faith

Ask -Seek-Knock

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It is encouraging to know that Jesus never taught us to do anything that He has not done first.

He asked: And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:34 ESV

He sought: For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:10 ESV

He knocked: Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 ESV

The more that we ask, seek and knock in the same way that Jesus did, the more we will find the answers Jesus received!

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you Matthew 7:7 ESV

The color of the Flower

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But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”
John 5:47

This Mother’s day Azalea was planted at our friend’s house almost 50 years ago. While it is amazing both in it’s beauty and size, what is also curious is the azalea on the neighbor’s side of the fence. It has seen the same sunshine and rain and while also pretty it is only about half the size. The difference is not about its circumstances but about its connection to the soil.

In the same way we who are tested by storms, droughts and harsh winters can bloom at our Father’s doorstep. Our living relationship with Him means both believing what He has spoken in the past along with listening to what He is saying today. God’s written word is a signpost pointing to Christ. The Pharisees were intent on learning all about the post but were not ready to follow it to Jesus. Staying in a living connection to God’s word means more than just knowing every line. A relationship with Him also means listening to what He is saying today. That connection is what makes us grow and gives beauty to the color of the flower!

How Did Noah Build The Ark?

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But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord Genesis 6:8

For those who have not made it to see the Ark Encounter it may be difficult to imagine not only the size, but also the tremendous amount of details involved in the ark. God’s instructions were clear on the dimensions and to make a window and a door. The rest of the thousands of decisions as to exactly how to build the ark were left up to Noah. How did he do it? God doesn’t tell us much but we know one thing about Noah: He found grace in the eyes of the Lord!

In the same way Jesus has given us His clear commandment: Love one another:

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He wasn’t specific on the details of our obedience to this important mission. He is trusting us to fill in the blanks each and every day with the exciting, challenging and sometimes downright complicated outworking of that obwdience.

If you are struggling at times like I am with learning to love don’t be discouraged. There is one wonderful reason one reason to not give up and walk away: Grace!  By God’s grace we can figure it out just like Noah. It is a gigantic task but by grace, the love of Christ in us is up to the task!

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19

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