Living life with steps of faith

This morning as I drove to work I listened to a dramatic interpretation of a Scriptural passage about the start of the Church. For some reason I was drawn to pay attention to the manner that the Jewish believers were depicted in the tale. In the story the voice of the Jews was one of blind antagonism towards the message of the gospel. As I listened, I wondered if it was really blind antagonism or perhaps a desire to protect orthodoxy and a concern for or a belief that these new rabbi teaching about Jesus might lead people astray and them away from rightful worship of the one true God. Those early thoughts guided me through a day of prayer and meditation in which God challenged me to consider my own orthodoxy and my own desire to protect those foundational beliefs or interpretations of Scripture to which I hold on to so dearly that I cannot hear the possibility of what others share. Am I like the mother in the audio skit trying to protect her children from what she viewed as ant...

"Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets." - Amos 3:7 "He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth-- the LORD God Almighty is his name." - Amos 4:13 (NIV)

Another paper I found while cleaning, explains what I would do if I won a large sum of money: 10% churches Trust fund started for the non-profit youth ministry in hometown - designed to always have an interest of $10,000 to support at least a volunteer ministry in the area College fund set up for the kids who are part of the non-profit in my hometown (see above) Pay off the debt of two of my roomates from college. My sister's college fund Pay off my college loans Create a personal education fund for myself Buy a house Give money to the regional office of Young Life Make a donation to my major's department at the college from which I graduated Contribute to the ministerial education fund of my home church and the regional office of my denomination Start an education fund for my god-daughter Buy my parents a new vehicle and pay off any of their debt Build my retirement fund

When I was cleaning my room and going through some old notes, I came across this list describing how I imagine my future home: Children Spiritual Home Love Active Ministry Lifestyle Our home is a healthy, safe abode for the lost and hurting with a swinging door - people coming and going - no one staying too long Serenity A library (books and dark brown wood desk) Be able to look back on my life and know I impacted someone's life for the better -- they have a positive, eternal life change. Words to describe myself and future spouse: believer, supportive, strength, warm

As I was cleaning through some old papers, I came across this quote that encouraged be while starting the non-profit youth ministry: Frederick Beuchner wrote... "Faith is not being sure of where you are going, but going anyway."