Faith – In the dictionary the word faith means a couple of things. The first one is confidence or trust in a person or thing. The second is belief that is not based on proof. And the last definition is belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion. My question to you is this... what does faith mean to you? All throughout the Bible we hear so many scriptures regarding faith. We read that Jesus heals many because of the faith. People approached Jesus having faith that just his words alone can bring healing to their child.
In Matthew 17:20 (NLT) “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible. A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds and a mountain is one of the biggest things on earth.
One of my favorite stories from the Bible is Jesus walking on the water. Peter and the disciples were in the boat together and they were in trouble. Strong winds were blowing and they were battling gigantic waves. In the early hours of the morning Jesus approached them walking on the water. When the disciples saw this they were afraid. In their fear they screamed “It’s a ghost!" Jesus said to them “Don't be afraid, take courage I am here!” Peter said to Jesus “Lord, if it’s really you ask me to come toward you on the water.” Jesus said “Come." Peter went to the edge of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. The winds picked up again and the waves were crashing against the boat, Peter was scared and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus reached his hand out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith," Jesus said “Why did you doubt me?"
Have you ever been through a trial or rough time in your life and feel like you are on that very same boat? I have been there myself. Through my trials or hardship I like to imagine myself walking toward Jesus. Peter sank because he was to occupied with what was going on around him. In our lives when Jesus allows the trial, we are called to step out of that boat. It strengthens our faith and walk with Him. During some of my trials I will admit I have jumped out of the boat with a tube around my waist shaped like a duck with swimmies on my arms! When we step out of the boat, we should step out with our God given authority. Hold your head up high and fix your eyes directly on Jesus. Don’t listen to the lies that try to creep in. Just step out of the boat and reach your hand out and Jesus will be there to grab it. Let your faith kick in and remain in his arms and He will give you the peace and comfort you need to get through trial. He’s waiting...
Psalm 68:19 (NLT) For each day he carries us in His arms.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Restorations by Eileen Alpaugh
Restoration is a concept we are all familiar with. We restore old furniture, antique cars, and houses. It is a process by which something broken, misused, neglected or worn out is carefully and skillfully worked on to bring back the original beauty and usefulness. Flaws are hidden, broken pieces are fixed, and whatever cosmetic processes are available are employed to make it appear to be as good as new. Appear to be.
Too often we take familiar words and apply their common meaning to spiritual matters. When we consider restoration as it applies to a life devastated by the effects of sin, we think of that life retuning to its former status, as if nothing bad happened. A do over if you will.
Scripture renews and transforms our common thinking to Kingdom mentality. When God is involved in restoration it is unlike any process we can imagine. Rather than a restoration of appearance it is one of divine purpose. Only God can restore a life to a state that is of higher value and usefulness than its former condition. Those of us who have experienced the transforming power of the Living God can testify to this truth.
In the book of Ruth we learn of lives are devastated by famine, disease and death. Our earthly thinking would have spared Naomi and Ruth that suffering to allow them to live out their lives with their husbands and sons…. happily ever after. Naomi’s initial reaction to her suffering brought her to a place of sorrow and bitterness. How often we respond like Naomi, underestimating the possibility of divine restoration when a powerful loving God intervenes. By the divine intervention of God, restoration was not only brought to these women in their earthly situations, but it also allowed them to be part of the eternal plan of redemption as they were elevated to positions placing them in the genealogy of the Savior of all mankind.
This same God has a divine plan of restoration for each life yielded to His loving touch regardless of the degree of destruction. This process of restoration is ongoing and far reaching. Lives are not given a clean up or fix up but rather the transformation of becoming a New Creation in Christ bearing the image of God Himself.
Can you imagine a life more in need of this kind of restoration than those caught up in sex trafficking? Can you imagine a soul more satisfied than one who has been rescued from horror and repositioned in a role of divine purpose?
Can we, who have experienced this amazing process not do everything in our power to make this Truth known to others?
Our mission is to bring the Truth of Divine Restoration to as many lives as possible. Our privilege is to be part of the plan that has eternal value. Our Hope is that you will join us.
One changed life can affect countless others. Imagine the possibilities.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifleth himself even as He is pure.” (I John III: v. 2, 3).
…until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. Acts 3:21
Too often we take familiar words and apply their common meaning to spiritual matters. When we consider restoration as it applies to a life devastated by the effects of sin, we think of that life retuning to its former status, as if nothing bad happened. A do over if you will.
Scripture renews and transforms our common thinking to Kingdom mentality. When God is involved in restoration it is unlike any process we can imagine. Rather than a restoration of appearance it is one of divine purpose. Only God can restore a life to a state that is of higher value and usefulness than its former condition. Those of us who have experienced the transforming power of the Living God can testify to this truth.
In the book of Ruth we learn of lives are devastated by famine, disease and death. Our earthly thinking would have spared Naomi and Ruth that suffering to allow them to live out their lives with their husbands and sons…. happily ever after. Naomi’s initial reaction to her suffering brought her to a place of sorrow and bitterness. How often we respond like Naomi, underestimating the possibility of divine restoration when a powerful loving God intervenes. By the divine intervention of God, restoration was not only brought to these women in their earthly situations, but it also allowed them to be part of the eternal plan of redemption as they were elevated to positions placing them in the genealogy of the Savior of all mankind.
This same God has a divine plan of restoration for each life yielded to His loving touch regardless of the degree of destruction. This process of restoration is ongoing and far reaching. Lives are not given a clean up or fix up but rather the transformation of becoming a New Creation in Christ bearing the image of God Himself.
Can you imagine a life more in need of this kind of restoration than those caught up in sex trafficking? Can you imagine a soul more satisfied than one who has been rescued from horror and repositioned in a role of divine purpose?
Can we, who have experienced this amazing process not do everything in our power to make this Truth known to others?
Our mission is to bring the Truth of Divine Restoration to as many lives as possible. Our privilege is to be part of the plan that has eternal value. Our Hope is that you will join us.
One changed life can affect countless others. Imagine the possibilities.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifleth himself even as He is pure.” (I John III: v. 2, 3).
…until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. Acts 3:21
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