Guideposts

We go back and read the signs that we passed when we think we've lost our way--we go back and make sure we took the turn in the road we were meant to.  Lately the enemy has been pounding against me with lies, doubt, anxiousness, fear. None of which sticks to my armour but some of the ooze of the rubber darts lingers until a fresh rain of the Holy Spirit comes.

I am needing a fresh rain.

Consider it pure joy when you face trials and persevere. You will lack nothing. Blessed is the man who perseveres. He will receive a crown of life. In Galatians we are reminded that as a man does, he reaps. If you sow seeds of fear and unbelief, your life will reflect that. If you sow seeds of faith, however, your life and works will produce an abundant tree. It is The Lord who brings in the crop; we merely sow and till and plow where He tells us.

Do not grow weary in your faith. Love well and take care of the family of believers. Their faith may be shaken while yours is strong. Theirs may be strong while yours is shaken. 

Let us consider how we may encourage one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Hebrews 12:12

Take the ways that are firm. When you ask God, do not doubt. But believe. James 1:6

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without action is dead. James 2:26

Abraham's faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. A person is justified by what she does--and not by faith alone. James 2:22-24

The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; The Lord will raise him up. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective! James 5:15-16

I am Sarah's daughter if I do what is right and do not give way to fear. 1 Peter 3:6

Therefore, brothers and sisters in faith, do not be discouraged. God is faithful and true. He will not forsake you. He has carved you on his hand. He will see to it that his plans succeed. Sow in faith in what is possible; and God will raise up a standard to do what is impossible. If he called you to it, he will see it accomplished. Stand firm, therefore, and do not give in to the yoke of slavery to fear or unbelief. But, believe! 

In the small stuff

God is in the small things in life. Yesterday was a perfect example of that. I was driving home from a church in Schodack, New York, along a busy highway lined with grassy meadows and hills of thick trees. Along the edge of the highway, dangerously close to traffic, there was a baby deer nibbling at the grass. My heart went out to him and I lifted up a prayer. Jesus, I said, I know you care about the little things too. Please protect that deer's life and lead it away from the highway. Immediately the baby deer looked up from grazing as if it saw something, and the deer turned fully around and walked in a direct line into the forest of trees. It was as if a guide was leading it by the neck. It happened so suddenly and I was able to see it all happen before I was out of sight. It moved me to tears as yet another reminder of the Lord's faithful attention to the prayers of his saints. He really does care about the little things. And this gives us courage to trust him for the bigger things.

Do not despise the day of small beginnings, saith the Lord.

Remember, our words have life and death in them. Speak life to every situation. Do not be anxious or worried; instead speak in faith in The One who is in control of all things, for it is our faith mixed with His actions which brings change. 

*And nothing is impossible with God.*