Category: Faith Fix

Do You Measure Up? (ATP)

How does a person measure their faith? How do we know what we have enough faith to believe in and what might be out of our reach?

Great question! This is referring to Romans 12:3, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” The Bible is telling us that we have a certain amount of faith and that we should be aware of how much that is so we don’t bite off more than we can chew.

The first thing we need to understand about faith is that it is essentially our ability spiritually based on what we believe can or will happen. Faith has no limitations, other than the will of God and our capacity to understand and trust in that will. Jesus told us in Mark 9:23, “all things are possible to those that believe.” He didn’t say all things are definite or even probable, but possible. This is an important thing to understand. You can believe all day long that the sky will turn green or the grass blue but this will not happen.

Specifically though, how do we know if we have enough faith? Well, I believe there are two parts to this so let’s look at them now. As I said, faith can only be built based on our knowledge of God and what He desires to do. Our measure, the true amount of faith we walk in, depends wholeheartedly on our relationship with God. John 16:12-13 tell us that part of the Holy Spirit’s job is to tell us those things we don’t know. He shows us the will of God but this will only happen if we spend time with Him, in His Word and in prayer, with the goal of walking out His plan. Many Christians, those who even go to church, never learn to walk in faith because their relationship or understanding of God never progresses further than just going to Heaven. They never learn who He is or how to actually trust in Him and therefore their faith, really their measure  of faith, never grows beyond basic understanding. Yes, we have been given a measure, but the Bible tells us in Romans 10:17, “…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” That measure can obviously grow. My faith, again my capacity to believe or trust God for things (not just material possessions but all things), is greater today than ever before.

So what about those two parts of faith? There is faith for that which comes to or against us and  then there is faith for that which we decide to reach for.

When it comes to things which are presented to us, such as trials or tests, we must understand we already have the faith we need. God has promised not to leave us orphans or without so therefore if we are faced with a situation or an opportunity, we have everything we need already to either face it or walk it out. The question is, do we believe that we do? Many Christians fail, not because they couldn’t do or overcome something, but because they never put their faith to practice. They looked at the mountain and said, “I can’t” instead of “move” and therefore they couldn’t and it didn’t. You can know how to swim but if you don’t move the right muscles you will still drown!

The second area faith works for is that which we desire to reach for. For example, maybe we desire a nicer home, a bigger family, a greater position in life or etc. These are areas where knowing our measure is imperative. If you decide to step out in any of these areas, yet you do not have the measure to trust God for them, they could fail. God has put the process of living life in our hands. There are very few limits He places on how far in it we can go. That does not mean however we can just do anything successfully; we have to grow that ability.

I’ve seen this a lot over the years in growing families, where people often get off in several areas. One example I’ve seen is they will say, “we will just see how many children God will give us.” This is a false assumption from the onset. First of all, God has put the business of making babies into the hands of humans. (Well, not actually the hands but you know what I mean!) In normal circumstances, there is a process to this and we all know how it works. If you don’t, after the first you should. God doesn’t determine the number possible, but we do. The other area is just assuming that if you can make a baby you should. Have you counted the cost? I know some people who have had a child but determined one is all they can handle on many levels. One child is where they stop and are good with it. Some people happily have the ability for many, and for them this is good. Let me also say, I am in no way advocating aborting a child! Once the process has started it’s too late to decide to stop it. I use this example because it is such a common place of misunderstanding but also one that has various outcomes. People often get into things in life without considering where they are at and therefore step out beyond their measure. Having a family is a wonderful thing but it is not without cost. I know ministers that have not had children because they knew they couldn’t do some of what they were called to because of the demands of family. This was not a bad decision nor one all people will make but it was a decision considering a lot of things. They considered their measure. Many areas of this life could be used as examples, but this is one I’ve seen many times that gives us a clear understanding of this principle.

So how do you know where your measure is? Well, if you are having a hard time believing God for one car, certainly don’t buy two! Build your faith and capacity for one then when it’s time, reach for two. I ask God all the time, “Show me what belongs to me.” Because I endeavor to be in His plan and walk closely with Him, He always does. When I know what God has for me, it’s easy to know what I can reach for and so obtaining and maintaining those things is not difficult. The other side of this is when I just desire something, I put it before God. If I cannot ask Him in peace and surety, I know it’s either not for me or the timing is wrong. When this is the case, I don’t keep asking, I wait. When and if it’s time, if I keep a heart towards Him, He will let me know.

The biggest thing in all of this is, if your heart is right, then you can trust Him to show you. How do you know if your heart is right? You will never know if you don’t spend time with Him!

Be Blessed,

Pastor Jeff

Which Drink Should I Choose? (ATP)

This week’s question involves a topic of controversy in the body of Christ. “What does the Bible say about wine; is it ok for Christians to drink wine, as long as they avoid other alcoholic drinks?”

What I’ve found in my time as a Christian, and especially as a pastor, is that most people have already made up their minds about this topic. Anytime we make up our minds on something then go to the Word for proof that we are right, we’re already in error. Many Christians will search for scripture to find passages like Jesus turning water into wine just to be able to  say, “see, God encourages us to drink wine.” The truth is, drunkenness is condemned in both testaments and many individuals were used as examples in the Bible including Noah, Lot, Belshazzar, and various Israelite church members on why not to participate in alcohol consumption. It would take pages and pages to include every reference to every scripture that speaks against the abuse of alcohol.

That being said, I’m not going to argue that every Christian who drinks an alcoholic beverage of any sort isn’t going to make it into Heaven.  At the same time, the Word does say in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” These aren’t my words or opinions I came up with. This is the Bible, the New Testament.  Is is wisdom not to play with eternity. It is wisdom to look at the Word of God to try to live free from error.

Proverbs 23:19-20 says, “Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way. Do not mix with winebibbers…” Though this is Old Testament, this is a wisdom scripture. Here the Word attributes wisdom to refraining from associating with winebibbers.  What the Word wants us to understand is that we should put our flesh under. 1 Corinthians 9:27 says, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” This is an issue we see in the body of Christ, Christians who won’t live differently and put their flesh under but think they are going to win the lost. 2 Corinthians 6:17 instructs us to, “…Come out from among them and be separate…” Why are so many Christians fighting this? When our life looks like the rest of the world we are in jeopardy of becoming disqualified, which means debased, unfit, and unapproved. Our life looking like the world is not going to be approved by God. Let’s not forget this.

Recently, I was listening to a sermon by Pastor Nancy Dufresne and she said something so wise.

She said if it won’t make you more spiritual, if it makes you more carnal, don’t let your body participate.  1 Corinthians 10:31 says the same thing like this, “…whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” If it doesn’t glorify God, why would we want anything to do with it? Now look at Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  It’s up to us to present our bodies a living sacrifice. This means, we put our body under and decide that we want to live God’s highest and best life, participating in the things the Word calls us to and refraining from the things the Word tells us to. This is considered reasonable.

So to get back to the original question, is it ok for Christians to drink wine, as long as they avoid other alcoholic drinks? Really wine, liquor, beer, etc., are all the same just packaged differently. I don’t see any difference in the Word between the type of alcoholic beverage one is consuming. What is the purpose of drinking alcohol? Back in biblical times a little fermentation could calm a sick belly, but we have other things like apple cider vinegar or even ginger now for this. Not to mention the antioxidants and nourishment of the grapes can now come from grape juice, no alcohol necessary. So we should ask, why is the alcohol being consumed?

Likewise, we should ask what level of sin is ok? How much are we allowed to lie? Can we lie to our boss but not to our spouse? What level of sexual sin is too much? Are we allowed to make out with our boyfriend as long as we don’t “go all the way”? How much are we allowed to rob from God? Can we keep our tithe but give an offering? Can we withhold the tithe on the under-the-table side work we have done? We could go on and on with every arena of life.

The truth is our heart should be to uphold Christians standards and live in such a way that helps bring others to Jesus. Our main purpose shouldn’t be to “get away” with anything, but to be continually transformed and bettered. Whatever makes us more like Christ and less like the rest of the world us where we should be aiming to go. I’m going to stick with grape juice, but that’s just me.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Renée

Witnessing Tools (ATP)

This week’s question is actually a combination of several similar questions that came from various people: How can I pray for people that are backslidden and/or people that don’t seem to want the faith or for people that might “know” the Word but have no revelation of it. What about people that seem not to even listen to the Word but instead twist scripture and make up doctrine. How is the best way to witness to these people? How do I prove Him to someone who won’t accept the Word as credible?  I’ve asked friends/ strangers to come to church with me. I’ve shared my testimony with people and still get the, “church just isn’t my thing” response. What more can I do to get more people in church?

It’s interesting that so many questions have come in regarding the same thing. It shows how many Christians want to do what the Word says and participate in the Great Commission. But it’s also clear that there’s much discouragement in this arena. We live in a fallen world. Most people you encounter on a daily basis at your job, at your school, in your general dealings with people will be unsaved. I’m immediately brought to Matthew 7:13-14, which says, “…for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Sadly, in the grand scheme of things, according to scripture, most of the people we will meet are not going to choose Jesus.

Should we quit now?? Am I saying not to even bother trying to win the lost? Not at all. One important thing is for us not to get frustrated and annoyed with people who don’t want Jesus. Jesus isn’t a stalker and He doesn’t force anyone to love Him. We can’t either. Free will is the freedom to choose whether or not we accept even heaven or hell, salvation or damnation. It really is up to each individual.

I’m reminded of Matthew 13:55-58, “Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.’ Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” There were people that even Jesus Himself couldn’t reach because they refused to believe in the power and the truth. Likewise, there are many people in our own lives we will not reach because of our past, because of our natural relationships with them, because of their unwillingness to believe, and for other such reasons. We have to try not to become discouraged by this as we press in with God and purpose to live a life of winning others to the kingdom.

Our best tool with our family and close friends is prayer. As humans, we often think the best solution and our best ability is in the natural, tangible realm. We think if we just say enough or do enough it’ll work, but salvation isn’t natural. It’s supernatural and it requires supernatural power. Remember Ephesians 1:17-18, pray “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you (whoever it is you’re praying for) the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” Our prayers change things that our physical effort may not.

Now, we should not use this as an excuse never to speak to people about Jesus. “I’m praying for you, so forget anything else.” We should continue to invite people to church. This is good. Too many times Christians stop because they’ve heard “no” too many times. It doesn’t hurt to ask again. But, it’s more than that. 1 John 3:18-19 says, “…let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” Our actions speak to people. Romans 2:4 tells us that the “goodness of God leads men to repentance.” Keep sharing your testimony. As we do this, we bring glory to God. But there are many things that we must consider. If we don’t look changed or sound changed our testimony isn’t a testimony to those we are witnessing to. Our witness will be destroyed by our lack of vigor. Our witness will be destroyed by our negativity. Our witness will be destroyed by our unwillingness to be generous. It will be destroyed by our unwillingness to be friendly. It will be destroyed by our unwillingness to love the unloveable. Our witness will be destroyed by our distraction and our own selfishness.

To win the lost, the broken, those with twisted doctrine, those who aren’t interested, we must love them the same way Jesus does.  Matthew 9:36-37, “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Jesus had compassion on people. He wasn’t frustrated with them. He wasn’t badmouthing them. He loved them so much that His heart was for laborers. If you continue reading in verse 38 you’ll see that Jesus said to pray for laborers.

In some regards though, we can even tend to get selfish when it comes to those we want to see in Heaven. No, it’s not wrong for us to desire our family members to be saved. Of course not! But we should have the same compassion on others as we do our own family. This is a novel concept isn’t it?  We need to be willing to be the laborers for someone else’s loved ones. Love the unloveable. Maybe no one else will. That unloveable person might be someone else’s brother that they are praying for. Give to people you don’t know just like you would to people you do know. Truly demonstrate generosity with no hope of someone returning the favor. Stop for the broken down vehicle. Talk to the person crying in the waiting room of the doctor’s office. Sit by the awkward, unpopular kid at lunch or on the bus. Pay for the persons meal in the drive thru behind you. Be the church, Christians.

Let’s focus on loving like Jesus loved. He stopped when there was a need or a pull. He became aware when someone had the slightest bit of belief and faith and He ran with it. He was willing to alter His schedule whenever warranted. He spent time praying. He encouraged His disciples to keep going. Jesus is our example. Focus on how He loved, what He said and what He did. This is how the great commission is fulfilled. This is how we reach the world.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Renée

Upholding Christian Standards In A Non-Christian Society (ATP)

The world normalizes things all the time. I understand the obvious stuff that I should avoid but what about other areas for example at work when I sometimes have to serve alcohol, am I causing people to sin, am I sinning by doing that? Or all the “CBD SOLD HERE” signs you see all over the place, how should I view things like that?

Immediately 2 Thessalonians 3:10 comes to mind, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” We need to understand that we live in this world and must operate to a large degree according to the principles of this world. What I mean by this is that just because we are Christians doesn’t mean we get a money tree in our backyards and are exempt from having to work like the rest of the world does. Our jobs are avenues that the Lord uses to bring provision into our lives.

This being said, it is more important above anything else that we follow our spirits and the voice of our conscience in any situation in life, even in our jobs. Look at what the Apostle Paul relayed in 2 Corinthians 1:12, “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God…” This we can be proud to say, that we have lived a life in which we have conducted ourselves in godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom. We should have a testimony of upholding our moral conscience, and upholding the principles of the Word with purity in all areas of our lives, not just on Sunday morning.

Another scripture that comes to my heart is 1 Corinthians 10:31, “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” In this life we should always make sure that whatever we do we are doing it with a clear conscience, living to bring glory to the Lord.  If you’re working in a situation that is ungodly, the inward witness will let you know it’s time to leave. You’ve got to be willing to follow the Holy Spirit and the Word of God above a paycheck.

Now, we also know this, that Proverbs 13:22, “…the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” We know people personally who are wonderful Christians, increasing the kingdom of God, blessed with provision to further the gospel and their income comes primarily from the wine industry. Now, these people don’t actually produce wine, rather juice, but most of their customers buy their juice to produce wine. Is it up to them what people do with the juice their grapes produce? The Lord has blessed them abundantly even knowing these things. The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the children of God! Another minister we know went away to Bible college and needed to get a part time job. If you don’t work, you don’t eat. He was hired at a gas station working behind the counter. During his shift he was able to read the Bible and study his notes and it was a real blessing to his life, but customers would come in and buy beer and cigarettes. Did he say, “I can’t sell that to you because I’m a Christian in Bible school and I don’t agree with your choices?” No! He did his job, and he did so in good conscience because he didn’t cause those people to sin. They were going to partake of those things regardless of who was behind the counter.

Now, let’s remember, we must always follow our conscience. There are a couple of things we should also understand. Let’s look at the beginning and end of Romans 1:28-32, “…as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness…who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”  We must be careful not to approve or accept sin, even saying, “I can’t control what they do.” Our hearts should never be callous to the evils of sin. We never want to grow used to sin and should guard against that. For instance, there’s a difference between being a waiter delivering a glass of wine or a gas station attendant who needs to cash out somebody with a 6-pack, and a bartender making mixed drinks and setting up shots all night, every night, while witnessing debauchery and drunkenness. There’s a difference between selling tickets to a movie theater with rated R movies and working the door of a strip club. There are simply some environments that are not fitting for a child of God.

Look at Matthew 12:43-45, “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first..” Something else to keep in mind is whether or not our job will cause us to stumble. If you’ve been someone with a drug addiction it’s not a good idea to work in a place where drugs, or even CBD is sold. (And in regards to this CBD craze, I always look at it this way: if the world is really into it, if it’s popular in society, I need to question why. I haven’t done extensive research but I do know that it’s a red flag when the world is really gung-ho about something.) The devil makes sure there’s temptation to fall back into the same sins. If you’ve had an alcohol problem, you probably shouldn’t be working in an environment where alcohol is sold or served. If you’ve had a problem with gambling, you probably shouldn’t be working at a casino. We’ve got to guard our lives from error and we should all know our areas of weakness as to not allow the devil an open door to come back into our lives and wreak havoc.

To close, above all, stay fortified in the Word, continue seeking Him, be open to His direction, and He will lead you into the best jobs. He’ll keep you safe. He’ll bring promotion. He’s got a good plan for your life. So if you remember these things and endeavor to let Him guide you into all truth, you’ll know where to go and what to do every single time.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Renée

When You’ve Got It You’ve Got It (ATP)

My husband seems to be much more spiritually sensitive than I am. Is this because he is the spiritual leader of our household or am I missing something?

Romans 12:6 says, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…” Now let’s read, 1 Corinthians 12:17, “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?” As I looked at this question, immediately these two scriptures came to mind. Actually, some others came as well, but we will keep it simple.

One of the most interesting things about the how God has made us, is the extreme variety He has created. This of course, we can plainly see in people, how we all share such similar traits but at the exact same time are vastly different. Our spiritual walk is no different. First we must understand a truth; God is not interested in either talent or ability. He only cares about hunger. We see  that in the Old Testament God used a donkey and in the New Testament Jesus said if these keep silent the very rocks would cry out. God does not care about what we can bring, but rather what we are willing to bring.

A husband and wife who are both hungry for the things of God will walk in and with that which God has put into them. Have you ever been in a service and thought, “Wow, that person is excited! I must not be spiritual because I’m not feeling it!” The flow of the Spirit is, in a sense catered to how God uses us and how He has created us. Think about it this way, doesn’t a hand function differently than a foot? Probably the main answer here is that you are both used differently.

In actuality, a trick of the devil, is to get people so focused on others that they never develop what God has put in them. People sometimes go as far as to wrongly covet what someone else is doing and completely miss what God wants to do through them. A minister we are connected to once said something that has stuck with me for years, because of how profound, yet simple it really is. She said, “You need to know how God uses you.” This can also apply to how He speaks to you.

Think about it this way, don’t you talk to different people, different ways? We all can have relationships with the same people, yet all those relationships even though we have common interests and goals, are all built in different ways. It is the same with God.

Now I do want to put this out there, that what I’m saying is not an excuse to be lazy or not to stretch ourselves. While the Lord does deal with us differently, He deals with us through the same Word and same Holy Spirit. Some people may take what I’ve said so far and use it as an excuse to not do what the Word clearly tells us. That’s as much, if not more in error than comparison. We still need to purpose to have a prayer life, a Word life, and a church life. We still need to serve and reach people and use our faith for our weaknesses. We still need to allow the Holy Spirit to both work things in us and out of us. The key is to endeavor to have a heart towards God and His Kingdom. Desire to have God fulfill His plan in you.

Remember also these things Paul told the Philippians in Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” and Philippians 2:12-13, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

Whether it’s your spouse or your church friends or even a minister of the gospel, rejoice in how God uses them but don’t desire to do things exactly like they do. Imitate hunger, honor, humility, dedication and love, but allow God to work in you the way He does. Rejoice in the differing of gifts, knowing that it’s all part of His purpose; many parts, different functions. When we learn to focus on just what He wants to do with us, it’s amazing how a joyous and peace-filled relationship with God develops. You will say, “Why didn’t I do this all along?”

Philippians 3:17

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Jeff

Does This Count? (ATP)

This week’s question is for us all. “When you are going through seasons that are fuller schedule-wise, how is the best way to maintain Word and prayer? Does it “count” to listen to messages online, or CD sermons from ministers as Word time?”

Our time with God is not about keeping score. Our time with God is not something that we need to check off our “to do” list. This is wholly and entirely missing the fact that our walk with God is about relationship, not religion, not ritual. I love what the Apostle Paul said, 1 Corinthians 14:18,

“I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all.” Paul knew something. He knew that a supernatural prayer life was crucial for the plan he was called to walk out on this earth. He knew the fruit of praying in tongues. He knew the benefits for his life. Notice, Paul never said anything about any spiritual brownie points. He knew he couldn’t be successful without prayer, and especially prayer in the spirit. One way to build our relationship with God, that can happen as we go about our daily life, is praying in the spirit, like the Apostle Paul.

Look at Galatians 5:22-25, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” The Word doesn’t lie. These things, things that benefit our lives and make our lives easier, come through growing a spiritual harvest. Spiritual fruit comes by paying attention to our gardens so to speak. Plant the seed of the Word, till the ground of our hearts, nourish our spirits by Word and prayer, and we will bear these spiritual fruits. Notice also that our character is built by spending time with God.

Look also at Psalms 16:11, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” In His presence there is joy, there is fullness and there is direction. We can have as much joy, as much self-control, as much patience, as much love, as much direction, and as much fullness as we choose. This can come in many ways, as long as our hearts are turned towards Him. The Word speaks of joy that comes in His presence. Sometimes we’ll just need to take the time to enter into His presence through praise and thanksgiving. We know this invites Him to move in our lives. This can happen as we go about our daily lives, taking care of errands, cleaning our home, in our car, taking a walk, etc.

Besides prayer in the spirit, and praise and worship, His Word is our direction and our answers for our lives. Look at Psalms 119:103-105, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Word should be sweet to us. We’re looking at it wrong if we’re seeing the Word, and our Word time as anything but sweet. Through His Word we get understanding! Through His Word we get clarity! These are things we need more than ever in busy seasons. Skip down a few verses, Psalms 119:11-16, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.” Notice that we must hide the Word in our hearts. This denotes a personal time of digging deeper into the things of God and into the Word. It really could be likened to digging to bury a treasure deep down underground. As we spend personal time in the Word we bury it into our hearts. This is not the same as only listening to someone else share a sermon, while we are preoccupied with something else. We should endeavor to find time for this, not because we have an obligation, but because we understand the importance.

Now look at Psalms 1:2-3, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” The most prosperous life is for one that takes time to delight in and meditate in the Word. The most rooted and stable life is for one who delights in His Word. This word delight is very interesting. It means to willingly purpose. Whenever someone willingly purposes to spend time in the Word, they will prosper in whatever they do. Joshua 1:8 says this same thing, “This Book of the Law (the Word) shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” If we want to be doers of the Word, we’ve got to keep the Word at the forefront of our hearts and mouths.

Finally, another consideration we must make is whether or not the things we have filled our plate with are things the Lord has called us to. If you were in church this week, you’ll remember Psalms 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it…” If what we are doing isn’t blessing our lives, it’s not of God. It’s not failure to admit we can’t do it all. It’s not failure to step back and re-prioritize our lives.

Keeping all this in mind, God is fully aware of our situations. The fact that we want to make sure we’re spending enough time with God is more than many Christians even think about. Remember though He is not keeping score, no matter what the enemy wants you to think. He desires time with us because He loves us, but He’s not holding it against us if we legitimately have busy schedules for a season. Mothers can understand this very well. Sometimes we have very little left to give after a busy day of caring for our families. Would a loving Father rather you neglect your children and households? I think we know that’s not the case. Our lives are blessed as we seek Him, but remember each one of us has a personal relationship with Him. We need not compare our walk with our neighbors. We need to make the time we have with God intimate and meaningful and always be assessing whether or not we’re keeping Him a priority in our lives. Remember condemning thoughts are not of God. He’s a loving Father, always here to hear us and keep us in the right direction.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Renée