Faith.

Faith.

God still makes miracles...

Faith can move mountains.  It's an old saying, but when you think about what it is to believe in something bigger than yourself, it should cause you to change your life.  In changing your life...the ripple effects, like in a pond, can spread out in all directions, far more than the input of the proverbial pebble.  When you're out in nature, faith comes pretty easily...you're surrounded by evidence of God's creation.  In our cities, even in our modern, "built" environment, we're surrounded by man's creation, and it's easy to lose track of the majesty and miracle of creation...our faith must be stronger than our sight.  Too often, the further we become separated from our Creator, the further we let our faith slip as well.  Out west, we're pretty spoiled with how much "land" God created...on a recent trip to NYC, the postage-sized piece of grass was held up as "nature."  Find time to go sit under a tree and observe...creation in all that is around you...or run down to the maternity ward and tell me there aren't faithful miracles. 

...You just have to be open to 
accepting them...

When we have true faith...it's transformative, not only in our lives but in the lives of those around us.  Good works don't save...but being saved should cause us to seek and share good works.  A strong, foundational level of faith that we embrace and share is powerful.  This week, Charlie Kirk was killed.  In a recent interview, when asked what one thing he would like to be remembered for..."for courage for my faith."  Of all the ways he could have answered, this is a powerful message of the importance of not only having faith...but more importantly, the courage to share our faith with others around us.  Charlie...you are known, among many things, for your courage in sharing your faith.  Well done, good and faithful servant.

...They're all
around us...

When we share, we become the light in the world around us.  The analogy of a candle in a cave is powerful.  No matter how dark it is, the one spark lights the way.  In our world that seems to be increasingly dark, sometimes we can be the one candle that pushes back on the darkness in someone else's life.  This can be the shout-to-the-rafters-from-the-pulpit or the quieter, where you inject faith into daily life and conversations.  When we live in a way that reflects our faith, it becomes a powerful reminder, or even permission to others that they, too, can live out their faith.  It can also be the on-ramp for someone to begin their own faith journey.  

...And in
our homes...

When we talk about sharing our faith, it starts in our four walls.  Likely the best gift we can give our children is a strong nest at home and an unshakeable foundation.  This comes from (even when it's awkward), expressing our faith in front of our children.  It means working through our self-conscious moments to build habits - like praying as a family.  It can also mean leaning into things like Sunday school, Awana, and other cultivated groups to build community.  When we share our faith, we become the permission slip or inspiration to start a new fire in folks.  Maybe skip out on the flipping of tables at the tabernacle...but have the courage to not skip out on faith as a foundational focus of our family lives.  By prioritizing faith - observing the Sabbath, stopping in at a new church when you're traveling, injecting God into daily conversations, being present in the Word...we remind ourselves and show others how to be faithful.  

...Watch for the good and
and beautiful...

Faith isn't a blind journey of lock, stock, and barrel, taking people at their word.  Having worked on an ambulance, we ran the self-proclaimed re-incarnated Jesus...we took him to a padded room.  How is it I can fully believe in the Bible, but doubt so firmly that Jesus might come back as a homeless guy under a bridge?  Our faith must be firm, and the firmness comes from established roots in the Bible...not what we want it to be or what we think it should say...but what it does say.  In a world where political correctness is rampant and our world seems to have lost...or worse, created confusion through "a thousand new truths," our foundational faith is paramount.  

...the still small voice...

As we look at faith in our life from a practical perspective, there are some things that were done culturally in accordance with the Old Testament that we don't do today...in large part due to the New Testament.  But, in today's day and age, there are many things that we selectively adopt or disregard based on feelings, narratives, political correctness, and whatnot.  With faith, I think it's important to use the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) sounding board if you're not sure.  Non-believer who is struggling?  Come alongside them.  A person who has a lifestyle you don't agree with...pray for them.  Jesus brought and bought love and unity...do that.  

...and do mighty things
through your faith...

As we put faith into practice, particularly if you're a church leader, I think it's really important to land firmly on the lumper or splitter debate (I vote lumper).  I've had far more interactions with "church folks" running down another church or denomination than non-believers...because, you know...they're different than us.  Like much of life, we figure out how to split a hair and divide our group before we come together for big "Jesus things."  For example, there's a set of back-to-school-bash community events...both put on by big local churches...that don't talk or coordinate the activities.  When we come together...and don't care who gets the credit...my goodness, we can do big things.  

...it starts at home...with
you...with your family.
Amen.

As we wrap up an "all over the place" post this week in the aftermath of tragedy...go practice your faith.  Think about the "what if you only had tomorrow, what you prayed for today" gratitude.  In reflecting on the many blessings that truly surround us, even when there is darkness about, it right-sizes and refocuses us on our foundational faith.  Whether you grew up in faith, were reborn to it, or are on the fence...just like any other muscle, we can grow our faith.  Read the Bible, study The Word, ask questions, go sit in nature...attend a church, a study, a small group.  The important point isn't whether the flag is on the left or right on the stage at church or if communion is intincting or plastic cups...it's whether you're closer to your Creator.  Like a tree...the best time to start praying was yesterday...the second best time is now.  He is risen indeed!

With you in the arena, from ours to yours...Happy Trails!

Call to Action: 

• Pick out a few actions that you can do to model and lead your family closer to each other with God at the center.  Make them practical...carry them out.  
• 1 - ___________________ 
• 2 - ___________________
• 3 - ___________________
• Discussion: Consider what you/your family could/would/should (level of commitment) and start/stop/sustain (action) this week that can be a seed to carry long term in your faith journey.  

Further Reading, Motivation, and References:

- Rest in Peace, Charlie

- Fr. Chris Alar

- A little Tommee Proffitt Motivation