Faith Comes to the Rescue

PEGGY HAWKINS

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The last few weeks at my house have been a challenge. My youngest daughter ended up in the hospital, for what we thought would be a day or two—but it turned into five days and surgery. While she was in the hospital her little guy got the flu and ran an almost constant temperature for two days. The doctor had said he would be pretty sick for a couple of days, but then he would get better. He didn’t. 

We took him back to the doctor (mommy was still in the hospital) and he had a terrible ear infection and had to start antibiotics. Mommy got out of the hospital and the air conditioning decided it didn’t want to cool the house.

The dog ran away—pushing through the electric fence—and got picked up by the county. We had to bail him out of doggie jail, and then the animal control police showed up to give him a ticket for being “unrestrained.”

By My Spirit

“So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the LORD Almighty.’”—Zechariah 4:6

The Torah portion for this week is Behaalotecha, from Numbers 8:1–12:16 and the Haftorah from Zechariah 2:14–4:7.

David Ben Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel, once said: “In Israel, to be a realist, you have to believe in miracles.” Ben Gurion recognized that the creation of Israel and her ability to survive was nothing other than miraculous. Israel is a living testimony that God – not politics or armies – controls the world. Our world is not a product of strength; it is a reflection of spirit.

In this week’s Torah portion, we read about the menorah, the seven-branched lamp that the priests would light in the Temple. In the Haftorah, we read a portion from Zechariah that includes his vision involving a menorah. This is also the Haftorah read on the Shabbat of Hanukkah, the holiday when we light our own menorahs in memory of the miraculous defeat of the Greek oppressors by the Jewish Maccabees.

Why Doesn’t God Answer my Prayer?

“Three times I begged the Lord to make this suffering go away. But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.” (Paul in 2 Cor 12:8-10, CEV)

Have you ever earnestly prayed for something, only to have your prayer seemingly go unnoticed? We can understand why God won’t answer prayers for things that are selfish or immoral. But it’s often hard to understand why it seems like our heartfelt, well-intentioned, biblical prayer has gone unanswered.

The Refining Fire

by Barbie Breathitt
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, provoked the wrath of King Nebuchadnezzar because they didn’t respect his gods and refused to worship the gold statue that he erected. The king offered them a second chance to escape a sure death if they would bow their knees and worship the statue. 

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, "Nebuchadnezzar, we don't need to explain these things to you. If you throw us into the hot furnace, the God we serve can save us. And if he wants to, he can save us from your power. But even if God does not save us, we want you to know, king, that we refuse to serve your gods. We will not worship the gold idol you have set up." Daniel 3:16-18 Easy-to-Read Version, Revised Edition

Nebuchadnezzar’s face turned purple with rage. He ordered the furnace fired up seven times hotter than usual. Strongmen tied Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s hands and feet, and threw them fully dressed into the roaring furnace. The flames from the furnace killed the strongmen who bound Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But isn’t it interesting that the same flame that destroyed those who sought to bind and destroy the men of God, was able to set the men of God free?

Detours, Billboards and a Man Named Paul

Written by Kristi Huseby

       “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.

“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT)

In Michigan we jokingly say that there are two seasons – winter and road construction! With road construction come detours and lots of them. Can I just say . . . I hate detours! They’re inconvenient, unplanned and usually make me late! (Mainly, that’s because of poor planning on my part but it’s great to have something else to blame.)

I don’t like detours in my life anymore than I like them on the roadways. Detours have a way of making me feel like my life is spinning out of control. I often find myself holding my breath when this happens, hoping the damage will be minimal and everything will stop spinning soon.

The Wise Know God is Constantly With Them

by Rick Warren

“God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9 MSG)

When God gives you a mission, you can be sure you’ll run into delays, difficulties, detours, and dead ends along the way. They are a natural part of life. But you can be ready for them.

For example, if anybody had a right to be discouraged, it was Noah. Do you know how long it took Noah to build the ark? 120 years. Could you go 120 years on a project without one word of encouragement from anybody else in society?

Noah trusted God. And when he heard God's warning about the future, Noah believed him, even though there was no sign of a flood. I bet there were many days that Noah didn't feel like going to work, but for 43,800 days, he went to the same place, and he worked. He never gave up.

Don't give up on your dream, either. Don't give up on your marriage. Don't give up on your health. Don't, don't, don't give up. God is in control. You haven’t read the final chapter of your life. God's already written it, but you haven't read it yet.

The Bible says, “God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9 MSG). God is looking for people that he can bless.

Talk About It -

• What is the God-size dream you’ve been ready to give up on because of difficulties and delays?

• How do you want God to bless you as you commit your life fully to him?

Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America's largest and most influential churches. Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller "The Purpose Driven Life." His book, "The Purpose Driven Church," was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. He is also the founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for pastors.

GOD HAS EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL

When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. Proverbs 10:25
Throughout the Bible, God reveals that He is always in control over His vast universe and even our seemingly insignificant lives. Here is a true-life story from a member of the persecuted church:

“I was the only convert of a man who died thinking he was useless to God. Both our crimes were for violent robbery and we actually shared a prison cell together.
“He told me about how—by mistake—he had been placed into a cell with a group of Christians. They were singing hymns at night and praising God together. He saw them as a soft touch and robbed them of their food parcels. He even beat them to show who was boss. For the first time in years he felt powerful again. But somehow they were not afraid of him and repeatedly shared their faith in Christ.

Don't Panic! This is Only a Test

by Joyce Meyer

There's a scripture in the Bible that says, "In the world you have tribulation and trials" (John 16:33 AMP). I believe most people would agree with it. If you read the rest of that verse, you get to the encouraging part where Jesus says we can take heart because He has overcome the world. But the truth is, we all go through hard times and have to learn how to overcome them through Christ.

Sometimes God allows or even arranges for us to go through difficulties in this life because it's during those times that we grow in our faith and develop more of the character of Christ. Trials reveal what we really believe and what's really inside our hearts. They test us. And until we're in a situation where we have no choice but to face an issue we need to deal with, we don't really know what we would do.

James 1:2 (AMP) says we should "consider it wholly joyful" when we experience a trial or face a temptation. Verse 3 goes on to say that "the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience." That sounds lovely to have endurance, steadfastness and patience during trials, doesn't it?

Can our prayers cause God to change his mind?

Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened - Exodus 32:14

Scripture teaches that God does not change his mind, but he sometimes adjusts his answers to fit our response. The Bible contains many examples of this: the Hebrews on the outskirts of Canaan (see Nu 14:11–23; 1Sa 15:29); Hezekiah’s repentance on behalf of Israel (see 2Ch 29:3–10,36) and the sparing of Nineveh (see Jnh 3:1–10).

Experiencing God’s will is dynamic. As with any interpersonal relationship, God’s relationship with humanity involves unexpected twists and turns. God modifies his responses to ours; we adjust our responses to God’s. So, in a sense, it can be said that God sometimes changes his mind in response to our prayers.

Your Life Is Shaped by Your Thoughts

by Rick Warren “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” (Romans 12:2 NLT) You cannot become all God created you to be until you understand the five factors that influence your identity. The first two are chemistry (how you are made) and connections (your relationships). You are a product of the way God created you and of the relationships in your life.

The Right Focus for Tough Times

Philippians 1:12-20

Paul did not picture himself as a victim. Despite tremendous physical discomfort and emotional turmoil, he believed he was under God’s sovereign hand. So instead of growing resentful and walking away from the faith, the apostle turned to the Lord and continued to mature spiritually.

We can learn much from Paul—He was determined to focus on God’s sovereignty rather than his own will. It’s easy to be bitter over the mayhem that another person has caused in our lives. However, the minute we start thinking that our enemies are in control, we’re defeated. 

The Bible says that God “has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all” (Ps. 103:19). He is in absolute control. We may not understand His reasons for permitting hardship or pain in our lives, but His plan is always for our good and His glory (Jer. 29:11).

Never a Better Time Than the Worst Time

Nevin Bass

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” Gal 4:4

In our fast paced world convenience is a premium. Fortunes have been made be those who cater to man’s desire for ease and convenience. We have instant pudding, instant potatoes, microwave ovens, and direct deposit. And yet some things are just not as convenient as we would like. As a matter of fact, usually the best things take time. The best things are also not always convenient. I know there are those who speak about the recognizing the will of God by its ease and convenience. Yet the unvarnished truth is that the will of God is not always convenient. In fact God often does not check man’s schedule before executing His plan.

Speaking about convenience, how many times have parents commented that Christmas could come at a more convenient time? I want to tell you about some parents that where hoping for a more convenient Christmas.

Tax Time

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” Luke 2:1

I will admit that that tax-time is not my favorite time of the year. I suppose tax-time has never been a popular time. In the days of Caesar Augustus tax-time was extremely unpopular. Not only was it time to pay out for “services” that folks didn’t agree with, but you had to travel for the privilege to do so.

Aren’t you thrilled when Uncle Sam does all kinds of ridiculous stuff and then sends you the bill? Do you realize how much frustration there would be if every American had to write a check to the government every time they got paid? I will remind you students of American history that some red-blooded Yankees held the Boston Tea party over a 3% tax on tea! You heard me right; the spark that ignited the American Revolution was a 3% tax on tea! How far we have come!

Not only was it tax-time in Luke chapter two, but every one in Israel that was from somewhere else had to return to their hometown. You couldn’t crank up the ‘puter and efile over the Internet. You couldn’t even just fill out a form and mail in a check. Nope. You had to pack your bags and return to the town you were from. Oh yeah, you didn’t have an SUV to throw all your luggage into. Your mode of transportation was old Clyde the donkey.

Did I mention that the wife was due any day? How many of you ladies like to travel when you are great with child? Why did your husband have to be from another place? This is probably one of the worst days of your life!

And when you get to the tiny hamlet of Bethlehem, there are no vacancies in any of the inns. Great! Oh my, … a contraction. And another … and another. It’s time! It is the worst day of your life. Your firstborn is about to come into the world, and you don’t even have a roof over your head.

 Convenience?

Did someone say that the will of God is always convenient? Was that you that said we should just wait for the door to open and waltz into glory? Can’t God make it easier for me? Why does it have to be so hard? Well, on the worst day of Joseph and Mary’s life, God made His appearance.

“But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” Gal 4:4

God’s time was not man’s time.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

Is it possible that God was in control of this situation all along? Not only is it possible, it is absolutely certain. God’s purpose was to bring Mary and Joseph to a stable and the precious babe that was born to be laid in a manger. No, He was not born in a convenient way. This was not the birth of a conventional king. He is the Great Shepherd and He came into this world at the worst of times. And yet it was God’s perfect time. This was the fullness of time - God’s perfect time.

All of the disasters that went into this day from Mary and Joseph’s perspective were indeed the plan of God from the beginning of time.

Invite Jesus Into Your Calamity

I want to encourage you to recognize the sacredness of your calamity. Perhaps the political environment is not to your choosing. I know the economy has not been this poor for many years. Maybe it is a hard time for your family. It might be that Christmas is not coming at a convenient time for you this year.

Could it be that the hand of God is at work behind the scenes? Might the Lord not be found directing some of the very things that are troubling you? Why would He do this? God does His greatest work in your life sometimes on your worst day.

Would you welcome Him into your calamity? Would you push aside the hay and give the Lord Jesus the position of honor in your stable? Place Him there in the manger. When you do, you discover that He was born to reign in a world of uncertainty and trouble. Other kings are born for a palace, but Jesus came for the worst day of your life. And He will take you home to glory.

Christmas is the time that we celebrate the advent of our Savior into the world. I must remind you that the first Christmas was a very tumultuous time. There is never a better time to celebrate the presence of Jesus in your life than the worst time.

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Expectation God's economy is sowing seeds and expecting abundance

It is not our great faith but faith in a Powerful God.

Look to the greatness of our God.


Matt 17:20 (King James Version) And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.


Matt 13:31-32 (King James Version) Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.


In our trials of faith we often try to muster up more faith instead of focusing upon the expectation.