Faith, Hope, Trust and Love

Faith, Hope, Trust and Love

Faith is denial
defeated by devotion,
strengthened by sureness
in the yet unseen.

Hope is heartache
wrapped in healing,
treated with the balm
of undying faith.

Trust is worries
yielding to worship,
conquering chaos
with jubilant joy.

Love is sacrifice
surrendering self
for the sake of
a cherished child's soul.

And the greatest of these is love.
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I am Peter, strolling on the sea, focused on my Savior, ecstatic in the moment . . . and then I realize I am doing the insanely impossible. My heart suddenly goes spastic! Taking my eyes off where they should have remained, I find myself spitting and spewing, gulping muddy water as I sink into the darkness of the deep.

I am not trying to walk on water. I am just trying to stay afloat within the sea of everyday life. With so many blessings, why is it so hard to keep my eyes faithfully on Christ? Everyday struggles threaten to drown me and you in a sea of despair. Yet, Jesus wants to pull us up from the depths if we will only put our hope in Him with complete faith and trust. How can we have that complete and pure a relationship with Him? Perhaps it is as simple as talking more often . . .

How many times have I heard, "Don't worry; just pray"?  The Bible does tell us after all to pray about everything. Consider this. In the New Testament, the word Abba is used as another name for God. The translation is closer to "Daddy" than the stricter sounding "Father". Why do I tell you all of this? Because this word conveys a close intimacy between father and child and what loving parent doesn't want to talk to their children? Can you imagine what you would feel like if your child rarely (or never) spoke to you?  Abba wants to hear about our day and - unlike some others - He doesn't tune us out. God cares about the argument with our coworker, the bill collector's call and Johnny's report card. He also longs to hear about Seth's home run, Sarah's solo in choir and praise for the beautiful sunset you drank in on the way home.

I believe in the beginning, we pray hoping the Lord listens. I know the more we pray, the more our faith increases and this hope becomes trust that God hears every word. The more faith and trust we have, the more we see how much our Father (Abba) loves us and that He will always reach out a hand to lift us out of the sea of struggles - right into His loving embrace.
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Loving Abba - Let my mornings always begin with, "Good morning, God!" and my nights end with, "Thank You for this beautiful day." Though my struggles seem to surround me like a turbulent sea, they are so much smaller than the burdens others bear. As I bring them before You daily, let me always remember to praise You for the blessings that embrace me as well. I trust You, Lord, though the world around me be raging. I trust You, Lord, though my life is perpetually changing. My faith remains strong knowing no matter what, You are in control. Thank You for my blessed life and your never-ending love! ~ Amen

As the nation of Japan grieves, I can't help but wonder - how long . . .

Photo: Associated Press/ AP Photo/Asahi Shimbun, Toshiyuki Tsunenari, March 13, 2011

Countdown to Christ

Tick, tick, tock,
the world's clock is counting
down to the time
Jesus Christ shall return.

Tick, tick, tock,
Nature's clock is sounding
signs and alarms
that the end's very near.

Tick, tick, tock,
hope the world is watching,
getting prepared
for the King of all time.

Tick, tick, tock,
wonder who will be going,
joining the Lord
as we meet in the sky.

Tick, tick, tock,
the world's clock
is counting
down -
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Tsunamis, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, oil spills destroying the oceans, nuclear reactor meltdowns, and so much more than these. . .

Christians, are you paying attention? Are you prepared? What about your family and friends?

As I look at the beautiful pictures Ryan took on his vacation in Japan a few years ago, I can't help but wonder how many of these places are now demolished. The suffering of Japan's people breaks my heart; but it also sets off a warning bell in my soul. It is going to happen you know. Jesus Is Going To Return! The Bible is not some science fiction novel or fantastic fairy tale. It is God's Word and His word is truth. Yes, I know, there have been other catastrophic disasters before our generation. Others in the past have believed Christ return was imminent. Regardless, the truth of the matter is, the clock is counting down and, sooner than most think, Jesus will return for His people. Are you ready?

As a teenager, a friend of mine once said, "My goal is to take as many people to heaven with me as I can!" An admirable goal. A perfect resolution. I am sure God was overjoyed with her love and commitment to Him. Though I know most Christians feel that same sentiment, how many of us truly are ready to testify and witness to a nonbeliever at a moment's notice?

If asked, "Hey, what is it, why is it, that you believe the way you do?" or "How can I know your Jesus?"
Would you be prepared to speak God's love and sacrifice? Or would you simply stutter something about reading John 3:16?

I admit, I am not sure how good I would do in that situation myself. I have a history of finding the perfect words to say AFTER the opportunity has passed. Then I have a case of the, "I should have said . . ." My prayer is that God gives me the eloquence to speak the words that reach that individual's heart most; and, like my young friend, I can take as many people to heaven with me as I can. I pray the same for you as well. God be with you during these difficult times.
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My Anchor in the Midst of the Storm, the world seems tossed, torn and terrifying right now. Japan's tortured cries of grief cannot be comforted. The state of disaster is inconceivable. . .
My soul cries out to You, "How long must the people suffer so? Why must they?" And yet, I know in my heart that this is just another sign of the times that we live in - the end times. I believe that, Lord, with every fiber of my being. This said, I must confess that I am not the witness for You that I should be. I am not a diligent enough worker of the harvest. Forgive me, please. Make me bolder. Open up windows of opportunity for me to witness to others; and then, place in my mouth words of eloquence that can only come from You. I pray for the salvation of my lost family members, friends, coworkers and others I barely know - but that You know and love perfectly well. In Your perfect timing, Lord. ~ Amen
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**Added note about the poem - if the "tune" of the poem seems somewhat familiar, think of the Disney movie "Bambi" . . . For some reason, that was the "drip, drip, drop" persistently beating in my head.  :-)