Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Is. 60:1-2

As I study the scripture, one question that rises to the forefront of my mind is whether I really believe the scripture. If I do believe it, then do I live it as if I believe it. Do I live out the truths like, love your neighbor as yourself, as much as it depends on you be at peace with all men, do not fear for I am with you. These truths all come from God’s word. If I believe them then I will live them each day that I have breath. Likewise, if I don't live out God's truth, then maybe I don't truly believe.

This week I sat in a group and felt in my soul that I was to speak up, asking women to rise up. It was strange... I had this conversation going on in my head with the Holy Spirit like... Who me? What would I say? Sadly, I failed. I didn’t step up to God’s request. The rest of the day I felt sick and very sad. Even though I experienced so much growth and forward movement in my spiritual journey, yet it felt like I had just taken 100 steps back. If I really believe God is with me and that I am empowered with the Holy Spirit then I should have stood to my feet. That day I again asked God to forgive me for not trusting Him and His word.

Oh friends, God has chosen you. He is faithful. He will not leave you out on your own. Getting out of the boat and walking on the water doesn’t mean you won’t be afraid. However, if we keep our eyes on the Lord He will give us the courage to face our fears head on and walk. Let us keep our hearts fixed on the Savior. Let’s serve Him with joy and conviction that His word is the truth.

If you need to be reconciled with someone, get it done. If you need to meet your neighbors to share the love of Christ, do it now. If you need to be set free of an addiction, seek the help of the Spirit and the community of believers. If God is asking you to serve outside your comfort zone, what are you waiting on. God will give you all you need to fulfill all that He asks. Whatever it is that God is asking, do it. Rise up and just do it.

During a study I came across a great definition of unity as “all members of one body working in cooperation.” Interesting that this definition doesn’t say one things about thinking the same way. I have found that we all have different ideas of how to get to the destination we are all care deeply about. In times past I have found that barriers like our personal desire replaces cooperation, falsehood replaces truth, or assumptions replace seeking to understand. It is gloriously magnificent when the people lay aside their desires for the good of the whole. This is true spiritual victory.

I believe we move toward spiritual success when we defeat the enemy through laying down the groundwork of trust, humility and grace. Great teams are built on this bedrock foundation of strong character and churches thrive, even in the hardest times.

During this difficult financial time we must ask ourselves, “Who are we?” I believe we are defined as we are refined. We either develop into people of faith where trust, humility and grace thrive or we move inward toward our own desires and become people of fear where distrust and pride grow.

I am deeply thankful for each of you, because I believe that we are transforming into people of faith. Move forward friends. Dive into God’s love. His heart beats wildly for us. He has only our best in mind.

The Sanctuary of Trust in God

As I got out of bed this morning, there was a general heartache that I couldn't put my finger on. It was the kind of hurt where tears are close and my heart seemed to groan. During my morning workout, I plugged into worship music, but the mourning didn't stop. Driving home, God gave me a glorious sunrise to enjoy with Dennis while drinking an Americano. Those moments were precious but in some mysterious way it moved my soul to even more anguish.

With a heavy heart, I praise the Lord. Today I will not be hindered. I will not be overcome by the world and it's worries. The challenges we face are not too hard for God. He alone has all the answers. Our hope and security do not lie in money, wealth, jobs or the stock market. Trusting money to bring happiness will lead to destruction.

Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 6, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs...Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

There is so much truth wrapped up in this scripture. Today I believe we are living the reality of what Paul speaks of when he tells Timothy that those eager for money have walked away from the faith and as a result will feel the pain of their decision. We now live in the midst of this reality and truth.

Papa's words ring in my soul, "So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Church, do not fear. Do not fear the what if's. Do not worry about your future. You may not even know tomorrow. Know Him. Fall in love with Him. He hold all in the palm of His hand.

Papa please pour out your Spirit on your children. Move through us that we will see wealth for what it is...Yours. Help us to throw off the fear of what might be and cling to You the one who is. We move into the sanctuary of trust in You. Your sanctuary is peace, contentment and joy no matter what.