Faith on Sunday

Today was a beautiful day. The weather co-operated nicely after an all night rain from Hanna. The fresh smell of the new day really made me appreciate the night rain........also appreciate the fact that I wasn't in it.............I took a few minutes to give God praise for using the rain to cleanse the streets we walk on, for watering the trees to make them greener, and just for watering the earth. I thanked Him for helping me not to see the rain as an inconvenience any more but truly as a blessing, a much needed blessing.

The message at church today was on faith. It was a timely reminder from the book of James. A few interesting things that my pastor said was that James doesn't argue about whether faith works or not, he tells you that it works. I like that. When you have proven something beyond a shadow of a doubt, you don't need to waste time trying to establish its existence all over, you can speak with confidence that yes it exists. Many of us have proven over and over again that faith in God works. We have trusted God when things looked impossible and He has come through for us over and over again.

Another thing he said that challenged my heart, was that faith must be tested. It's no use having faith and not putting it to the test. Where's the proof? I have been pondering that in my heart, because time and time again I say that I trust God but then I don't put my faith to the test, so how can I say with confidence that I have faith? Faith without works is dead.


Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Lord, help me to trust you not just in word but also in my actions. Help me Lord to put feet to my faith so that it would walk with me whereever I go, for your word says without faith it's impossible to please you. I want to please you Lord. I want to be so sure of what you promise me Lord, that I would not hesitate to step out. I confess I need your help Lord and I ask it in Jesus name. Thank you Lord.

Blessings,
Vickie

Fresh and new

I stood this morning and watched my 13 year old son go off to school. He loved the summer vacation and the leisure that came with it. He loved being able to play ball at the park with his friends and not have to worry about doing homework. But I know he was looking forward to going back to school. Not so much that he wanted to be in school, but there were the prospects of knowing who was going to be in his cluster this year. Who would be his teachers now he was going into 8th grade. He would get the chance to see some of his friends that he hadn't seen all summer long. He was wearing his new pants and shoes, an almost new book bag filled with new school supplies. He looked good. He had a new hair cut and he looked fresh.

I watched him walk off with his dad and I stood on the step and prayed for God to guide him through this new time of his school life. He was going back to his old school, but this was going to be a new and challenging time for him as this would be his last year in middle school.

While thinking of him again as I was on my way to work, I switched my thoughts to the newness and the freshness of it all. I thought of how everyday we get a chance to start anew and to start afresh with God. Everyday we wake up God is saying, come into my presence today since you didn't quite make it yesterday. The word says He gives us new and fresh mercies everyday. As good as yesterday's was, we are drenched from heaven with fresh mercies for a fresh day. Each day presents its own challenges so God knows we need a brand new touch from Him. The psalmist David invites us to seek God early in the morning because he discovered the benefits of starting a new day with God.

I want to encourage you as I encourage myself to value each new day that God gives you. Grab hold of the fresh opportunities He present to you every day. Areas that you have been holding on to, make a fresh commitment to turn them over to God. The old and the familiar is very comforting, but there's excitement in walking with God and giving Him all of you like you never have before.

Blessings,
Vickie