Faith...

Faith, believing in things without proof. Why is it so hard to believe that God will do what He says He will? Especially since He's already shown Himself to be true so many times in the past - not only in our own lives, but in the lives of others.

Some of my favorite verses from the bible are great examples of some intense faith.

Jumping into the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who were to be thrown into the fire for not worshiping the statue of King Nebuchadnezzar:
"Oh Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to seve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
(Daniel 3:16-18). I love how they are so certain of the character of God, that even if the outcome (like saving their lives) isn't His plan - they are willing to be obedient to God.

The other bit of history that hits the heart is in Esther, when the Jews are going to be killed and Mordecai asks her to risk her life, to ask the King to save their people:
"Do not imagine that you in the King's palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?"
(Esther 4:13-14) How cool eh? That Mordecai has such a faith in who God is, that He will provide deliverance for the Jews.

Then there is so much encouragement in Hebrews 11, the 'Hall of Faith', yet "All these died in faith, without receving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." (Hebrews 11:13). So many continued to walk in faith, believing in an Almighty God, that He will do what He says He will do, and provide for every aspect of their life.

I desire to have that kind of faith.

Adventures in Golfing!

So tonight, Scott, Dad and I headed off to Longlands for some golf. We went last year with Jeffy before he headed off for England, so we figured we give it another shot. It wasn't the same without Jeff, but we still had some good laughs.

Some people say Scott and I look a lot a like.

This was my worst hole all night, my club and ball just wouldn't connect. Mini golfing is more my thing.

Dad and Scotty kept pretty close to each other, we were pretty impressed with Dad's putting skills.

Scott did pretty good, except he often hit a lot of trees. We also tried to get him to catch some deer but they run to fast.

All in all, it was pretty sweet. I wish highest point won in this game, I'd be victorious. It gives me more of an appreciation of golfers, it really does take skill. I realized how tough it is to actually keep your eye on the ball, and keep my arms straight, practice makes perfect:)

The Lord's Compassion

"But they became disobedient and rebelled against You, and cast Your law behind their backs and killed Your prophets who had admonished them so that they might return to You, and they committed great blasphemies.

Therefore, You delivered them into the hand of their oppressors who oppressed them, but when they cried to You in the time of their distress, You heard from heaven and according to Your great compassion, You gave them deliverers who delivered them from the hand of their oppressors.

But as soon as they had rest, they did evil again before You.

Therefore, You abandoned them to the hand of their enemies, so that they ruled over them. When they cried again to You, You heard from heaven, and many times You rescued them according to Your compassion, and admonished them in order to turn them back to your law.

Yet they acted arrogantly and did not listen to Your commandments but sinned against Your ordinances, by which if a man observes them he shall live. And they turned a stubborn shoulder and stiffened their neck, and would not listen.

However, You bore with them for many years, and admonished them by Your Spirit through Your prophets, yet they would not give ear.

Therefore, You gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands.

Nevertheless, in Your great compassion You did not make an end of them or forsake them, for You are a gracious and compassionate God!"
Nehemiah 9:26-31