September 9, 2026
It is assuredly a great thing at the end of a life to hear God say, “Well done, my good and faithful Servant.” We will not hear those words if we always give up, if we whine when God’s timing does not match our own. Waiting on God is to know He sees a greater picture than we see. When we are in relationship with God, when we hear His voice and know His presence, we will never question His perfect timing.
Americans are privileged to experience freedom of religion. And now, at a time when that freedom is in danger, we are called to be fearless witnesses for Christ. It is going to get worse. Unless Jesus returns, we are going to see increased criticism of Christians that could rise to the level of persecution. That is already happening in many places in the world. We need to prepare, to stand firm and courageously for our God.
The concept of working together, of striving to achieve heavenly goals versus earthly longings and desires that lead to nothing, is simple, and yet difficult to surrender. Letting go of ego, letting go of self-serving endeavors, submitting our talents and our time to God’s greater plan for our lives, is the ultimate victory. Earth’s rewards are temporary and shallow. It’s a small flip in our thinking but once we achieve it, heaven opens wide before us.
We have great power given to us by God. Jesus said, “These things and more will you do!” But because miracles, healings and mountain moving are outside the “science” we’ve been taught, we tend to believe the world’s position and doubt God’s! Yikes. The kind of faith it takes to move a mountain is defeated by our rational thinking. We never saw Jesus move a mountain, but we saw Him feed thousands with two fish and a bit of bread. So while I would have to fight a lot of doubt to bring Mt. Rainier to my back yard, I believe I can hand a difficult need or problem to God and He will move on my behalf.
We are in constant need of God’s grace and forgiveness. When I read the Word and I pray, I am filled with good intentions. And then I walk out into the world where I am apt to stumble and fail. Shockingly, this has happened to me: I have been driving and praying when someone cuts me off or performs some other evil act (in my opinion). I am instantly offended. In the middle of my prayers! My anger seems to lie just beneath the surface, ready to rise and remind me I am far from the fruits of the Spirit and closer to my humanity than I thought. My need for God, for His mercy and forgiveness, is so desperate!!!
A journey with God is ongoing, evolving and we are changed into His likeness. We know without question that we are to love others. It is the second greatest Commandment. Not only love them but love them as we love ourselves. It is in this loving (and not Judging) that we add works to our faith and obedience. It would be easy to read the Bible all day every day and to imagine we are great followers of the Word because we know it well. But faith without works is dead. We are commanded to put the Bible down, step out into the world, love others, exhort and uplift them, see to their real human needs, and become that amazing example of love…the Good Samaritan. If we say we love others and yet we isolate and insulate ourselves, we follow our own needs as opposed to following Jesus. It takes a lot more to please God.
Dearest Lord, I know I have heard Heaven laugh at my desperate efforts to please You. Strengthen me, Lord, so I never stop talking to You in order to yell my annoyance at someone whose picture hangs on Your refrigerator! Your people shall be my people. If You have hope and belief in someone, make me believe too. Help me love who You love, honor who You honor and pray without ceasing until the matter is resolved. Thank You, Father.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:17