invites God to be God, to be sovereign over a tumultuous time.

Dennis McDonald models this type of admonishment. He was our church’s hospital Chaplain for many years. I was always struck by the transformation that came over him as he began to minister. When he entered the hospital room, he went straight to work. Dennis would anoint the sick person with oil and pray, “Lord, this is your servant, whom you love and whom we love. Let your healing happen in this room. Satan, you must leave. You’re a liar, and your words have no merit. This child is bought by God. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.”

This is the job of the church: to take struggling followers and lead them back to the path of faith. And this is how happiness happens.
~~~~~~~
[ **We all need encouragement. I admonish you to pray for and over people who are sick, in pain, in sadness, or whatever state of mind causes them to lose hope. "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." --(Philippians 1:6) This verse is for the one needing healing, and also for the one ministering to them. It is God's Promise to all of us.]
--"How Happiness Happens"/ (New Book by: Max Lucado)

---OUTSIDE THE CAMP ~~

--"Jesus suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood."
---[Hebrews 13:12] --

---FRIDAY was market day in the rural town in Ghana where I grew up. After all these years, I still recall one particular vendor. Her fingers and toes eroded by Hansen's disease (leprosy), she would crouch on her mat and scoop her produce in a hollowed-out gourd. Some avoided her. My mother made it a point to buy from her regularly. I saw her only on market days. Then she would disappear outside the town.

In the time of the ancient Israelites, diseases like leprosy meant living "outside the camp." It was a forlorn existence. Israelite law said of such people, "They must live alone" (Leviticus 13:46). Outside the camp was also where the carcasses of the sacrificial bulls were burned (4:12). Outside the camp was not where you wanted to be.

This harsh reality breathes life into the statement about Jesus is Hebrews 13 / "Let us, then, go to him outside the camp bearing the disgrace he bore" (v.13). Jesus was crucified outside the gates of Jerusalem, a significant point when we study the Hebrew sacrificial system.

We want to be popular, to be honored, to live comfortable lives. But God calls us to go "outside the camp" --where the disgrace is. That's where we'll find the vendor with Hansen's disease. That's where we'll find people the world has rejected. That's where we'll find Jesus. ~~

--"Thank You, Jesus, that You don't show any favoritism. Thank You for going outside the camp for me. I praise your Name.~"

--ODB/TG~

--"I Speak Jesus" // Charity Gayle // (lyric video) <https://youtu.be/FBIz8vDMG20>
~~~~~~~~~~~~

--"Without Faith It is Impossible to Please God" ~~

--"O Lord, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all...animals both small and great."
---[Psalm 104:24-25] --

--Over the past forty-five years of marriage, Beth and I have enjoyed and nurtured four generations of golden retrievers. Ten years ago when we moved from Waco, Texas to Macon, Georgia, we had four golden retrievers "bedded down" in the back of our Suburban...Beau, Muffy, and their two puppies. Bear and Buddy. It was hard to find a motel that would accept all of us!

Time passes quickly and last month, our last Texas golden retriever, Buddy, died of pleasant old age. Beth and I are still grieving. We knew we would again require another pet. We had the faith to trust the Lord to supply our wants. Last week, we adopted another beautiful golden retriever puppy. Her name is Lexi and she is a free-spirited young lady. She is chewing up anything she can fit in her little mouth. However, she is bringing great joy to us, and we are again experiencing the spiritual gift of nurture.

As I left home this morning, I knelt down and gave Lexi a big hug. While driving to work, I began to sing an arrangement of verses based on Psalm 104: "All things bright and beautiful, al creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all."
In that moment I realized that joy and perspective were retuning to me. The grief of the loss of Buddy was lifting. And a profound experience of the goodness of God was glimpsed through the rearview mirror of sweet memories. ~~
--Guideposts/SW~

--Faith Is Confidence ~~

--"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
---[Hebrews 11:1/ NIV]

---MY sister-in-law recently noted the nearly identical traits I share with my oldest daughter. "Faith talks like you," Laura said. "She doesn't have your sarcastic drawl, but the words are the same."

The "sarcastic drawl" description would be wrong it if weren't complete accurate. And yes, my daughter Faith and are very much alike This has led to a deep and abiding love, a good deal of confusion, and some remarkable spats. Our relationship thank God, is made better now, because Faith has become a better person. (Me? Well, ah....still some work to be done there..) But I will remember how we would argue into the night, both using the same strategy and tactics. Invariably, our matches would end in frustrating draws, like playing chess against a mirror.

The, too, is my struggle with faith --the concept, not the daughter. There is a deep and abiding love, some spectacular fallouts, and still accompanied by confusion. This time it's more like shadowboxing: I am truly fighting myself, wondering why I'm not winning and wondering why it feels so fruitless. Luckily, faith--both the concept and the daughter are far more forgiving and merciful than me, and choose to use arms to embrace rather than to fight.

--In the mean time, we press on to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Living one day at a time. ~~
--Guideposts/MC

--SUFFERING for WELL-DOING ~~

--"For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.'
---[1 Peter 3:17] --

--ON September 14, 1981 missionary John Troyer was martyred in the remote mountains of Guatemala. At midnight, the household was rudely awakened and ordered outside by ten armed men. They ransacked the house and doused a nearby vehicle with gasoline.

John was held at gunpoint and accused of deceiving and oppressing the Gutemalan natives. It was not true Years before, several villagers had begged for help from the Mennonites. The local people were trapped in a cycle of poverty, superstition, malnutrition, drunkenness, and illiteracy. So missionaries had come to the little village of Palama and given solid Bible teaching, established a local church, and helped with education, agriculture, and health care. The villagers loved Pastor John because he loved them.

The vehicle parked a few feet from the house, was set afire. Amazingly, it did not explode, nor was the house destroyed. Finally John and his assistant, Gary Miller, were ordered aside, where they were shot and left for dead. Although bloody and weak, Gary survived.

Many Christians have experienced suffering and even death for their faith. Christ Himself is our supreme example of suffering wrongfully without retaliation. "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously". (1 Peter 2:21-23)

--BSW/DM

--FAITH CHALLENGE ~
----NO FEAR IN LOVE ~~

--"There is no fear in love, because perfect love casts out all fear." --[1 John 4:18]

----Overcoming Evil ~~

---"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers...against
spiritual wickedness in high places." --[Ephesians 6:12] --

--When Mrs. Foulweather planned to open a liquor store on the property adjoining our church and school, our congregation prayed that the Lord would help us know what to do. A public hearing before the State Liquor Commission was required for the necessary permit, so our deacon attended the hearing and made a respectful appeal. He specifically cited a state law forbidding the establishment of any business that sold alcohol close to a school . The commission quickly denied the permit.

Our relief was short lived, however, when several days later Mrs. Foulweather was seen walking around the grounds of her proposed liquor store with the local representative to the state legislature. Shortly thereafter the commission reversed its original decision and issued a permit to Mrs. Foulweather, who immediately began to fill the vacant building with her vile products.

The congregation was disappointed and discouraged, but wisdom prevailed, and they kept praying for the Lord's intervention. Within one year the store went broke, the doors were closed, and the unsold devil's brew was hauled away. A mechanical engineering company purchased the property and their business is still there today, some twenty-five years later.

Righteous indignation at perceived injustices often results in character attacks, protests, and even lawsuits, yet our Lord reminds us that, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways" (Isaiah 55;8) . The solution to every trial that we ever face is available from the One who gave his only Son. Let's be sure to always seek His will and HIs way. ~~

"Vengeance is mine, I will repay saith the Lord --[Romans 12:10]
--BSW/PL~