faith

You can do it!

/ pastorpete51 / 9 Comments

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Six years ago, while my wife Nancy was battling cancer, I remember sitting for hours in hospital rooms and doctor’s offices, feeling anything but strong; and not courageous at all. I was overwhelmed, alone, and exhausted. When we go through those times, some of us look to the Bible character of Joshua as a tremendous example of courage. Yet I wonder if during those days when Joshua was mourning the loss of his friend and mentor Moses, if he was feeling particularly courageous. Do you suppose that he ever felt weak or afraid as he faced the task of leading more than a million people into the promised land? You better believe he did! Just think, if he never felt that way, then why did God command him not once, not twice but three times to be strong and courageous?

    Whether you are in a crisis or are just facing problems beyond your control, remember that we serve a God who gives us hope that is not based on own courage and strength, but in Him. We can have hope in His promise that the enemies we face are no match for our Him! He is not disappointed by our weakness, nor impatient with our faltering steps. Like a good father teaching His child to walk, God stretches out His arms today and calls to us, “Take another step! You can do it! Be strong and very courageous: because no matter what you face, I will be with you!”

Father, I ask you to quiet my heart so that I can hear your voice and trust that you will be with me wherever I go.

The Faith of Rahab

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments 
By faith, Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. Hebrews 11:32 ESV

Who wants to have the faith of Rahab? Hmm, I’m not seeing any hands, and that is probably because, her occupation makes us question her character. Yet, Rahab is one of only two women listed in this list of the heroes of faith (the other being Sarah). So, to better understand her story, let’s turn to the Old Testament book of Joshua. In chapter two, we learn that two spies were sent to check on the situation in Jericho. There in Jericho, they stayed at the house where Rahab lived. Now, before getting the wrong idea about why they picked that house, consider that this was probably an inn for travelers. Furthermore, it was probable that her Father owned it and had put his children to work, cooking meals, cleaning guest rooms and to Rahab he assigned an occupation that brought him a little extra cash, Wow! Now that shines an entirely different light on things. Rather than being a woman of ill repute, Rahab was more like an abused daughter. From that perspective, Rahab was in fact being quite courageous by taking in the spies and hiding them. She also chose to put her faith in the God of Israel. For any doubters, lets listen to her words:

The LORD, He is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. Joshua 2:11b

Also notice that neither her dad, her brothers or sisters offered to help, but Rahab, did and she also made sure that the family who had taken advantage of her, would be protected.

Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a sure sign Joshua 2:12 ESV

Lastly and most amazing of all, Rahab is not only listed here next to Abraham, Moses, and David, but she is also included in the family line of Jesus Christ. This amazing, courageous woman displayed a faith that is an example for us all. So now, who wants to have the faith of Rahab? Put me on that list!

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Stepping into the New Year

/ pastorpete51 / 10 Comments 
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

Today is the first day of another year and I am weaker than I was when I was younger, but my hope is stronger because weakness is teaching me to rely more on Jesus and less on me. Being crucified with Christ used to be a mysterious and frightening idea. But in today’s verse, Paul was teaching the Galatians that nothing on earth could make him afraid anymore, because his real life was now in the Christ, who had loved and given His life for him.

But trusting is a choice, and it our choice. Just as the trapeze artist must let go of the bar and fly across space, trusting in her partner to catch her, so we must let go of our own strength and ability in order to take hold of the hands of God. He is reaching out and calling us forward into 2024. Why not surrender your life to Him, and step into the year ahead, with confidence in His love? That same Jesus who gave Himself for us, will certainly watch over us and care for us, no matter what lies on the road ahead.