Notes of Faith May 6, 2023

Notes of Faith May 6, 2023

Embracing the Lifestyle

You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food — catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages.

— 2 Timothy 4:3-4 The Message

Horse ownership means that we are making a commitment to a horse — and that we are willing to accept the lifestyle change that comes with it. Nothing says unconditional love like leaving your warm house to feed horses when it’s fifteen degrees below zero outside. Once we commit to ownership, even in trying times, there are many joys and benefits that come with it.

Some people want the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ but not the accompanying lifestyle change. Yet we must ask ourselves if we’re on a truth quest or a happiness quest. We can always find a person, web page, or even a church that will promote lies — spiritual junk food — that sound good but lack the whole truth of the Bible.

By accepting the lifestyle change that comes with the love of Jesus, we can receive the full benefit of having a relationship with Him.

When it comes to a horse lifestyle, you know you’re growing when it becomes second nature to clean out the stall, brush and feed your horse daily, and ride as often as you can.

When it comes to our spiritual lives, growing in truth means tapping into God’s faith-building resources: having a daily quiet time, reading devotionals, and engaging in spiritual disciplines like Bible study, prayer, church, and sharing our faith. Personally connecting with God on a daily basis is essential to the life of every believer. God’s Word is alive and active, and it will change our lives.

Truth isn’t always easy to hear, but by accepting the lifestyle change that comes with the love of Jesus, we can receive the full benefit of having a relationship with Him.

Lord, help me to avoid spiritual junk food. I want the solid food of Your truth, amen.

Excerpted from Unbridled Faith by Cara Whitney, copyright Cara Whitney

Obedience is the word described but left out here. Repentance (turning from our sin), and obedience (following Jesus in all things), is required of true faith. How is your faith? Are you a true believer? Remember, you are what you eat! Don’t eat spiritual junk food and THINK you are a Christian. You will be in for a rude eternal awakening. Feed on the words that provide eternal life even now!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 5, 2023

Notes of Faith May 5, 2023

A Word to the Church

If we really believe the good news is to

heal the heartbroken, announce freedom to all captives, [and] pardon all prisoners — Isaiah 61:1 The Message,

those of us in the church had better start talking about what people are really going through and find ways to meet them there. We need to show them the acceptance God shows to us. We must normalize the battles of depression so those who suffer from it will be willing to turn to us for help, comfort, and community.

Satan has done a masterful job of shaming us for how we feel and what we do. But when we don’t deal with things in our lives, we fall into a continuous cycle of defeat. To make matters worse, we live in a culture that stigmatizes certain types of brokenness more than others. Sadly, this is true even in the church. Whether we realize it or not, Christians often encourage people to keep hiding because of our subtle, and not so subtle, attitudes and actions toward them. Too often, we heap shame on those who are struggling rather than help them come out of their caves and into the light.

The truth is, our whole world is a fallen, broken mess — not without hope, but messy all the same.

We are all broken in different ways. No particular shape of brokenness is worse or better than any other.

When I see the remains of houses still standing after a tornado, I don’t compare the broken windows of one house to another and think, that one is broken more severely than this other one. No! Shattered windows, like shattered lives, are all simply in need of repair.

Part of offering real help to those we care about who are suffering from depression requires looking at the “logs” in our own life rather than judging the “specks” we see in the lives of others (Matthew 7:5). We’ve got to stop stigmatizing brokenness and demonizing fallenness. God helps each of us with whatever shape our fallenness takes.

One of the simplest ways we can begin to extend compassion and acceptance to those struggling with depression is to choose our words with care. However well-meaning we might be, some words do more harm than good, and we need to stop saying them. As a starting point, here’s a list of ten things not to say.

What Won’t Help Someone Struggling with Depression

Trying harder: “Come on, now, you can snap out of this! Just try a little harder and I’m sure you’ll feel better in no time.”

Disbelieving: “You suffer depression? But you’re always smiling and seem so positive and upbeat! How can you be depressed?”

Over-spiritualizing: “What does your quiet time look like right now? Maybe you aren’t spending enough time reading the Bible. Maybe you should wake up earlier and pray more.”

Deflecting: “But you have so much to be thankful for! Just look at all the blessings in your life.”

Minimizing: “Well, I’m sure you feel bad, but honestly, it could be so much worse. Did I ever tell you about the time…?”

Criticizing: “If you weren’t so hard on yourself, I bet you would feel a lot better. Just try to relax, okay? Don’t be such a perfectionist all the time.”

Comparing: “I know it’s hard for you right now, but have you thought about what it must be like for people suffering bigger losses? Maybe you just need to consider helping others instead of focusing on yourself so much.”

Dismissing: “This too shall pass. You’ll get over it — I know you will! Just give it a little time.”

Redirecting: “Wow, I wish I had your problems. That’s nothing compared to what I’ve been going through. Have I ever told you about…?”

Reducing: “You just need to get out of your head and quit thinking about stuff so much. Lighten up!”

No one wants to hear these responses when they’re depressed and anxious. When you say something to someone you care about that implicitly or explicitly conveys, “You don’t have to be that way,” they will resent you. If you’ve ever had others say something similar when you’re struggling, you know how insensitive such words can be. The speakers might mean well, but their words only leave us feeling more isolated, more alone, more detached.

When we’re not okay, we need others who are willing to come alongside us. We need people who will use their words to shine God’s love into the darkness of our cave.

God is calling you out of your cave.

So what should you say to someone experiencing depression? How can you help them see a glimmer of God’s light while they’re still deep in the darkness of their cave? Basically, the rule is to say the same things you want to hear when you are struggling! Here are ten suggestions for how you can use your words to bring light to someone in the darkness of depression.

What Will Help Someone Struggling with Depression

Committing: “I’m here to sit with you wherever you are right now. I’ll listen and be with you no matter what you’re facing.”

Connecting: “No matter how alone you feel, I care about you. I want you to know you’re not alone.”

Accepting: “I care about you and what’s going on in your life. Don’t hold back. I’m here for you no matter what.”

Encouraging: “God loves you right where you are, and I know He loves you too much to let you stay there. Trust Him. He is working in you, even if you don’t see it.”

Listening: “If you can, please tell me what it feels like. I want to listen and understand more of what this is like for you.”

Being trustworthy: “I’d like to know what’s going on, and I promise to keep it confidential. You can trust me if you need someone to confide in. I’m not here to judge you but to show you I care about you.”

Supporting: “We’re going to get through this, together.”

Helping: “Can I do something practical for you that might be helpful to you right now — clean your house or cook some meals?”

Giving hope: “This is not a dead end. I know God has more for you than this. Let’s talk through some options of what might be a helpful next step for you.”

Offering a new perspective: “Let’s see how we can look at this battle from another angle.”

The Bible tells us,

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. — Proverbs 16:24 ESV

This is never more evident than when we speak words of life to those in need of deep encouragement.

The Ultimate Win-Win

Let me share one final thought that often encourages me when I’m not doing okay. After Jesus conquered death and rose again, He appeared to people on earth for forty days before His final ascension into heaven. Now, if I were Jesus, I would have wanted to take my “I told you so!” tour and revisit certain Jewish religious leaders (“Ha! Guess what? I won!”) and Roman soldiers (“I’m ba-ack! You can’t kill me!”).

So good thing I wasn’t given that opportunity, right? Instead of what you or I might do after rising from the dead, Jesus appeared specifically to three individuals. The first was Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus met just outside the tomb following His resurrection (John 20:11-18). Not only was she a woman, but a fallen woman, many scholars believe. His visit with her broke tradition — and gender barriers — by showing how highly Jesus valued everyone, even those society deemed unimportant or immoral. Their encounter is a reminder that no matter who we are or where we find ourselves in life, God still values us and shows us compassion.

Next, Jesus made it a point to appear to His disciples, and particularly to Thomas, while all of them had locked themselves into an upper room for fear that they, too, might be arrested and suffer as Jesus did. Thomas had previously voiced his doubts about his Master’s resurrection, but Jesus was willing to do whatever it took for Thomas to realize that He was indeed alive — even if it meant allowing Thomas to put his fingers in the nail wounds on His hands and side (John 20:24-29). The encounter with Thomas reminds us that our doubts and demands don’t bother Jesus at all. He reveals Himself to us even when we’ve gone into hiding.

Finally, Jesus connects with His disciple Peter, the only one of the Twelve to flat-out deny knowing Him the night and early morning before He was crucified. Jesus had even foretold that Peter would deny knowing Him three times, which Peter adamantly denied he would do. But a few hours later, there he was, lying about knowing Jesus before the cock had crowed three times (Luke 22:54-62). And yet, Peter’s betrayal didn’t prevent Jesus from choosing Peter to be a foundational leader of His church. In a beautiful encounter on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, the Lord forgave Peter and restored him (John 21:15-19). Jesus saw beyond the emotional denials in the midst of the worst night of Peter’s life. Jesus’ message to Peter is the same message He speaks to us:

Your past is your past and I still love you. I see who you are — who you really are, as My Father created you — and want you to thrive. I want to use you and have you represent Me to everyone you encounter.

Jesus meets you right where you are. He has defeated death and He is more powerful than anything that could ever come against you. His victory is your victory. He invites you to share in His triumph, the ultimate win-win.

It’s okay to not be okay.

But don’t settle for a lifetime of “not okay.”

God is calling you out of your cave.

Excerpted from Out of the Cave by Chris Hodges, copyright Chris Hodges.

Everyone has issues that they struggle with…admittedly or not. People are different from one another completely like snowflakes, each created with a special individual flair by God. We must recognize differences, and be willing, as God is, to consider each one special, important, on an eternal journey, some following a righteous path with God, while others are lost in their journey to find what they think will fill the need of their heart. Let us begin today to look at everyone as if they are a special creation of God, on the same journey we are, some ahead of us, some behind us, but all created that we might encourage one another along the way. We will be blessed helping others, even if they don’t follow the same path that we are chosen and called to. In loving others as God loves us, we are obeying the commands of Scripture and will experience the peace of God that passes all understanding. I challenge you to try this today with all whom God brings across your path.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 4, 2023

Notes of Faith May 4, 2023

The Power of Praying In Jesus' Name, Amen

IT troubles you, fatigues you, shames you. IT is the disease you can’t heal, the job you can’t stomach, the marriage you can’t fix, the rage you can’t tame.

IT hurts.

IT looms over life. Two towering letters, tall and defiant. IT! They march like Frankenstein’s monster. Each step a thud. Each thud an earthquake. Clomp. Clomp. Clomp. IT! IT! IT!

“Look out! Here IT comes!” “I can’t take IT anymore!”

IT overshadows and intimidates everyone — everyone, that is, except people who take IT to Jesus. People like the Roman soldier.

He was a centurion. He held unquestioned authority over his men. Yet there was something special about this particular officer. He loved his servant.

‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him’. — Matthew 8:6-7

The soldier’s prayer was unembroidered. He simply stated a fact: “My servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”

That was enough to set Jesus in motion. He turned and immediately began to walk in the direction of the centurion’s house. But the officer stopped him.

Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.

— Matthew 8:8-9

The centurion understood the dynamic of authority. He was a man under authority and a man with authority. His superiors sent directives to him, and he obeyed. He gave commands, and his soldiers obeyed. They didn’t question his decisions. The Roman army respected the chain of command. The centurion knew authority when he saw it. And he saw ultimate authority in Jesus Christ.

“Only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” [Jesus] marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!.. Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour. — Matthew 8:8, Matthew 8:10, Matthew 8:13

The centurion’s confidence in Jesus ran deep. Jesus could handle the request long distance. Just a word from Jesus would suffice. Jesus was stunned. Finally, His response implies, someone understands my authority!

Do we?

Jesus has unimpeachable authority.

He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. — Hebrews 1:3

God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name. — Philippians 2:9

The Roman government tried to intimidate Him. False religion tried to silence Him. The devil tried to kill Him. All failed. Even “death was no match for Him” (Acts 2:24 MSG).

Jesus “disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by His victory over them on the cross” (Colossians 2:15 NLT). He was not kidding when He declared,

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. — Matthew 28:18

Jesus is the command center of the galaxies.

Two sparrows cost only a penny, but not even one of them can die without your Father’s knowing it. — Matthew 10:29 NCV

He occupies the Oval Office. He called a coin out of the mouth of a fish. He stopped the waves with a word. He spoke, and a tree withered. He spoke again, and a basket became a banquet. Economy. Meteorology. Botany. Food supply.

All things have been handed over to me by my Father. — Matthew 11:27

Since God is good, prayer is good.

That includes Satan. The devil was soundly defeated by Christ on the cross. Jesus outranks him in every situation. He must obey Jesus, and he knows it.

Prayers offered in the name of Jesus have “divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV). Demolish! Not damage or hamper but demolish. Prayer falls on strongholds like lit matches on a grass hut.

The devil fears prayer. Imagine this scene. He sat in the back of the room during a strategy session. A dozen demons had gathered to hear a report on the life of a particularly stalwart saint.

“He won’t stumble,” groused the imp responsible for his demise. “No matter what I do, he won’t turn his back on God.”

The council began to offer suggestions.

“Take his purity,” one said.

“I tried,” replied the fiend, “but he is too moral.” “Take his health,” urged another.

“I did, but he refused to grumble or complain.” “Take his belongings.”

“Are you kidding? I’ve stripped the man of every penny and possession. Yet he still rejoices.”

For a few moments no one spoke. Finally, from the back of the room, came the low, measured voice of Satan himself. The entire council turned as the fallen angel rose to his feet. His pale face was all but hidden by the hood. A long cape covered his body. He raised his bony hand and made his point. “It’s not enough to take his purity. It’s not enough to take his health. It’s not enough to take his belongings. You must take what matters most.” “What is that?” asked the subordinate.

“You must take his prayer.”

Prayer slaps handcuffs on Satan. Prayer takes problems out of the domain of the devil and into the presence of God. Prayer confesses, “God can handle IT. Since He can, I have hope!”

When we pray in the name of Jesus, we come to God on the basis of Jesus’ accomplishment.

Since we have a great high priest [Jesus] over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. — Hebrews 10:21–22

As our high priest, Jesus offers our prayers to God. His prayers are always heard.

Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. — John 16:23

There are those who say, “Prayer changes things because it changes us.” I agree but only in part. Prayer changes things because prayer appeals to the top power in the universe. Prayer is not a magical formula or a mystical chant. It is the yes to God’s invitation to invoke His name.

Mark it down: IT won’t have the last word. Jesus will.

God raised [Christ] from death and set Him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from His rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. — Ephesians 1:20–22 MSG

The phrase “In Jesus’ name” is not an empty motto or talisman. It is a declaration of truth: My cancer is not in charge; Jesus is. The economy is not in charge; Jesus is. The grumpy neighbor doesn’t run the world; Jesus, You do! You, Jesus, are the Head Coach, CEO, President, King, Supreme Ruler, Absolute Monarch, High and Holy Baron, Czar, Overlord, and Rajah of all history.

Just speak the word, Jesus...

Pray! Since God works, prayer works.

Since God is good, prayer is good.

Since you matter to God, your prayers matter in Heaven. You’re never without hope, because you’re never without prayer. And on the occasions you can’t find the words to say, pull these out of your pocket:

Father,

You are good.

I need help. Heal me and forgive me.

They need help.

Thank You.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Excerpted from Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer by Max Lucado, copyright Thomas Nelson.

Today is the National Day of Prayer, though I do not believe that our national leadership as a whole place their faith and trust in God, we, who do believe and trust in God must pray that God will do the things only He can do. Our world is sick and wandering hopelessly away from truth and life, seeking things that only bring condemnation and death. May we pray today and every day for the world in which we live, for the lives God has put around us, for the leaders in every country, for them to repent of their rebellion against God and that they turn to the One who provides all that they need on earth and offers them eternal life through Jesus Christ!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 3, 2023

Notes of Faith May 3, 2023

Prayers for Peace and Protection

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. — John 14:27

Father, You are slow to anger, gracious in mercy, and abounding in love. You are worthy of all praise and honor.

I humbly ask for Your peace in my life. The stressors in my life cause many sleepless nights and worries and concerns. Fill me with Your peace, and reassure me that You are there and in control.

Comfort and bless my loved ones. They, too, have to endure many challenges. Calm their spirits, and focus their hearts on You.

Thank You for caring about every part of our lives and every member of our families. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, who is our great Comforter.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

*

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

— James 5:16 NIV

Father, You lead your people and hear their prayers. You know each of Your sheep by name. You are the great and wonderful Shepherd.

Help me find a trustworthy prayer partner. Too often, I try to go it alone, and I’m reluctant to share my spiritual life with others. Please change my heart. Give me a passion to reach out to other Christians so we can pray for one another and seek Your will together.

Help those in my community. Ignite a desire in them to know You. Use me, and raise up Christians in our midst. I pray that those who live around me will come to know You.

Thank You for putting people in our paths who can walk this road of faith with us. Thank You for all the believers worldwide. May Your mighty name continue to spread throughout the earth.

In Jesus’ holy name, amen.

*

I humbly ask for Your peace in my life.

The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. — Psalm 33:11–12 NIV

Dear Father, from the beginning of time, You have planned the path Your people would take. Your infinite mind thought of me long before I was born. I am humbled by Your incredible love.

I struggle with doubts and fear about my future. I don’t trust You nearly as much as I should. Please forgive me and reinforce my faith in You. Help me understand and believe that You are in control and have a good plan for me, my family, and my career.

Bless my family today. Help them know that all things rest in Your hands and that You always have their best interests in mind. Don’t let them fear the future.

Thank You for ordering our steps and guiding our way. I am thankful to know that Your thoughts are always for our good.

In Your Son’s name, amen.

Excerpted from Start with Prayer by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

We need to rest in the love of our Lord and Savior who is in control of all things created. Trust Him for who He is and His plan for your blessed eternal life with Him!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 2, 2023

Notes of Faith May 2, 2023

For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. — 2 Chronicles 20:12

Jehoshaphat and his people were about to face a great enemy, and they were afraid. Armies were on their way to drive them out of the land God had given them, and Jehoshaphat did the only thing he could think to do: he prayed. In his prayer, Jehoshaphat admitted that the people were powerless to stop what was coming at them, and they simply did not know what to do.

Haven’t we all, at some point in our lives, prayed a similar prayer? We’ve all faced a scary situation, an uncertain outcome, or a devastating diagnosis. Just like Jehoshaphat, we’ve experienced times when — on our own — we were powerless against what was coming at us. Hasn’t each of us prayerfully uttered the words, “I don’t know what to do”?

The beauty of this prayer is that, while the people didn’t know what to do, they did know where to look. To focus their gaze on the enemy or themselves would have served only to heighten the people’s fear and despair. They knew their only hope was to fix their eyes on God.

There will be times in our lives when we feel powerless, fearful, and uncertain as to what to do. In those moments, however, we can choose to fix our eyes on the One who can calm any storm, defeat any foe, and lead us through any valley.

Father, I fix my eyes on You as You fill me with Your certainty.

*

Suffering allowed him to see with his own eyes what he had always heard to be true of God.

O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You; I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. — Isaiah 25:1 ESV

God is the One who knows the end from the beginning. He is never caught off guard by our circumstances or bewildered by our behavior. He never feels pressured by the passing of time. God has always been — and will always be — in complete control of His creation.

Isaiah’s acceptance of God’s eternal nature, sovereignty, and faithfulness was evident in the way he prayed. He knew that God had a plan — a faithful and sure one formed long ago. Isaiah knew what Jeremiah knew: God’s plans for us have been prepared in advance (Jeremiah 1:5), and they are plans to prosper us (Jeremiah 29:11).

When we understand that God has a plan and that nothing about our existence is haphazard or out of control, it changes the way we pray. And when we understand that we were made on purpose and with a purpose, it changes the way we live. Each of us is intentionally and uniquely handmade by a holy God who has a plan for us.

God has proven time and again that He is able “to rescue the godly from trials” (2 Peter 2:9 ESV). He led His followers out of lions’ dens, fiery furnaces, and prisons because He still had plans for those individuals. If there’s still breath in your body, He isn’t finished with you. Trust Him to be as He has always been: faithful and sure.

Only You, God, are worthy of my trust. You know the plans You have made for me, and I can rest assured in Your promise.

*

I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.

— Job 42:5

When have you felt the closest to God? For many of us, it is during seasons of sorrow and suffering that we sense the nearness of Him the most. God has promised us that He will never leave us. We can always be assured of His presence, but it is often in those moments of agony that He chooses to reveal Himself in a whole new way.

Job was a man of great faith. He was described as a man who was “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1 ESV). He made it his practice to rise early and offer prayers and sacrifices for his entire family. By all accounts, Job was a good and godly man. Yet, in his prayer, Job acknowledged that his suffering allowed him to see with his own eyes what he had always heard to be true of God.

We can all think of times when we’ve seen God at work with our own eyes. Maybe it was in the form of physical protection from an accident or illness that should have had a worse outcome. Or perhaps it looked like provision from an unexpected source in a time of great need. Or it may have been a person who came along at just the right moment to comfort, guide, or assist us.

We have heard of You, Lord, but now our eyes see You.

Excerpted from 100 Favorite Bible Prayers by Stacy Edwards, copyright Thomas Nelson.

Again, I bring you a note to encourage you toward a more intimate walk with God. May your prayers draw you close. May you ask for wisdom, help from the Holy Spirit to be more obedient, and to love God and others the way Jesus does. We will always be able to draw closer to the Lord all the days of our life and enjoy His love for us, as we grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith May 1, 2023

Notes of Faith May 1, 2023

Spent the day yesterday with some of my wonderful family at Universal Studios Hollywood. A great time was had by all! Hopefully you don’t miss May 1 notes since they did not come out until May 2. May you have a blessed day today! Dale

For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

— Matthew 6:13 NKJV

I’ll never forget when my understanding of prayer changed forever.

I was a sophomore in high school, fifteen years old and newly saved, when my pastor, Larry Stockstill, taught on the Lord’s Prayer. Pastor Larry was passionate about prayer — to the point that I half-expected him to preach on the power of prayer any given Sunday. He even made sure we had prayer in the name of our church: Bethany World Prayer Center.

But hearing him teach on prayer this time was different.

It was the first time I realized that the Lord’s Prayer wasn’t just a prayer — it was an outline for prayer. My mind was blown! I thought you were just supposed to memorize the Lord’s Prayer and recite it whenever it was time to pray. And at that particular age and stage, the twenty-one seconds it took for me to say the Lord’s Prayer was just about how long I spent in prayer. The main reason I didn’t pray longer was that I didn’t know what to say. So, like most of my friends and many of the Christians I knew, I would simply recite the Lord’s Prayer, give God a few requests, and call it a day.

Learning to consider the Lord’s Prayer as an outline, a model for prayer, remains one of the greatest discoveries in my entire Christian life to date. I hope this discovery can have the same impact on you.

When His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray, Jesus used a technique that many rabbis used — teaching God’s truth by providing an outline drawn from the Scriptures. The disciples already knew how to pray based on their upbringing. They had learned traditional prayers that most Jewish males memorized as part of their upbringing.

But when they saw and heard Jesus pray, they were stunned. He wasn’t praying as they had been taught, so they asked their Master to teach them to do it His way. So that’s exactly what Jesus did — He gave them the gift of an outline for how to talk to the Father. It changed everything for the disciples that day, and it changed everything for me too.

Now I hope it changes the way you understand the Lord’s Prayer — and perhaps all prayers!

Our Father in Heaven: Respect and Intimacy

Having a deliberate plan in place when you pray goes a long way toward deepening your relationship with God. Rather than stifling your connection, a prayer plan facilitates staying focused and going deeper. The primary components of prayer planning are model prayers. These are not scripted prayers to be read verbatim but simply outlines, templates, and blueprints that help you include the major elements of prayer such as praise and worship, confession, petition, and intercession.

While we’ll explore several distinct models found in the Bible, the best starting point is the prayer outline Jesus Himself gave us. It’s the model prayer of all model prayers. In response to their request, Jesus instructed His followers to pray like this:

Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. — Matthew 6:9–13 NKJV

The Lord’s Prayer isn’t just a prayer — it is an outline for prayer.

It’s important to realize that Jesus wasn’t teaching us words to memorize but rather how to connect with our Father. With this relational goal in mind, Christ gave us an outline with seven distinct aspects of prayer. Similar to rabbinical teaching of the day that followed specific outlines, Jesus concisely demonstrated elements for us to explore and expand upon as we pray.

A logical starting point when teaching others how to communicate is to focus on their audience, the person being addressed — and that’s exactly how Jesus began: “Our Father in Heaven...” It’s difficult to grasp how radical it was for His disciples to hear that they — and we — should connect with God relationally. And not just relationally — we should begin by calling God our Father, which Jesus implies may be His favorite title.

Jesus called Him “Abba,” which conveys intimacy, and told us to do the same. It’s similar to when we address our earthly fathers as Daddy or Papa. It’s warm and personal, familiar and comfortable. Rather than starting with a formal approach, we speak to God as His sons and daughters:

You have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, ‘Abba, Father’. — Romans 8:15 NLT

God wants to be in an intimate relationship with you. And your relationship with Him begins with a right view of God. Nothing will determine your relationship with God more than your view of Him. Addressing Him as your Father still shows respect but accurately demonstrates your access and closeness.

When my kids were little, I loved nothing more than for them to jump in my lap, cuddle up, and tell me about their day. As they grew into adulthood, our communication wasn’t as physically close, but the love, familiarity, and intimacy remained. They know they can come to me anytime — not just when they’re struggling or needing something. I love it when they pop in and just say, “Hey, Dad, how are you? What are you working on? How’s your day going?”

God loves for us to come to Him in this same way — as children who love Him and want to spend time with Him.

Excerpted from Pray First by Chris Hodges, copyright Chris Hodges.

I did not have this kind of intimacy with my earthly father, and he died at 64 years old, before I was 28. But my heavenly Father has continued to draw me to Himself and I have been blessed to have children and grandchildren that know Him and are learning to walk with Him in this intimacy. It was one of the best days yesterday, with family, enjoying a fun time, but more importantly, each other! May your days and time with family be a blessing to all!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith April 30, 2023

Notes of Faith April 30, 2023

Article by Scott Hubbard

Editor, desiringGod.org

Sleep Beneath His Promises

Learning Rest from the Psalms

On some nights, as the lights go off and the house grows quiet, a restful hush seems to descend on everything around us — but not on us. We lie on our bed like Gideon’s fleece, the only dry spot in a world bedewed with sleep.

A thousand thoughts may keep us awake when all around us rests. Thoughts of work unfinished and questions unanswered. Thoughts of living sorrows and dead comforts. Thoughts of last day’s regrets and next day’s needs.

Falling asleep may seem simple enough. “All it takes,” writes sleep researcher Nancy Hamilton, “is a tired body and a quiet mind” (The Depression Cure, 207). Yet the second half of that equation sometimes feels like a wish beyond reach. We might sooner touch the moon.

Our Lord “gives to his beloved sleep,” Solomon assures us (Psalm 127:2). But on nights such as these, we can hold the gift in helpless hands, wondering how to unwrap it.

Calm and Quiet Mind

The psalmists knew just how easily cares, sorrows, and mysterious causes could chase the sleep from their eyes. They, like us, had lain for long hours on their beds, thoughts churning (Psalm 77:1–3). They had watched many moons roll slowly across the sky (Psalm 22:2). They knew that sometimes, for good and kind reasons, the God who gives to his beloved sleep also takes from his beloved sleep.

And yet, Solomon and David and the other psalmists also knew that sleep really was possible, even on the most unlikely nights. Even when hunted in the wilderness (Psalm 3:5), or sunk down in sorrow (Psalm 42:8), or consumed with thoughts of life’s half-finished buildings (Psalm 127:1–2), they had experienced the wonder of laying their cares before their God, and laying themselves down to sleep. The psalmists knew that a quiet mind could be theirs, even when a quiet life was not.

No doubt, a quiet mind comes, in part, from simple wisdom: if we drink coffee in the late afternoon, or try to sleep in the afterglow of our smartphones, we should not be surprised to find ourselves still awake at midnight. But ultimately, the Psalms remind us that a quiet mind comes from the hand of our sleep-giving God, who nightly draws near to our beds as the Lord who is our shield, our shepherd, our comfort, our life.

The Lord Is Your Shield

I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. (Psalm 3:5)

The David of Psalm 3 had every reason to be anxious, every reason to lie down on a bed of cares. Chased from Jerusalem by a treacherous son, he now ran through the wilderness, hunted like a beast (Psalm 3:1–2). I can scarcely imagine a scenario less hospitable to sleep. Yet sleep David did, and apparently without much trouble: “I lay down and slept,” he says (Psalm 3:5). But how?

David’s words just before these shed particularly helpful light on the faith that sent him to sleep:

I cried aloud to the Lord,

and he answered me from his holy hill. (Psalm 3:4)

David, king of Israel, was used to reigning on the holy hill of Jerusalem. He once sat atop that hill with tremendous authority, royal power. Yet David knows that even when his own throne sits empty, or occupied by a rebel son, God’s throne is always and ever full. David didn’t need to reign on his throne in order to sleep; he just needed God to reign on his. If only God was on his holy hill — his character sure, his covenant firm — then David could sleep in the wilderness.

“Our cares may be many and close; our God is mighty and closer.”

We may lie down tonight in some wilderness of helplessness, hunted by cares far beyond our control. We may feel utterly vulnerable before some dark and brooding uncertainty — some coming diagnosis, some job insecurity, some relational conflict with much at stake. But even then, our God still sits with crown and scepter, his holy hill untouched. He is, by night, “a shield about me,” and by morning, “the lifter of my head” (Psalm 3:3). Our cares may be many and close; our God is mighty and closer.

The Lord Is Your Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures. (Psalm 23:1–2)

In his helpful little book And So to Bed . . ., Adrian Reynolds notes that sheep lie down for only one reason: to rest or sleep (35). Picture, then, those familiar green pastures of Psalm 23 dotted with mounds of dozing wool, at rest beneath a shepherd whose faithful care assures them, “I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

How many restless nights find their source in the deep-down fear that we shall, in fact, want — that the new morning will not bring new mercies, that tomorrow’s bread will not come? How often does our lonely ruminating suggest that we do not trust the Lord to be our shepherd? How strange and sad it would be to see a sheep anxious and fearful beside the rod and staff, bleating as if it walked alone. Yet so I often am.

On such nights, we could hardly ask for a better bedtime confession than “I shall not want” — nor for a better assurance of that truth than “the Lord is my shepherd.” Especially when tomorrow seems filled with daunting needs, with wants beyond the strength of sheep, these words may become the staff that leads us to green pastures, the shepherd’s hand that lays us down.

If the Lord really is our shepherd, then our wants do not require a worried and wakeful heart. He can do far more in our sleeping than we can do in our waking. And whatever needs tomorrow holds, his provision will prove equal to the task.

The Lord Is Your Comfort

He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.

(Psalm 147:4)

Among the many kinds of restlessness the psalmists bring to their beds, the restlessness of sorrow may be the most common. Throughout the Psalms, we read of midnight weepers (Psalm 30:5), of wakeful, comfortless souls (Psalm 77:1–2), of saints whose tears stain their sheets (Psalm 6:6). Sorrow often makes for a sleepless heart.

In such moments, God’s voice in creation joins his voice in Scripture to speak comfort over our pain. Turn, then, and look out your window. Can you see a hundred burning stars — and imagine beyond them billions more? Your God “determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names” (Psalm 147:4). Such a thought might, at first, make us feel smaller than ever, our broken hearts too humble for God’s notice. But the psalmist draws the opposite application: if God names the very stars — these background props of creation — then he has certainly not lost sight of his dear people’s sorrows (Psalm 147:3; Isaiah 40:26–27).

“As surely as God knows the name of every star, he knows our hidden sorrows, our unseen aches.”

God’s exhaustive awareness of heaven’s hosts is meant to assure us not of our insignificance, but of his attention — and his attention particularly to our pains: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds,” the psalmist says (Psalm 147:3). As surely as he knows the name of every star, he knows our hidden sorrows, our unseen aches. And he is, for all his people, the great Healer of hearts and Binder of wounds.

Such a promise, shining from every star above, can become the song that sends us to sleep.

The Lord Is Your Life

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. (Psalm 17:15)

Someday, if Jesus should tarry, we will shut our eyes one final time, never to awake again in this world. The psalmists keenly felt the coming of this last sleep. But they were also given glimpses, however small, of something past this sleep. When David sings of a waking that will show him “your face . . . your likeness,” he sings of a waking beyond this world, a morning only heaven could make (see also Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2).

It was a precious glimpse, but still just a glimpse. You and I see more. For David’s Son has now come, bringing a dawn beyond death’s night. For two days he lay down in the tomb, and then on the third, he woke. The apostle Paul draws the line between Jesus’s great and final sleep and ours:

God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:9–10)

As we go to sleep tonight, our Lord’s hands are ready to hold us safe. And in the hollow of his hands is a quiet that can calm the loudest mind, waking or sleeping, living or dying. Because even if this sleep should be our last, our eyes will open once again — not now upon the face of spouse or children, but upon the face of him who for ten thousand nights has been our shield, our shepherd, our comfort, and now our everlasting life.

The Lord knows that our bodies need rest…He made them that way. Even Jesus grew weary in His human body and needed rest. Our lives need to be more and more intertwined with our Savior, our rising, our laying down, and our going about the business of the day. We need to not only understand that God is always there, but that He is actively involved in all of it! Praise God for planning our life from before the creation of the world to belong to Him. We who believe and seek to follow Jesus are a love gift from the Father to the Son, a bride who can’t wait to be with her bridegroom. We can rest in God because He has prepared for us a future of blessing and joy, without the worry, pain and suffering sin has brought upon us in this world! Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith April 29, 2023

Notes of Faith April 29, 2023

Forgive, Let It Go, and Get Unstuck

A huge part of changing your mindset is learning to forgive and let go. If you have been through something in your personal life that is making unforgiveness and bitterness an issue, those feelings will show up in other places — and not in a good way.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean that anything that happened to you was okay. Letting go of bitterness doesn’t make a situation less unfair. But it does mean that it’s over and not keeping you stuck any longer.

Think of a situation (or situations) in your life that you just can’t get over. What is it?

Have you made attempts to forgive and move on? How did those attempts go? What happened?

Perhaps you have forgiven, but are you still bitter? When this situation comes up, does it give you a sinking feeling in the pit of your belly? When you see certain things or people on social media, do you feel triggered? Do you still feel a little hot all over at the very mention of their names?

Let’s take a quick quiz, shall we?

1. Are you often jealous of the people around you who have what you don’t?

a) Yes, I want it all.

b) Nope, I’m too blessed to be stressed.

c) Sometimes, but isn’t that normal?

2. Are you easily irritated by happy people who seem to have it all?

a) Ugh. What are they so happy about anyway?

b) No, I’m pretty happy myself.

c) Mostly no, but certain happy people drive me nuts.

3. Do you criticize or gossip about people when they’re not around?

a) Only when someone is being annoying — which is always.

b) I try really hard not to.

c) Yes, but I never say anything I wouldn’t say to their faces.

4. Does it ever seem like a person or a group is out to take things from you?

a) They totally are, so yeah.

b) No. There’s enough for everyone.

c) In certain circumstances, yes.

5. Is it difficult to trust friends and family who try to treat you well?

a) Yes. If they’re being nice they probably have an ulterior motive.

b) No, they love me.

c) Mostly no, but certain people can’t be trusted.

6. Do you have trouble giving other people the benefit of the doubt when their words or actions are awkward?

a) No one gives me the benefit of the doubt, so why should I give it to anyone else?

b) No, I try to assume the best about everyone.

c) Depends on how well I know them, I guess.

7. Do you have a difficult time apologizing when you’re wrong, or congratulating and praising others when they do well?

a) Yes. I know what I’m supposed to do, but I just can’t get past my own feelings.

b) No, not at all.

c) Sometimes it’s more difficult than others, but usually no.

8. Are you pessimistic about good news or new opportunities, always looking for the catch?

a) My experience tells me that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

b) No, I get excited and hopeful.

c) I try not to be, but a tiny part of me can’t help waiting for the other shoe to drop.

If you answered mostly As, bitterness is a big problem for you and it’s time to make like Queen Elsa and Let. It. Go.

If you answered mostly Bs, you are in the clear! You have forgiven and moved on.

And if you answered mostly Cs, it sounds like you’re dealing with a little bit of unforgiveness and bitterness, but you seem to be on the path to healing.

Regardless of how long you’ve held on to this situation, it’s got to go. God has so much more for you if you will just let go of that. My pastor once told me that the worst thing I can give my children is a grudge. Ouch! That really resonated with me. I want to teach them to forgive, let go, and move on by my example. So I have to check my heart continually for bitterness. And if you’re serious about getting unstuck and doing big things, you’ll need to check your heart continually too. You do have a choice. You can move on. The decision is yours.

The next time that thing you’ve been holding on to pops back up (because it will; that’s how bitterness works), say,

“I’ve forgiven [insert name here].”

Say it all day, over and over if you have to.

If someone else brings up the topic, change the subject.

If your thoughts start drifting that way, focus them on some of the good things God is doing in your life.

If you continually do this, I promise that eventually your situation will stop having such a strong hold over you. You will find freedom from it.

And friend?

This need for forgiveness also means forgiving yourself.

Some of you have made bad decisions, done things you aren’t proud of, hurt people, or [insert whatever thing you are ashamed of here]. And guess what? Me too. This is called being human. But if you’ve asked God to forgive you, it’s already done. So if God forgives you, and as a Christian your call is to be more like Him, why are you not forgiving yourself?

What do you need to let go of? Who do you need to forgive?

Let’s get to it. Forgive. Let go. Because you have important work to do.

God needs you free to answer His calling for you.

Your spouse deserves you to be whole. Your kids need a healed mother. You deserve to get your headspace back so you can focus on what’s important. God is offering you a holy exchange — your pain for God’s plan. And that is one heck of a deal, my friend. Take it.

Over and over, I hear women say they are waiting to do things until they feel more confident. They think confidence is the magic, secret ingredient that will get them unstuck. And that, my friend, is nonsense. How can anyone expect to feel confident about something they’ve never done before?

The truth is that so many successful people aren’t confident; they are courageous. They do things in spite of their low confidence level. Here’s the thing: confidence is an end result of doing things while you’re afraid. Confidence is what comes after you do the thing you’re scared of—and then do the thing again, and again.

Confidence has to be earned. You can’t buy it, manifest it, package it, or wish it into existence. The reason you’re stuck isn’t because you lack confidence. No, you’re lacking the experience that will help you feel confident. There’s such a huge difference.

It’s time to quit waiting for confidence before you get out of your rut and out of your head.

You don’t need confidence. You just need the courage to say yes to something even with that nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach.

So now I have to ask: What have you been putting off doing or starting because you don’t feel confident enough?

When God has put something big on your heart, something you need to get unstuck to pursue, you don’t need to feel confident to do it. You may not feel qualified, but you can be confident in the One who did the asking.

God opens the doors, but we have to be courageous and obedient enough to walk through them. Whether or not we have confidence in ourselves is not even a factor.

If He is calling you to it, He will certainly call you through it. And you can have confidence in that! It’s time to muster up the courage to do what God is asking you to do or what the desires in your heart are leading you toward.

What do you believe God is asking you to be courageous about today?

The Bible tells us to recall and remember God’s work, so let’s do that! Think about all the times when God has come through for you in the past. Write them out below so you can come back to them and remind yourself of the times you acted even though you were scared and it turned out okay.

Own It

Change is possible, but it’s entirely up to you. You — and you alone — are responsible for how you handle whatever you were handed in life and how you handle your emotions today.

Friend, whatever you do, the words you use, the thought patterns you play over and over in your mind — they matter.

You are a grown woman, capable of healing, being whole, doing hard things, and moving forward. But you must believe this to get unstuck. And you can’t believe it if you keep reminding yourself of every mistake you’ve ever made. The reason we stay tied to excuses is because we are scared. So we self-protect by making up all the reasons why we can’t. It’s time to stop letting those old missteps and excuses live rent-free in your mind.

God can fix bad thinking. He can help you overcome your feelings. Besides, your feelings about whatever you’re trying to do in life, or whatever God is asking you to do, really don’t matter anyway. (Since when did your feelings become a good reason not to do or try something?)

Your feelings do not release you from your calling. Your God-given calling is your purpose. It’s the thing that makes you tick and that only you can do. It’s your life’s work. You will not be able to do it if you are going to choose to stay stuck with your fear.

You can’t show up for God, for your husband, your family, the world, or your life if you continue to choose to stay tied to bad thinking, bad situations, and feelings that aren’t true. It’s up to you whether you stay stuck or move toward freedom. You can do this!

Let’s pray.

Dear Lord,

I’ve been through some tough stuff and I’ve allowed it to keep me stuck, but I know You’ve always been there with me and that You are here with me now. Please keep showing me all the things and feelings and old wounds that keep me stuck. I want to name them so I can tackle them and work toward freedom. Please, God, help me do that. I know I can’t do it all alone.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Excerpted from Get Unstuck and Stay Unstuck by Jennifer Allwood, copyright Jennifer Allwood.

Matt 6:14-15

14 "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 "But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

NASU

This verse instills fear and is one of those we would like to cross out or tear out of our Bibles as if it did not belong. All mankind is fallen and we do things that are evil. We need forgiveness from one another just as we need forgiveness from God. We cannot earn it. It must be freely given. Therein lies the difficulty.

Love God! Love others! And don’t forget to love yourself…even your fallen self. God loves you and wants to redeem you from that fallen state and make you perfect like Jesus! Let go of hurt, pain, even suffering through forgiveness and receive the blessing of peace and spiritual maturity that God wants for you!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith April 28, 2023

Notes of Faith April 28, 2023

A Prayer for Moms

Compassionate Lord Jesus,

I ask You to use these devotions to bless and help mothers — strengthening, encouraging, and comforting them as they go about their daily lives. Remind them that You are with them each and every moment, regardless of what is happening. Please shower them with Your unfailing Love, and enable them to love their children well. Help their children truly know You as Savior and Lord.

In Your glorious, victorious Name, Amen

~ Sarah Young

I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying, “I trust You, Jesus,” in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I am in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.

This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective — through the Light of My universal Presence — fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me.

I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory.

— Psalm 63:2

See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and His arm rules for Him. See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him. He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young. — Isaiah 40:10–11

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. — Psalm 139:7–10

“I trust You, Jesus; help me, Holy Spirit.”

Trust Me in times of confusion — when things don’t make sense and nothing you do seems to help. This type of trust delights Me because I know it is real. Invite Me to enter into your struggles — to be ever so close to you. Though other people may not really understand what you’re going through, I understand perfectly. Find comfort in knowing you’re not alone in your struggles. I am with you, watching over you continually.

Long-term trials can drain you of energy and hope, making it hard for you to keep trusting Me. But I have given you a wonderful Helper, the Holy Spirit, who never runs out of strength. You can ask for His help, praying: “I trust You, Jesus; help me, Holy Spirit.”

Instead of trying to resolve all your problems, simply rest in My Presence.

Trust that there is a way forward, even though you can’t yet see it. I am providing a good way for you, though it is bumpy at times. When the road is rough, cling all the more tightly to Me. As your soul clings to Me, My right hand upholds you.

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. — Genesis 28:15

When the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. — John 15:26 NKJV

My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. — Psalm 63:8

Excerpted from Jesus Calling for Moms by Sarah Young, copyright Sarah Young.

Prov 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will direct your path. NKJV

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith April 27, 2023

Notes of Faith April 27, 2023

Confidence in Your Calling

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. — 2 Peter 1:10

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. — Hebrews 11:1

Are you stuck trying to turn yourself into a pretzel doing things that you think you should do and not what makes your heart sing? It’s time to take the most of what you have and make something of it...

What truly puts you in a happy place? Let’s gather up your stories and stitch them together until the real you becomes as evident as paisley on a plaid background. Quit giving yourself away! Quit giving your talents, energy, and time to things that matter the least. Quit giving your talents, energy, and time to things that don’t come naturally to you.

It’s time to draw water from the well of your life and take a long, satisfying drink.

You don’t have to buy it, create it, look to someone else for it — your calling is already there inside of you. When you let go of all that busyness, you’ll feel relieved! When you figure it out, you’ll experience euphoria. These days we talk a great deal about not being able to remember things: Where did I put my keys? Why do I call my sons each other’s names when I’m fussing at them? How did I forget that fourth Zoom call of the day? But I’m asking you to focus now on remembering...

Again, and again we avoid the long thoughts. We cling to the present out of wariness of the past. And why not, after all? We get confused. We need to escape as often as we can. Unfortunately, the escape, while it lasts, is good but short lived. Soon, if we are not careful, we just live each day for the escape...

I’m asking you to reflect on how the moments of your life can inform your life going forward.

Your calling can be found in your youth, but it can be forgotten in the trauma of growing up. Your youth is when you dreamed with no limitation, no hesitation, but only with anticipation of what could be possible for your life. That’s when your calling was clear. Remember that?..

You’ve now collected the confidence to be who you are. Look around at the opportunities and then explore them. It’s not too late. You can do this right now. Just take one step. Then take another step.

God has been prompting you toward your calling your whole life.

It’s not hard; we make it hard. You’ve been collecting confidence your whole life through the experiences you’ve lived. You’ve failed and gotten back up. Maybe you’ve been married twenty-plus years and you’re still together. Or you’re on the other side of the divorce you never thought you would get over. Maybe you’ve given birth and raised teenagers who are now the prodigal sons. Or you’ve been a caretaker of a family member who is dying of cancer, or maybe you’ve overcome cancer yourself.

You have the confidence inside of you, right now, to live the life of calling you were created for.

It’s not something you do; it’s something you’ve already done. You’ve done it countless times when you were just doing the thing that came naturally.

As we get older, things tend to fade, not to mention sag, wrinkle, get blurry, and take a different shape altogether. It’s time to dream in the vivid colors we did when we were young.

God is a God of dreams. He is invested in your enjoyment. (Why else would He make puppies, Twinkies, the “Add to Cart” button, and facials?) Y’all, we are allowed to have joy!

God doesn’t give up on us or our calling. He doesn’t change His mind.

God created us to be just who we are. Don’t let the screams of the world or the whispers of your failures and shame, shape your outlook. It’s time to speak faith, the language of God. Remember what Hebrews 11:1 says:

Faith is the substance [the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists and which has a tangible, solid presence] of things hoped for. (my paraphrase)

What are the tangible things you are hoping for? When I was in the fifth grade, hope came to me easily...

But as the years have passed, sometimes it’s been harder to exist just on hope. Sometimes I have to keep reminding myself that there’s more to this daily life than just the grind. I have to honor that ten-year-old in the school cafeteria who is still dreaming, creating, and singing inside of me.

What makes your soul sing? Whatever it is, it may not pay a lot or be what the world says is prestigious. You may not win a trophy... for doing the thing that makes your soul sing. But when you get in tune with what makes you content and know, really know, who you are you’ll be filled with hope. Be open to seeing what this is for you.

Excerpted from Collecting Confidence by Kim Gravel, copyright Kim Gravel.

When we were young we dreamed of being a fireman, policeman, or astronaut, or even president. As the years went by, the jobs we worked and positions we attained seemed to hold us back from any dream we had and we stopped dreaming, thinking this is the best we could do. But God has big dreams for us…that we would do even more than Jesus did! Have you completed the dream work that God has given you to do? If not, let’s keep dreaming and believe that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus! What a dream!

Pastor Dale