For we walk by faith and not by sight. Therefore, we have as our ambition whether at home or absent to be pleasing to Him.
Are you the ambitious type? Are you always looking for a new challenge - something exciting, something in which there is a risk involved? The Apostle Paul shared with the Corinthians a rather ambitious goal. That goal was dead or alive, maybe better put alive here on earth or alive in heaven, to be always pleasing to God.
There are so many ideas about how to please God: acting religious, church attendance, good family relations, Bible study, giving of your material blessings, and so on and on. No doubt with all these things God is pleased, but the Bible says to really please Him it takes faith. We are to walk by faith, not by our ambitious goals, but by faith. The Bible says, "without faith it is impossible to please Him". (Hebrews 11:6)
Living by faith is a moment -by-moment dependence upon God. Faith believes He can and will direct your life, and protect and provide for your well-being. He is all knowing thus He is aware of what is coming next in your life and is sovereign so you can rest in God through faith. What a relief to no longer live in fear. What a privilege to be loved by the Creator who knows your every need.
The ambition of the Christian life is to please God. The primary way we accomplish that goal in life is to walk by faith. It is not a life when once in awhile we trust and have faith in God when things are difficult, but constantly having faith in the One who is Lord of all.
Do you worry? Are you filled with anxiety about the present or the future? Do you doubt that God really loves and cares for you? Are you overrun by the cares of the world? Let me assure you that God is able and willing to meet your life's struggles.
You need not live in denial of your struggles and needs. You just need to have faith that God is in charge. God not only knows of your difficulties, but He is all-powerful and able to reach into your life and make the difference. He is waiting on you to have faith in Him.
Remember you live by faith and not by sight. What you see happening around you is sight. What you don't see but believe is faith.
______________Today's personal note from Dennis
Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ,
God again allowed me the privilege of preaching His word on Sunday. The message from Genesis 27:30-40 described a dysfunctional family trying to do God's work. The only problem was their own selfishness got in the way. Isn't is sad that we are all so selfish? Take a moment to read those verses.
This is a special week for our family. Our little Johnny (John Koleszar IV) was one year old on March 8. He has gone from a little alb premie to a rather strong looking 25 pounder in a year. We are so pleased and praise God daily for him. He took his first steps on Sunday. His Mom and Dad are so proud. Sandy and I have the joy of caring for him a couple of days a week. Of course we love every minute of it. We do go to bed early on those days.
Next week is Spring Break in our schools. Sandy and I plan to take Bennett, Collin and Burke camping. I know those of you in colder climates will think we are crazy, but temperatures here are already in the 80's. We are taking fishing rods and reels and hiking shoes. It should be a fun-filled four days and three nights.
Please continue to pray for our ministry of teaching and preaching. Pray especially for the preparation time. It takes many hours of study and prayer to be ready to teach for thirty minutes. Of course Sandy teaches almost forty-five minutes.
We continue to enjoy our church. Opportunities for service abound. That rings my bell!
Pray for the upcoming speaking engagements that Sandy and I have scheduled.
1. First Southern Baptist of Phoenix; I will be preaching April 1st.
2. Sandy continues the Tuesday morning Bible Study at First Baptist Church of Tempe. Pray for her.
3. Second Baptist Church of Lebanon, MO. I will be preaching a revival beginning Sunday night April 29th through Wednesday night May 2nd.
4. I plan to work at the camp in Burton, AZ with Campers on Mission. It is a children's camp that is in need of buildings on May 20-26.
5. I will be preaching at FBC of Tempe two Sundays a month in June, July, August and September. June, July and August will be three services each morning.
6. NOW I AM TIRED!! Sandy and I will celebrate our 46th anniversary Septermber 4th. I think it might be time for a second honeymoon.
We so appreciate your prayers and concerns and know God has used your in our lives. It is a joy for us to hear from you. Thanks for the encouragement.
God Bless You. ~ DGW
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