I've been looking at the devistation in Japan with keen interest. I have a friend who lives in one of the affected cities. I haven't heard from her. We aren't as close as we once were. Time and distance will do that to a friendship. Language barrier makes it even more taxing. But, here I sit with everything she or her family might need, and I can't get in touch with her.
I didn't know anyone in Port-Au-Prince. I didn't have any people in New Orleans. No friends lost on 9-11 or in the Oklahoma City explosions. But I know someone in Japan, and I want to worry.
But I can't.
I was seaching for scripture today (note, I said "I") to write about how we should be connected to these events. Just because we don't know anyone doesn't mean we should be apathetic about the bombings in Libya or the fires that plagued Russia last summer and may well repeat this year. I (again, I) was feeling very self righteous about my plea for everyone to concentrate on how world-engaged I was.
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for correction.
As I looked for the passage in Luke about even sinners love those who love them, but we should love those who don't love us, I was directed to two special places:
Psalm 5:11 (King James Version)
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
Romans 8:28 (King James Version)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Our minister yesterday, Min. Ron Watkins, talked about 'let not your heart be troubled' - the encouraging command Jesus gave His disciples (then and now) about what lay ahead recorded in John 14. I was too pre-occupied to let it sink in until today. Or, inkeeping with the message, it was a planted Word that sprouted today, on time and in place.
The funny thing about faith and favor is that it can only be demonstrated during times and seasons when we shouldn't have it. It's easy to claim faithfulness when all the bills are paid, the kids are well behaved, and you're admired on your job. You can claim it, but that's not really faith.
Faith is facing the 3:00 AM phone call and calling out in Jesus' name that everything will be alright when the evidence is to the contrary. Favor is finding out at 8:00 AM it is.
Faith is walking into a meeting with your boss when they laid off the people to your left and your right. Favor is coming out of that meeting promoted, not fired.
Faith is knowing that the loved one you're praying for really is going to be ok, even when you can't reach them. Favor is getting a phone call from them confirming it, despite the complete lack of cell service.
Faith pleases God. Favor is often the demonstration of that pleasure. Jesus Himself was moved by faith...real faith...not lip-service faith, but crawl on the ground to touch the hem of His robe despite the risk of being stoned, faith. And everyone who came (comes) to Him with that kind of faith leaves whole, healed and renewed.
So, chose to activate faith. You know favor...you're the recipient of it daily, whether you realize it or not. But, loved ones, walk with me in faith. Encourage mine when I need it, and I'll do the same for you. Let's move out of worry, fear and anxiety and walk in faith, joy and expectation. Let's give all to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly, even more than we ask or think...
I worried last night. I worried this morning as I looked at pictures on the news. I'm done worrying. I thank God for each of you and for His favor in my life, in your life and in the lives of all we love and call friends.
John 14:27 (King James Version)
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Not my peace, but the very peace of Jesus.
Evg. Stephanie Robinson
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. Feel free to share this message.
Previous Lifeline mailings are posted here and can also be reached through the church website www.fcchosengeneration.com on the Lifeline link. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.
I didn't know anyone in Port-Au-Prince. I didn't have any people in New Orleans. No friends lost on 9-11 or in the Oklahoma City explosions. But I know someone in Japan, and I want to worry.
But I can't.
I was seaching for scripture today (note, I said "I") to write about how we should be connected to these events. Just because we don't know anyone doesn't mean we should be apathetic about the bombings in Libya or the fires that plagued Russia last summer and may well repeat this year. I (again, I) was feeling very self righteous about my plea for everyone to concentrate on how world-engaged I was.
Thank you, Holy Spirit, for correction.
As I looked for the passage in Luke about even sinners love those who love them, but we should love those who don't love us, I was directed to two special places:
Psalm 5:11 (King James Version)
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
Romans 8:28 (King James Version)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Our minister yesterday, Min. Ron Watkins, talked about 'let not your heart be troubled' - the encouraging command Jesus gave His disciples (then and now) about what lay ahead recorded in John 14. I was too pre-occupied to let it sink in until today. Or, inkeeping with the message, it was a planted Word that sprouted today, on time and in place.
The funny thing about faith and favor is that it can only be demonstrated during times and seasons when we shouldn't have it. It's easy to claim faithfulness when all the bills are paid, the kids are well behaved, and you're admired on your job. You can claim it, but that's not really faith.
Faith is facing the 3:00 AM phone call and calling out in Jesus' name that everything will be alright when the evidence is to the contrary. Favor is finding out at 8:00 AM it is.
Faith is walking into a meeting with your boss when they laid off the people to your left and your right. Favor is coming out of that meeting promoted, not fired.
Faith is knowing that the loved one you're praying for really is going to be ok, even when you can't reach them. Favor is getting a phone call from them confirming it, despite the complete lack of cell service.
Faith pleases God. Favor is often the demonstration of that pleasure. Jesus Himself was moved by faith...real faith...not lip-service faith, but crawl on the ground to touch the hem of His robe despite the risk of being stoned, faith. And everyone who came (comes) to Him with that kind of faith leaves whole, healed and renewed.
So, chose to activate faith. You know favor...you're the recipient of it daily, whether you realize it or not. But, loved ones, walk with me in faith. Encourage mine when I need it, and I'll do the same for you. Let's move out of worry, fear and anxiety and walk in faith, joy and expectation. Let's give all to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly, even more than we ask or think...
I worried last night. I worried this morning as I looked at pictures on the news. I'm done worrying. I thank God for each of you and for His favor in my life, in your life and in the lives of all we love and call friends.
John 14:27 (King James Version)
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Not my peace, but the very peace of Jesus.
Evg. Stephanie Robinson
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA. Feel free to share this message.
Previous Lifeline mailings are posted here and can also be reached through the church website www.fcchosengeneration.com on the Lifeline link. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.
Fellowship Church
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
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