The Food of Faith

I read this quote the other day by George Müller: "God delights to increase the faith of his children. We ought, instead of wanting no trials before victory, no exercise for patience, to be willing to take them from God's hands as a means. Trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes defeats, are the very food of faith." Is it true?

In Luke 17:5 the apostles asked for their faith to be increased, and Jesus did not condemn them for that request. I think the Bible was written to increase our faith (Romans 10:17). So it would seem like the first sentence is true. Is the rest of the quote true? When you read passages like Romans 5:3-5 and James 1:2-4, the rest of the quote seems to be true also. So I think the quote is true, but I do not like it.

I do not like it because it is tough. I do not want to go through trials, difficulties, and defeats. I want to win and win with ease. If God is all powerful (I believe He is), why can we not just win with ease? God can win with ease. I need work. If I am going to be what God calls me to be, which is more like Jesus, it is going to take working out the old and bringing in the new, and that is not easy. It is kind of like exercising. I need to continually increase my workout to get results, but that is not easy. Lifting heavier weight is tough and the next day can be miserable, but those muscles have to be torn to build back stronger. I need to feed them good food, not junk food, so they can build back stronger. But I like junk food. I want easy patience, holiness, and godliness, but the fact is they do not come easy.

When you face trials, difficulties, and defeats, do not become bitter. That can easily happen. Become stronger in the Lord, trusting that He is molding you into the image of His son.

Tips on Worship

Do you ever feel like your worship is in a rut? Week after week you do the same thing over and over. It can seem meaningless. Is that what God desires from us? No! Here are some tips that might help improve your worship.

Prepare for worship. The night before, you might lay out your outfit, Bibles, or whatever you carry to worship. Have breakfast planned out. Invite people to come with you. Pray about worship and your part in it. Go to bed. It is hard to worship running on little sleep. Set your alarm a little earlier if you continually find yourself running behind. Sing or play songs of worship as you get ready or drive to church. Show up early. You can greet visitors or encourage others. It is hard to get into worship mode sliding in during the first song. Sit somewhere different, especially if where you sit provides distractions.

During worship, I want to pray along with the one leading us. I want to think about what they are saying to see if I agree or disagree or if I need to add something to their prayer in my mind. I want to sing like I am thankful that Jesus died and saved me from my sins. When I take the Lord’s Supper, I want to reflect on what Jesus has done for me and examine what I am doing for Him in light of His return. During the sermon, I want to get my Bible out and make sure what I am being told is true. If my phone is a distraction, then go back to a physical Bible. Take notes. Ask the question, “What in this lesson applies to me and how can I conform my life to it?” When I give, I want to count my many blessing and give generously and joyfully.

After worship, I do not run out but again look for visitors or those that need encouragement. I talk about the blessing of worship with my family or whoever I come in contact with. Most importantly, live more like Jesus.

Faith & Integrity in Election Season

As election season approaches, many of us feel the weight of political division. However, as Christians, we are called to engage differently - through the lens of faith, integrity and love.

Romans 13:1 reminds us that all authority is ultimately from God. While voting is a privilege and responsibility, our hope should rest in God's sovereignty, not in a candidate or party.

As we prepare to vote, let's remember Christ's example of humility, compassion and truth. Let's pray for wisdom and courage to stand by our values while showing love to those with differing views.

In this season, may we seek God's guidance, remembering that our identity is in Christ. Let our actions reflect His peace, even in times of division.

Brooks Jackson