I Do Believe Help me Overcome my Unbelief

  I Do Believe, but Help me Overcome my Unbelief

Background: In my older years, I have fought unbelief. Maybe you have. Hopefully, this lesson will motivate us to allow  God to help us!

Point 1; We must have FAITH to please God.

Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

Hebrews 11:6  And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.

Point 2; God is our source of faith.

Romans 10:17  So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Romans 12:2  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy waiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Point 3; We must choose to believe God and the validity of His word.

From the Parable of the Farmer Scattering the Seed: 

Mark 4:20  And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of 30, 60, or even 100 times as much planted.

In the past, the words in this passage that stood out to me were “good soil.” In the last few days, the words that have stood out are “hear and accept God’s word.” It is our choice!

2 Timothy 3:6  All scripture is inspired by God and useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong with our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 

2 Timothy 3:7  God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.

Point 4; Possible lies we may encounter

Lie #1: How can all other religions be wrong? As a 40-something-year-old, I contemplated this question as I led my middle-grade students in studies of other religions. 

Truth: John 14:6  Jesus told him (Thomas), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the father except through me.”

Lie #2: Since I am born in the Bible Belt, maybe I would believe differently if I was born somewhere else. I can’t really be that fortunate…Can I?

Background: God recently revealed to me the plight of the Israelites. I have often wondered the reason for them picking up other religions from neighboring nations. 

Lie #2 Israelite Style:  Maybe, they were fed a similar line: We aren’t really God’s chosen people. We could not be this fortunate…Could we?

Truth: Deuteronomy 7:6  For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be His own special treasure. 

Point 5; How can I gain faith and kill doubts?

Lesson 1: Stay in God’s word.

Isaiah 55:10-11 v.10 The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. v.11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

Lesson 2: Our heart can fool us, but God’s word is always our perfect guide.

Proverbs 3:5-6  v.5  Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. v.6  Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

Lesson 3: Keep our eyes on Jesus and not on ourself or the world.

Romans 12:2  (See above.)

Freedom is NOT free!

I would point my finger at others about this topic, but I would have 3 fingers pointing back at myself! The older I get, the more I understand that we are spoiled in America!! We are given a free education, which is bought by taxpayers. We are free to drive down roads and highways, which are patrolled by Law Enforcement Agents. We are free to choose a college to attend, where many students are given grants and financial aid, and low-interest loans. Many of us have been blessed with parents who have lavished gifts on us --from money for which someone worked. However, in America, multitudes of children do not have a plush home life.

We are free to worship, but the government must keep laws in place to allow this to happen. We are free to choose to play sports, but coaches, officials, parents, and volunteers are needed. We are free to pursue a career, but many jobs require education, good references, and self-sacrifice. We are free to treat people politely, but we must be humble. We are free to treat people rudely, but that costs hurt feelings. We are free to use our money in different ways, but there is a trade-off for everything we buy. We are free to purchase a home, but we must be in good standing with our credit, plus have collateral. We are free to join a civic club, choir, neighborhood club, etc., but it costs time and often money.

In America, freedom is usually not the problem. People are. Some children grow up in rough neighborhoods. Businesses sometimes fail because of greedy people. We may lose a friend because of pride. Our CHOICES can be life-altering. Upon self-reflection, how many people am I intentionally helping? Do I choose to be thankful or a complainer? Do I build people up or cut them down?

Glory, America is a place of freedom because of men and women who have volunteered to be a part of our armed-services. Wait! Was there a draft? Not since the Vietnam War! So, freedom is often wrapped in a choice, or choices, or generations of choices! We are sooooooo fortunate to live in the 21st Century in America. Technology has given us flushing toilets. A.C., computers, cell phones, and other dohickies. But, nothing replaces love. As I observe our country, we have traded freedom for hate. If we are to be truly free, we must work, live, and pray together!

Finally, the greatest freedom people are offered cost the highest price in history!
Jesus paid the highest price for our sins! He took our place on the cross! His sacrifice and Resurrection, 3 days later, allowed us to choose Eternal Life. A free gift. Paid with a high price.
I am taking God up on this free offer of life! Jesus is welcome to live in my heart! He is welcome to use me as a conduit of his love, but I am one selfish dude. I like to try to be in control. I am in constant need of forgiveness. I need daily Bible-study and prayer time. I need to go to church. God, HELPPPPPPP!! Praise God that prayers are free! 

Choose to be Grateful

Last week, I had the pleasure of having lunch with a friend. She had recently returned from a year-long mission trip to Australia and Papua New Guinea. She loved the trip and God blessed her tremendously. However, things were tough.
This became apparent when we sat down, and she said, "Ice" enthusiastically.
I asked her, "You didn't have ice in New Guinea?"
"No." As a matter of fact, they had to filter their water daily--sometimes twice.
Talking about Conviction City! Major Call to Self: Shut you hon on the complaining!!
So, I have decided--and for sure, have asked God to help me--live in a State of Appreciation.
You may ask, "How's it Going?"
Well, I have a quick trigger to speak negatively when faced with adversity. After the initial reaction, I am doing better. But man, do I have a ways to go!
Thinking, praying, and living in a State of Appreciation for me would be comparable to a second grader.
I love that God gives us second chances! OK...4000 chances...and more!
I love that God challenges us!
I love that God is pulling for us to overcome!
I love that God is our biggest fan!

God, Trees, and Me

Have you ever heard the old saying, “I can’t see the forest for the trees”?
Which basically means you can’t see the entire situation because you’re are looking too closely at the details.
I want to flip the saying, “I can’t see the trees for the forest!”
Which basically means that the vast number of trees is so overwhelming, that all I can see is the entire situation.

Here is a story about a man named Joe. Follow along for his search for a tree.
Joe was seeking the Lord’s guidance for his life. God led Joe to a forest.
Joe closed his eyes and prayed, “Lord, all I see is a forest. Please open my spiritual eyes.”
When Joe opened his eyes, he shouted, “Hey! Trees! Thank you, Lord!”
As Joe continued to seek God’s plan, he was led to a tree.
It was a twenty-footer. It had a word written on it, but Joe had to back up to read it.
Joe mouthed the word FEAR.
God prompted Joe to cut down the tree.
Joe looked around for an axe. Instead, he found a sword. With one swing, he fell the tree. Immediately, Joe’s fear was gone!!
However, the Lord said, “Look at the stump. This means you will need to chop it again, if it grows.”
Joe said two VERY important words, “Yes, Lord.”
Then, God told Joe to go to the next to the last tree on the right side of the third row.
He began to look around as he found his way to the tree. Joe saw some weird scenes.
First, he saw a man hugging a tree.
“God, why is this man hugging that tree?”
God replied, “This man loves Me, but he refuses to leave the safety of this tree.”
Joe was amazed. “What will happened to him, Lord?”
God replied, “He will never grow spiritually until he trusts Me enough to let go of his comfortable place. His name is Complacent.”
Then, Joe saw another amazing scene. A lady was trying to chop down a tree with a toy hatchet.
“Lord, what is she doing?”
God replied, “This dear child of mine prays over and over, ‘Help me, Lord.’ But, she continues to try to chop down this tree on her own….with a toy. I could allow her to use my sword! Her name is In-My-Own-Strength.”
Suddenly, Joe was confused on which way to go. Then he remembered the verse everyone learned in his wonderful Sunday school class. Psalm 37:23; The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. 
So Joe prayed, “Lord, order my steps.”
Just then, it felt like someone was guiding him by the hand. Joe went around the trees, instead of through them. He quickly arrived at the next to the last tree on the right, in the third row.
When Joe looked at the tree, he shouted, “It’s me!!”
“It certainly is you.”
Joe saw what appeared to be an angel.
“Sir, are you an angel?”
The angelic creature said, “Yes, I am your guardian angel.”
Joe asked, “For how long?”
“30 years.”
Joe asked, “Why 30?”
The angel said, “That is when you were 7 years old. You asked Jesus into your heart on the last day of Vacation Bible School.”
“How did you know…. Hey, what’s your name?”
The angel said, “You can call me Bob.”
“Hmmm…OK. Why haven’t I seen you before?”
Bob explained, “When you were younger, you saw me. Your spiritual eyes were wide-open. I was right with you when you were a boy. Since you have gotten older, I still watch over you. Especially when you are about to get into trouble. Now you are spiritually near-sighted.”
Joe simply said, “Oh.”
Bob asked Joe, “What do you make of the tree?”
“Well, it’s a BIG me.”
“In your eyes.”
“You don’t see me?”

Bob explained, “Joe, no one sees you but you.”
Joe was getting irritated. “What do you see, Mr Smarty Angel?”
“I see a word….me.”
Joe asked, “You see Bob?”
“Joe, you are VERY selfish! That is the reason you see yourself.”
Joe managed, “This is not good.”
Bob asked, “Do you wanna know what you need to do?”
“Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!!”
Bob said, “Pray.”
Joe began to pray, “Lord, help me see. While I’m thinking about it, Lord give me cool sunglasses to see this tree of me.”
Bob interrupted, “No, no, Joey Boy. If you want to erase you, and see God, you need to praise Him!!”
Joe thought for a moment. “Ok. God, I praise you for the rain. I praise you for my good health. I praise you for my kids, my church, my job, my golf clubs…”
Bob broke in, “Woe! Woe, kid!”
Joe was red faced (partly from frustration and partly from embarrassment). “What was wrong with that?”
Bob paused, “Joey Boy, there was nothing wrong with that, but who was the focus on?”
Joe thought for a moment, “Uhhh mostly me.”
“Bingo! Slow down this time! In your heart, remember your God! Remember His Word! Remember summer camp and other times of closeness with your God! Pour out your love for Him. Can you do that Joe?”
Joe was a little unsure of himself. Then, he remembered the reason for being here. Joe was determined to put a stake in the ground for God! To say, YES GOD! He could do dis.
Joe told Bob, “I can do this!”
Joe prayed again, “God, You are God. I am man. I am a sinner, but you are holy. I am a taker, but you are a Giver! Praise you, Father for your creation. for your patience. for your love! Jesus, thank you for praying so hard in the Garden of Gethsemane  that your sweat became like blood…but Jesus, you said YES! Praise you, Jesus for taking our sin upon yourself on the cross! Then, you rose to glory so that we could have life! Holy Spirit! Praise you that you are NOT a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!!! “
Joe opened up his eyes. He look around. Joe only saw a few trees, the stump from the tree he cut, and a beautiful pond.
Joe went back to his home—praising God the entire way!

SCRIPTURES FOR TODAY’S LESSON

Some people suffer from FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). A few weeks back, after I listened to Zach Williams sing Fear is a Liar, God revealed to me that I was suffering from FOWMH (Fear Of What Might Happen). Since that discovery, I have been more aware of the situation and God is helping me work through it.

I Timothy 1:7 (NLT) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Matthew 6:33 (NLT) Seek the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Proverbs 3:6 (NLT) Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

Romans 8:28 (NLT) And we know God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Ephesians 6:14-17(NLT) Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Thankful to be an American!

Praise God for the United States of America!
So cool that the country was founded on the principle of freedom of religion.
God has blessed us with a surplus of food so that we can specialize in a job of our choice!
Thankful for American music!
Thankful for American movies!
Thankful for American sports!

Red, white, and blue for me and you!!

Do prayers have the ability to influence God?

Do prayers have the ability to influence God?

ABSOLUTLEY!!

During Jesus time on Earth, people had requests for Him, thus these were prayers. Every time he performed a miracle, whether it was a healing, death-raising, turning water-to-wine, calming the raging sea, deliverance, forgiving of sins, or any other requests that Jesus answered, indeed influenced God. After all, Jesus was the Son of God!

There are also many times in scripture when people make requests for God to perform a certain action and he does it. Let's look at three.

1. A prayer influences God to change the weather.
James 5:16-18 (NLT) 16. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 17. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years. 18. Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.

2. A prayer influences God to send an angel.
Daniel 10:-12 (NLT) 10. Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. 11. And the man said to me, "Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you." When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. 12. Then he said, "Don't be afraid Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer."
NOTE: The "man" is identified as the angel Gabriel in Daniel 8:16-27.

3. A prayer influences God's decision to destroy a city.
* Note: All verses are from the NLT.
Genesis 18:20-21; 20. So the Lord told Abraham, "I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. 21. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.
Genesis 18: 23-24; 23. Abraham approached him and said, "Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? 24. Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city--will you spare it for their sakes?"
Genesis 18:28 And the Lord replied, "If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake."
This conversation continues between Abraham and the Lord. Abraham lowers the numbers each time. He asked...If I find forty-five righteous people, will you destroy the whole city? The Lord says He would not destroy the city.
This continues with: forty, thirty, twenty, finally ten. Each time, the Lord heard the prayer and was influenced to not destroy the city due to Abraham's humble request.
Sadly, Abraham could not find ten righteous people. So, the Lord destroyed the city. Only Lot, his wife, and two daughters made it safely out of the city.
BUT, the Lord listened to Abraham and would have changed His decision to destroy the city--if ten righteous were found.

Finally, a personal witness. In the Spring of 1989, my uvula became swollen. It gave me some pain, especially when I tried to yell at the softball players I was coaching, Of course, I went to the doctor and they did not solve the problem. Later in the summer of 1989 (about four months of swelling), I went to a Carman Concert. (Carman was a popular Christian singer in the 80s and 90s.) Toward the end of the concert, Carman asked if anyone needed a healing to raise their hand. I immediately raised my hand. Something touched my throat and the swelling went down to 30% above normal. (I don't know if God gave me that number or I decided.) I claimed it as a healing. Within 3 weeks, my uvula was normal size with no pain. It has never given me that trouble again! Praise the Lord!

You----I am confident many people have influenced God by prayer. Praise God, he is not a genie or Santa Claus, but He is the Lord of Heaven's armies, yet He cares about each of us.
Psalm 37:23 (NLT) The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Don't be Scared!

Have you ever felt God was speaking to you through the volume of a topic with which you were being doused? Well, I believe God is speaking to me about not being afraid through the dousing of songs and His Word!

As I did a self-reflection, there were certainly some fear issues. Much of it was just a hesitancy to do something because of possible consequences. I had to confront that fear equals lack of faith in God! 

God, help me. I know I am a worry wart, but I want to be a warrior by allowing your Spirit to live through me.

Here is the message from God.
1. I fell in love with the song, Fear is a Liar by Zach Williams. It really confronted my, while encouraging, and comforting me. Lately, I have been trying to hit fear head on. Knowing it is a LIAR!
2. I have been listing to Fearless by Jasmine Murray for about a year. However, it has come back alive for me. Isn't that our goal to be fearless? As with all tough things, we must ask God to help us.
3. I just finished reading Daniel this morning. In the latter part of the book, Daniel saw visions. These visions frightened him. But, I heard these encouraging words:
Daneil 10:9-12 (NLT); Then I heard the voice of the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, "Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you." When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. Then he said, "Don't be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer."

WOW! What encouraging words! I claim them for my life! We do not always see the answer to our prayer or it may be delayed. However, this does NOT mean it is not heard in heaven!

4. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT); For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

5. Since the spirit of fear is evil, I like to lean on James 4:7 (NLT); So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

In conclusion, I know I am a work in progress, but I want to seek God for the victory! In this case the victory over fear in my life.

Thank you God for pointing out this sin in my life. Now, I ask you to help me in this battle. If you need to....battle for me! In Jesus name. Amen