Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 86

Trials Prove our Faith Works

My husband and I have moved seven times in our twenty-nine years of marriage. We’ve learned from experience that God uses Wayne’s job to move us where He wants us. But the move from Casper, Wyoming, tested our trust more than the others.

When the company announced it was closing its office in Casper, many employees were worried about their futures. Some would be moved to another office, some would be encouraged to retire early, and some would lose their jobs. More than a few asked Wayne how he could remain so calm in the midst of uncertainty. He simply told them he trusted God to take care of his future.

Trials are an opportunity

When Christians endure difficulties with peaceful dependence on God, others notice. Trials are an opportunity for God to prove our faith in Him works. The Apostle Peter put it like this:

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:6-7, NLT

Show your faith works

It’s easy to say we trust God to take care of us in hard times. It’s another thing to prove our faith genuine by relying on Him when the hard times come our way.

When believers stand firm and remain strong through situations that would shake others it shows the world that the Object of our faith is powerful and dependable. Trials are an opportunity for you to testify to Christ. Lean on Him. Stand firm. And give Him the glory!

Are their people in your life that need to see your faith in action? What can you do in the midst of a current situation to show them your faith is genuine?

Note: Monday we learned that trials work our faith to strengthen it. See that post here.Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Want Strong Faith? Add Stress!

Do you want stronger muscles? You need stress.

“Stress” makes our muscles bigger and stronger. When we lift a heavier load than our muscles have lifted before, a physical process begins to adapt the needed muscles to the new load. Without stress, our muscles are content with their current size and strength. Add stress, and our muscles begin to change to meet the need.

Our spiritual strength is similar. The difficulties of life “stress” our faith. Trials work our faith like heavy loads work our muscles. As we faithfully endure, we grow spiritually stronger. Without difficulty, our faith tends to stagnate.

Do you want stronger faith? You need stress.

Years ago, I noticed that my friends with the strongest and most unshakeable faith were the same friends that had faced many trials and difficulties. A friend with breast cancer. A friend who just lost her mother. A friend whose husband couldn’t find a job.

I also noticed that not only was my life easy, but my faith had also grown stagnant. I continued to study God’s Word and acquire more knowledge, but I knew there was much more. I began to pray that God would refine and strengthen my faith. And He answered!

Many difficulties began to pop up. Our house flooded. Our oldest daughter was stalked by a schoolmate. My mother-in-law was killed in a car accident. We were transferred. All these things happened in the same few months. I had to cling to God, trust Him, and follow closely. The refining process had begun.

Trials work our faith.

The New Testament writers agree. James, Paul, and Peter all taught that God uses trials to refine and develop our faith. Here’s a passage from James’ letter:

2 Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4, NLT

In the midst of trials we learn to lean and depend on God. As He proves Himself powerful, faithful, and reliable our faith in Him grows and strengthens. And because we must cling to Him so closely during difficulties a deeper intimacy develops in our relationship.

Like using our muscles to carry heavier loads make them stronger, the trials of life gives our faith a workout. God will use them to grow and develop your faith so you will be spiritually mature, not lacking anything!

Are you facing trials and difficulties today? How is God using them to grow and strengthen your faith?

 Note: Come back Thursday when we’ll talk about how “Trials Prove our Faith Works!”Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

He Knows Your Name

Many of the tombstones dated back to the late 1800’s. Some we could read, but many others we could not. Time and the elements have erased the letters from the stone. Names, long ago engraved to be remembered, now forgotten.

Curious about the old headstones, my husband, son, and I respectfully strolled through New Hope Cemetery. Generations of my husband’s family are buried in this small country graveyard north of Ruston, Louisiana. Whenever we travel that way, we usually stop and put fresh flowers on my mother-in-law’s grave.

During our visit just last week, we also wandered through the oldest section of the cemetery. Some of the names, dates, and inscriptions were easier to read than others. Loving family members had deepened the engraving by hand on a couple of the markers. Others were cracked and chipped. Some had large chunks missing. And a few graves only had stubs of stone left where ornate headstones once stood.

One marker stood worn, but whole. The stone was intact but time had completely obliterated the engraving. The thought hit me that no one who looked at this headstone would know the name of the person buried here. Gone and forgotten. No one knows her name.

But then the Holy Spirit reminded me of a glorious truth. If this person was a believer in Jesus Christ, God knows her name. It will never be forgotten. And the same is true for every believer.

Our Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, knows each of His sheep by name (John 10:3). God promises to never forget the name of His people. He has even engraved our names on the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:15-16). And no one can ever snatch us out of God’s hand (John 10:28).

Do you feel forgotten today? Do you feel like a nameless face in a crowd? Believer, God knows your name. He has engraved it on His palm – and His heart. He lovingly holds you in His hand and no one can take you away from Him.

How can these beautiful truths impact your life today?Share and Enjoy:

4 Steps for Dealing with Sin

Several years ago I was bitten by a Brown Recluse spider. The toxic venom of this small spider contains enzymes that break down cells and tissue. The bite itself often goes unnoticed but the effects begin to show up within a few hours.

It started as just a tiny red pinpoint topped by a blister. By the next morning the red area was about the size of a quarter and slightly inflamed. Twelve hours later, it had grown to the size of a silver dollar. The redness, inflammation, and heat confirmed I needed to get to a doctor.

The nurse worked me into the doctor’s schedule that day. The doctor took the wound seriously and treated it aggressively. During that first visit, they gave me a tetanus shot, a powerful antibiotic shot, and opened the bite to drain the infection. (My apologies to those of you with a squeamish tummy!) The doctor also prescribed oral antibiotics and I returned to his office four days in a row for treatment.

The bite, subsequent infection, and treatment affected my entire body. Because the bite was high on my thigh, in addition to pain and fever, I also had trouble walking for a week or so. That tiny little wound had far-reaching consequences.

Sin is like that spider bite. Even one small little compromise with the ways of the world can work its way through the layers of our lives, destroying everything in its path. Unlike the spider bite, sin’s destruction will reach beyond our own life, affecting the church and everyone around us.

What’s the cure for sinful compromise? Cut it out. Get rid of it completely. The longer we wait, the more radical the action must be.

God shows us a four-step process for radically dealing with sin in the book of Ezra. When Ezra the priest learns that many of the people – including the leaders – had disobeyed God by marrying pagan women, he called them to obedience and boldly led the process for treating the sin condition.

The entire story is found in Ezra 9 and 10, but the heart of dealing with the sin is in Ezra 10:1-17. Ezra guided the people through a four-step course of action to deal with their sin and restore their relationship with God and the rest of the community.

Recognition: The sin in our lives must be identified and acknowledged.
Repentance: Not only must be agree with God that our behavior is indeed sin, but we must also be grieved over it to the point of turning from it in disgust.
Removal: True repentance always leads us to rid our lives of the sin God has revealed to us without delay.
Restoration: The presence of sin strains our relationships with God and other people. The removal of sin brings restoration and renewal of those same relationships.

Believers must deal with sin – no matter how “small” – radically and aggressively before it spreads its poison. Let’s all ask God to show us any “pinpoints” of sin so we can cut it out and commit to lives without compromise.

In what ways have you seen far-reaching effects of even “small” sinful compromise?Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Help yourself and people who need a Bible

Today’s post can transform your quiet time while you help provide the Vidunda people with a Bible in their own language. Welcome my guest Lara Williams. She and my friend Katie Orr have written an encouraging and practical quiet time guide titled “Savoring Living Water: How to Have an Effective Quiet Time.” It is more than worth the price and your time. (Here’s my 2011 review.) If you buy the e-book today, you also have the extra blessing of helping people around the world have the Bible translated into their language! Read on!

 

Really looking at what’s going on in the world at large can make me…uncomfortable. It’s much easier to just sit in my cozy house with my iTechnology while eating all my favorite foods that I picked up at the choice-satiated grocery store rather than really looking at the world.

But I’m glad that’s not what Jesus did.

I’m so thankful our God didn’t leave us in our selfish mess, but rather bent down and clothed Himself with humanity to make a way for us to truly live. It’s radical grace.

But if I’m not purposeful, I can get comfortable in plentiful. I can forget what it’s like to be separated from God — in the dark.

So today I’m going to remind us. Well, not just remind us and leave us in a pit of guilt, I have something we can tangibly *do* in an effort to help bring light and life to those who have never read of their Maker.

Katie Orr and I wrote a little book called Savoring Living Water: How to Have an Effective Quiet Time. In the process of writing that book, God reminded us of the hundreds of thousands of people around the world who do not have a single verse of Scripture in their language. The realization floored us. So we asked Him what we could do to help. And He led us to OneVerse.

To make a long story short, He led us to give $2 from the sale of every copy of Savoring Living Water to OneVerse, specifically for the translation of the Bible in the Vidunda language. Every $26 funded another verse for the Vidunda people.

We’re excited to report that we are SO close to reaching our original goal of funding 104 verses. In fact since the launch of the book last Fall we’ve raised almost $2300 towards the Vidunda project — that’s over 88 verses!

With the goal being within arm’s reach, we want to have a final push TODAY. So for today only, $5 from the sale of every e-copy will go directly to this Vidunda project. That means if we can sell 82 e-copies of the book today, we will reach our goal!

You or I may not be able to leave our homes or families to go study languages and translate the Bible for a people that’s never read the name “Jesus.” But we can buy a book. And we can pray that God would bring His Word to the nations.

(If you’ve already purchased a book but would like to donate more towards our goal, visit our OneVerse giving page to find out how.)Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Everybody needs a heart transplant

Years ago, our young neighbor Steven, desperately needed a new heart. A childhood illness had damaged his heart muscle and left it unable to adequately do its job. He watched life happen around him. His body did not get enough blood supply or oxygen to allow him to play outside or keep up with the other middle-school kids.

Finally, after years of waiting, Steven received a new heart and everything changed. His small body began to grow. His bluish-toned skin now looks healthy. He roams the outdoors with his father and camps and skis. He does things that before the heart transplant he could only dream of. All because of a new heart.

Each of us needs a heart transplant. Sin hardens our hearts against God. Our rebellious hearts of stone cannot obey Him, worship Him, or love Him. And they don’t want to. But God has a solution – a heart transplant!

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. Ezekiel 36:26-27, NLT

Our salvation is like a heart transplant. It will completely change our life because it completely changes us. Steven’s entire life drastically changed because the new heart changed everything about his physical body.

When the Holy Spirit saves us, He transplants our spiritual heart. He changes us. He completely remakes our will, desires, emotions. He transforms the core of who we are. The new heart not only wants to follow God, the indwelling Spirit enables us. As we yield to the Spirit and respond to God in love we will begin to live a life that imitates Christ – a life of love from the inside-out.

Do we live like we have new hearts? Are we soft and responsive to God every day?

 

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"The Deliverer" by Kathi Macias

I’ve been waiting and now it’s here! I’m reading “The Deliverer” by Kathi Macias, is the third and final book in her Freedom Series. Kathi writes fiction with a message. Her stories both engage and inspire to action. Today we get to talk to Kathi about “The Deliverer,” her writing, and the topic of human trafficking.

Kathi, what is The Deliverer about?

The Deliverer picks up just months after Special Delivery leaves off, continuing with the stories of Mara, freed from slavery but still struggling with scars and memories from the past; Jonathan, attending Bible college but strongly drawn to Mara, despite her past; and Lawan, having escaped the brothel in Thailand and miraculously reunited with her younger sister in the US and adopted by the same family. Will Mara be able to move past the pain and hatred that bind her, even if it means traveling back to the place where her parents betrayed her and sold her into sexual slavery? Will she allow The Deliverer to set her free—once and for all?

Your books – which you call “parables with a purpose” – are on topics such as human trafficking, the persecuted church, illegal immigration, and homelessness. Some might call you an advocate. Why is it important for Christians, and the church as a whole, to discuss these issues?

I believe Jesus is our example and that’s what He told to His followers—parables with purpose. He didn’t just tell them “nice stories” to entertain them. He told stories that would grab them right where they lived, and then challenge them to change their hearts, their minds, and their lives. The Church has always been at the forefront of serious social change, leading the charge to abolish slavery for instance, and leading the charge on these other issues is right where the Church needs to be now. The first step is to discuss the issues, to make people aware of them, and then to call them to action. I believe gripping fiction is one of the most effective ways to do that.

You always include a character in your books who is an intercessor. Why is that so important to you?

There were intercessors in my own life who prayed me through some incredibly dangerous and difficult times, and I appreciate those heroes of the faith more than I can express. Highlighting their importance in my books accomplishes two things: it enables me to honor those faithful intercessors who often get no recognition in this world, and it also calls others to get involved in intercession as well.

What was your original objective in writing the Freedom Series trilogy? And, how are your readers taking action?

Originally, I wanted to alert readers to the horrific crime of human trafficking and challenge them to get involved in fighting it some way. That seems to be happening, but on such a larger scope than I had imagined. The response from readers is overwhelming! Pastors have written to say they are challenging their entire church to get involved on some level, and I’m being invited to speak all over the country on this topic. Readers tell me they are posting about my books all over the net to help snag people’s attention. I’m getting invitations to speak on radio and TV as well. I’ve also been contacted by readers who are getting involved in setting up safe houses for rescued victims, which is a huge need. I was even contacted by the Department of Homeland Security and invited to participate in group conference calls on the topic. Overall, I’m thrilled at the way God is using these books to help sound the alarm and to “rescue the perishing.”

For more information about Kathi, her writing, and her speaking ministry visit her website.  Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Paid in Full – Monday Minute in the Word

Have you ever owed a debt someone else paid for you? My friend, Sue, is a loving person who is always looking for ways to help others. Sue once loaned her car to friends while she was out of town. Several weeks later Sue received a surprise in the mail. It was a speeding ticket, given electronically by a camera snapping a photo of the license plate. It listed the location and date of the speeding incident.

Sue racked her brain trying to remember driving down that particular street. Then the date jumped out at her. She hadn’t even been in town on that date. Someone else, the borrowing friends, had been driving her car. Sue knew her friends could not afford the ticket as easily as she could. Sue paid the debt and never even told them about the ticket.

Like the borrowing friends, our own actions have incurred a debt. Our sin has earned the death penalty. We deserve eternal, spiritual death and separation from God. (See Romans 6:23.) We cannot pay this debt and live. We can’t do anything to save ourselves. No amount of religious activity or good works can ever mend the broken relationship with God.

God’s justice demands the penalty be paid. Out of love, God supplied the payment Himself.

God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8, NIV

But because He loves us, God came into the world to pay our debt Himself. Jesus Christ paid the debt we owe through His willing death on the cross.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16, NIV

Whoever believes in Jesus and trusts in His sacrificial death as payment for her sins will be saved. Anyone who does not believe remains condemned (John 3:18).

It is our choice. Life or death. I have chosen life in Christ. What will you do with Jesus?

(Follow this link to know more about a relationship with Jesus.)Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

3 Steps to Finding Your Perfect Fit

The tag on the jeans read, “The Perfect Fit!” So I tried them on. Ha! They might be the perfect fit for America’s Next Top Model, but certainly not for me.

Here’s my question for the fashion industry:

If every body is uniquely shaped, how can one cut of jeans be “The Perfect Fit?”

Okay, I admit they would be perfect for at least one person. But even the general public acknowledges that different body types exist. Some types are named after fruit. I would classify myself as a “pear.” (By the way, would any fruit actually be a good thing to look like?)

Most people would agree that “one-size-fits-all” simply makes no sense when it comes to denim. The jeans need to fit the size, shape, and curve of our bodies. Yet Christians often try to fill a place of service in the church that does not fit them.

Like that perfect pair of jeans, God has a perfect, designed-for-you spot in His body. There is a place of service and ministry in your church with your name on it. The length is just right. It won’t fall down, ride up, bind, or chafe.  How do we find it? These three steps will help!

1. Design – Consider how God designed you – you have certain physical characteristics, life experiences, education, personality, natural talents, and abilities God gave you to equip you. Some things are obvious based on how God designed us.

2. Spiritual Gifts – When God saves us, the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside us. The Spirit gives each of us gifts to use to serve God and His church (Eph 4:7,11; 1 Cor 12:7,11). These gifts will match the place of service God has for you. Recognizing your gifts will help you find that place.

How do you determine your gift or gifts? You probably already have a good idea from past service. I’m not a big fan of spiritual gifts tests, but they can be part of the process but please do not view them as the final word. Here are a few suggestions to help you discover your gifts:

Become familiar with the gifts name in Scripture (Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12; Eph 4)
Reflect on your past service. What areas have felt natural and exciting? When did you feel empowered by God’s Spirit?
Ask fellow believers for their input & confirmation

3. Passion – God gives us passion for the our areas of service. What do you love to do? What do you care deeply about? One word of caution. Personal passion tends to make us think everyone should jump on our bandwagon! Keep in mind that God has given them their own passion.

God has a perfect place of service for you that fits your design, your gifts, and your passion! When you find it it will feel even better than the perfect pair of jeans.You will find joy and contentment as you slip into His tailor-made design!

Are you struggling to find God’s place of service for you? What do you think is holding you back?

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Jesus, Our Intercessor – Monday Minute in the Word

Many friends and family from the southern United States visited us when we lived in Alberta. It probably had more to do with the beautiful Canadian Rockies and the great city of Calgary than spending time with the Howards, but we enjoyed every minute.

These visits often required me to do a little “interpreting” and even “interceding.” I helped Americans figure out their Canadian currency. I converted from metric measure to US measurement and back again. I explained that toboggans are sleds and toques are hats. I played interpreter for a Canadian dry cleaner and one of my very southern speaking visitors. And I even defended a Canadian’s right to use the French term “serviette” for a napkin to a very egocentric American teenager.

I had a unique perspective. As an American who had lived in Canada for a number of years, I understood and appreciated both sides of things. I had been north of the border long enough to teach the Americans what they didn’t know. And since I am an American I could also gently put one in their place when necessary.

Because Jesus Christ became man, He has a unique perspective. Although fully God, Jesus knows exactly what it’s like to be man, because He was also fully man. He alone is qualified to be our intercessor.

 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16, NLT

An intercessor acts on the behalf of someone else. They plead another’s case and attempt to reconcile differences. Jesus Christ stands before God the Father on our behalf, as our advocate. He not only reconciled our differences He made a way for us to be completely and fully restored into right relationship with God.

Jesus gave His life to pay the penalty our sin had earned. Therefore, we are able to enter God’s presence with confidence and receive His grace and mercy to help us in our need.

How does reflecting on Jesus’ role as your intercessor encourage your faith today?

 

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