Tag Archives: faith

August 5
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“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'”  (Psalm 14:1, NIV)

A term found in more than one instance in the writings of the late sage Oswald Chambers is “practical atheist.”

It is a term that is properly applied to anyone — regardless of his or her declaration of beliefs — who lives as if there is no God.  In a practical sense, even the disciple of Jesus can — and does — act as if God isn’t.

For example, when we are blessed with abundance, do we credit God or do we credit our own enterprise and initiative?  When we succeed where others have failed, do we thank God or do we chalk it up to “luck”?  When our minds are clear and when our bodies are ailment-free, do we make haste to the house of worship; or do we prefer instead leisure and activities of self-celebration?

A more rigorous test of our practical beliefs is not during adversity and personal suffering (when nearly everyone is seeking divine assistance); but during times of abundance and personal ease.  In such seasons, numerous are the temptations to live as if “there is no God.”  – Luther

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July 23
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“Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over.  They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.  But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city.  The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.”  (Acts 14:19-20, NIV)

Stoned and left for dead.

As amazing as it is that Paul survived such abuse, what is even more amazing is what he did afterward: “He got up and went back into the city.”

We can only guess at Paul’s reasons for returning to the scene of his humiliation, pain, and near-death experience.  Perhaps, Paul chose to re-enter the city for the benefit of the disciples who had refused to abandon him.

How do we serve those who walk the extra mile with us through difficulties, trials, disappointments, and sorrows?  Do we remember that, for such people, the return distance home is one mile longer because of us?

If Paul and Barnabas had departed for Derbe from where Paul had been dragged by the mob, it would have been a shorter journey — and a lot less stressful.  (And they did, indeed, leave for Derbe the following day!)  However, in the moment, Paul chose to re-enter the city.

We do well — after we’ve “gotten up” — to see home those who have stood by us with the blessing of our literal presence, and our gratitude.

If God has saved you through one fire, remember that God also has the power to save you through a hundred fires more.  Do not shirk the opportunity, whether because of fear or personal inconvenience, to be a living example to others of God’s faithfulness.  – Luther

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June 2
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“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”  (Proverbs 16:32, NIV)

Activity is often overrated.  Because of this, we confuse movement with productivity.

Although most of us love to be seen as “proactive,” “energetic,” “take-charge,” or “engaging”; we need to know that the Lord values other adjectives more highly: “patient,” “long-suffering,” “self-possessed,” and “peaceable.”

Many things we choose to “force” in life would come to us with far less struggle and strife were we only to wait on the Lord.  Recall the times in your life when you moved on something — or someone — just because you could; or because you wanted to “show-off.”  In many of those instances, couldn’t you have achieved the same result with far less energy, drama, or pain to others?

All true warriors know that the best victory is the one that is gained without having to go into battle.

Wait on the Lord.  He opens doors that no one can shut; and He closes doors that no one can open.  – Luther

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