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Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category

A Great Exchange

Posted in Christ, Expectations, Faith, Joy, tagged , , , , on September 12, 2012| Leave a Comment »

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me … To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:1-3 / Luke 4:81)

When they are put into the hands of Jesus, God replaces our ashes (burnt up dreams and missed opportunities), mourning (sadness), and spirit of heaviness (depression) with a beauty that’s enticing, a joyfulness that splashes onto everything, and an attitude of praise covering our struggles.

The phrase, “to appoint”, here literally means “to call” and the term, “Zion”, refers specifically to God’s people. The meaning is clear: followers of Christ going through sadness, grief, and depression are the specific candidates for renewal.

Expect it

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Walking on Water With Jesus

Posted in Christ, Faith, God's Power, Recognizing Christ, Symbolism, tagged , , on July 18, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me! – Matthew 14:29-30 (MESSAGE)

It was night and the weather was storming! The disciples were in danger, barely making any progress, barely staying afloat when Jesus comes walking by on the water on foot. They were terrified thinking it was a ghost, wouldn’t you?

Peter sceptically said, “If you’re for real then let me do it, too!”

“Come on!”, Jesus said and Peter walked on water. Metaphorically so do we.

Events and problems swarm around us threatening to capsize and drown. Jesus is there, barely visible through the haze, undisturbed by the commotion. He’s not a ghost, not a make-believe deity. He tell us we can be safe with him through it all — all we have to do is abandon our trust in the boat and go with him.

When walking with him, however, don’t expect the wind to stop or the water to thicken. Keep focused on his call and his care; it’s all there for the asking.

— fritz

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Seeing Before Believing

Posted in Doubt, Experience, Faith, tagged , , on July 12, 2012| Leave a Comment »

“The queen of Sheba … came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here—but you refuse to listen.” – Jesus (Matthew 12:42 / Luke 11:31)

Why would Jesus refer to an ancient story about a queen who came a long way just to see for herself the amazing things she heard about King Solomon?1

Obviously, Jesus has no problem with those who wanted to see for themselves before believing, his problem is with those who refused to look right in front of their eyes.

— fritz
1. Read the story of the Queen of Sheba and Solomon in 1st Kings 10

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