Tag: childlike faith

Posted in Life Inspiration

The “ology” of Faith and why we don’t receive

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The “ology” of Faith and why we don’t receive

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There is a new term I learned today, ‘riskology.’ The study of risk taking and concurrence with your success in life.  Several websites claim their expertise on the subject, and while they may make good sense from a worldly standard I’m not sure it’s anything new. Just new speakology, the study of things to talk about. Totally made that up. I’m not an expert on anything really, except knowing that experts are a dime a dozen and require no proof other than a catchy title, snazzy marketing skills and the World Wide Web. Dadaaa! You’re an expert.

I myself prefer faithology. The study of God’s word and will for my life, which by the way is without risk. You’ll never go wrong seeking God in any circumstance in life. As a matter of fact it’s well advised. I only wish I always took my own advice. Imagine what it would look like if we began life as a small child asking God, “Should I do this, or should I not? What difference will this make in eternity? Does this glorify God or man? Is this right for me?” And then, glory to God, we waited for His answer and did what He said! But unfortunately human nature has more of a tendency to trust the web before seeking God. I would probably lose count of the number of times in a day I google a word, a product or idea. It’s handier than a pocket on a shirt, but God is so much handier, and nearer, and He never gets a glitch or comes up with 1,472,462 answers for you to sort through. Just one. The right one.

So why is it that we fail to seek His wisdom? Most likely, we’ve failed faithology.

Hebrews 11:1-6 ~  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.  By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The Test:

Question 1 – What does it take to receive what I’m hoping for?

Answer: Faith, plus nothing. (God speaks, stuff happens) Without limitation.

Question 2 – Are there any pre-requisites for stuff to happen?

Answer – Obedience. Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain because his was by faith that he offered a blood sacrifice, which God required. Abel’s was a works offering. How often do we put a pretty ribbon on a bad offering? We go to church, appearing to have the right relationship with God, but its only fruits and veggie faith. When it comes to the meat of the matter, committing ourselves to the full service of God, we choose rather to hand over the basket of produce than to risk the faith in allowing God to do with us what He chooses. Owch!

Ahhhh, but you said it was faith plus nothing, why then was there a second question? Because God knows, that without a right relationship with Him our faith will fail, and a right relationship requires obedience.

So, are you praying for something? Ask yourself “Can I look God in the eye and ask Him for it?” That question may change your desire.  Sometimes the things we desire, are not what we need, and we know it. And sometimes it’s not what we need because our relationship with God is out of kilter, and our focus is not on the things of Heaven, but rather on earth.

Did you pass the faithology exam?

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Bear Hunting With a Switch

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Bear Hunting With a Switch

I can

There are days of discouragement (yes even the Jesus Chick) where the world thumps on me and I just don’t think I can do it, or they will get it, or it will pass, or it can happen. When Satan points out my flaws with a laser pin point to make sure that I know what an utter failure I am. As if he needs too, I’m pretty good at that myself. And then God points out to me who I once was and what we’ve been through using my grandsons who at the ages of 3, 5 and 6 really do believe that you can go bear hunting with a switch. Because that switch is not a stick it’s the biggest and baddest (I know it’s not a word) rifle that anyone on earth owns. And they are the greatest of all hunters having never missed a shot. If you want to get similar guns to these, then check out this 9mm Semi Automatic Rifle or the Hunting Rifles for Sale. 

I asked my friend and retired schoolteacher, Gloria Jones, “At what point do kids decide they don’t like school?” Her response is seared into my mind “When they have their first bad teacher.” When I speak to youth leaders or at leadership events I remind them of an experience I had as a nine or ten year old child at a church Christmas play rehearsal, when as I read the script for the first time I read a word in my part which was “deny”; for which I pronounced “denny.” One of the youth leaders laughed me to scorn for my mispronunciation and as a child I thought, “When I grow up, I’ll never be like you.” And praise God! because that incident has stayed so fresh in my mind, I’m very careful when dealing with youth to never shatter their “bear hunting experience.” I don’t ever want to be remembered as “that leader” because I do remember it, and her as if it were yesterday.

When Jesus said to the disciples in Mark 10:14-16 ~  …Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

The disciples had forgotten about their bear hunting days. They’d read the story of David killing the bear (1 Samuel 17:36), but now they were a part of the ministry team, there was no time for crazy things like bear hunting with a switch. But Christ reminded them that it was that childlike faith that believed that God could do anything and so can we that was necessary for salvation. And as I was reminded by Luke, Noah and Nicolis, it is needful for everyday living. There are many days in life when the bears I fight with aren’t bears, they’re people or circumstances. It is during that battle that I need to remind myself that a ruddy little boy like David didn’t even stop to think about what he was doing when he killed the lion and bear, he just did it. I need to stop thinking about the people and the circumstances in my life and just do it. What about you? Has someone smashed your bear hunting dreams? Pick up your stick and fight!