faith unfaded

You may have seen me talk before about my daily Bible study and journaling. It is not an official Bible study, but rather a commitment to read and write about a passage each day.

It started a few months ago when I realized I was not devoting enough time to studying the Bible between Sundays. Each day I sit quietly and wait patiently for the Lord to direct me to a passage. Occasionally in my haste, I flip the Bible open and just start reading but that causes me to miss one of the most valuable parts of the activity: learning to hear that still, small Voice amidst all the noise.

Trust me, there’s plenty! While waiting for the day’s address (Book, Chapter, and Verse) Satan- who masquerades as an angel of light- throws out verses too. It is like the audience of The Price is Right, all shouting something different. I have to listen carefully as the Lord’s directions land.

He always brings me to a place I need, something that correlates to a current trial or endeavor. His Words are Spirit, and in them comes life.

Occasionally one will be so profound, it’s immediately turned into a full blog post. Other times I’ve just cleaned one great principle.

Below is a list of ten of these little treasures. They are “walking aids” along my spiritual journey. I hope you find strength in them as well.

1. 1 Peter 2: Follow Christ’s example of suffering. When he was reviled, he reviled not again. No guile was found in his mouth, meaning he wasn’t cunningly thinking of revenge. While I’m singing Taylor’s Mad Woman and thinking about striking back, I should be reading verses 21-25 instead.

2. Romans 12: Let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith. (v. 6) My prophesying will grow stronger as my faith does. It already has. This will continue.

3. Philippians 2: We should have the same mind Christ did- He did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing, (v. 5-7) Become a servant but it’s okay to know the power of God in you. Don’t allow the devil to taunt you with narcissism claims and false pride accusations. The Lord will keep pride in check. Satan doesn’t want you to know the true power of the Holy Spirit in you.

4. Ephesians 6: Paul is in prison still writing and teaching (this is the spiritual armor of God chapter) but mentions “knowing his affairs” a couple of times. This reminds me of my need to be fully transparent at all times. He also prays for boldness, which is easy to lose when you are imprisoned for your words. While I do not face incarceration over witnessing, I do occasionally alienate people. Boldness helps me accept them being offended by me now instead of God being offended by them on Judgment Day.

5. Mark 6: Two powerful reminders in this passage. 1) Shake the dust off my feet and move on from those who reject me. (v. 11-12) and 2) A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home. (v. 4) Some of those closest to me will never receive me or the words I have to say. That’s okay. Some didn’t accept the “Carpenter’s son” and He is Jesus! Keep going. Keep speaking.

6. Jeremiah 36: Jeremiah wrote the Lord’s words in a book just as I am doing. The people got mad and burned the book. Then the Lord gave Jonah even more words because His Word will be proclaimed. Pay no heed to dissenters.

7. Malachi 1: Do not offer polluted bread upon the altar. Get my entire life- even discipline toward food- in order so as not to taint the offering to the Lord.

8. 1 Peter 4: Remember to always be honest. Use humility and hospitality. Stay sober; be vigilant. Speak godly truth.

9. Proverbs 30: There is a generation pure in their own eyes and yet unwashed from their filthiness. This is so many of our own children. I find it easier to discuss and deride them than to pray for them. This must change!

10. Philippians 4: Paul had people who ministered to him while others shunned him. I have the same. My need to have everyone love me is a hindrance sometimes. Paul was also content whether he had a little or a lot. This I’ve learned well. Whatever state I’m in (mountaintop or valley, feast or famine) I am content.

Even literally whatever state I’m in! Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Kentucky…no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I am content because it is never about WHERE I am but WHO is in me!