A LAND OF FAITH.
July 23, 2010
I am in the office this morning attempting to get things worked out so we can leave in the morning on vacation. I am looking forward to the time of being with Karen and some of our family who are also going with us. I am thankful for the opportunity to get some time to let my mind and body get a little rest. I am thankful for our pastoral staff and deacons who will be here taking care of things. They are very capable men and without them it would be very hard to leave but with them I am confident things are in good hands. I will try to blog a few days while we are gone so you may want to check in and see what is going on. This Sunday morning Pastor Ryan will be preaching and in the evening Pastor Bobby. Next Sunday, Pastor Chas will preach and Pastor Mike in the evening. These men will have a word from God and I encourage each to be in their place to hear from God. Last night was a good night at Liberty. Awanas, Teens, Yams all reported good services. I spoke in the auditorium to the adults from Hebrews 11 and Genesis 12. We taught on the "Faith of Abraham". I think I received the most of anyone from the truth we delivered. Faith certainly has a starting place and it begins with GOD reveling himself to mankind. It then proceeds from general revelation to specific revelation. God is so gracious to come to man and call man to himself then we have the choice to respond. Abraham heard God and then chose to obey beginning his pilgrimage of faith. I have done the same. Not only did Abraham begin to follow but he continued to follow. Fait has patience! He patiently sojourned in a land waiting for the promise. I sojourn today. Faith is a process. It is not perfect it has it ups and downs. Abraham faltered in his faith as he left for Egypt seeking food. Famine came in the land of faith and instead of trusting (faithing) he faltered and went down to Egypt. While there he practiced Partial Obedience, Partial Dependance, and Partial Honesty which is reality Disobedience, Independence, and Dishonesty. All which are a lack of faith. He for a while faltered in his faith as he lied and said Sarah was his sister and not his wife. He Took Lot with him and shouldn't had. He trusted Egypt ( the world ) not God who had called him from the world to a promised land. Yes, there was a famine in the land of faith but his faithful role was to stay and trust God during that time of testing. I am glad this is in the Bible. Abraham had great faith but faith falters on occasion. I am like Abraham, he had left all to follow the Lords will and yet he found himself in doubt along the way. I do that so often, what about you? Praise the Lord, Abraham came out of Egypt. He found himself where he wasn't supposed to be. He came back to the land of faith and built an altar, making things right with the ONE who called him in the first place. I am glad that is in the Bible, because I have to do that so very often. Our faith struggles at times but it can grow through the struggles. Abraham's faith grew into GREAT FAITH. Faith enough to be willing to sacrifice his only Son of Promise. Believing that if he did that God would raise him from the dead. I hope my faith grows to such a level. How about you? I love Thursday night Bible study at church. It is good to look at His Word and let it practically apply to ones own life. Hope your day is a blessed one as you travel through this LAND OF FAITH.
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Praise GOD!!!!! Obey! Obey! Obey! "Abraham heard God and then chose to obey beginning his pilgrimage of faith." "Faith has patience." Amen!
By Faith, we went fishing again yesterday. By Faith, we pulled (4) four out. They ranged in size from 4-5 feet! Praise the Lord! Still rejoicing! It only takes Faith the size of a mustard seed to move a mountain! Perhaps Pastor Bishir will move a few Rockies while vacationing? Praying that he will touch lives out west and he will catch fish. Got tracts? There is no joy in the world greater than witnessing a soul receive Jesus Christ as Savior. Pastor Bishir and his family taught me this truth long ago. We'll look forward to the blogcation blogification. Our thoughts and prayers go with you all, Pastor. Hope you enjoy abundant R & R. -CB
Pastor, I too have been enjoying our Prayer Meetings on Thursday nights. I have been praying for an increase in my faith. I know I must do my part in living in the Spirit, being obedient to my Lord and loving my brethern. What a privilege it is to be able to do just that! I don't want to be a person of "overconfidence" I want to be an "ovecomer" and have continual victory over this world. May I share something I read last week, "Conforming to the image of God is a lifetime of faith and obedience that happens slowly by slowly." :) I pray that your family has a wonderful time on your much deserved vacation. May you all return much rested in our sweet, sweet Lord. :)
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