By Faith Thomas...

 "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth...They were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11: 13, 16

    The eleventh chapter of Hebrews has been referred to as "The Hall of Faith" because of its compilation of the faithful from the Old Testament. "By faith Abel...By faith Enoch...By faith Noah...By faith Abraham," and so the scripture proceeds to exemplify how each person's life pointed to salvation. 

    I have wondered how the statement would be completed if I installed my own name: "By faith Rachel..." How have I lived being confident in what I hope for, assured of what I do not see? (Hebrews 11:1) Have I sown seeds of love, joy, patience or hope that may lead others to Christ?

    After the sudden death of my brother-in-law, Thomas, it did my heart well to read over the writings this Christian firefighter had left behind. As president of his county's firefighters' association, he penned a monthly newsletter for many years. Though most of its content dealt with issues of the firehouse, Tom also used this platform as a podium for his faith. In his Prayer Portion, he would implore readers to "Keep God first in your daily lives, thank Him for your many blessings and pray for lost loved ones."

    In a December issue, Tom scattered seeds of faith when he wrote: "This is the time when we celebrate His birth and give thanks for this Savior that was sent to earth so many years ago. Do you know His story? Do you know the good news of this Jesus? Do you know of His love and sacrifice? Find out today of this Jesus before you make that 'last run.'"

    Now that Tom has found his home in that city God has prepared for him, we who survive him are left to carry the torch. Sometimes I pray for those readers of Tom's, that the seeds fell on the "good soil" of which Jesus spoke (see Matthew 13:23) and I also pray for the strength to carry on, showing others the way to Jesus. 

 By faith, Thomas shared his faith in Christ with his readers.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12: 1-3     

My Garden of Eden

 "Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them, let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the Lord." Psalm 96: 11-13

    David and I have been blessed to live within walking distance of Veteran's Park. Each time I visit, I experience something new of the majesty of my King's creation. I feel like a naive Eve exploring the handiwork of God in the garden of Eden.

    Had I kept a journal, I could better recount these experiences, but these I do recall: A rotund raccoon stuffing himself into a hollow tree, a slim snake wending its way toward foliage, a lonely turtle traversing to the pond's edge, a brilliant flash of indigo as a bluebird flew home, a curious doe standing stalwartly still amid dense leaves, a patient mother bird nestled in the crook of a tree, a determined snail with miles to go taking one "step" at a time and a bevy of baby toads heading who knows where.

    During a walk there yesterday, as we paused to refresh our limbs, a cool breeze across the pond brought spontaneous applause from the leaves of our cove as a cardinal performed an aria from above. "...and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." (Isaiah 55:12)

    On one occasion, I was selected to aid a desperate robin ensnared by fishing line in a thicket. By divine arrangement, the next passerby had a pocket knife and a willing heart to join me in this unique rescue mission. We both cheered when freedom fueled the captive's wings and I praised the God of heaven for the opportunity. "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside of your Father's care." (Matthew 10:29)

    I've come to know why God wants me to praise him. It's not because he is egocentric but, rather, it's the most natural response in my heart. I just have to join creation and give him the glory!

"Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another, they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty- and I will meditate on your wonderful works." Psalm145: 3-5

One For All

 "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: He is the Messiah, the Lord.'" Luke 2: 8-10

    I love how the Savior came for everybody, regardless of race, social class or financial standing. Did you know that, in the culture of Christ's birth, shepherds were on the lowest rung of society's ladder? I read that, because their occupation engaged them in business with the Gentiles, the shepherds were not permitted to worship in the temple or to testify in court, yet God chose them to be the first witnesses of the long-awaited Messiah! From the angels to the Wise Men, the humble incarnation of God's Son is an indescribable gift wrapped in eternity.

    Why, then, is this Jesus such a stumbling block for some? The pride of man eschews the necessary contrition to admit this: There's nothing by our own strength, power or influence that can save us. No highbrow society, no repetitive prayer, no rank or celebrity, no toil nor wheedling or pleading can open the door of salvation to us. No sojourn to a distant city, no stellar church attendance nor missionary work in other lands can wash away our sins. Only Jesus can do that. He is the only way, the sole truth and the eternal life for all mankind. In agreement with Apostle Peter, I also testify, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

    So, getting back to the lowly shepherds...After they hurried off to see this Gift for themselves, they didn't keep it under their hats. They spread the good news. So must we! I have good news that will bring great joy to all people:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

One Gave All

 "Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.'" Exodus 14: 13, 14

    Liberty is a precious gift but it comes at a price. Throughout history, the lure of power causes one people to oppress another as they wield their weapons over bent heads. Lines of white crosses on rolling hills of green ribbons testify to the ultimate price paid by the many. 

    One cross above all rises on a hill called Calvary at the very apex of history. On it was crucified the one Man who gave all to purchase spiritual liberty for mankind. He did not die in battle; He laid down His life of His own volition. Why? Was it to bring freedom to those oppressed by the Romans?

    Be they Romans, Egyptians, Germans or Russians, the names change but the agenda never does. The thirst for human power is never quenched, apparently. No, the foe Jesus conquered was much deadlier than these. This antagonist fights for human souls but our Hero defeated Satan when He left behind His graveclothes and ascended into heaven, where He reigns at the right hand of God the Father.

    Who redeems your life from the pit? Who heals all your diseases, forgives all your sins and crowns you with love and compassion? Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's? (Psalm 103: 2-5) Who proclaims freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners? Who binds up the brokenhearted? (Isaiah 61:1) Jesus is the answer.

    Stand firm, Christian soldier; the victory is yours because One gave all.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 

A Genuine Imitation

 "The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, eyes but cannot see, they have ears but cannot hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them." Psalm 135: 15-18

    I had a wallet when I was a kid that was embossed in gold letters: Genuine Imitation Leather. I wish it were that easy as an adult to spot falsehood...or maybe it is? 

    The Bible speaks of idols, when people would fashion a golden calf or something similar to worship. They would even go so far as to sacrifice their child on its altar (Leviticus 20:3).

    It may not always be so easy to identify idols in America, but an idol is anything in which a person places their allegiance, trust or hope instead of God.

    If we are upset about something, do we call a friend before giving it over to God to handle? When the stressors of life overwhelm us, do we pour a glass of wine and escape in a movie? Do we overeat to dispel ghosts from the past? Perhaps anxiety tempts us to treat ourselves to something new on Amazon because we "deserve it." Will a vacation quiet the voices of worry? Are we looking to the government to fix the blights of society? Do we desire the affirmation from others to fulfill our identity?

    Where do we place our hope? In whom do we trust? The above verse tells us that we become like what we worship. If we place our hope in the Lord, we will begin to resemble Him. Peace will replace worry. Truth will supplant lies. Faith will work on our fears. Self-control will stay our hand. Contentment will close our wallet. Wisdom will still our tongue. Hope will light our future. Repentance will foster forgiveness and love will melt icy hate. 

    Jesus identified himself as being the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). He also correctly labeled Satan as the father of lies (John 8:44). If we are not following Jesus, we are being led by lies. 

"No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say...'Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?'" Isaiah 44:19-20

The Blanket

 "You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." Psalm 139: 5, 6

    One of my most precious memories is one of my mother tucking me in at night. The grime from play had been washed away before crisp, cotton sheets enfolded me. The cool autumn evening had ushered in the need for the pink wool blanket with the satiny edge to be brought from the cedar chest. In the pale light, my mother's form bent over to tuck the sides beneath the mattress, the woodsy aroma settling over me like a warm embrace. With a kiss and a prayer, she reminded me each night that Jesus loved me. I still have that blanket as a tactile reminder of how the love of Christ was introduced to me through my mom.

    This morning, I woke with that memory; I felt God's Presence there at my bedside. The richness of His love blanketed me in security till, like a child, I looked up at Him and said, "I love you." In reply,  this verse came to mind: "When I awake I am still with you." (Psalm 139:18)

    Let the robin's morning song and the welcomed warmth of the rising sun wrap you in the love of God this day. Feel His hand upon you; He loves you so!

"He walks with me and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own.

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever know."

-In the Garden

"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139" 9, 10

Witchy Woman

 "When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead." Deuteronomy 18: 9-11

    I met a good Christian friend for tea the other day. We had much catching up to do so, after two hours of yakking, Sue concluded our visit with a prayer request for a friend she has known for decades. During their last get together, Sue was quite shocked to hear her friend declare out of the blue: "I want to be a witch, a green witch, to be exact." 

    In disbelief, Sue had sputtered, "What exactly is a green witch?" The friend, who was otherwise a reasonable woman, went on to explain that a green witch is someone who loves nature, focuses on the wonders and mysticisms of the earth and even mixes potions for the healing of others using such odd ingredients as cats' whiskers. 

    By this time, poor Sue was incredulous but it was the friend's next statement that really floored her: "You could be a witch, too!"

    In sadness, Sue and I pondered how someone she thought she knew so well could be so deceived. We grasped hands across the table and prayed fervently for this friend and others like her, asking for the Holy Spirit to guard our own hearts and minds in Christ Jesus lest we be mislead ourselves. 

    The topic of witchcraft isn't some childhood fantasy from the Wizard of Oz. God solemnly warns about dabbling in the darkness of the occult because He knows just how damning those sinister spirits can be. As the times of our world draw closer to their culmination, Satan ramps up his attacks - especially honing in on God's people. Such buzz words as "mindfulness" and "finding balance from within" should be red flags, as are crystals and potions. 

    Be on your guard. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9)

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Ephesians 5:11