Raising Thinking Children – The Turning Points of Life

THE FLAWS OF MAN’S DESIGN

Isaiah 55:8-9 New King James Version

⁸“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
⁹“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”

There is an interesting movie entitled “The Chosen” that presents the life and death and resurrection of Jesus. There are numerous poignant moments depicted in the last days before the crucifixion where Jesus interacted with His disciples. These were one on one intimate and profound opportunities to see how Jesus sought to teach them crucial lessons.

One meeting was between Jesus and John. They sat in a courtyard of a wealthy woman and seated on a bench gazed at a pagan mural on the wall before them. John remarks that the depiction was “stolen” from the Jews.

A surprised Jesus asks, “Why”?

John explains that it is like when the prophet/judge Jephthah was in battle with Ammonites he promised God that if he won, he vowed to sacrifice the first person to come out of his house to greet him on his return. Tragically, it was his only daughter! He was devastated.

Jesus, ever the precise and perfectly timed truth revealer, simply says, “My Father did not ask him for that.”

With that Jesus opens the door to teach that man’s ideas and plans, even when offered with sincerity are too often tragically flawed.

John, recognizing what Jesus has said assures Jesus of his commitment and Jesus remarks, “John you are learning.”

Shortly after John leaves, Judas appears. He requests an audience with Jesus who graciously complies as they are seated at a table opposite each other. Judas immediately begins to chastise Jesus for not seeing the great opportunity in Judas’ way of thinking for seizing the moment. Quietly Jesus listens as Judas excitedly expresses his plans. Jesus politely rejects them inciting a frustrated Judas to explode. “I am an experienced successful businessman with much talent in persuasion. I thought you wanted me for my talents.” But Jesus says, “You have been a faithful follower all these years. That is what is important” His implication to Judas, I need your faith and what I put into you is what is valuable to Me. Jesus asks, “You have a choice to make: Who do you belong to? Who has your heart? I want it! I had it before and I want it now. You followed me willingly.” Judas confesses he wants to follow, but he remains conflicted. Jesus says, “Then I will pray for you.” What John was able to see, Judas has trouble seeing clearly.

Acknowledging man’s flawed and limited view was trouble then as it is now.

When we can learn and authentically believe that what God gives us will always and forever supersede whatever we can offer of ourselves, we have had our turning point.

TURNING POINTS

Experience, if we are willing to view it clearly will reveal how God’s ways are the best path to follow. That realization and the gratitude it inspires can be the turning point that make the difference in our life.

A Life of Service

Looking back on more than eighty years, I see my life has been dedicated to service. I believe it is God’s will to use me in this way, having given me the joy to serve since my youth. It all started in late 1947.

Shortly after my brother’s birth nearly 79 years ago, my mother’s serious illness required me, at only four years old, to assume responsibilities far beyond my age. This formative experience instilled in me a lifelong commitment to serving others, shaping my future across various roles and environments. Assisting my mother not only established a profound spiritual connection between us but also nurtured a sense of spirituality within myself, a blessing that has guided me countless times throughout my life.

It was only after 61 years, during a pivotal journey to Los Angeles, that I gained full clarity about my life’s direction. In quiet moments while driving, significant turning points became apparent, illuminating how faith has continuously guided me toward a purpose of service.

When I was eleven months old, my mother recorded in her diary: “Allan is walking and we are putting him in his own bedroom!” My earliest memories include my father encouraging me, “Allan! It’s time for bed. Go to your room and get a book.” I vividly recall running down the hallway to select my favorite book and joining him on his rocking chair in his bedroom, where he would enthusiastically read the story of Jiggers. These moments forged a lasting bond and were instrumental in developing my passion for reading, storytelling, writing, and continuous learning.

Reflecting on these experiences, I am intrigued by the ways our early memories influence our perspectives and actions. I believe it is valuable to identify and contemplate such turning points early in life, enabling us to act deliberately and maximize the benefits of our experiences.

Reviewing the series of events that led me to embrace my mission of serving others has been enlightening. At my mother-in-law’s funeral, a poem was recited that deeply resonated with me:

“Others”

By Charles D. Meigs

Lord help me live from day to day

In such a self-forgetful way

That even when I kneel to pray

My prayer shall be for – Others.

Help me in all the work I do

To ever be sincere and true

And know that all I do for you

Must needs be done for – Others.

Let “Self” be crucified and slain

And buried deep; and all in vain

May efforts be to rise again

Unless to live for – Others.

And when my work on earth is done

And my new work in heaven’s begun

May I forget the crown I’ve won

While thinking still of – Others.

Others, Lord, yes others

Let this my motto be

Help me to live for others

That I may live like Thee.

———————————————————————–

TURNING POINTS

I feel a profound sense of gratitude whenever I get the chance to help someone, regardless of whether they are a friend or a stranger. This feeling is truly precious to me, another turning point to cherish.

An Inspiration to Service

Many experiences can instill the desire to serve. Sometimes the inspiration comes from an experience and sometimes from a combination of scriptures from the Bible. Here are two that have influenced me and my call to serve.

Ezekiel 22:30 New English Translation

³⁰“I looked for a man from among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before me on behalf of the land, so that I would not destroy it, but I found no one.

When I read this, I have the sense that God feels saddened that when He needed someone to step up to fulfill a desperate need, He found no one. This inspires me to say, “Lord, take me!” From my experiences, when I stood up to fulfill a need, even when I felt inadequate for the task, God provided whatever I lacked thereby allowing the task to be successfully fulfilled. The feeling that God is often let down by fearful humans, inspires one to have the courage to step up and step in to fulfill a void.

The following continues the sentiment of Ezekiel 22:30 to elevate the desire to serve.

Isaiah 6:8 New King James Version

⁸Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:

“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”

Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

Isaiah 6:8 Living Bible

⁸Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom shall I send as a messenger to my people?

Who will go?”

And I said, “Lord, I’ll go! Send me.”

Matthew 20:26 New King James Version

²⁶Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.

There is a song based on this passage from Mathew titled “Make Me A Servant”

Make Me A Servant

Make me a servant, humble and meek;

Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.

And may the prayer of my heart be;

Make me a servant, make me a servant,

Make me a servant today.

And this song furthers the sentiment:

Here I Am, Lord (I, The Lord of Sea and Sky)

Song by Kingsway Music

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in deepest sin My hand will save.

I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Chorus

Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.

I have wept for love of them. They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone, Give them hearts for love alone.

I will speak my word to them, Whom shall I send?

Chorus

Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them. My hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide Till their hearts be satisfied.

I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?

Chorus

Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

The following was read at my mother-in-law’s funeral service. As I saw her as a master servant, I see it as an inspiration from someone who was such a serv ant in my life.

“Others”

By Charles D. Meigs

Lord help me live from day to day

In such a self-forgetful way

That even when I kneel to pray

My prayer shall be for – Others.

Help me in all the work I do

To ever be sincere and true

And know that all I do for you

Must needs be done for – Others.

Let “Self” be crucified and slain

And buried deep; and all in vain

May efforts be to rise again

Unless to live for – Others.

And when my work on earth is done

And my new work in heaven’s begun

May I forget the crown I’ve won

While thinking still of – Others.

Others, Lord, yes others

Let this my motto be

Help me to live for others

That I may live like Thee.

TURNING POINTS

I find it fascinating how words can spark action by shaping our thoughts and leading us to act. Even a single uncommon word can inspire a shift toward serving others.

New Words to Pique Understanding

I am always fascinated when a new word comes into my life. I am a word hunter. I look for new words to help me grow and express myself. Sometimes “old” words show up in a different context to create a much-enhanced value and meaning for them. My hunt for words come into focus under many situations, Conversations with strangers or friends, a discussion with others, a divine church service, a sentence in a book or a news piece on the radio or TV are just a few such resources for finding new words.

I am prompted to write this piece because I heard a word new to me, experiential. The context of the word when I heard it was describing what a divine church service was designed to be for the listener. Some may think a service is informational. A place and an opportunity to gain valued information. That’s true for any conversation where one learns truthful information of value. The transfer of truthful and useful information has value for the listeners is informational, giving them new understanding to help in making future decisions.

ex·pe·ri·en·tial

adjective

involving or based on experience and observation.

derived from experiment and observation rather than theory.

“the experiential learning associated with employment”

Experiential opens a very different perspective. It provides in a powerful way for the listener to have a deeper appreciation of the subject matter.

As I pondered how to explain this notion of experiential learning, I thought of my son Randy’s approach to creating his restaurants. He encased a philosophy for his restaurants in these three words: Quality, Innovation & Education. His purpose was to create an experiential dining event for his customers. The combination of those three words made dining at Sushi Confidential restaurants so successfully experiential that it drew and sustained a loyal following of clients.

Positive experiential venues are blessings in our life, whether they be in every possible location in our life: school, work, personal study, church or just life as it happens for us.

This new word in my vocabulary opens new visions. I can see that life provides so many moments that are truly experiential. I relish experiences that are turning points in my life.

Turning Point

The word experiential was new to me and offers a new perspective, the blessings of which are still unfolding. It does, however, pique my awareness of words more keenly than before. Recently I heard a phrase in a service: “we need to fine tune ourselves to hear and embrace the will of God if we are to gain from the service God’s intention and will for us.” That too is a turning point for me that gives me greater focus in my preparations for going to church that will make each service more experiential.

Consequential Sacrifice

Matthew 6:17-19

New King James Version

¹⁷But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, ¹⁸so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

¹⁹“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Each new day and each renewed celebration offer the opportunity to refocus on what is truly important.

I note that in the season of Lent, many commence the season on Ash Wednesday and have ashes placed on their foreheads. Lent is when the faithful plan to sacrifice something to show their sincerity in making a personal commitment to the Lord in recognition of His sacrifice.

Typically, we tend to give up worldly pleasures. A favorite food or drink, an unhealthy habit, or anything that might appear to be a luxury are usually on the menu for fasting. Although these things can be a healthy choice for the natural body, I pause to wonder how God sees them. I recall a favorite verse of mine:

Isaiah 55:8-9

New King James Version

It is good for us to seriously consider how the Lord’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours. It is a measuring stick for our decisions that will add true substance to what we ultimately decide to do.

Consider what we include in our fasting menu, not just for a season, like Lent, but for all our efforts to please our Lord throughout our life.

With little thought, it seems to me that in place of our normal thoughts on planning a fast we should consider fasting from judgement, prejudices, anger, self-doubt, greed, jealousy, unforgiveness, pettiness, gossip and the like that move us away from the Lord.

We can replace them with encouragement, graciousness, patience, goodness, self-control, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, gratitude, peace, joy and love. These move us closer to the Lord and maintain our closeness to Him.

These passages serve as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of worldly possessions and perspectives and the enduring value of spiritual vision and wealth.

TURNING POINTS

Awareness of the spiritual versus the natural has the benefit of keeping our good intentions on track to achieve desired results. Those desired results include not returning to what we rightfully choose to include in our fasting menus.

Gratitude – A Power for Transformation

Gratitude is a deep sense of appreciation when one receives something undeserved. Gratitude has the power to transform our thinking. Using each gift we receive is the height of Gratitude.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It can turn a meal into a feast,

a house into a home,

a stranger into a friend.

– Hazelden

Gratitude is an ATTITUDE. Appreciation is the root of Thanksgiving. Appreciation is the exercise of wise judgment, delicate perception, keen insight and sensitive awareness in realizing the worth of someone or something. EXERCISE means that we must consciously work at it. WISE JUDGEMENT means we use our knowledge and experience for discernment of truth. DELICATE PERCEPTION means we look at the fine points, consider that which meets only the inquisitive and searching eye, magnifying what appears at first glance to be small. KEEN INSIGHT means we take a sharpened cut to see into something, to get at what is not obvious, to what is inside and beyond the casual view. SENSITIVE AWARENESS means we are willing to be vulnerably open to get to that which may be hidden even by our own fears. REALIZING is making something very real to us. WORTH is value. When we practice with zeal appreciation, gratitude becomes our attitude and thanksgiving flows generously and sincerely from our hearts.

The power in gratitude, thanksgiving, is that it emanates out of profound recognition of having received something completely undeserved. It can be so easy to fall ito the idea that we haven’t received enough in life. That in some way we have been short-changed. We have this destructive inclination to measure ourselves by our neighbors. The consequence is that we see them has having more and that more is undeserved. This kind of thinking destroys our vision of the real gifts we possess. As the famed parable of Jesus, “for the kingdom of heaven is like . . .” wherein three servants each receive talents according to their ability and hence not equally, we tend see ourselves as one with the least talents. [Matthew 25:14-30] The consequences of this can be devastating.

The message is that it is critical that we discover our talents, the gifts that God has given each of us according to our ability. It is eye opening when we set out to discover these gifts we have received and the profound gratitude that fills our heart, mind and soul.

There is fascinating book that brings an interesting possibility to the parable of the servants that received talents. “The Servant with One Talent” by Michael V. Ivanov explores a continuation possibility for this servant who failed.

There is another character of Gratitude. It is succinctly presented by Cicero.

This statement “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others” immediately recalled the fruit of the Spirit. What greater virtues exist other than the fruit of the Spirit? Gratitude surely is the most powerful when it is the first thing in heart and mind when we begin a new day or when life’s challenges become overwhelming to steal our ability to sleep. Gratitude is potentially the solution to all negativity in our life including grieving. One might say that gratitude is the arch enemy of chronic pessimism.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

I urge you to explore how you have experienced gratitude as it opened for you a grip on the other fruit of the Spirit. I invite you to share them with me and my readers.

Turning Points

Realizing more vividly the power of gratitude, causes me to protect my sense of gratitude from the daily onslaughts of the world’s noise that tries to inflict negativity on my senses. This is truly a turning point.

Transformative Scripture Part 2

The study of scripture has always been filled with new revelations that can transform our perspectives and understanding and even our character. I am presenting several of these scriptural texts that have been transformative for me. I have highlighted the words or phrases that caught my attention and inspired deliberation and growth.

I recently saw this on Facebook.

That’s what I find in my study of the Bible, new things to prompt more study. It’s quite thrilling to discover new things that pop out of scripture I read countless times before.

As a young minister in the 1970’s, I was blessed with two missions that thrilled me and were some of the most rewarding times I experienced. I was a Youth Leader and a Confirmation teacher. I would strive to teach these young people the value of the little turning points that would occur during their lifetime. I counselled them to take advantage of the blank pages at the back of their Confirmation Bible and record special moments in their life. And I particularly encouraged them to mark the scriptures at their Confirmation, Engagement, Wedding, and the birth of their children.

When I was about to retire, I went back to my Bible where I inserted my notes with special dates, occasions and the scripture that accompanied them.

At my Confirmation March 16, 1958, the scripture was Psalm 91:1-7.

Psalm 91:1-7 New King James Version

Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
²I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

³Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
⁴He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
⁵You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
⁶Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

⁷A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.

When I read this again celebrating my 50th anniversary of my Confirmation Day, I just trembled. It was exactly 50 years to the date, March 16, 2008, and the words struck me deeply. I don’t recall how many times I read those words during those 50 years, but I suddenly realized how those words had shaped my life. Each phrase had it’s own unique revelation as they were experienced in fifty years of experiences. It occurred to me that even though I didn’t read them often, the essence of these words entered my soul and fulfilled the intention of the One who put them there.

With the experience with my Confirmation text fresh in my mind, I searched my Bible pages for my Wedding text, Psalm 1:1-3.

Psalms 1–41 New King James Version

The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly

1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
²But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
³He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

When I read this, I saw how this was also one whose essence permeated our marriage and the spiritual serving we did in our marriage together. Our love for the Lord and our joy in serving brought countless blessings to us and our family.

It is evident to me that it is not necessary to memorize the scripture, but rather to allow its essence to permeate our soul. Then the Holy Spirit can do His work with it as we faithfully pursue our life.

At my retirement April 27, 2008 the text was Psalm 103: 2-4

Psalm 103:2-4 New King James Version

²Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
³Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
⁴Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

This passage from scripture captured the very profound feelings within my soul at this turning point in my life. And as with so many other transformational verses, a poet penned the words to a song that perfectly aligned with the essence of the scripture. It was no different at my retirement with the following opening hymn “O That I Had A Thousand Voices”.

O, That I had a Thousand Voices

O, that I had a thousand voices,

a mouth to speak with thousand tongues!

Then, while my heart in Him rejoices,

would I pro-claim in grateful songs

To all, wherever I might be,

what things the Lord has done for me.

Dear Father, end-less praise I render

for soul and bod-y strangely joined.

I praise Thee, Guard-an kind and tender,

For all the noble joys I find

So richly giv’n on every side

and freely for my use supplied.

What equal praises can I offer,

dear Jesus, for Thy mercy shown?

What pangs, dear Saviour, didst Thou suffer

and thus for all my sins atone!

Thy death a-lone my soul could free

from Satan, to be blest by Thee!

Let all my praise, up to Thee reaching,

be Thine too, Spirit of all grace,

Whose holy pow’r and faithful teaching

give me among Thy saints a place.

What-e’er of good in me may shine

comes only from Thy light divine.

Accept, O Lord, I know implore Thee,

the meager praise I give below;

In heav’n I better will adore Thee

when I an angel’s strength shall know.

There would I join their sacred praise

and heav’nly hallelujahs raise!

My profound gratitude for God’s allowing me to serve His people found voice in the words of this hymn. So sweet the way our God joins the words of scripture and hymns together to work His plan for us.

Turning Point

I find that scripture contains words that reveal the eternal truths. And like a diamond, each time we read them they reveal a facet not seen in previous encounters. It’s like a flower unfolding revealing beauty previously hidden within its bud. Each revelation inspires the next exploration. And at times we can even see how that word has had its effect upon our hearts, souls and minds fulfilling its intended divine purpose. And how sweet when the lyrics to a hymn amplify the essence of the Word.

JOY

I have often discussed the joy that is fruit of the Holy Spirit. Though for some authentic joy may be elusive, I have found such joy comes easily to the grateful heart. Gratitude blossoms into true authentic and unshakeable JOY. My dear friend Joyce Williams Theilacker is a prolific writer with deep spiritual roots, and I find her posts on social media profoundly inspiring and thought provoking. Her two posts about joy I find worthy to share with my readers.

“Authentic Joy” . . . Joyce Williams Theilacker

Many grapple with the misconception that they must put on a facade of constant happiness to live out the Christian life, but the joy experienced by believers is not something we manufacture or pretend. It is a genuine, God-given gift that flows from the depths of our hearts. The Christian journey is undoubtedly marked by joy, as evidenced by the fruits of the Spirit. This joy does not eliminate the full spectrum of human emotions. In fact, the Bible itself reflects the entire range of human experiences, from sorrow and grief to rejoicing and celebration.

Genuine joy can coexist with various emotions. It doesn’t mean that we must suppress or hide our doubts, questions, or times of weariness. Rather, it means that even in moments of confusion, grief, or weariness, we can still possess the underlying joy that comes from our faith in Christ.

Consider the Psalms, where David, a man after God’s own heart, poured out his soul honestly before the Lord. He expressed times of discouragement, weariness, and lament, yet his trust in God remained steadfast. Joy is not the absence of other emotions but the presence of a deep, unwavering trust in the Lord.

Authentic joy is not a performance; it’s a reality apprehended by faith. It’s a choice we make to trust God despite our circumstances. It’s a decision to embrace His joy even when we don’t fully comprehend the complexities of life. It’s not about pretending to be happy but about seizing the joy available to us through faith in Christ.

In the church, it’s crucial to recognize that while emotions are a healthy and necessary part of our worship and expression of faith, they should never be forced. Each believer’s personality and temperament may lead them to express joy differently. Some may be exuberant and loud in their praise, while others may be more subdued and reflective. Neither expression is more valid than the other; both can be genuine reflections of the joy found in Christ.

Authentic joy is not a one-size-fits-all experience; it’s a deep, personal connection with God that finds its expression uniquely in each believer. It does not conform to external expectations but flows naturally from a heart captivated by the goodness and grace of our Lord.

As we embrace this truth, let us remember that joy is not something we need to put on for others or even for ourselves. It’s a gift from God that we simply receive and live out in our own distinctive way, reflecting the diverse beauty of the body of Christ.”

“Unshakable Joy” . . . Joyce Williams Theilacker

There is a joy that is unique to believers. This joy is not a mere fleeting happiness accessible to all, but a divine gift reserved for those transformed by faith in Christ. It’s a deep, abiding joy that we did not know before our hearts were awakened to Jesus.

Know that this divine joy prompts a crucial caution: the presence of joy does not inherently sanctify our inclinations or desires. The fact that something brings us happiness does not automatically align it with God’s will or make it beneficial for our spiritual well-being. In a world where happiness is often pursued at all costs, this distinction is essential. Many, driven by a skewed perception of joy, justify actions that stray far from biblical truths and make choices that lead them down paths of destruction.

The reasoning that “God desires my happiness; therefore I should pursue what makes me happy” is a dangerous oversimplification. It can excuse sin and lead us away from true fulfillment in Christ. The joy that Paul refers to is not akin to the ephemeral pleasures of this world but is a deep, enduring joy that arises from our union with Christ—a joy that can only be known through the transformative power of salvation.

Moses’ choice, as recounted in Hebrews, starkly illustrates this truth. He forsakes the temporary comforts and pleasures of Pharaoh’s palace for the afflictions associated with God’s people, valuing eternal joy over fleeting happiness. This decision underscores the profound difference between worldly pleasures and the joy of salvation. Only salvation offers lasting fulfillment and peace.

Believers are thus challenged to discern the nature of their joy: is it rooted in transient worldly pleasures or in the steadfast promise of God’s eternal joy? We must examine our hearts, finding our deepest happiness not in the fleeting delights of sin but in the enduring grace of walking in obedience to God.

As we navigate through life’s trials and temptations, this divine joy serves as our anchor, reminding us of the unshakable hope we have in Christ. It fortifies our resolve to live in accordance with God’s will, even when faced with choices that promise temporary happiness at the cost of spiritual integrity.

In embracing this joy of salvation, we find a treasure that far surpasses the world’s temporary pleasures. It fills our hearts even in the midst of trials, sustains our zeal for God’s service, and deepens our love for Christ and His people. This joy defines our identity as followers of Jesus, setting us apart in a world that seeks happiness in the perishable.”

Turning Point

Mastering the fruit of the Spirit is essential for the spiritual health and vitality of the soul. When we can feel the joy of the Spirit “it is well with my soul”. Discussions such as these help to keep awareness of the treasure that this fruit of joy brings to our life and keeps us in a state of profound gratitude.

Functional Faith

This notion of “functional faith” came to me as I lay in bed awaiting sleep to unfold. The thought caused me to imagine the consequences of functional faith to the believer. As an engineer, functional means that whatever it is that’s functional, it does what it’s supposed to do. It simply works. And functional faith is faith that successfully brings us through our failures and the adversity that we inevitably face. Faith has that purpose, to keep us in oneness with God to ensure our future with Him. The following scripture shed light on faith and what it means for us.

I begin with two passages in scripture where I believe Jesus is telling us why faith is so important,

Luke 18:7-9 New King James Version

⁷And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? ⁸I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

In these words from Jesus, He highlights the one thing He will be looking for in us, FAITH. This is not surprising when we recall the moment His key disciple Peter was about to be tested by Satan.

Luke 22:31-32 New King James Version

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

³¹^[a]And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. ³²But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

In these two passages Jesus makes clear the critical nature of our faith not only for our journey in this life, but for the life after Jesus’ return. There is another passage that offers some insight into our task with our stewardship of our faith.

Luke 12:48 Living Bible

…. Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.

The “much” here is the faith that God has shed abroad in our hearts.

Romans 12:3 New King James Version

Serve God with Spiritual Gifts

³For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Romans 12:3 New Living Translation

³Because of the privilege and authority^[a] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

Ephesians 2:8 New King James Version

⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

This faith that God has so generously given to us, in all its greatness, has imputed to us great responsibility. It is clear from the words of Jesus in these passages that faith is key to our future. He found it necessary in Peter’s case to pray that his faith would not fail him. We can extrapolate that the same love that Jesus had for Peter, He also has for us. Then He prays for you and me that our faith will not fail us. Best we take that to heart.

I find it interesting how the Message Bible offers some insight on how we can manage our stewardship of this precious gift of faith from God.

Romans 12:3 The Message

³I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

This last statement is like a compass for us as we navigate life and our journey. Let the gratitude for “what God is and by what he does for us” be the spirit that rules our vision and our character. Apostle Paul offers profound perspective on how we can be effective in prospering our God-given faith in Philippians.

Philippians 4:6-7 New King James Version

⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Paul gives interesting insight into pitfalls and weapons we have for diligent protection over the gift of faith in Ephesians. The Message translation offers wording that is quite clear.

Ephesians 6:13-18 The Message

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

If we take these words to heart, we can experience how our faith will be strong, resilient, and profound.

Turning Point

The evolving guidance of the words of God as presented in scripture instill profound gratitude and inspiration to continue to grow in this faith that God has gifted to us. I hope my sharing these insights they will be a turning point for you my readers as they are for me.

Transformative Scripture

Part 1

Ezekiel 22:30 New English Translation

³⁰“I looked for a man from among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before me on behalf of the land, so that I would not destroy it, but I found no one.

When I read this, I have the sense that God feels saddened that when He needed someone to step up to fulfill a desperate need, He found no one. This inspires me to say, “Lord, take me!” From my experiences, when I stood up to fulfill a need, even when I felt inadequate for the task, God provided whatever I lacked thereby allowing the task to be successfully fulfilled. The feeling that God is often let down by fearful and reluctant humans, inspires one to have the courage to step up and step in to fulfill a void.

Psalm 139:23-24 Living Bible

²³Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. ²⁴Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

This scripture is the finale to one of the most inspiring Psalms. It speaks of the reality of the inescapable presence of God in our life. Whether we believe it or not, God has a deep interest in our life and His presence ought to create a profound gratitude the eludes description. The final words in verses 23 and 24 are the psalmist’s desire to take full advantage of God’s presence. He invites God to search his very being and seeks to know if he is brining any hint of sadness to the heart of God. This has inspired me to add this thought to my prayers for I would hate to God to become sad because of me and my sinful thoughts.

Luke 12:48 Living Bible

…. Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.

When we are amazed as we realize how great we have been blessed by the God of Love and Grace and mercy and forgiveness, we understand our mission – to love one another as we have been so profoundly loved.

Matthew 5:41 New King James Version

⁴¹And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

The lesson of the second mile is significantly transformative as it opens doors for untold opportunities to growth. Making strangers into faithful friends.

Galatians 5:22-23 New King James Version

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

This scripture provides a comprehensive glimpse into the gifts the Holy Spirit can instill into one’s character. It takes the deliberate intention to develop each into a conduct and perspective on life.

Luke 18:7-9 New King James Version

In these word from Jesus, He highlights the one thing He will be looking for in us, FAITH. This is not surprising when we recall the moment His key disciple Peter was about to be tested by Satan.

Luke 22:31-32 New King James Version

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

³¹^[a]And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. ³²But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

Here Jesus knowing the test that Simon Peter was on the brink of failing, Jesus prays for the one and only thing that will get Peter through the test unscathed, FAITH! From this I see that our most critical possession is the FAITH that our loving God has so graciously implanted into our soul. We must protect it and nurture it relentlessly and at all cost.

Let me draw your attention to the carefully worded message of Jesus to Peter (and us!) where He says “when” referring to His expected success of Peter. He didn’t use “if” which would imply Peter might fail. Such is the absolute confidence Jesus has in the success of His prayers for Peter and you and me!

Turning Point