. Moral Character/Integrity

Integrity has been defined as a steadfast or firm adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.  Also,  the state of being unimpaired/ soundness.  Thus, are my  actions and words consistent with the way I live-especially when others are not around?   Do I live/act according to the situation/setting, or am I firm/constant?  We can fool humans, but will not dupe God.  What do our children/family/friends see in us(when we think they are not or did not hear/see something?  Sadly, trust and positive influences are hard to re-establish once lost.   Jesus had both authority and influence because His character and actions completely matched His words.  Twelve disciples watched His every move.  Because they found no inconsistencies, they grew to trust Jesus.  This gave Jesus a moral authority that superseded the authority of any other religious leader of the time.  What an awesome example!  I once heard a minister say that there are a lot of characters in this world, we should strive to be ‘of character’.  I challenge us all to live consistent, godly lives so that  others will notice the reliability of our character that portrays our Savior Jesus Christ.  Isaiah 7:9, If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.  Psalm 139:23-24, Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

A WOW Faith-Get out of the Boat

I recently heard a sermon that challenged me to consider my faith. The climatic point was this, do I have the type of faith that captures true discipleship- a Walking On Water faith. When Peter stepped out of the boat and walked to Jesus-yes he did waiver during this walk- yet he had the courage to step out of the boat-a sort of ‘gut check’ for me as many times I simply do not have the faith to ‘get out of the boat’. I challenge us all to have the WOW faith God deserves and desires us to have, each and every day, the courage and be bold for our Lord. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Broken.....but not defeated

Brokenness, although painful, is one of God's means of showing His all-surpassing power in our lives. A disciplinary way of refining us/challenging our faith. I have experienced what seems like a domino effect of major trials within a short period of time. Totally unexpected, but when are trials of a convenience nature. We will all experience trials-yet we possess treasures from our God and He loves us so much. When we look through scripture, we see that we contain peace (Philippians 4:7), the forgiveness of sins, redemption, the riches of God's grace (Ephesians 1:7), joy (John 15:11) and the resurrection power of Christ (Philippians 3:10). Even in our imperfections and brokenness-God loves us and will use willing servants. I like the saying that God uses ordinary folks for extraordinary results. A song that I like is title Broken, by a group known as Seether. Part of the chorus says this; ‘Because I'm broken when I'm open--And I don't feel like I am strong enough -- 'Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome--And I don't feel right when you're gone away.  Our God is strong enough-He will make us strong. He will not leave us/go away.   Broken-crushed-injustices-hurting……absolutely……but still a blessed life full of hope from our Almighty God. Blessings in your pursuit……TO