The Faith Of the Fathers

2021-12-21 15:21:58 Does God’s justice make us angry?

That is a strong clue that we are seeking our own agenda instead of God’s. Jesus complained about His own generation saying:

“We played the flute for you and you didn’t dance.
We sang a dirge and you didn’t cry!”

In other words, you have your own agenda into which you want to fit Jesus. You won’t be satisfied with what Jesus does until He does what you want.

When John the Baptist appeared, a severe man who gave severe warnings of judgment, Jesus’ critics said, “What has gotten into him? Some demon?” Then along comes the Son of Man, eating and drinking normally, and people say, ‘Oooh, look at Him—drinking and carrying on with the tax collectors and other riff-raff!’ But, you know, wisdom will be vindicated!” (Matthew 11:16-19)

The justice of God brings healing, satisfaction, and new creation. If our expectation of justice is only punishments and death, it is not God’s justice. Open / Comment

2021-12-21 15:01:07 What is Justice? Justice is the act of setting things right.

We often mistake vengeance for justice.

We often mistake passivity for mercy.

Justice is about doing what needs to be done to set things right. Sometimes, justice is calling someone out. Sometimes, justice is showing mercy. Justice is about accepting the truth no matter how it offends us.

When Jesus offered forgiveness to Zacchaeus the tax collector, He angered the crowd who thought that justice demanded Zacchaeus’ head. But Jesus’ act of mercy straightened out a crooked man. The result was Zacchaeus’ distribution of the wealth he stole. Zacchaeus performed this restorative act without the compulsion of force because Jesus placed the justice Zacchaeus longed for within reach.

Justice is not about vengeance; It’s about setting things right.

In our hunger and thirst for justice, we need to be aware of the grave dangers of unforgiveness. Bitterness is a poison we serve ourselves. And if we are poisoned, it is ourselves that first need to be set right.

Justice is a double edged sword. One edge is mercy, the other edge is consequence. The point of the sword is truth. God takes no prisoners. In the end, only God’s justice will remain.

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 Open / Comment

2021-12-21 14:39:24 “Blessings on people who hunger and thirst for God’s justice! You’re going to be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 NTE Open / Comment

2021-12-21 01:45:34 Homeschool trade school in progress... Open / Comment

2021-12-20 19:09:44 I agree. It’s so sad people are so critical. I don’t think it was done in love.
I have wondered why you don’t have more followers. I have gleaned so much from you and your family and how you simply love Jesus. Keep it up. It is helping. Open / Comment

2021-12-20 19:09:44 Thank you, Lori!
The only way I know how to grow a channel on Telegram is through “shout outs” from other channels and organic sharing. If you find something that blesses you, consider sharing it with someone else. Thank you! Open / Comment

2021-12-20 19:08:24 In reference to the criticism I mentioned early, this accusations were not leveled at me by other people. I was just expressing the voices of self-doubt in my head. Our fellowship is a very gracious bunch as you all are. Thank you for your comments of encouragement and support. Open / Comment

2021-12-20 14:32:57 This song came back to me this morning.

“The Eyes of My Heart” by Matt Redman

Every day I see more of Your beauty
Every day I know more of my frailty, Lord
And I can only hope that I'll be changed
Even as I look upon Your face

For the eyes of my heart
They're on You for ever, they're on You forever
Yes the eyes of my heart
They're on You for ever, they're on You forever

Every day I see more of Your greatness
Every day I know more of my weakness, Lord
And I can only hope that I'll be changed
Even as I look upon Your face

For the eyes of my heart
They're on You for ever, they're on You forever
Yes the eyes of my heart
They're on You for ever, they're on You forever

Jesus, I'm in love with you
Jesus, I'm in love with you
Jesus, I'm in love with you
Jesus, I'm in love with you
And the eyes of my heart
They're on You for ever
They're on You forever Open / Comment

2021-12-20 14:20:28 Good morning!

Another Sunday has come followed by another bout of self-doubt and feelings of failure.

The thoughts I hear after leading a Bible Study:

“You talk too much.”

“You were unprepared.”

“The study was irrelevant.”

It seems like ministry is an emotional roller coaster. On Wednesday night, I felt like a huge success after a house concert. Today, I feel like a failure. You have to guard your heart against pride on one hill and discouragement on the next. These struggles seem to come with the territory of putting yourself out there to do ministry.

In truth, I think pride is the main culprit on both the hills and the valleys.

I am reminded of this proverb:

“Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me the food that is my portion, that I not be full and deny You and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or that I not be in want and steal and profane the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:8-9

I do not need fame to be a success.
I do not lose love when I try and fail.

I am a son, loved by my Father, fully accepted. And I love my Father in return.

Welcome to another good day. Open / Comment

2021-12-19 14:53:03 Our Father in Heaven is not a scorekeeper, judging us by our failures vs. our successes. God the father is goal oriented. What matters is who we become, not what we have done.

The things we do shaped who we become, but the way we respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, reshapes us into the image God intends. It doesn’t matter what crooked forms we took in the past.
What matters is our willingness to be remolded. Open / Comment