Tag: Hebrews 11:6

How to Have Steadfast Faith and Joy No Matter What!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:1,6

How does one have a Faith that is fearless to face all of life’s trials, a hope that sees beyond the storm clouds, and a steadfast, abounding Joy no matter what life brings? Throughout the book of Hebrews, we see these huge warning signs for all those who are “lukewarm” toward Jesus. Warning! Do you really know Him as your Savior and High Priest? Or do you only half-heartedly use His name? Warning! There is no other way to stand before God’s Throne except to have been sprinkled with the blood of Jesus for atonement of your sins. Yet, for those who believe and who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior by asking Him into their heart; the book of Hebrews reveals the magnificence of the Grace we have been given. It gives us also the fundamental keys to unlocking a life of fearless faith, everlasting hope, and steadfast joy that is undaunted by the storms of this life.

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There are three keys to living this Christian life while soaring above all of life’s storms. These are:

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How Can I Boldly Bare My Heart to God?

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

Boldly? How can I go before the throne of God boldly? I who am so often awkward even in small groups. There is that person deep within who is so afraid of rejection. Outwardly, I often portray a tower of strength; but, inwardly I always doubt myself. Living alone affords me a lot of time in self-reflection. There underneath the exterior when everything is naked and opened, I would shudder in fear were it not for Grace.

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As I pointed out in the previous post, the writer of Hebrews has been giving some warnings. Earnestly take heed lest you slip away from the truth by not clinging to the truth of the Gospel, which is Jesus Christ. Be very afraid, that you might miss God’s rest because of a heart of unbelief. Diligently work and exhort each other; lest, someone of you fall short of knowing Jesus with all your heart. Then we read in Hebrews 4:12 and 13

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do”

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What Happens When The Potter Decides To Remold The Vessel?

 

Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. Jeremiah 18:2-6

Life settled in ok. In some ways it seemed this long distance marriage had the benefit of not having to deal with how different we were. Before I married Terry, I had placed one rule. “You do not know the history of all my children have had to face. You will not interfere in how I choose to discipline, raise, or guide my children. If you disagree with what I have done; then, you will tell me in private. I will take your thoughts into consideration.” He swore to abide by this rule and did. Actually, he never even took the time to speak with or get to know my sons.  All seemed well. Comfortable at least. 6767514_l

When the Master Potter choses to remake you, what then?

I began to wonder about getting my Master’s Degree to become a Nurse Practitioner. Maybe then, I could better support my family. When I applied to Vanderbilt, Terry told me, “You won’t get accepted there.  I’ve known too many nurses who tried and that school is too hard to get in to.” But I was accepted right away, and was asked to start in September 1997. I thought about delaying, except Alberto and Ronald both told me to “do it.” They assured me that they could be responsible enough to manage the house and attend high school each day. I trusted them to do just that and told them so.  They were

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