If we walk it, they will come.

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
One of the things we did this weekend spending time with our children and grandchildren was visit Disney Springs. It provided the usual bustling crowd, a wide array of places to stop and shop, and yes entertainment - music of all kinds.
 I quickly noticed though all the music were good in their genre, not everyone stopped everywhere. And the musician that drew and maintained the biggest crowd was the one who had the most to offer.  He played 'a mean' Spanish guitar and he interacted with individual members of the audience. The thing is, he stood out.
We as believers are not performers seeking applause but we are on the world's stage. People watch us to see what we do. The people who make the biggest impression are those who show, without a doubt, they are different. Living epistles, as we are called, must have a better story than the world. Cities on a hill must have brighter lights. Followers of Christ must be seen to walking differently than the world. Only then, will we be able to cause others to glorify God because they see us as in, but not of the world. If we walk it, they  will come.

While I wait, I will ...

This may be a preview for a few if you.But I want to share a thought I'll be speaking on August 26th (Miracle Temple, Poinciana).
We are people of faith, right? And some of us even know how to hitch fasting, prayer, and the Word to our faith to bolster its effectiveness.
But what we struggle with even after all that, is the waiting. Agree?
You see, God never promised an immediate answer to every prayer.
Abraham waited 25 years, Joseph 10, then there is David, and Jabez (time not given) and there is Anna and Simeon waiting for their first glimpse of the Messiah.
Perhaps even more unfathomable are the 700 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments, while creation held its breath for the Redeemer to make His entrance.
The trick is knowing what to while you wait.
In the doctor's office we read a magazine, at the movies we eat popcorn, drink soda and watch the trailers.
What will we do while our answer tarries? Will we get mad at God, be nasty to the people around us, or just fall off the ledge into bottomless depression?
As you walk through days or years of prayer what's your plan. Fill in the blank: While I wait I will........
Great is your faithfulness, O God.

The Evidence , Please.

I don't understand how we can hide the evidence that we are Christians.  And I'm not talking about saying "praise the Lord saints" to everyone we meet,  carrying a Bible, or any of the overt signs of being saved.
Rather, I'm referring to the issue of who we should be in our "conversation" or way of life. As you walk into our home, you know a small child lives there.  There are no posters announcing his presence, his toys may not be all over every room, but the subtle signs are plain for all to see.
The refrigerator is his gallery. Then there are workbooks,  games, slippers , you get the idea. His presence is everywhere.
Wherever we are there should be no doubt to whom we belong. We should leave a trail of praises, gratitude, love and peace behind us. The fragrance of Christ should emanate from our person, in spite of all of our only too human imperfections. The question on the floor ladies and gentlemen is this: If you were in a room full of people in a pretty social interaction,  would there be enough evidence to convince those around you that you are a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ? Is there unmistakably evidence every single day?
As we walk testimony is one thing and I don't deny it's power. But what about the evidence?

Finding Joy

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
Several years ago I learned an unforgettable lesson about true joy.  Kenneth Mitchell had gone fishing and brought us back a five gallon bucket of blue runners (I think that's what they're called). I grabbed my knife and headed for the washroom, no problem. I love fish!
As I started scaling Junior Edsil Myers quietly opened the door and took his place beside me at the sink. Nothing he's ever done has been more significant or more treasured than just pitching in when it never even crossed my mind to ask for help. His presence brought such joy the task took second place.
In our work-a-day world we are often faced with many difficult or tedious tasks. Sometimes we hop to it not because we are so fired up to work, but just to get it out of the way. Then, maybe a song comes to mind, or it could be just a few words of a Bible verse.  At other times a spiritual song comes pouring out from a river of raw inner emotions. Whatever the case, we suddenly realise the Presence of the Lord has swept in and everything changes.
Joy my Friends is not always about doing what we want to do,  much more about who stands with us.
The presence of Jesus, He changes everything.

It's Called Faith

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk 

I am amazed how we sometimes compress or make our faith small to match our wish list. Here's what I mean. Somehow, its okay to believe God "for" what we need and hang on through thick and thin until the answer is received.

But do we realize God changes circumstances,  shaking things up in our lives to get us to conform to His Image?

He is just as at work when he closes a door as when he opens one; when he gives or he takes. Let's widen the reaches of faith from a good time, all's well concept to a God who works through all things, at all times, for our good and His glory. No it's not a cake walk. It's trusting the plan when we cannot see His hand.

Take a Break

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
There is a simple scripture about God giving his beloved sleep. Also we have Jesus saying come unto all you who are burdened with care and l will give you rest. For all our busyness there is definitely a place for the theology of rest.
We need mental breaks when we are laboring under weighty subjects needing unending concentration. So in between do something involving the other side of your brain. I bake and  go over the top in my kitchen lol
We need prayer breaks when we are so focused on our need we get tunnel vision and miss God's Awesomeness. Walk, look at a sunrise or sunset, look at the world around you. Or, put some music on and sit with your Bible on your lap.
Sometimes our bodies just ache. At least, mine does.  It's not always necessary to push past the pain. Sit down. Order in if you can. If you can't, make your favorite meal and then sit down.
The point I'm making is God created rest stops in all sphere of life. Take them and show God how much you appreciate His wisdom.

Road Signs

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
As I approached my turnaround point this morning I noticed a couple of property signs. And I thought Christians have those too. I love the "Private Property no Trespassing" sign on my life. I am my beloved's and he is mine.  Jesus says I'm in his hands and nothing can "pluck" me out.
The "No Parking" sign speaks to the fact I am God's temple. I wish I could be so spiritual I am always singing Hallelujah! But that's not the case. So when a whole caravan of negative emotions start competing for space, the Holy Spirit makes sure if they are not the crew from Whatsoever Things with names like honest, pure, virtuous,  good report, etc., then they cannot park.
We all know sometimes in spite of ourselves we can feel like we are losing the battle though not the war. The law of the Tow Away Zone says the Spirit of Christ is authorized to remove every thought,  every action, everything that exalts itself against Him. It is that Power which guarantees when the enemy comes in, like a flood ,the Spirit of the LORD lifts up a standard against him.
We are told to be mindful of the signs on the road both spiritual and physical. Walk not as fools but as wise. Know who you are, whose you are, and demand that the enemy respect your boundaries.
Walk strong in Christ.