“And Jesus seeing their faith…” – Matthew 9:2

“According to your faith….” – Matthew 9:29

“Thy faith hath made thee whole”….Matthew 9:22

Here we have three separate excerpts from Biblical passages that provide proof that faith can be seen.   These are not the only scriptural texts providing examples of visible faith, I could list more but the truth I really wish to share is that it is not enough to simply say you have faith, and to simply believe you have faith; real faith can be seen through the actions we take.  

Take a closer look at the image.    What do you see?   I see a person (Person 1) climbing to a higher level.    Person 1 appears to be very lean and is not wearing a lot of  heavy garments.   What is more important is that I see another person (Person 2) who has already ascended to the place where Person 1 is headed.    Person 1 appears to be holding on, maintaining balance in the current spot while reaching up to go higher.   Person 2 is stable and I imagine confidently reaching back to assist Person 1 and almost encourage him that this mountain can be ascended.   The place where this scene looks beautiful and has elements of risk and apparent danger, but yet, Person 1 perseveres upward away from one level to the next. 

To me, the image graphically displays what real faith looks like.   It is a reminder to me that movement from what may seem comfortable, normal and routine is sometimes both beautiful and intimidating.   I am also reminded that God has not given me a spirit of fear, he has given me power, he has given me love, and a sound mind that enables me to think clearly.  God stands as Person 2, helping me along my life’s journey; but there must be movement on my end.  What do you see in the image?

Today I encourage you to step up and out to let your faith be seen.   Do something that may not be comfortable trusting God for wisdom, guidance, and direction.  This week, let your faith be seen through your actions.

I would love to hear your testimonies of the faith actions you took.   Please share in the comments below.

I was listening to a speaker who said feelings often get in the way of faith.   I agree.   Taking steps or acting upon feelings alone is never enough.   Let’s face it, some days are just not our best days.  On those days we may not accomplish much simply because we don’t feel like doing anything.   What happens to our purpose on this day?  Do we just push purpose aside?  Absolutely not.  When you have purpose and you know you have purpose, it is easy to move past what we feel and to get things done.

I’ve heard people say “I just had a gut feeling, that something wasn’t right“.   I don’t agree.   You never have a “gut feeling”, your feeling has a basis and it’s not coming from your stomach.   It’s coming from an experience, a belief, or a perception.  So, what do believe and in whom do you believe?  When your basis is truth, you don’t have to be concerned about feelings.  Truth always prevails.   Moving by faith invokes all types of feelings and doubt is one of those.   Why?, you can’t see faith.  When we can’t see where we are going nor see the outcome of our actions, we doubt we are on the right path.

How do we overcome these feelings of uncertainty and hesitation?   With truth.

Let’s start a “truth chain”.    Here a few feelings that I have had and how I have overcome each with truth.

• Feeling:  I can’t do this.      Truth:  I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
• Feeling:  I don’t know how to get this done.   Truth: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
• Feeling:  I am afraid I will____ (Fill in the Blank).   Truth:  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Allow your truth to lead out and faith will always go ahead of feelings.

What do you sometimes feel and what truth helps you to stay grounded?  Please share in the comments below.

Lilies are some of the “happiest” and most beautiful flowers I have ever seen.   There are over 100 different types of lilies and they come in the most vibrant, brilliant colors.  Just imagine God with a great big paint brush perfectly designing and dressing each and every one.   When I look at lilies in full bloom, they always appear to be in a surrender type position.   The flower pedals are leaning back with their leaves up in total surrender, standing tall, wide open and transparent to the inner core.  The best part about lilies is that they are very easy to care for, as long as they are planted in a spot where they can soak up lots of sunlight.   Lilies thrive better when they have about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.   It is so encouraging to know so much about this flower species and to know that God chose this flower, in all its brilliance to illustrate his love for his people.   Listed below are two passages of scriptures where lilies are referenced; the first is Matthew 6:28-29 and the second is Luke 12:27-28.   Both scriptures talk about the effortless beauty of the lily and how they literally don’t have to do anything (they toil not) to become so ornate, because God has already made them that way.

Matthew 6:28-29  (KJV)

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Luke 12:27-40 (KJV)

27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.   28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Both scriptures speak to trust and faith.   Not to focus on our needs because God takes care of that.  Most importantly the scripture reminds us that when you do take matters into our own hands we are exhibiting a lack of great faith in God an in his promises.   When we lack faith and trust, it is usually because we are lacking in our relationship with God and because we don’t even know what he has promised to us.  If the lily needs 6 to 8 hours a day of sunlight to thrive, I believe we need 6 to 8 hours of “Son” light also.  So how do we soak up this much “Son”light on a daily basis.   Here are a ten ways we can do this:

1. Be thankful each morning for life and the ability to see the beginning of a new day.
2. Before we look at our calendars or days agenda, look inside our hearts and examine our thoughts and motives.
3. Make time to read God’s promises and what he requires of us.
4. Glorify God in how we care for and dress our bodies and, even with the food choices we make throughout the day.
5. Watch our words, they have power.  Use our words to speak life into someone, even if they offend us in some way.
6. Count our blessings and be thankful for what we have been given.
7. Choose not to complain about what we do not have.
8. Pray for direction and to use our gifts responsibly.
9. Find ways to cheerfully give more than you seek to receive each day.
10. Before going to bed, end your day with prayer and praise for what God was able to accomplish through you.

Did you think of other ways you can add to this list?  Please add your comments below.

No matter what is going on in our lives, no matter how busy we get,
remember the lilies and that God cares for us and adorns us in the same manner.

Most of us were introduced to faith at birth but became aware of faith by way of some great adversity in life. When we spoke our first words we babbled, we slurred, we drooled, and no one questioned our ability nor capability. The more we come to know fear, the less relationship we have with faith. You don’t have to look far to find faith, she has been with you waiting for you to catch up along the way.

Goodbye Fear and Hello Faith!

What is faith and how do I meet her?

Ready? Set? Go! It’s time to change partners. It’s time to let go of fear and move forward in faith. We all have a measure of faith. It has been with us from birth. For some our faith increases with action, for others, well….it’s progress is blocked by fear. Let me give you two examples. First, remember the fear you had when you took your very first step? Of course not, because you really didn’t know much about fear then. No ONE questioned that you could do it; it was just a matter of when you WOULD do it. It was just second nature to walk. Just do it and you did. In contrast, is my second example; do you remember the first time you mispronounced a word and someone publicly corrected you? Yes, I’m sure you can recall the exact moment. That’s because fear showed up and he brought his cousins embarrassment, shame, and failure. When fear shows up, he usually shuts the door to faith. So how do we get past the fear to welcome faith?

1. STOP making fear comfortable in your life. Just imagine a guest that has overstayed her welcome in your home. What happens if you begin to yawn, put on PJ’s, turn of the lights…you get the point? So will she. Well the same thing goes for fear. Turn off the lights. Stop allowing fear to stop your momentum. Shift and change your view. Visualize your goal and not the obstacles along the way. See the goal and you will always find a way around the obstacles; there’s really usually more than one.

2. STOP talking about the things you are afraid of; spend time talking about the things that bring you joy. Find ways to be grateful for what you have. No matter how bad your situation is; can you believe there is really someone who has a greater problem? A worse situation? Well, there is. I know it sounds strange but thank God for the problems you do have knowing things could be worse. Celebrate and praise God for your present situation just knowing better is just ahead.

3. START looking for ways to grow your faith. Do the things that you thought you could never do or were afraid to do. My friend, Ms. Pat, wanted to learn how to swim throughout her childhood but was afraid to do so. Then one day, at the age of 59, Ms. Pat decided was invited to join a senior swim class. Stepping out on faith, that it was never too late, she took the classes and found that her fears were unfounded…water was really her friend and she simply had to learn how to maneuver in the pool. The most surprising part of her story was that she was not the oldest in the class; there was another late swimmer who was 72! Not only did Ms. Pat learn how to master swimming, she begin to coach other seniors to get over their fears just by sharing her own testimony. As long as you are still living, it’s never too late to step out and do the things you fear most. Someone is waiting to hear your testimony.

4. START by taking small steps. It doesn’t matter how far you stretch your faith; nor how much faith you have. What matters most is that you take some action. Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. Just imagine that you are given a task of making apple pie but first needed a basket full of the fruit. Question: If the tree is full of apples and they are all ripe enough for the pie, does it matter if you pick the low hanging fruit? Answer: No, all that matters is that you fill your basket. Don’t limit your faith by measuring how much of it you have or comparing your faith to the faith of others. Faith without action means nothing. Don’t worry about the small steps; your stride will come.

Challenge: Take a sheet of paper and fold it in half. On the top side, write down three things you fear the most. On the inside of the paper, write down as many things that you can think where you can grow your faith to overcome these fears. Next, reverse the order. Make sure the things you fear are on the inside and your faith list is on the outside. For one week; only look at the list on the outside.

Don’t focus the fear inside. After one week, revisit the things your feared the most and cross off any where you have found a solution that contradicts the validity of that fear. Tell me how it goes, I would love to hear your successes!

Remember, Mustard Seed Faith Can Move Mountains!