Daily
II Thessalonians 3:1-3 (NIV)
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Good morning!
There is something refreshing in observing the unconditional faith of a child. This morning, my grandson Joshua woke up early and wanted to watch cartoons. We recently switched from cable to satellite service, and I am all thumbs when it comes to viewing and selecting the appropriate channel. While struggling with the enemy (my term of endearment for what is known as the remote control), Joshua suggested I wake up Pa for help. Even young Joshua’s faith in my electronic capabilities only goes so far. I have been known to lay hands on the television monitor and pray for supernatural intervention. This morning, I believe Joshua needs to pray for me.
Where does faith come from? It is a gift of God, for those who place their hope and trust in Him. It is given in incremental measure. We gain faith through exercising faith. We trust Him all the more, especially when we cannot see the tangible, physical results. The Apostle Paul had heard of the faith of his Christian friends at Thessalonica, and how they continued to stand strong amid ongoing persecution. Paul didn’t have a satellite television from
During this season of Advent preparation, we have an urgent message to deliver. Jesus is counting on us to spread the Good News around the world! He commanded believers to go and make disciples of all the nations. How can we spread the news rapidly in our world today? We face faithless people everywhere we go. We need Christ’s protection and strength now. When my faith seems shallow, I get down on my knees and ask God for a greater measure of His faith, to face the things I simply don’t understand, even the remote controls of my life. We all have them – the things of life that seem so very difficult to get around. Greater faith is a gift of God. Ask Him for more today. It will make the job move much faster.
I am grateful for the many networks and stations that broadcast the Gospel message around the world. For someone like me, who is “remotely” challenged, they would not hire me to manage their satellite system. Even in my own inadequacies and struggles, there is a childlike faith just waiting to emerge. May you find the message of our Lord emerging in your life today, no matter what challenges you may face. And if it is a problem with your remote control, you can always call on
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC -
Pray for: greater faith! We need to send His message around the world, and today is the day to do it. Ask God to give you greater faith - just what you need at the right moment, so that you can share Jesus with the people you meet today.
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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
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