Faith

When I think I've turned a page to a new chapter in my life, I realize there is nothing new in life. I'm referring to pain.

The heart of the Father is revealed in the ministry of the Son. The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19) The evidence that someone has a true relationship with God is seen in their love, compassion and the desire to lift people up. The first things I look for from one who is a believer are joy, kindness, and compassion. Those who are focused on criticism, finding fault and judging others are not representing Jesus. That is the work of the “accuser of the brethren”. Sadly, I have known many who are more adept at accusing than they are at showing compassion, loving and forgiving. When you see someone who is sick, do you immediately assume they are reaping what they’ve sowed, or is your heart stirred to bring healing? And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. (Mt. 14:14) Those who are lost and hurting are the product of a fallen world, abuse, lack of knowledge, guilt and hopelessness. When our first reaction is to judge and find fault, we can know that we aren’t in fellowship with the Father. Let’s refresh our hearts in the love of God. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)

I had already written this column; when a strange thing happened. I stepped out on my front porch and saw a new wind chimes set. I had been out, all day. So, I don’t know who brought it. But, thank you. It’s beautiful!

Old habits sometimes die hard. We often live from “muscle memory” and have done certain things for the same way for so long that when a new option or product is available that is much more effective, we still seem to reach out for the old way of doing the task.

I needed to run some errands. I was used to planning ahead. So someone else, could do them, for me. Then, I realized that; I have my car, now. I had been having problems with it, for months and months. It was such a relief, to have it running, again. As I drove, to do my chores, I felt like a bird, out of a cage.

God’s will is abundant life (John 10:10). God’s Word is spirit and life. The presence of God in your life, your marriage, and your family should be obvious. Life, peace, joy, love, and faith are His very nature. “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63) As we feed on His Word, we will see His life in our spirits, souls, and bodies. The Spirit of the Word carries the nature and life of God. Faith is an outflow of His life (Gal. 2:20). Letting His Word abide in our hearts is health to our flesh (Prov. 4:20-22) When we value our fellowship with God, there will be signs of His presence in our lives. His joy, peace and love will be seen. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps. 16:11) The knowledge of God will give us wisdom and understanding. Confusion indicates that we are independent from Him. God’s will is always life and increase. Our lives should be full, long, and prosperous because the life of God is in us. (Psalm 115:14-15)

It is true that I don't pay attention to many things in life. I guess I'm just too busy to notice everything.