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Faith Words: Focus

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Sometimes, it’s hard for me to focus. To be honest, it’s more than sometimes.   I sit down to read something and as I read, I realize that instead of paying attention to what I’ve read, I’ve been thinking about my grocery list or something else I need to do and have little to no idea what I’ve been reading.  This happens whether what I’m reading is a novel, a post or the Bible. This happens when I pray, too. And I’m so ashamed. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I keep my focus on the thing in front of me for even two minutes?! I think part of it is me but a large part is our hurried world. So many things screaming for my attention all at the same time and me not being able to shut out the noise and give my undivided attention to whatever is in front of me.  I particularly want to give God my undivided attention when I’m praying, reading or studying His word, or worshiping Him. He deserves that and more.  I’m thankful that He knows me and He knows my world. He understan...
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Faith Words: What’s Next?

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From the beginning, God has pointed us toward what is next. One step leads to another. That step takes us further. One thought leads to another and that takes us in this direction or that.  When God directs our steps, our future is secure - no matter what happens. The Lord doesn’t misdirect us. He has our best interests in mind. And what are our best interests?  His will.  To know His will, we need to know His word, commune with Him, talk to Him. We can walk so closely with Him that our will is completely aligned with His, moving us toward the ultimate goal God has always had planned.  That’s what I want - to be in sync with the Lord and feel Him guiding my every thought, every step. Which step will we take next?   Patrice Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;… ‭
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Faith Words: From Now On

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We end where we began. The armor of God protects us from every spiritual battle. Always.   But like any good soldier, being armed is only part of the battle plan. A good soldier stays alert, watching for movements of the enemy, checking his defenses for vulnerabilities.   And most importantly, he stays in touch with his commander, reporting on his situation, listening for “orders from headquarters “ as my dad would say.  Stand. Pray. With God’s armor in place.  Merry Christmas! Patrice Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭18b‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “…….With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” ‭‭
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Faith Words: Pray

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Why do we pray? Because we have faith that God hears our prayers and answers our prayers.   One of our church planters, Greg Garcia, told me that in our world and often in the church, we think money is power and prayer is a tool; but, in reality, prayer is the real power and money is merely a tool. Wise man.  Let’s take hold of that power, give everything to God in prayer, and see our powerful God in action. Prepare to be amazed! Praying, Patrice Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬a NIV‬ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. ‭‭
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Faith Words: Divine Power

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Sometimes in war, one side would capture the weapons of their opponent. If they could use those weapons against them, so much the better, but if not, they’d damage or destroy the captured weapons so as to make them useless.   In our spiritual battle, our enemy will sometimes use scripture against us (like he did Jesus) trying to confuse us, trying to nullify the power of God’s word. But to no avail.  God’s word is stronger than any sabotage of the enemy. It can and will stand forever. For our part, we should study the word, learn it inside and out, become so familiar with it that it rises in our hearts fit for the occasion, providing the needed defense at just the right moment.  God’s word is powerful. Are we ready to make good use of it? Preparing for battle, Patrice 2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
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Faith Words: The Word

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Why do we memorize these verses?   Why do we read and study the Word of God? When we prepare for battle, we need our weapons!     But what battles? For me, my battles are being fought on several fronts: the battle with myself where my nature fights my spirit the battle with others where the influence of people who don’t follow the Lord (and sometimes some who do) tries to subvert my faith the battle with Satan where land mines are planted for my thoughts and demonic spirits speak lies and evil propaganda to weaken my understanding  The Word of God has the power to build a dome of protection over us and to provide the weapons we need to win in every battle being fought against us.  The Lord God Almighty has not left us defenseless. His Word is given to us at exactly the right time to come to our aid.  And that’s why it’s important to read and study the Bible. That’s why it’s essential to memorize the Word. We need to be ready with the Word in our hearts...
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Faith Words: Trust

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For me, knowing something often comes with doubts. I know I  turned off the lights before I left home. At least I think I did.  I know  I locked the doors and closed the garage door before going to bed. Didn’t I? I second guess myself about a lot of things and with good reason. I’ve come home from a weekend trip to Lubbock to find the garage door up. I’ve left the water running and the lights on when I was sure I’d turned them off.  But when it comes to my salvation, do I second guess God?    He tells me in His word that I’m His, that my salvation is secure. So why do I feel insecure?    Do I not trust God’s word?    Do I not believe that Jesus’s sacrifice was enough? Why do I feel so guilty when I’m free in Christ? My old enemy keeps bringing up my past and all my sins. He whispers that I’m too worldly to be like Christ, that I could never really be forgiven. And I listen.    Why would I believe and agree with that liar, when ...
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