Tag Archives: relationships

Trust

I read a newspaper article recently highlighting the importance of trust. Paraphrasing Conan Milner in his article in the Epoch Times, human beings are wired in such a way as to depend on trust, especially in our relationships. As infants we are born with a need to trust. It’s part of our survival.

Trust enables us to allow others to have authority over us as is the case with medical professionals for example. We associate trust with honesty. When trust is betrayed deep scars can result. Unfortunately, these scars can limit our ability to trust again in the future.

As a person of faith the relationship between trust and faith is of great importance to me. Siri defines faith as “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” This begs the question, “How trustworthy are those we’ve put our faith in?”

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2

What’s for breakfast?

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For as long as I can remember I’ve eaten a bowl of cereal for breakfast.  Upon cross examination this seems like all too familiar a routine.  Throughout the day the idea of cereal for breakfast doesn’t even enter my mind.  But in the morning, when my stomach is growling, it’s the only thing I can think about.

Is their someone in your life like that?  All to familiar and forgotten until they’re desperately needed.

 

 

Growing faith

“Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.”  2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 NLT

Growing faith leads to abounding love. How does faith grow? One way is through persecution or trials, when we are forced to fully rely on God. How can we as followers of Christ, abounding in love, help those who are embroiled in such a predicament? Several years ago I began the practice of praying for someone who seemed to be wandering in a proverbial “desert wilderness.” I reasoned, if Jesus’ wilderness experience lasted forty days, then hat should be the measure of my commitment.  My forty day commitment to praying for someone is often done without telling them.  It builds up my faith to see God answering prayer in the life of another person.

praying-1319101_960_720Dear God, strengthen my faith by your mighty power. Remind me my strength comes from every word that comes out of your mouth. Guide my words and deeds to bring glory to your name. Show me someone who may be suffering, whether they’re facing a trial or struggling with doubts about their faith.  

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.”  Thessalonians 1:11 NLT

 

Rust

car-wreck-3183452_960_720I’m guilty of not washing my car as often as I should.  Maybe it’s because I regard vehicles as transportation and not a stylish reflection of who I am.  In the northeastern United States we use salt on the roads in the winter.  So, after ten to twelve years of ownership, my cars invariably show signs of rust.  At this point it’s a little late in the game to be putting more effort into washing my car.

I want to be one of those people who invests their time and energy into imperishable things like relationships.  I know this will require regular housecleaning to keep my heart from forming rust-bearing thoughts that can corrode the relationships I hold dear.

“Store your treasure in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not bread in and steal.  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”  Matthew 6:20-21 NLT