Here I sit at the kitchen table, the hum of fridge and furnace fans accompanying the high-pitched whine of self-diagnosed tinnitus. And I dare write about how faith-during-the-killer-storm makes sense. Then I have doubt-induced twinges of fear (aka faithlessness) at the thought of having that paragraph tested in my life. Now I’m wondering how to nourish my own already-badly-shaken faith. Will God allow it to be shaken even more?
Source: Panting, Paul Sails for Rome, “Applying God’s Word to Me”
Ananias had plenty of doubts (obviously) about Jesus’ ideas concerning his going to Saul and being used to restore Saul’s sight. He knew from plenty of reliable sources about Saul’s evil track record. He also knew what Saul’s intentions were for him and the other saints in Damascus. Serving as an “accomplice” to any of that didn’t suit Ananias at all. And he likely didn’t see the sense in being the first Christian within the persecutor’s range when he could see again. It seems Ananias fully intended to use his God-given wisdom to avoid compromising the security of the church in Damascus.
Source: Panting, Saul — From Persecutor to Preacher, “Applying God’s Word to Me”
Courage. How do I get it? The Bible says that David “encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6). I don’t know the specifics of how he did that, but maybe you and I could encourage ourselves in God’s Word.
Source: Panting, Courageous Witness and Radical Gospel, “Applying God’s Word to Me”
So, my friend, let us not balk at His bidding nor chafe at His choices nor anguish over His assignments. Let’s just do as He says and ask Him to change our attitudes and hang ups. Let’s yield ourselves as conduits of His love to those to whom He sends us.
Source: Panting, Philip the Evangelist, “Applying God’s Word to Me”
Once again, I am amazed at faith’s simple obedience and utter sufficiency. I typed that line and thought of this: “But without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). If I have faith that simply obeys Jesus, it will be utterly sufficient for securing my standing with Him. Let’s notice some of that in today’s text…
Source: Panting, Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch, “Applying God’s Word to Me”