Do I have what it takes

First a quick note before I begin this weeks post.  I noticed from the stat count that several people have viewed last weeks post (thanks by the way), without ever reading the testimony.  After talking to Tyrone I realized that it may not have been as obvious as I had hoped.  The "My Testimony" on that page was actually a hyperlink to my testimony.  If it was by choice so be it, but I just wanted to let everyone know that you may have over looked that link.  Now that I look at it, I would probably have overlooked it as well....but of course I wrote it - 8^)

So what has been on my mine this week?  Well from the subject you can probably figure it out.  I think all us men struggle in this area, and if you are like me then it probably plagues you more than you would like.  I guess lately for me it has been in the area of ministry as well as discipleship in regards to my boys.  These are the two areas that I feel like I am failing in daily.  And I guess when it really boils down to it, the truth is - it is all about faith.

Remember Abraham was given a similar ministry as we are today.  He was told that he would be the father to many nations - "Look up at the heavens and count the stars if indeed you could count them.....So shall your offspring be." ~ Gen 15:5  The only thing was that out of all this, he would only see one child from which this covenant would be answered and yet he died before seeing this son produce an heir.  It had to take tremendous faith in order to serve without ever seeing results.  I guess that is why in verse 6 God credits Abraham's belief as righteousness.

I have to say I stand in awe of this.  This week as I stated, I have struggled in this area.  Pouring into ministry, pouring into my boys, until sometimes I feel poured out.  Then I look back expecting to see the planted seed sprout, or the watered seed flourish and grow, but to my sadness only bare soil lay before me.  And yes, I know....only God can make it grow, but it doesn't make it any less disappointing.  My heart aches to see the Lord flourish in my boys and in those men to which I share Him daily.  I find myself in tears some days wondering if I have failed in some way, wondering what is the next step, how can it all be fixed.  Then I realize that these feelings are only helping doubt grasp a foothold.  Like Abraham, I must be willing to give every bit of my being into the service of the Lord without ever expecting to see the reward in this life time.

Abraham was willing to give it all in the service of the Lord and had ultimate faith in the Lord's word.  I mean think about it for a minute - God promised Abraham that the His covenant with him would come through Isaac.  So as Abraham walked up on to that mountain, ready to sacrifice his son, his faith shined.  Are you hearing me?  His faith was so great, because he believed that God would raise his son from the dead.  Because if the covenant was with Isaac and Abraham was charged with sacrificing his son, what other option would there be?  Tremendous faith in what one cannot see.  I pray that God grows that kind of faith in me.  Like the doubting father states in Mark 9:24 - "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

Our Prayer:

Oh mighty father of Abraham, teach us to believe as he did.  Guide us in your truth.  Teach us wisdom to discern your ways, to lead others in your truth, and love unconditionally.  Help us to seek you in our doubt, to depend on you and not ourselves.  May your blessings being upon us always.  In Christ's name we pray.  AMEN!

Microphone check - one, two, one, two

For those of you that may have grew up in the '80s, today's title may sound a little familiar.  You may have heard it recited in the lyrics to a song, stated before the opening of concert, or simply used to test out that wonderful device we call the Microphone.

If you think about it, the microphone is a unique instrument in the arsenal of musicians, politicians, or other popular figures.  Without it, crowds dwindle and words just do not reach the ears of all those that are present.  Seems to me that the microphone has a very important job.

Well I got the idea for today's post from a friend of mine at Bible Study last Saturday.  There he spoke of attending a Whitney Houston concert where her voice resonated throughout the crowd and was in complete harmony with the instruments.  Listening to her, you could truly just stand in awe of her gift.  The interesting part that really caught my attention was when he stated that he never really noticed the microphone.

See the microphone has no real power, yet it is the instrument by which the song or message is heard by the masses.  I believe we are God's microphone(s).  People are to see His power, His Glory, His love, as we carry His message to the crowds He places before us.  The message He has given us is our own redemption, our own personal testimony.  SHARE IT!!!  In Mark 5:19 - Jesus tells the healed man, once demon-possessed, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."

So here is My Testimony.  It is a bit long so grab something to drink and snack on.  Hopefully God will bless you in reading it as He did in my journey through it.

Now I challenge each of you to pick a person this week to share your testimony with.  Pray about it and God will open the door.

Our Prayer:
God help us to be bold this week, to step out of our comfort zones and share your truth in our lives with another.  Give us each the courage to step out of the boat, ignore the waves of life, focus on you, and share our story.  Thank you for your love, and how that love created our testimony.  Praise be your name in the highest!  AMEN.