A Little Note

You would be surprised at the power of a “little note.” Writing a “thank you” card or a “thinking of you” card has become a lost art. We are very accomplished at sending multiple emails… and some of them are personal messages (not forwards). Hardly anyone has a better grip on the abbreviations that mean entire sentences on text messaging than our children. But there is a certain touch… a certain power that comes when we handwrite a personal note to someone who did something nice for you. In the past, I have written what I thought was an insignificant little note to someone… that person then took that note and posted it on their refrigerator or in a prominent place because it meant something to them. Recently I received a note that impacted my life tremendously. That little note was so touching until I took a picture of it and it is now the home screen picture on my iPhone. What you say matters. Someone needs to hear words from your heart. They’re waiting.

John 3:16

Faith and Works

The Bible says that “faith without works is dead.” Faith, simply put, is idle words without the addition of action. Action without faith is mundane and meaningless. So, how do we receive the miracles and help that we need from the only living God, Jehovah? We must believe Him without wavering AND obey Him endlessly. Obey what the Bible says. Obey what He impresses on our heart in meditation. Obey Him no matter how difficult the task. He will come through for you too.

McAlester, Higher Praise COG

Faith Comes By Hearing

This is an excerpt from Romans 10:17. “So then, faith comes by hearing; and hearing by the word of God.” According to the Bible, we have all been given a measure of faith. I don’t have to search out faith. I don’t have to buy faith. I don’t have to wait for an inheritance of faith to acquire faith. I have been given faith by God Almighty. He is an awesome provider. However, I do have to continue to build my faith and exercise my faith, so that when times of difficulty comes and times of hardship comes… I can fall back on my faith like a cushion and ride out the storm in comfort that the God of Heaven will take me through the trial. Life can be hard… Life WILL be hard. But faith is looking beyond the glaring present and taking hold of the promised future. God has something for me tomorrow, if I can “faith” it through today. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. For by it (faith), the elders obtained a good report.” (Heb. 11:1-2) Faith is substance. Faith is evidence. Faith is what brings a good report. Hold on to your faith. Build your faith through the Word of God. Read it. Listen to it read aloud. Ingest the Word of God by any means. That will link you up with unfailing faith.

Journey of Praise

Yesterday, I began to read a book entitled A Treasury of Praise. It is a 90 day experience that leads the reader through scripture and reasons to live a life of praise. I have been in a place for a while that  has challenged my praise. When difficult times and seasons come, the proper response is to praise the Lord. Scripture teaches us that praise paralyzes the devil. When we praise God in the midst of the storm or crisis, we can short-circuit the plan of the devil. The devil is stupid! He does not know what to do, after he has thrown his best attack at you, and rather than crumbling into an emotional heap, you raise your head and your hands and honor God with a shout of praise. Praise is powerful. Praise is your weapon. Praise is your strength. Praise is what God Almighty deserves from you, His most valued creation. BTW, I am already on day 10… I am excited to read what the next day holds and I did not want to put the book down after reading only one day. “Oh magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together.”