the way of faith

Thursday, September 5, 2019 (6:37 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Holy God,

How I thank You Lord. Thank You for so many things. Like learning for instance. Right now I’m getting to learn more about the way of faith. Thank You Lord.

Yes. Thank You, Lord.

For the longest time I have believed in the law of hard work. See what needs to be done. Put all energy and focus on that one thing. And dive right in. Headlong. Without much thinking or forethought.

Once frustration and disappointment sets in, that’s usually when I come back to realizing I somehow raced on ahead. Leaving You in the dust somewhere. Thank You Father for those times when I notice sooner rather than later that I’ve again gone off on my own.

Thank You too for the rhythm, Truth and pace of Your Word. How I love reading of my own errors in judgment exemplified by others. Those examples of others who have rushed ahead, so cocksure of their own understanding.

Thank You Father that we are called to trust in You (Proverbs 3:5).

(12:19 p.m.)

And will You just look at this?!

The Message, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track” (vs. 5-6). Amen!

“Don’t assume you know it all. Run to GOD! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! (7-8). Yes please!

“Honor GOD with everything you own; give Him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over” (9-10). Ah, that I would do that.

“But don’t, dear friend, resent GOD’s discipline; don’t sulk under His loving correction. It’s the child He loves that GOD corrects; a Father’s delight is behind all this” (11-12). Oh, that You would find delight in me.

Holy God, how I thank You for speaking to us in so many ways. It began so much earlier when I searched ‘learning’ and ended up at Galatians 3:2-4 in The Message.

“Let me put this question to you: How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God? Or was it by responding to God’s Message to you? Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren’t smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it? Did you go through this whole painful learning process for nothing? It is not a total loss, but it certainly will be if you keep this up!” Hmmm…

Somewhere earlier I read the words “the way of faith” and they impacted me. In trying to find the source I am at a loss. Father I am asking that You will continue guiding me on the way of faith.

Back now to The Life Recovery Bible and comments concerning the previous verses from Proverbs. “3:5-6 What a promise! God will guide us on the right pathway of life if we put our trust in Him rather than try to do it on our own. Putting God first means turning our life and will over to Him. Surrendering to His leadership is humbling, but it is the only way for us to lead a good life.”

Humbling. I seem to be becoming more and more familiar with this word! Thank You Father.

“3:11-12 When God disciplines us, He is not doing so because he hates us or likes to see us suffer. He is correcting us because He loves us and doesn’t want us to go any farther into sin.”

Yes please Father, the way of faith is what I am seeking. To be Yours ‘hook, line and sinker’; all in! I look to You to make it so.

Thank You Father. I love You. Use me. Amen.

(685 words ~ 1:10 p.m.)