 Testing Our Faith!
How would you summarize your faith with all that’s going on in our world today? Is it strong one day, weak the next? The book of James provides some practical advice for those whose faith wavers and fluctuates. James says, “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:2-8). Friends, when we begin doubting God and His Word, we get blown and tossed about like the surf of the sea. James says a double-minded person is unstable in all his ways and shouldn’t expect to receive from the Lord. It's easy to have strong faith when seas are smooth, but when seas get rough and difficult circumstances grind on, it’s easy to start doubting God’s promises. But keep in mind doubting and questioning God aren’t necessarily the same thing. To question God is to seek additional information to better understand what God said. Doubting, however, involves believing what WE think, what WE see, what WE hear, and what WE feel rather than what we know God has promised. It’s natural to question God when blindsided or overwhelmed by a distressing turn of events. God understands all of our struggles, and He wants us to come to Him with our pain and confusion. The truth is, He often has to sift our thinking by reminding us of His promises and faithfulness through our past challenges. Friends, even though we may not understand all that God is doing in our world and our lives today, we can rely on what He has revealed: that testing our faith produces endurance and spiritual maturity. It supplies something we lack! When we know that, we can trust the Lord to accomplish His perfect will through life’s storms, and we can rejoice knowing He will see us through it. Trust the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever! Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+
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 Overcoming Temptations
Do you ever wrestle with temptations? Of course, you do! The fact is, the world, the flesh, and the devil tempt us every day. Satan doesn't like it when people follow Jesus, so he tempts us to follow our own desires instead of God's will. If we are serious about overcoming temptations, we must claim God’s promises that He has given us in His Word. Over the years, I have heard countless people say, “I couldn’t help myself; the temptation was impossible to resist.” Friends, when we say that, we are calling God a liar! God's word tells us He will always offer an escape from temptation. It may not be easy, it may be painful, and it might even be embarrassing, but God has promised us a way out. When the enemy tempts us to step out of God's will, what should we do? Friends, our weapon of choice against Satan, our infernal foe, is the word of truth found in scripture. Truth is our antidote for temptation! We may never find ourselves in a desert wilderness like Jesus, but Satan still attacks us in the wilderness of our minds. That is where all our temptation battles are won or lost. When God gives us an idea, it’s an inspiration. When Satan gives us an idea, it’s a temptation! We have to choose which thoughts we are going to dwell on. Temptation often comes at us when least expected. Jesus warned His disciples and us to pray and stay alert. Joshua tells us to “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful (Josh.1:8).” Satan isn’t afraid of our opinions, but he is terrified of the truth. God’s word is sharper than any two-edged sword, and it will prosper us and keep us successful in defeating temptation, but it can only do so if it is committed to memory. So, arm yourself with God's Holy Word; it’s our most effective weapon in overcoming temptations. Have a Blessed and Holy Lent, Fr. Greg+  Walking with Wisdom!
Who among us couldn’t use some additional wisdom and insight? In two words, no one! As we begin a new month and Lenten journey this week, I recommend a 31-day wisdom walk through the book of Proverbs. The concept of fearing the Lord becoming the first step of our walking with wisdom may seem difficult to grasp for some. They may ask how can fearing God make us wise? Well, first, we must understand what it means to fear the Lord. This term, fear of the Lord, is used to describe a reverence for God, which moves us to acknowledge Him as the Holy One, the sovereign ruler of heaven and earth. The result of such a response begins the acquisition of wisdom. To fear God isn’t about being afraid of God; it’s about having a desire to love and know God, trust Him, serve Him, and be in awe of Him! Friends, when we commit ourselves to live for God’s purpose rather than our own, we gain greater insight and understanding of Him and His ways. Then the Holy Spirit enables us to see our circumstances and others from God’s perspective. That kind of wisdom reaches beyond mere human perception and provides us with discernment to make decisions that fit into God’s will for our lives. That, along with the knowledge of God continually working for our best interests, empowers and enables us to walk confidently through good and bad times. Those who won’t fear the Lord will never know real wisdom. Only if you genuinely revere God will you listen for His directions, heed His warnings, and walk-through life at His pace with His grace. The result is divine wisdom, insight, and peace, which surpasses our abilities and understanding. So, start walking with wisdom and Godly knowledge today! Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+  Rejoice in Hope
The continuous peaks and valleys of this broken world can bring a sense of unease and uncertainty into our lives. We can be easily thrown off balance by the hardships and suffering we see all around us. Ever-evolving technology often seems to outpace our abilities to absorb it. The daily rise and fall of the financial markets can be unnerving. As all these challenges mount, we can easily become discouraged and lose hope. Placing our hope in our own abilities, to traverse these summits or mitigate life’s dark valleys is not the answer. At best, we can only achieve temporary peace by altering our course or adjusting our outward behavior. The baseline problem in our culture today is spiritual, namely, man has a broken sin nature that is at enmity with God. Our inherent sin problem propels us to selfishly pursue the peace and hope we all desire. Friend’s, no amount of intellect, talent, or tenacity can change our sinful state or bring us peace with God. However, those who place their trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, receive a new nature and are reconciled, by faith to our God. One can never know the peace of God until we are at peace with God! As His adopted children, we not only are at peace with Him but also have been given the power to live in harmony with one another. So, no matter how often or how drastically our lives change, we can rejoice in hope. Friends, our hope is firmly planted on the rock-solid foundation of our triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit assures us we are secure in Christ Jesus, both in this life and life to come. Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+  Love One Another The command to love one another isn’t always so easy. The truth is, some people are almost impossible to love. But, as today’s gospel clearly reveals, loving others isn’t an option, it is an obligation! Jesus said these words to his disciples and each of us, just before dying for our sins after Judas had betrayed him. He then turned to his disciples and said he would only be with them a little longer and then he told them how they should relate to one another. He said “A new command I give you: Love one another.” In this new commandment, Jesus wasn’t focused on the feeling of love, but on the decision to love. It’s a decision each of us is expected to make and model as his disciples daily. Friends, the Lord Jesus knew we wouldn’t always feel like loving one another, so he commanded us to do so. This verse reveals love must be a decision, not just an emotion! But as we know; this command is not always easy to obey. That’s why it’s good to hear and be reminded of this “new command” often. This command first appeared way back in the Old Testament. But Jesus made it new, by providing us a perfect model of sacrificial love through his life and death. Through a growing intimate relationship with him, we too, discover the power to love sacrificially. Jesus went on to say, when we love as he has loved us, we will attract others to his perfect love. Friends, the best sermon you will ever hear on love, is the one you see lived out in the world! As Jesus tells us, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).” So, today reflect on this new command "And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Eph. 5:2).” Remember, both the Lord and this love-starved world are always watching. Love in Christ always, Fr. Greg+  Labor of Love
As you look at your life, are you discouraged over failed efforts and expectations? Does the enemy whisper in your ear, “Your labors are in vain – all for nothing. You haven’t been as successful as desired or made a great difference in this world.” If you have such feelings, then take heart, because you’re in good company. Many of the greatest servants of God throughout history ended up feeling they failed in their calling. When the prophet Elijah looked at his life, he felt like such a failure that he cried out, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life” (1Kings 19:4). He felt like everything he had done for the Lord had been in vain. Even the Apostle Paul trembled at the thought of spending life in useless labor. But Paul found encouragement in the promised resurrection, and he left the Corinthians and us, an exhortation to remain firm in a “purpose driven life” shaped by service, even if it seems in vain, because we’re given eternal victory in Jesus, through the resurrection. Friends, when you become weary and the enemy says your labor is in vain, remember today’s passage to be propelled onward and upward. We must never listen to Satan’s lies! As believers, ours is a labor of love, for what our Savior has already done for us. So as Paul says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Col. 3:23-24). So, “Rise Up”, put your hands on the plow – or on the keyboard as it may be, and don’t look back, stand firm on God’s promises: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1Cor. 15:58). Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+  His Grace is Sufficient
Is there a thorn in your side? Is there something you wrestle with from time to time, or maybe even daily? I believe most of us thought the Christian life would be easier and more comfortable than it often is. There are many who come into the family of faith, thinking the Lord will fix all their problems and devote Himself to their happiness and comfort. That, however, is not the reality that is portrayed in Scripture. The Apostle Paul was a man who the Lord loved and used significantly, yet his life was far from easy. In fact, at one point, Paul thought his pain was too much to bear and he pleaded with God to remove it. Friends, there’s nothing wrong with asking the Lord to relieve our pain and suffering, but what should our response be if He doesn’t? Paul likely had no idea that His pleading with God over his personal afflictions would find its way into the Bible, to comfort and guide believers throughout the ages. The same words that God provided to Paul apply to many of us in these trying days: “My grace is sufficient for you”. Friends, God’s grace could simply be defined as His provision for us at the point of our greatest need. The problem is, sometimes, it doesn’t seem like the Lord is meeting that need. But the truth is, the Lord can see all the deficiencies, outcomes, and complications that we are unable to see. His goal is always our spiritual growth, He desires for us to be more conformed to Christ-likeness. The trials, hardships, and challenges of this life play a vital role in achieving that spiritual growth. The important result revealed in life’s many challenges is how we respond to them. If all we desire is solace we could easily digress into anger and doubt. But if we desire to become the person God wants us to be, we must see our trials as opportunities for Christ to display His character and strength in us. Friends, we must trust in the Lord and always know his desire is to strengthen us through our weakness and make us more Christ-like so we can comfort others! Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+  Onward and Upward!
As we move forward into the new year, is more of the same old, same old beginning to discourage you? In this well-known passage, the apostle Paul compared the Christian life to a race and admitted that he had not yet arrived at the finish line. He says, “I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize.” Paul didn’t wallow in despair as he penned these words from a cold Roman prison, nor did he look back and allow his past to weigh him down or let his many successes make him complacent. Through continuous challenges, Paul persevered by always focusing his eyes on Jesus. He pressed on toward the goal of becoming more conformed to Christ-likeness day by day. I think we would all agree, nothing worth having in this life comes without challenges. I once heard it said, “If it doesn’t challenge me, it doesn’t change me.” Scripture makes it clear that we can expect challenges and hardships. The question becomes, will we allow our challenges to change us for the better? How will we handle them? Will we give up and give in, or will we persevere and press on. Paul provides us some wise counsel in this passage. We must remain focused on Jesus and press on in faith! We can take comfort knowing we are not alone in these challenging days; our loving God is with us! And like Paul, despite our past failures or successes and the challenges still before us, we must keep pressing on toward the ultimate goal of becoming more Christ-like with each passing day. As Paul tells us, we’re not competing for an earthly prize, but the ultimate reward of eternity with our savior. So, remain faithful and focused dear brothers and sisters, and keep pressing onward and upward! Grace and peace always, Fr. Greg+  Start With Your Heart
As we celebrate the life and work of Dr. King today, we know there is still much to be done. I’ve come to the conclusion that prejudice; particularly racial prejudice may be the world’s most prevalent sin. No matter where you go on this earth, somebody doesn’t like somebody else. You find that everywhere. And though it plays out in countless ways in our world daily, most people deny they have any prejudice. Friends, for us to advance racial reconciliation, we must first claim and confess our sins. All prejudice, racism, and hatred are rooted in the sinful human heart, they’re not just a skin problem, but a sin problem. Sadly, many have been raised to mistrust or stay away from those who are different from them. The fact is, we all feel most comfortable with people like ourselves. That’s human nature. But as Christians, we are new creations who must learn to see others the way God does. As Christ lives within us, he gives us His eyes to see and connect with others beyond our external appearances. We find commonalities based in the power of love – Christ’s love, which transcends all things. So where do we start? Well first, we must examine our hearts and confess any prejudices we may be harboring. David cried, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Today’s passage makes it clear, “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1Samuel 16:7 NIV). For us to know someone’s heart, we must move past casual pleasantries to get to know them on a deeper, more personal level. We must ask questions and be good listeners. We must be empathetic and always err on the side of grace! Friends, advancing and sustaining Dr. King’s life-giving work is dependent on us! So, let us be the ones Dr. King referenced – the ones who have faith, to “be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together” to continue his work together. That work must always start with your heart! Grace and peace always, Fr. Greg+  Trusting Through Transitions
Transitions in life are rarely easy. They mean one part of your life’s story is over and a new one is about to begin. They are the space between where faith is tested and fear fights to creep in. They are a temporary no man’s land that we have to walk through in order to mature and grow in our faith. As we walk through them, it’s hard to see what’s ahead. The territory is unknown, so we often tend to focus on the transition itself, rather than the destination. We also often question God’s providence during these times. As I thought about that, God reminded me how many times Jesus told the disciples what was going to happen to Him in Jerusalem and why. They listened but never heard a word of it and were shocked in the Garden of Gethsemane. Like us, they were confused, frightened and wondered where God was in the transition. God speaks to each of us daily. He often says things we ignore or don’t want to hear, so we tune Him out. The disciples heard Jesus tell them about the transition, but they weren’t listening. Even when we know a transition is coming, it’s still natural to be fearful. We’re all afraid of change, but the passing years have taught me that change is necessary for our growth. When we fight it, we fight the future God has for us and we fight God’s will. Our times of transition help prepare us for the change. They stretch and grow our faith and trust in God’s plan for our lives. It’s something we can only see when we take the time to look back. Imagine if Peter and the others had stayed locked up in their houses and never went to the upper room. Out of 500 people Jesus told to go and wait, only 120 made it through the transition. They were tough enough to stick it out and trusted that God had something better on the other side. God has something greater for you on the other side of this time of transition also. It may take longer than we expected, but hang on. The reward will be worth it. Friends, the growth you will experience will be like no other time in your life. So don’t give up, hold fast to your faith and trust God through life’s transitions, He will never leave or forsake you! Grace and peace always, Fr. Greg+ |