“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” Romans 15:1-2 MSG Have you ever heard of the “microwave generation?” I’m sad to admit it, but that is the culture that many of us are a part of. We are a generation that loves convenience, quick results, and direct deposit. I have a friend who has self-diagnosed herself with “instantitus” which of course, is not a real ailment, she just likes to have things done right then and there. I’m actually the same way, and I’m sure many of you who are reading can relate as well. Convenience and the gospel don’t exactly work well together though. One gives instant gratification, usually without lasting results, and the other demands the ultimate sacrifice – a surrendered life. If we are strong and able in the faith, we are called to help those who are struggling, without judgment, opinion, or condescension.…

Ephesians 5:15 KJV “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” 2 Chronicles 2:12 KJV “Huram said moreover, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the Lord, and an house for his kingdom.” Proverbs 12:27 KJV “The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.” According to Merriam-Webster, circumspectly means “careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences – PRUDENT.” The word “prudent” is defined as “..showing prudence: such as – marked by wisdom or judiciousness.” Finally, the definition of “diligence” is “steady, earnest, and energetic effort: devoted and painstaking work and application to accomplish an undertaking.” I give these definitions to show the biblical importance of walking in wisdom and diligence. Notice that the first scripture says to “walk” which implies a steady, constant, continued, pace. Walking allows you to slow down and take stock of your surroundings. It enables you to carefully consider your next move and which path you will take. We are urged by the writer of Ephesians, Paul,…

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (Mark 11:23-24, KJV) During childhood, I lived in forty different states. When my sister and I got older, my parents decided it was time for us to put down roots, so we settled in Seattle, Washington. Before moving to Washington State, we lived in Montana, Colorado, and Nebraska. One of the things I loved about living in Denver, Colorado, was the mountains. When I was in first grade, I remember walking to school, seeing the huge mountains, and being afraid they would fall on me. I clenched my older sister’s hand in fear, and she laughed, reassuring me that it would be okay and that the mountains would not fall. Sometimes we go through things that look like a mountain we cannot get over or around. In these…

When I was eight, I wanted to ride my older sister’s ten-speed bike. I didn’t want to ride a kid’s bike; I wanted to be a big kid! One Friday afternoon, my dad unsuccessfully tried to teach me how to ride the ten-speed. After falling off and running into a sticker bush, I gave up. Hurt, bleeding, and crying, I finally gave up my dream of riding my sister’s bike. I remember coming into the house crying and angry about this one obstacle I couldn’t get past. I walked into the house feeling defeated and the scars to prove it. “Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:10, KJV). My mother saw me upset and bruised and asked what had happened. With tears of frustration, I told her I tried to ride my older sister’s bike. She said, “Honey, don’t give up; you’ll get there!” At that point, I wanted to throw the bike into the river but was determined to ride it. So the next day, I got up early, dressed, and tried to ride the bike again. I fell off several times before something rose in me, a determination to…