A professing Christian who sat under my ministry said to me “Pastor Roll my life is so boring. I am stuck in the same old rut. My life is not going anywhere. What is wrong with me and my faith?”

My response was that this person’s perception of faith was incorrect.

Biblical faith is not boring. How can faith fueled by Christ’s resurrection power be boring?

Biblical faith is dynamic and progressive. Never static or stagnant. Christians are to live their lives in forward motion, always moving toward the fulfillment of God’s will.

In our verse for this week, Jesus ordered His followers to head for the other side of the lake.

And immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the multitude away.”  Matthew 14:22

The Lord watched the disciples board the boat and leave the dock. Then He sent the multitudes away and went up to a mountain to pray.

Why did the Lord send His guys ahead of Him to the other side? Why didn’t He have them stay at His side? What was so important about “the other side” anyway?

The other side was the next destination in their journey of faith and ministry.

Life and ministry on this side had been completed for now. It was time to move forward to “the other side.”

As the boat sailed toward the other side, and Jesus prayed, a storm rose to test the disciple’s faith. Smack dab in the middle of the “contrary winds”, the Lord headed toward the other side. The rest of the story is about faith in the storm as we travel forward in life. (Study Matthew 14: 22-27).

As I study the Bible, I believe “the other side” represents the next step in our faith walk. Faith always moves ahead to “the other side.”

Sadly, my “bored” Christian brother had no concept of “the other side.” He stayed miserably and unproductively stuck on this side.

It is reassuring to know that while we head to the other side, Jesus intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). He prays for us while we step out in faith and obedience.

God’s ultimate destination for His people is the other side of life. Heaven is the final port of call for believers in Christ. But until we triumphantly sail into glory, we are to be heading for the other side everyday.

Think about it: Today is the other side of yesterday. Tomorrow will be the other side of today. Today is the day God has made for us to move forward with confident faith toward the other side. We should be moving constantly from this side to the other side.

Reaching the other side will not be obstacle free. Obstacles will obscure our view of the other side. Faith will be tested. Trials will tempt us to turn back to the safe shore we just left.

On our journey through life with Jesus, the sun will not always shine. Skies will darken. Booming thunderclaps and lightning streaks will illuminate the nightscape. Contrary winds will blow. Waves will crash and threaten to sink our ships. Fear will invade our souls, intrude upon and invade our peace.
    
Despite all obstacles and opposition, you and I must keep walking by faith to the other side. We must keep the other shore in sight. Not the shore we came from but the one we are moving towards.

Our future is always on the other side of now.

Every Christian faces challenges that confront them with a choice: to stall and stay where they are, reverse their course or move forward full speed ahead to the other side.

Observations About Sailing To The Other Side.

• Unfortunately, most people sit on this side of the beach rather than set sail for the other side.
• The other side is the right side of forward moving faith.
• The other side will not be reached by sitting on this side.
• Fear and faith cannot dwell in the same boat. Fear keeps us anchored on this side. Faith sets sail for the other side.
• Faith must be tough when life’s seas turn rough. Tough faith plows through the rough seas.
• Boring is left behind when we head for the other side. God’s next opportunity and blessing is not boring!
• When the other side is out of view, forward faith that trusts in God is His choice for you.

Our finest hours occur when tested by difficulty, we move forward in faith to reach the other side where Jesus has gone ahead and is waiting for us.

My Christian friend whose life is boring needs to start heading for the other side by faith and meet Jesus there.

Do you have the other side in view? Are you heading for it by faith? Jesus is waiting for you there!

“But one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”                                         Philippians 3:13-14

“In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”                        II Timothy 4:8

A Word For Your Week: Keep walking by faith to the other side.

I recently celebrated my 71st birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!
Last year on my seventieth birthday my seven-year-old grandson Evan, grinning, with a hint of mischief on his face, announced to me “Doodah (my grandkids pet name for me) you are old.” I guess age is indeed in the eye of the beholder. I am certain he would quip that I am really ancient now!
In addition to birthday greetings from family and friends, the Lord gave me a thought and a scripture.
Thought: Seventy-one and not done! Young Evan is going to observe me get older and older.
Scripture: Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to number (count) our days, that we may present to God a heart of wisdom.”
Seriously reflecting on my first seven decades of life, I am wondering and pondering on how “wise” I am. When the calendar of my days comes to an end and my earthly journey is complete, will the Lord receive from Steve a heart of wisdom?
Someone wise said “Count your days and make your days count.” Excellent advice.
The Psalmist asked God to “teach” us to “number our days” so that we may present to our Maker a wise heart. Count our days. One day at a time. Every day.  You and I need to learn to count our days because too often we error in thinking that some days do not matter. In God’s eyes, everyday matters. Every single day is a gift from the Lord that we are to rejoice in (See Psalm 118:24).
So, what is wisdom? Wisdom is looking at and doing life God’s way.
James 3:17 describes God’s wisdom. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering and without hypocrisy.” What would life be like if you and I lived our daily lives with wisdom from above?
I desire to present to God a wise heart according to His wisdom. 
Seven Steps To Secure A Heart of Wisdom

1. Ask God for wisdom.  Need wisdom? Ask for it. “But if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach and it will be given to him” James 1:5. How simple can God make it for us? Ask Him for wisdom….and He will give it to you and me. Ask with faith….and God will be faithful to answer your request.   
2. Search scripture for wisdom. The Bible is a holy wisdom book.  Solomon, the wisest man on earth during his time, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recorded God’s gems of wisdom in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Through his writing, he exhorts, encourages, counsels and even warns his son to seek and walk in wisdom.

“Do not forsake wisdom and she will guard you. Love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is to acquire wisdom. And with all your acquiring, get understanding. Prize wisdom, and she will exalt you. She will honor you if you embrace her.” Proverbs 4:6-8.
Outstanding words of a wise, loving father to his son.

1. Learn wisdom from life experiences. Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 4:13 “A poor, but wise lad, is better than an old foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction.” In other words, a wise heart is teachable. Life has a way of wiseing us up if we remain teachable and willing to change. How teachable are you?
2. Receive wisdom from wise people. “A wise man will hear and increase in learning; and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” Proverbs 1:5. Ask God to lead you to wise folks who can teach/counsel/encourage you in His wisdom as you walk by faith.
3. Walk in God’s wisdom daily. Wisdom will be rewarded. The earthly reward of a wise heart is found in Proverbs 3:1-2. “My son, do not forget my teaching. But let your heart keep My commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” I like the promise of a long, peaceful life, don’t you?
4. Share God’s wisdom with others. It is grievously obvious we humans are experiencing a serious wisdom deficit in our culture and world. God’s wisdom is to be shared, not hoarded. If you have some gray hair like I do, people need to glean from our lifetime experiences. You and I can pass on what we have learned to help others gain a wise heart in an unwise world.
5. Thank God for His wisdom. Praise God every day for His wisdom. I rejoice that the Lord has not left us wisdom-less. Bless the name of the Lord for wisdom from above!

Where would you and I be without God’s wisdom? What would our life look like if we had an unwise heart? I don’t know about you, but at times I go stupid! I am deeply grateful that the Lord loves me enough to clear up my stupid head and heart with His wisdom. I long for and seek each day a wise heart that honors God and ministers to people in my circle of relationships.
Wisdom is the pathway for fulfilling God’s will for our lives.
My friend, I encourage you to take some quiet time before the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Will He find a “wise heart” and a sincere desire to become even wiser in the days ahead?
Make today and everyday count because you choose to walk in God’s wisdom. That’s what this “71 AND NOT DONE” Doodah is going to do!
“Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.’ Revelation 7:12
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore, be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.” Matthew 10:16
A Word For Your Week:  Ask the Lord for a wise heart every day.

It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord speaks to us. Today, He spoke to me through a duck.

No, I wasn’t watching an episode of Duck Dynasty.

Early one morning last fall I retreated to a secluded lake setting where I often go to pray and wait on the Lord. The fall season was in full swing. The trees on the hillside were on fire with yellow, gold, orange and bright red autumn leaves. Gusty winds, pushing a cold front our way, produced one-foot high waves across the lake. Rays of sparkling sunlight danced on the dark blue water.

While praying on a dock that extended out into the lake, my eyes spotted a duck. A solitary duck was making his way across the lake. I was enamored, enthralled and encouraged by his steady progress against contrary waves.

I observed three things about my duck friend.

First, he would ride on the top of the waves. Kind of like an amusement park ride. The wind and waves would carry him along. I think I noticed a smile on his duck face!

Secondly, every once in awhile, he would dive under the waves. Maybe looking for a snack or something. Then, his little duck head would pop up, farther down the lake.

Thirdly, and most importantly, I watched this little duck paddle against the waves. He plowed right through them. One wave after another after another. Foot high waves were no match for this determined duck. Up and over. Up and over. Steady, persevering progress. My heart was inspired and warmed by his unrelenting effort to conquer the contrary wind and waves.

Nothing was going to keep this duck from reaching his duck destination.

I thought about myself. What do I do when life’s sudden winds blow and waves crash into my day? How do I generally respond when winds of change and threatening storms upset my plans? Do I look for a safe harbor? Do I run for the cover of a friend? Do I wish the wind would stop blowing and waves would disappear?

It is a fact of life on this planet that waves of unwelcome stress, relentless pressure, costly setbacks, agonizing disappointment, discouragement, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness can crash in on our lives unexpectedly.
Wave after wave after wave can drown us emotionally if we do not face them with faith in God who stills the sudden storms that assail our lives.   

Maybe, like my inspirational duck friend, I should press on through the waves.

In our word for our week. The Apostle Paul “pressed on” no matter what life would bring his way. His faith statement is found in Philippians 3:14.

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

His eyes were fixed, riveted on the prize. He faithfully and diligently pressed on, pushed forward, reached ahead (like a runner who stretches and thrusts his chest to break the tape at the finish line) to fulfill the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul persevered in his pursuit of Christ. (Read his list of “waves” in II Corinthians 11: 22-33).

His primary personal goal was to know Him (Philippians 3:10), receive the crown of righteousness (II Timothy 4:8) and hear Jesus’ words “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.” (Matthew 25:21).

Follow Paul’s faith journey throughout the New Testament, and you will see that duck I described…. pushing, plowing, paddling, pressing, persevering through the waves to arrive at his destination.

My friend, how do you handle contrary winds and crashing waves? Do wind and waves stress you out? Depress you? Discourage you? Paralyze you? Tempt you to hop in bed and pull the covers over your head?

The truth is: stressed, depressed, or pressing on is our choice.

I am delighted God spoke to me through a duck today. I feel like a little kid!

Look around for the “ducks” the Lord may send your way with a personal message to inspire and encourage you on your faith journey.

A Word For Your Week: Press on through life’s waves to fulfill God’s call on your life.

Years ago I watched an interview on FOX News that jogged my memory banks to remember what the 4th of July is really about.


A World War II Veteran was asked what “the fourth” meant to him. Without hesitation and with dignified humility he responded. “I want to remind my fellow Americans that the 4th of July is INDEPENDENCE DAY. For the past 230 years freedom loving men and women have lived, sacrificed, fought, and died so we could be free and independent. I would like us to call the fourth what it really is, INDEPENDENCE DAY!”


Thank you, kind sir, for the thought-provoking reminder and for your unselfish service to your country. When the three-day holiday, barbecues in the backyard and fireworks at the fairgrounds are history, the real reason for celebration remains.


INDEPENDENCE.


On July 4th, 1776 our courageous forefathers declared independence from the tyranny of England. The early Americans decisively cast off the harsh dominion of a nation that had denied individuals religious freedom and taxed them into poverty.


Enough was enough. The Revolutionary War resulted in a history-making victory for the young freedom-minded American revolutionaries. The United States of America was established because bold patriots shed their blood for freedom’s sake.


I am so proud to call myself an American. We are the free-est people on planet earth. America has been kept free to date because we cherish and defend our freedom gained on Independence Day.


Shifting gears for a moment, Christians fully understand freedom. Americans are free but Christian Americans are really free.


Our passage for this word for your week tells us plainly that truth sets people free.


“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
“If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”
                                                                                                         John 8: 32, 36




Jesus is the truth. He said so in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me.” The truth is that Jesus died and rose again to set us free.


Jesus’ sacrifice secured our spiritual independence day.


Our independence from the tyranny of Satan, sin, death, the grave, eternal punishment and separation from God was declared and purchased for us when Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the Cross and rose victoriously from the dead on Easter morning!


This timeless, Biblical truth provides the way for us to have eternal life. When we put our personal faith in what Christ has done for us (John 3:3, 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9) we declare independence from sin’s power.


INDEPENDENCE DAY for Christians means…….


FREEDOM FROM

• Guilt
• Condemnation
• Satan’s evil power
• Separation from God
• Being lost in hell forever.

    


FREEDOM TO

• Love and serve God
• Know and enjoy Jesus Christ
• Live a victorious life
• Love people with God’s love
• Spend eternity in heaven    

    
Christians have every reason to celebrate everyday!!!


Personal Reflection: HAVE YOU DECLARED YOUR INDEPENDENCE DAY by believing the truth and putting your personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you free indeed because Jesus has set you free?


This Independence Day as we celebrate America’s political freedom, take a few moments to humbly, joyfully give thanks to God for sending His only Son to set you free from the tyranny of sin. Maybe set off some fireworks in His name!!!


“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”  III John 4


“For you were called to freedom brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”                 Galatians 5:13 


A Word For Your Week: Everyday is Independence Day for Christians SO celebrate and share your freedom in Christ!