Breaking Open the Flask

I am reminded once again of the importance of faith and trust, and the power of even the tiniest amount. It is why the devil will do anything to undermine and destroy our faith. Without it we are weak and of very little use in accomplishing God's purpose. It can be more difficult to have faith when we are feeling discouraged and overwhelmed yet it is no less important during those times. The Bible says it is "the cares of the world that chokes out the word of God". Those cares can sometimes cause us to take our focus off of God and on to our trials. I need to make a conscious decision every day to remain faithful and obedient and trust God to guide my decisions and choices. Oswald Chambers says, "Never confuse the trial of faith with the ordinary discipline of life, because a great deal of what we call the trial of faith is the inevitable result of being alive. Faith as the Bible teaches it, is faith in God coming against everything that contradicts Him---a faith

     Recently, I was studying and came across a little reminder of the most amazing principle I've ever learned in my walk with God.  Romans 2b-5, "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."      In this same, I was led to Amos 5:4b, 6, 14-15 "Seek me and live."  "Seek the Lord and live."  "Seek good, not evil, that you may live.  Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.  Hate evil, love good: maintain justice in the courts.  Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph."        In the years since I've graduated from college, married, and started a family, I've experienced joy and suffering though

     Jude 20, "But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit."     Jesus Christ represents to me a calm strength in the every day circumstances of life; panic is not even a shadow in his temperment.  Impulsivity is the opposite.  It is a loud voice in the world that screams to be heard.  Panic is it's MO (Mode of Operation).  Impulsivity stunts our spiritual growth.  Learning how to discipline the impulse to act hastily, or speak too quickly, is key.   Replace your impulsive responses to the every day, 24/7 circumstances, with a slowly developed habit of praying first before speaking or acting.  It may just save you from real embarassment.  Lean into God for an understanding of your circumstances and pray to discern His wisdom and word.  Learning not to be in the center, and live exceptionally in the ordinary, is not easily acquired. 

      Genesis 5:24, "Enoch walked with God."  What does it mean to walk with God?  Is it a feeling of security? A steadfast renewable joy? A peace that passes all understanding?  Is it sure?  Is it pleasant?  Is it plain and simple?  Is it a state of Brokenness? Is it a bumpy ride with bruises?  Is failure a regular result?  Is it confusing?  Is it turning the wrong direction?  Is it thinking the wrong things?  Is it misunderstanding His intentions?  Is it calculating things on my level?  Is it observing suffering?  Is it observing self-distruction?         Altering my patterns of discernment, walking, observing, and praying into complete abandonment to Him.  Relinquishing  my way: the way I see your people, the way I pray, the way I observe, the way I speak, the way I learn, the way I abide in You.  Life altering.        Paul said, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:14.  No matter the pa