First Credit

Friends of Faith:

Last week I wrote about being blessed, and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, it seemed somewhat natural to write about being thankful…

And then this article about the Illinois tornadoes caught my attention: the headline stated that the reason so few people were killed was that they were in church…..  but then it went on  to give credit to the “connectivity” of cell phones that provided instant messages during the service; to “forecasters” for predicting the path of the storm; and to the “technology” that is used in observing weather.

So the fact that most of the town’s people were attending church, in God’s presence and protected by God became merely a “setting,” a publicity stunt for the newspaper, rather than the heart of the story.

In fact, the media did not even mention God’s name. And when the final credits were given, despite the stories attention grabbing first line, “saved because of church,” NO credit was given to God!

No credit was given to THE GOD who has given us life, originally…THE God who saved our lives, mercifully… or even THE God who we would call on to protect us, eternally.

“One day he got into a boat with his disciples and said to them, “Let us cross to the other side of the lake.” So they set sail, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A squall blew over the lake, and they were taking in water and were in danger. They came and woke him saying, “Master, master, we are perishing!” He awakened, rebuked the wind and the waves, and they subsided and there was a calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” But they were filled with awe and amazed and said to one another, “Who then is this, who commands even the winds and the sea, and they obey him?” Lk 8: 22-25

How big is my faith?

And does my faith remind me to give the first credit, where credit is due—to the Creator, to the Protector, to the Commander of life; by the amount of time, the amount of money, and the amount of effort I spend honoring and obeying him, or is God just an afterthought, a nicety, a convenience when I am in need?

Like the media do I have more faith and reliance on man’s technology and connectivity and give the credit to “man” instead of to the person to whom it is really due—to God?

Do I honor God by spending as much of my time in His house as I do honoring celebrities at houses built by man (entertainment venues)?

Do I use as many of my gifts to take care of God’s people (donations to charitable organizations which help widows, orphans, the homeless or the hungry) as I do rewarding  myself (shopping, vacations, entertainment, eating out)?

Do I set my alarm and mark off time on my calendar to celebrate God as I would to wake up for work or to plan for a vacation or to enjoy a night out with friends?

And is my freedom to worship God less important than, just as important, or more important than, the equality and the freedom to work, live, and play with whomever I want?

Heavenly Father, You are the Creator, the Lord, the Master and Majesty of all. You are the one who gave us the power to subdue Your earth (Gen 1: 28). Help us never to abuse the power you have given us. Help me to always remember to give First Credit where it is due by saying Thank You to You. Thank you for all I am, all that I have and all that you have blessed me to do for you. Amen.

Don’t make God an afterthought – give God the honor of the First Credit (thankfulness), the respect of obedience and profit of your first fruit.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Finding Blessings on the Journey

Women of Faith:

I’m a little late this week because I know that life is a journey and unless I look for the blessings on the journey, getting to the end of the journey will have no meaning. So I have been taking the opportunities of enjoying the blessings as they have been presented.

“Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops; What if Your healing comes through tears? And what if a thousand sleepless nights; are what it takes to know You're near? What if my greatest disappointments; Or the aching of this life; Is the revealing of a greater thirst; This world can't satisfy? And what if trials of this life; The rain, the storms, the hardest nights; Are Your mercies in disguise?” Blessing by Laura Story

Occasionally life’s circumstances become a gentle reminder to remember to look for the blessings around every turn, especially when it seems as if life isn’t going exactly as planned.

Blessings were found when I spent extra time with my mom after knee replacement surgery. The gift of a mom (who, for most, is their child’s first hero) is often overlooked especially as we get busy with our own lives and families.

Blessings were found, not only for myself but for many around, in renewed friendships with family and friends who shared grief, comfort, and memories at the funerals of those we loved and shared with each other.
Blessings were found as we became reacquainted with friends at chance meetings in “foreign” places.

Blessings were found in the “timeless” enjoyment of children and grandchildren where common frustrations of daily life, laughter of silly occurrences, and a babies babbling could all be shared without interference of the outside world.

Blessings were found in prayers, caring words, and acts of kindness for family and friends who are undergoing sufferings, struggles and family pain and grief—knowing that we could lighten their burden and share their pain made them a blessing for us, and we a blessing for them.

“And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”  Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” Lk 17: 15-19

Each of these struggles, each of these burdens and pains is a blessing in disguise. Will we see the blessings? Do we look for and thank God for the little (and big) things in life that by God’s design are meant to be a blessing?

And do we remember to give thanks as the Samaritan did, or do we walk away as if the gifts we have received were something we deserved?

“None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s…. As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.” Rom 14: 7-8, 12

Will we be saved by our perseverance in faith? And will we accept the “muck” of our own choices, and the happenings that God allows, so that we are saved because in faith we can find the blessings and enjoy the journey with the knowledge that God is always at our side?

Heavenly Father, It is for your glory that I live. Help everyone who is experiencing some sorrow, some suffering, or some pain, to be able to see beyond, to accept their burdens and their grief and to find comfort in the blessings you are constantly placing in our lives. May I search not for gold, but for the silver lining of your blessings. Thank you for giving me the faith to enjoy the journey. Amen.

Recommit yourself to finding the blessings in the relationships you share. And in taking the opportunity to enjoy the journey with each relationship you are given.

Life is a journey. Be blessed by it!
Charlotte

Climbing High

Friendsof Faith:

This week I was asked to pray for friends yearning to climb to the top of a mountain, something they understood would be difficult to achieve, something that would take strength and courage, patience and perseverance.

 

Someone is waiting for a response to arms held open in love; someone wants healing rather than just feeling better; and someone is seeking true understanding of their purpose in life—more than just acceptance of their being. They all have a desire for a mountain top experience—to reach for God’s perfection, to be completely healed, and to be completely loved.

 

“Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house." And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner." Lk 19: 2-6

Zacchaeus could see the obstacles ahead of him, he understood how small he was, both physically and spiritually, and he knew there were others who would follow the laws and be in a better place to receive Jesus’ attention.

 

But Zacchaeus made his desire to see Christ his priority. He resolved to do whatever it would take to get a share in Christ’s presence; he went beyond the easy, he climbed above the crowds, he did everything possible just to get a glimpse of Jesus. And in his expectation to receive nothing he received everything.

 

And there were those around Zacchaeus who grumbled (in jealously) because they thought they had done more to deserve Christ’s attention. They thought that just by doing enough they would get Jesus to “pick them.” And even though they had the opportunity to see Jesus without the obstacles, they didn’t appreciate him as much as Zacchaeus did in his challenges.

 

Even Jesus and the prophets had to sacrifice on their climbs up to the famous biblical mountain tops: It took Moses 40 days and nights to reach the top of Mt. Horeb to receive the Ten Commandments; Jesus went up the mountain to deliver his most famous sermon; and of course he climbed the ultimate path of sacrifice up Mt. Calvary, carrying the burdens of the cross of OUR sins (not his) in order to save US (not him.)

 

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying … Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” Mt 5: 1-2, 11-1

 

The reward at the top of these mountains: the face of God, heaven, and unending forgiveness and mercy for mankind—PERFECTION!

 

Often times, reaching the top seems to take a little longer and be harder work than anticipated, including what I might think are “undue” sacrifices and sufferings.

 

Jesus told the apostles: You (I/we) will have to suffer insults and persecution to be blessed—to get the ultimate reward in heaven. Climbing high, reaching the top, is, and will be, hard work.

 

A climb high to the top requires the graces of patience, perseverance, and true selfless love (charity, empathy, compassion and/or service) to achieve the end result. I continuously remind myself to accept both the consequences and the sacrifices required during the climb to reach the mountain top: to look beyond the current obstacle, to enjoy the journey, and for the opportunity to look down and back from each peak when it is reached.

 

And even in the knowledge of God’s love and desires for me and what is at the ultimate top, I still sometimes find myself hesitate, balk or even stop on the way up. Because the walk, the talk, even the day to day experiences, seem to mean putting behind happiness, pleasures and my own wants and desires. I can remember times when I even tried to pass off my climb (duty) to someone else (“you tell them the truth—I don’t want to be the bad guy”) or have said “why me, why now.”

 

Heavenly Father, you have promised me a glorious view at the top of the climb. I rejoice at each opportunity for a new peak on the journey. Help me to remain faithful, to have the persistence and the patience to keep going, even when I seem to be in an endless valley or the terrain is rugged and the climb is steep. Thank you for your assurance and the knowledge you have given me of your presence—both at the top and along each step of the way. Amen.

 

It takes a power beyond ourselves especially during the most difficult of climbs. The terrain is often beyond our control. But the promise of the view at the top is too intriguing, too inviting, to take the chance that it might be missed.

 

Climb high, there may be valleys, but in order to have a valley, there must be a peak somewhere nearby. And, in the words of the late Zig Ziglar, “And I’ll see you at the top”

 

Blessings on your climb,

Charlotte

Competing Well

Friends of Faith:

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 2 Tm 4: 7
I will start where I left off a week ago: “it must be okay, because everyone else is doing it.”

If I am obeying a law, because it is the law and everyone else is doing it, but not because it is right by God, then maybe the law is unjust. Maybe I am not competing as well as I should.

Or maybe I am looking at the wrong finish line—social status, the number of “friends” I have, wealth or even health...

Maybe the law is one I shouldn’t be obeying—maybe the law was made by man (myself, a friend or a politician) and not by God.

When I finish, will I be at the true finish line? Will I have kept true to the one God, the one faith?

The way to know whether the law is God’s or man’s is to pray, read scripture, and to ask for God’s will (to listen to and be aware of the Spirit of God within us), and then to seek the advice and guidance of the Church’s interpretation. How does the Church of God speak about the “law” in question?

For he is a God who always repays and will give back to you sevenfold.  But offer no bribes; these he does not accept! Do not trust in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion. For he is a God of justice, who shows no partiality.  He shows no partiality to the weak but hears the grievance of the oppressed. ....  Those who serve God to please him are accepted; their petition reaches the clouds. Sir 35: 13-16, 20

To compete well—but not to bribe or be part of the pity party:  don’t do just what is required (a job for pay), or serve on a committee because it is a part of the job (obligation), or obey just because the law/commandments say we should or shouldn’t (to avoid punishment).  Compete Well—Serve  instead because it is right to visit a shut-in you don’t know (someone besides your grandma)....the thankful smile and warm hug are a well won competition.

To finish the race—to be rewarded not because we did the right thing, but because we did the right thing  for the right reason. It is not about the “how” we did it, but the “why” we did it.

To keep the faith—to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him—because it is the right way, not because it is the way we will get what we want. To pray for God’s will and then to trust that God knows what is best for us—even if it means we will have to be patient,  do without, suffer, or give up what we have “earned.”

After all, everything we have is a blessing from him—nothing is really ours, he is not showing us partiality because we have “done” nothing extraordinary.

In yesterday’s gospel:  “Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.  "Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.  The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, 'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity -- greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." Lk 18: 9-14

Is the competition to win justification here on earth (health or wealth or friendships), or is it to win justification in heaven?

Am I the Pharisee who thinks he is impressing God by doing better than everyone else? Or am I the tax collector willing to admit my wrongs, praying with my heart and soul to know God’s will, doing what he asks of me, and asking for God’s mercy and compassion when I fail?

Heavenly Father: You have promised to rescue me from every evil threat and to bring me safely to your heavenly kingdom. (2 Tm 4: 18) Help me to open my heart and listen to the Spirit within so that I may not “just” finish, but that I may compete wisely and keep the faith always. To Him be the glory, forever and ever, Amen.

I want my finish to be by thanking God for the blessings He pours out on me; offering Him any suffering with acceptance and true sacrifice; holding true to HIS truth even when it is unpopular with conventional wisdom; and unselfishly giving to the beggar, the “least,” the lonely and the broken hearted my earthly riches (time and talents).

Compete well, Finish strong, and Keep the faith,
Charlotte

What is a Friend?

Friends of Faith:

 

"Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom." (Psalm 145:10-12)

 

My best friend is my husband, Stan. He keeps me on the straight and narrow, filling me with the joy and the motivation to keep me moving forward and up. For the two of us this means that his sense of humor will make me smile (even when I resist) and even when I am the most frustrated, disgusted or disappointed. He knows how to make me laugh through my tears and many times helps me see the other side of the situation. Generally he reminds me of the many things I have to be thankful for when so many others are suffering or sacrificing or left wanting or in need.

 

God’s job description of a spouse’s role is “to help his/her mate get to heaven.” That means making the person you have committed your life to smile and find joy; pulling them up when they get weary by gently reminding them to keep going and to be thankful that they can. For a spouse this friendship is a 24-7 lifelong commitment.

 

The truth of being Christian friends is that we are a team. Just as a smile can be contagious, so too does it become contagious when we work together to helpthe other see the "glorious splendor of the Kingdom" by being Good Samaritan’s to both neighbors and enemies; using our time and treasures for the good of others; persevering in prayer for each other; and trusting that we are truly faithful Christian missionaries working towards that same goal.

 

Paul speaks of his own loneliness when his friends desert him: “Try to join me soon, for Demas, enamored of the present world, deserted me and went to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia,and Titus to Dalmatia. Luke is the only one with me.... Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. You too be on guard against him, for he has strongly resisted our preaching. At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them!” 2 Tm 4: 10-11, 14-16

 

Not only did they desert him, but one did him harm, and one resisted the truth he was teaching. They were definitely lacking in their loyalty as best friends. And yet, despite this, Paul asked that it not be held against them AND he continued to pray for them.

 

As Christian friends we are each others’ constant support. Praying for, listening to and serving each other in many possible ways. We all have talents and gifts to share and are called as true friends never do anything to harm the other or desert them when things get tough.

 

Being a friend is a tremendous responsibility and can be an awesome joy when shared together—especially amongst a family.

 

What type of friend am I? Am I a friend who is there only in good times, rich times and healthy times? Or am a “spousal” friend, committed to getting the ones I love to heaven 24-7, in good times AND in bad, for richer AND for poorer and healthy AND sick times to bring them to the glorious splendor of the kingdom?

 

Do I lead my friends on the narrow path Jesus taught on the cross through his own service and humility? Or do I lead them astray with taunting words that say “it’s okay, everyone else is doing it.”

Heavenly Father, You are my greatest friend. Thank you for all the friends you have given me here on earth, especially my best friend, Stan (insert your own spouses name). Help us each to be good friends to another, loyal, honest, trustworthy and compassionate. And help us to make each other smile. Amen.
 Appear (be there) for your friends; learn the truth so you can teach in honesty and truth, especially by your own actions; and exhibit honor and respect for those who are sent by God to guide you on the straight and narrow path to righteousness.

Be a great friend!

Blessings,
Charlotte

 

Bothered

Women of Faith:

“It isn't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.” Mark Twain

I am “bothered”—not anxious, worried or upset—more like energized, eyes opened, and complacency ruffled—called to action—because of what I understand as I listen to God’s word and relate the message to my personal choices.

Mk 8:34 says “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.”

The gift of understanding comes to us from the Holy Scripture who speaks to us in different ways at different times, not because God’s message says something different or has different truths, but because we hear it based on our own differing life experiences. The Spirit opens our hearts to hear what we need to hear, when we need to hear it—when it applies to our current situation.

It is what I sometimes think of as “being spoken to in tongues.” God’s message is forever the same—but I don’t always hear it in the same way; sometimes because I just don’t “get it” and sometimes because I just don’t “want to get it.” Understanding the message “bothers” me into seeing my imperfections and changing my heart. Understanding means I have to make a choice—to obey God’s message or to deny Him.

God’s message of service to others and forgiveness of others speaks a not so popular truth. In this understanding I am called to give up my own selfish wants and desires (what might make me feel good) to work towards His perfection (which is much greater than my own perfection).

I am very thankful that I also realize His Word includes a message of mercy and forgiveness—tolerance of my short comings.

And I am thankful for the faith which helps me to trust both parts of His message—both His commands and His promises—as long as I don’t deny the truths I understand.

“But the word of God is not chained….. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.” 2 Tm 2: 8-13

It “bothers” me to persevere in praying for a society who does not appear to be listening and a society where believers live life taking forgiveness for granted (saying they can do whatever they want because He will grant mercy regardless of the wrongs we do) instead of as a gift He given at His death on the cross, and for which only He can judge our worthiness in the end.

If I don’t understand the message because my heart is hard, then God is knocking at my door and will wait for me forever, until I am ready to open my heart to understanding the redeeming love he offers.

If I don’t understand the message because I am not catechized, then it is my responsibility to look to the Church for interpretation and education: to learn more about the faith I profess.

And if I understand the message, then it is my responsibility to be “bothered,” to not ignore, but to be moved to action—to  pray about and live the message to the fullest extent possible, to trust His word and to do His will—to follow Christ’s example.

Understanding Scripture doesn’t mean I get to pick it apart or to search for what I want it to say but to hear it with my heart from God’s point of view, to listen to His plan and to live by His design.

For me, it is easiest to understand (and be bothered) by those parts of the message that are simply repeated in God’s message thru the example of Christ’s life—forgiveness, caring, and serving of my neighbor, AND being in God’s presence at church. The commandments of love, (Jn 13: 34) of forgiving each other as we would wish to be forgiven ourselves (Mt 18:35) and of keeping Holy the Sabbath (Dt 5: 12). I am “bothered” (called to action) to remain in His presence and to forgo the selfishness it takes to serve and forgive others—to follow Christ’s example.

Heavenly Father, You are a good and gracious God. Even when we are bound by the chains of sin, you are always present to assist us. You gave us the gift of Your son, Jesus, to free us. Give me the patience and perseverance to do what it is You ask of me. Thank you for the gift of understanding that “bothers” me into action. Help me to live what I believe: within the boundaries of Your truth and love. Amen.

Are you “bothered” into action by what you understand? Does your daily life reflect or work towards living the beliefs of the gift of your understanding?

Be “bothered” by the Spirit, released from the chains that bind, and perfected in His name….
Blessings,
Charlotte

Gift of Faith

Friends of Faith:

Faith is a Gift.

And if you are reading this you have already been given a seed of the gift of faith.

Are you growing that seed?

It is up to each of us to nourish it with prayer and through the continual enrichment of education about Christ and His Church; to spread it truthfully to others; and to water it with tears of suffering and joy so that it stays fresh and energized.

"The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." The Lord replied, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. "Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table'? Would he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished'? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.'" Lk 17:5-10

Reacting to faith is Work. And working because of my faith makes me yearn to see others grow in their own faith.  "So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Jm 2:17

Increasing faith, increases faith: so the more I believe, the more convicted I am to work in my belief. But the more I believe, the more likely I am to be tested by storm in that belief. (This is in part because it is easier to see the lack of others faith, which saddens and can discourage me, and partly because God will allow me to be tested to see if I can withstand stronger and stronger storms.) And so the greater my faith, the greater the challenges become in doing the work of living in that faith.

Faith, in the example of Jesus, requires us to do more than just get by, and more than just enough. We shouldn’t just expect to come in from the field (to go to church for a one hour obligation, or to say we’ve been saved) and take our place at table (heaven.) Jesus gave His all, in hope that we will give Him our all.

Faith requires us to trust and to have courage. It invites us to stand up and not be ashamed of speaking God’s truth. It challenges us to bear hardship and suffer when the truth creates a division between those who believe and those who do not, even when that division is with someone we love (a friend, sister or brother, or a parent).

“Beloved: I remind you, to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.
“Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.” 2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14

We want to see God—but in our own time. We complain that working in and through our faith is not bearing the fruit we want. So we grow impatient, forgetting that God will never disappoint us.

How long, O LORD? I cry for help but you do not listen! I cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not intervene. Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord. Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. The rash one has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live. Hb 1: 2-3, 2: 2-4

Ignoring or rejecting faith can cause sin, and causes us to weaken. BUT the Reward of Faith is Heaven—IF we wait and IF we trust, if we sow and grow. If we will only believe in that faith that God is in charge and that prayer, patience and perseverance always bear fruit. His Love will never fail.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever. Amen.

In the words of Fr. Larry Richards…Faith…”Got it! Get it! Gonna do it?”

Have Faith!

Charlotte

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