"Wow...I'm full!"

How many times have you said those words, "Wow...I'm full!!!" Anytime I have overeaten, I have said that. I love being able to go out to a nice restaurant and enjoy their good food with so many options. But I stuff myself....full. Then I sometimes feel miserable, and at that point am very thankful for the little bit of stretchy waistband in my jeans! I should've known better and quit before I got that full. Now there's no room for anything else...especially when the waitress/waiter comes back to your table and asks, "Are you saving room for dessert?" CHECK PLEASE!

What other things do we get "full" of? Maybe you've had your fill of other people's griping, complaining and whining around about their life. It seems with people like this that nothing at all can ever go right and it's always "someone else's fault". I get my fill of that with people sometimes when they come to me and ask for advice and are wanting help figuring things out, but they don't ever make any changes to their life. I then say, "I've had my fill of that" and you wipe your hands clean of it all. It's not that I don't care....but eventually those people have to take some ownership in their life.

Or maybe your kids are drivin' ya up the wall! They're tired, grouchy, & fightin' with their siblings and all of a sudden we say, "I've had it....I've had my fill of this!"

Pet peeve: People that go on and on and on about themselves. Bragging constantly. It's all about them all the time. Annoying, isn't it? You've met 'em. Everyone has. It's those kind of people that hardly ever ask about your day and always talk about what's goin' on with them. I have learned to "tune out" of these one way conversations. And I've started to realize that these people that have to inflate themselves all the time is because of their false sense of humility, but also their lack of self-esteem. Of course, they probably wouldn't say that tho'.

Told ya....it's always "someone else's fault" that I get full.

But.....what about me? And what about you?

Jesus says in James 4:10 to "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." And in I Peter 5:5b..."All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Also read Philippians 2:3-11.

We are told not to boast (about ourselves), to put others first, to not be FULL of ourselves. That's tough to do sometimes, isn't it? We receive compliments from others and we think to ourselves, "I must be pretty special!" Or we look around and think we are better than someone else or we can do a better job than them. Our head is now gettin' bigger and we are full. Have you ever been around those kind of people that make you feel "less" than them? It's not fun for sure. Let's make sure we don't treat others like this so that they don't say of us, "I've had my "fill" of her!" And please don't misunderstand me. There are appropriate times to let others know what's going on and most definitely praise your kids, for example. In fact, as parents, we DO need to encourage them! But sometimes, enough is enough already. I mean after all...there IS a God and we're not it!

What then should we be full of? Let me suggest one to you: the Holy Spirit. Memorizing and actually working on "doing" the 9 fruits of the spirit that are listed in Galatians 5:22-23 would be a good start of becoming full of something besides ourselves. I wonder if all of those were in check, how much less of us and more of Him would actually take place?

Ask yourself this question: "How can there be any more room for God if I'm so full of myself?" So move over (insert your own name)....and become full of GOD!


Acts 11:24: "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord." How would you like that to be said of you by Jesus Himself someday? Sounds good to me...

Be Still...and go fishin' for your kids' hearts, souls, and minds!

My family recently enjoyed a trip out to our favorite vacation spot....Colorado! We absolutely love it out there....the temps were awesome and the view is unbeatable. Our girls love exploring anything and everything. We all had a great time and didn't want to come back!

Vacations mean a lot of things....a break from your normal everyday routine, some relaxation and rest, to get away from the t.v., computer, cell phone, etc., and just spend some uninterrupted time with your own family. Vacations DON'T mean, however, to take a break from God. For our week in Colorado, Matt and I chose to assign each of us (obviously minus Brecken) to one devotion on whichever day we wanted and wherever we wanted to talk about it. We told Macayla and Rachel about our idea a few weeks before we left, and they immediately started working on their devo. They were so excited about it! We each could choose whatever we wanted to teach about, so the devos I will tell you about was all their idea.

I wanted to do my devo at Garden of the gods in Colorado Springs. That was our 1st stop before heading to the lake, so I went first. I wrote everyone in my family a letter...even Brecken...which I will save for her to read someday. We had a little time to explore all the rock formations and take in all of God's beauty before we all picked a spot to sit down for a few minutes. Before I handed them their letter to read silently, I asked everyone their favorite part of Garden of the gods. We talked about God's creations, even bringing up one of the most recent...their baby sister. They were able to see the sonogram pictures and go to a doctor's visit when we found out what we were having. God's creations are beautiful, not just how He miraculously creates life, but in so many things around us! In my letter to each one in my family, I told them what I uniquely loved about them in how God created them. I want them to know (and always remember) that God created each of my girls exactly how He wanted them to be! Each of my 3 are different in many ways, and that's completely ok. There are many things I love about them, but I also included one big reason at the end of their letter...something that really stands out to me. As they read their letter, the lightening and thunder were rollin' in so I had to cut it a little short. I bought each of the girls a stone that has a word enscribed on it that best describes them in the last thing I wrote to them about, and the reason why...but I'll keep that between me and the girls. I wanted to give them something to always remember.

Readin' their letters...

"I can't read anyway...I might as well sleep!" :)

"Courage"

"Love"

"Joy"

Rachel wanted to do hers first when we got to Rainbow Lake. So the day after we arrived, she chose to do her devo in the big meeting room at the lake...the reason she chose that spot is because it overlooks the lake and is very quiet and peaceful up there. The view was awesome! Rachel is our "shyer" kid, so wasn't sure if she'd even want to do one on her own. I was wrong...she loved preparing for her devo! She had her notebook all ready, even with some visual aids. She talked and showed us pictures she had drawn of a little girl that is always talking, never quiet. And how if we are always talking, that we won't be able to "be still" and hear God. Rach asked us what keeps us from spending more time with God? We had several answers.....t.v., ipod, facebook, sleep, phone, Brecken (we all laughed at this answer.....not sayin' this is a bad reason, just an honest answer and it's the stage that's she in :). We can all think of a reason to be distracted from spending time with God. Rachel read us the verse, "Be still, and know that I am God." She even had bookmarks with that verse on it to give to us as a reminder. Her challenge to us is to spend 10 minutes everyday alone with God. When's the last time your 9 year old challenged you to do that? Convicting for sure. She did a great job, and Matt and I are so proud of her.

Rach had her notebook all ready!

Visual aid! :)

Brecken was her 'lil helper and passed out our bookmarks.

Our beautiful view!!

Next up...Macayla. She spent a lot of time in preparing her devo before we even left. She loves to write and draw, so she used her artistic talent to write and draw out a story about a girl goin' fishin'. She wanted to teach us by the lake. She talked of the girl prayin' and tryin' to be patient as she waited on that fish to hook on. It's hard bein' patient, and if you've ever prayed for that...well, then you know God will put you in situations that will teach you patience! The girl in her story had to have a lot of faith in God that He would come through, that she could do it. Who do you trust in? What person do you put all of your faith in? When she was done with her story, she asked us what our favorite part of fishin' was. We all had different answers. We also talked about fishin' for "men"...the most important kind of fishin'. Macayla's devotion was centered around Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." You all know it...but just a good reminder. She had her dad cut out blocks of wood for her before we left so she could print this verse on it for each of us. Now everytime I look at that, I'm reminded of the things Macayla was tryin' to teach us. We are also very proud of her and the excitement she showed in what she had for us that day.

Macayla readin' us her story...

She made these for everyone as a reminder. :)

Matt got the tail end of our vacation in his turn. We drove up to Cottonwood Pass, just a few miles away from Rainbow Lake. We waited until close to evening time. If you've never been, you've got to go...it's beautiful! The snow capped mountains (even in July) and the cooler temps up on the mountain always amaze me. We snapped a few pics, then all hiked down a bit to find a spot to sit...and to listen. Matt read us the verses out of Psalms 19:1-2..."The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge." Perfect to reflect on exactly where we were sitting. It's easy to get distracted out there takin' in all of God's wonderfully, beautifully, perfectly detailed work of His hands. Matt asked each of us what it makes us think of when we look around at the scenery. I mentioned God's detail in it all. It amazes me! Rachel looked further down the mountain and noticed the ice on the lake...so she mentioned ice skating. Macayla said "winter", because of all the snow. Matt mentioned feeling "small" compared to how big everything else was, but also knows just how much God cares about him.

Our family at Cottonwood Pass

Hikin' down to find a good spot

I have no idea what she was laughin' at, but this pic cracks me up! :)

Our favorite preacher...

I will always remember this week with lots of special memories. But one of my all-time favorite parts of the week were our family devotion times. I think the girls will always remember it too.

If you don't already take part in some quiet times with God as a family, then start now. Today. Make that investment in your kids' lives. Be still, take that time, and go fishin' after your kids' hearts, souls, and minds. I promise it will be worth it.

"What's New With You?"

Well I don't know what's new with you all, but I haven't even introduced you to our newest addition to our life. Brecken Autumn Bycroft, our 3rd daughter, was born July 30, 2010 at 7:56 a.m. She weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was 20" long. Brecken is such a joy to all of us! Big sisters Macayla and Rachel of course love her and are having fun watching her change and grow. She has beautiful blue eyes, the longest eyelashes, and a contagious smile.

Even though it has been 8 years since we've had a baby in the house, we cannot imagine our life without her. We prayed for years for God to allow us to have another child. I had struggled with some health issues, so we weren't sure if another pregnancy was going to happen or not. I remember one particular day...in the fall...sitting in my house alone watching a video about a family who had lost their little girl just hours after she was born. A question was asked..."If you could ask God to do ONE THING for you, just one thing, what would that be?" I remember sitting there on my couch crying my eyes and heart out, begging God to give us another baby. I just couldn't understand why after months and years of trying and praying, why He wasn't allowing that to happen. I asked God that day to please let that happen. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Just when Matt and I were about to give up on that prayer, (in fact, that very month where we said, "if it doesn't happen for us this month, we're going to give up on this"), God did what we thought was impossible. He surprised us with the news that I was pregnant! We couldn't believe it! What little faith that we had...He totally blew us away! What a blessing to carry this precious life within me. We couldn't wait to meet her! We love her so much, as we do our other two girls. Brecken has brought us all so much joy...we thank God for her. I am truly humbled to be the mom of 3 great kids!

I don't know why God seemed to make us "wait" longer on expanding our family. And though that waiting was very hard some days, Brecken was totally worth the wait. Our ways, plans, and timing are definitely not the Lord's ways, plans, and timing sometimes. I'm finding out more and more in life that He knows better. Now if I can just remember that lesson the next time I'm "waiting" on something... ;)

Josh Wilson - Savior, Please

My awesome cousin Jonathan introduced this song to me. It is called "Savior, Please" by Josh Wilson. I had never heard it before. He came up for a few weeks to lead worship at our church and sang this song. I fell in love with it! I want you to take a listen to it. This song describes how I have felt many times in my journey with Jesus. Though I try, I know that "I can't do this alone". There's been many times I've tried to be "tough" in front of others, despite the struggles I may be dealing with or the heartache I may be feeling inside. Thank you to those who I can be "weak" with or truly myself with...I appreciate your consistent friendship and support. So take a listen...I hope this song encourages you as much as it has me, and helps you depend on God just a little bit more. Thank you, God, for saving me through your Son.

Oh, and by the way Jonathan...I think you sing this better than Josh! FOR REAL J-DIZZLE!!! :)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is...SELF CONTROL"

We have come to the last fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians. This fruit is Self Control. How many of you struggle with this one? Randomly chosen to share thoughts on this is my new friend Melissa Heim.

I had the privilege of meeting Melissa two years ago this month. This was totally a God thing that we were able to meet. Let me explain how this happened. I've written about our time at SonScape before (you can see this in my blog archives), but it was at SonScape Retreats in Colorado that I met Melissa. Matt and I had gone there for a week for ministry and marriage renewal, refreshment, and encouragement. Melissa and her husband Luke, were there as well for many of the same things. We, along with some other great couples and now friends of ours, were all basically thrown into a room together for an entire week. Luke and Melissa were two of those that were so easy for us to get to know. They are a special couple with 3 great kids and a love for God! And a little known fact: In getting to know Melissa that week, we found out that she has cousins in a small town of Tyro where my husband is from. It really is a small world! :)

I wanted to include Melissa in this fruit of the Spirit series because she has worked with youth and now with young families alongside her husband. So she brings some wisdom and years in the ministry as well. She is young, but also is mature and desires to do what God wants her to do. Please open up your heart and mind to what she has to share with you. What area of your life do you need to seek God's help in concerning "self control"?


Name: Melissa Heim
Hometown: Oakley, KS (western plains close to the Colorado border)
Married to: Luke Heim for almost 8 years now. He was a youth pastor for most of that time, and has recently been “promoted” to associate pastor with a focus on youth and young families.
Family: 2 daughters (Maryanne, 5 and Naomi, 3) and 1 son (Lucas, 1)
Current Living: Pueblo, CO
Hobbies: Reading, sewing, other crafts, playing the piano, garage saling, outdoorsy things (camping, hiking, etc), surfing the web (do people still call it that?!)

And now, some challenging words from Melissa...


"My name is Melissa and I am a garage sale-aholic. I go every weekend, sometimes hitting 25 plus per day! I have been in the rain, snow, and 100 degree heat, and I have waited in line for thirty minutes just to get into a good sale. Now, to defend myself a little, garage saling is part of my job. I am a stay-at-home mom, and to make a little extra to support our family, I run a small eBay business, buying people’s “treasures” and reselling them. Because I go to so many garage sales, I see a ridiculous amount of stuff, and because I see so much stuff, I am tempted to buy a lot of stuff! Obviously I can’t buy everything I want, so I must practice self-control constantly.

So what is self-control anyway? I asked my friends on Facebook what they thought, and here were some responses. Self-control is…

knowing you can, but deciding you won't.
biting your tongue, when you want to speak your mind.
knowing right from wrong and acting on it.
thinking before acting.

Then I did a Google search, and here is what I got from Wikipedia. “Self-control is the ability to control one's emotions, behavior and desires in order to efficiently manage one's future.”

Finally, I went to the Bible to see what the Ultimate Authority says about self-control. Titus 2:11-14 says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

These verses warn us that at some point, we are going to be tempted and that we must say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. Sounds easy enough, right? Just walk away and that is it? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy, which is why people have done numerous studies to find out how we can best build self-control. From the results, some of the best techniques found to build self-control are self-denial, physical restraint, deprivation, distraction, medication and punishment.

None of these techniques sound very fun to me! I don’t want to tie myself down to avoid garage sales! Let’s go back to the Titus section again. It says that the “grace of God . . . teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions.” What I get out of this is that we’re not in this alone! Zechariah 4:6 states “'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.” The study results mentioned above definitely seem to be by “might or power” but the LORD Almighty is saying, “Hold on! It’s by my Spirit that you are going to do good things!”

But the sinful nature is powerful. Galatians 5:17 tells us that “the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other” It’s a battle every day just to live upright and godly lives! But go back one verse to 5:16 and God says “live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

If you live by the Spirit, you will be able to maintain self-control. If we are not living by the Spirit, we are living under the control of our sinful nature. Living “by the Spirit” is a conscious decision to let the Holy Spirit to be in control over our every thought, word and deed.

Proverbs 25:28 states, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." Let’s not be like these vulnerable cities, unable to defend ourselves from outside attacks. Let’s live by the Spirit and have strong walls, ones that are able to protect us from the enemy!

This week focus your prayers on self-control. What situations do you place yourself in which your walls are already weak? Make a list of areas in your life that you feel a little self-control and strength are necessary, and ask the Lord to help you overcome the temptations you face. ."


Thanks Melissa, for your challenging words to stay in tune with the Spirit. It's so easy to forget that and do what we want to do. Also, thanks for your patience in posting this! And I'm thinkin' we all need a SonScape reunion...if for no other reason than a rematch in ping pong so I can beat you this time!!! :)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is...GENTLENESS"

We have come to the 8th fruit of the Spirit, which is Gentleness. My guest writer for this one is my college friend Rebecca Kershner. Before I transferred to Ozark Christian College, I was a student at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. (We Hoosiers like to refer to Bloomington as "B-town"...it just sounds cool, doesn't it?)

I had the opportunity to live in the Christian Campus House with some other great Christian girls. We also had a weekly Bible study/fellowship time and Rebecca became involved with that. We began to get to know each other through this. I wanted to include Rebecca in this blog because she is the wife of a campus minister now. She also is very involved and works with the college girls there in that ministry.

If I had to sum up Rebecca in 3 words or phrases, it would be this:
1) FUN!!!
2) Contagious Laugh
3) Genuine

Though I'm pretty sure Rebecca could make absolutely anyone laugh (yes, including her husband Bill :)...I also know how big of a heart she has not only for her family, but for people. She is genuine and sincere to those she meets and interacts with, and her great outgoing personality just shines through. And she has FUN doing all of that! Sometimes, at least in my experience anyway, the life of full time vocational ministry isn't always fun. It doesn't always make you laugh. And we are good at saying "I'm fine", faking our way through life's troubles and not being genuine ourselves. Being two crazy college kids at one time, I had things I struggled with in college and Rebecca did too. We shared stories, trials, worries, but also laughed a ton together! There's too many to count! (Rebecca, remember how many Nike socks I brought on that mission trip that one time? I still have that picture! I've changed since then too though...I'm all about Adidas now! :)

Ok, back to our audience. Rebecca and I had the privilege of getting to know another friend of ours Jeanne. She is also a lively girl who loved to have fun and laugh. But she also was searching for something more...and that was Jesus. With God's help and leading through our friendship with her, Jeanne got to know Jesus and accepted Him through baptism. I still think of that to this day. True Christian friendships...there's really nothing better.

My family still lives in Indiana and our entire family had the chance to go to an I.U. football game last September to watch my dad be honored during halftime. I was thrilled to see Bill and Rebecca there, sitting in their high dollar seats. (Just jokin' Reba! :) We tried to talk, but security wouldn't allow for it. (Yet another funny memory). We (Rebecca, another friend of ours from C.S.F. Amy, and I) had to take the conversation outside! :) It was great seeing her and catching up and hearing the stories about my old stompin' grounds at I.U. and the campus house.

Commercial time: If anyone reading this knows of anyone wanting to attend I.U. and live in an awesome environment surrounded by other believers and encouragers, check this out: www.iucsf.com. (Indiana University Christian Student Fellowship)

Rebecca, thanks for your willingness to share your heart. I appreciate your friendship, your laughter, and your genuine caring heart. Keep up the good work there, and God bless your family!



Name: Rebecca Kershner
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Married to: Bill Kershner
Family: 2 kiddos...a son, Charlie age 6 and a daughter, Emma age 4
Current Living: Bloomington, IN
Hobbies: Playing outside!


Some thoughts on gentleness from Rebecca...

"Gentleness: acting in a manner that is gentle and mild and even-tempered.

I just finished unpacking the last few boxes from our first move with 2 kids. We moved across town last weekend and are finally settled in our new home after months of packing and unpacking. I share this with you because the last word to describe how I have behaved in those last few months is anything but GENTLE. Oh how God is always teaching us and shaping us—even during those times in life when it’s just inconvenient like….let’s say……with two small kids….in the middle of the summer….when you’re trying to pack up your life and move across town.

When I think of the word gentleness the scripture that pops into my head is the scripture from Matthew 11:29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

I have always loved this verse. I always picture working alongside Jesus. I imagine him being my work partner. What a great co-worker. I picture Jesus so chill to work with. So easy going. Enjoying every minute of my time with him. Ever had one of your best friends work with you and the time flies because you work so well together and have so much fun it doesn’t feel like work? You just enjoy it. Oh to be gentle and even-tempered like Jesus in the midst of packing a house!

Can you imagine the opposite? I’m sure you have worked with people who are not gentle and humble. I know I have and it definitely makes for an unpleasant work experience. In fact, if I’m completely honest, I know I have been the opposite of gentle: hard, unkind, aggressive, offensive, strong, sharp. Why in those stressful, overwhelming moments do I not take on his yolk?

I am so grateful for the example we have in Jesus. I love that he offers us the opportunity to come alongside him and learn. And when we do we receive the greatest gift that comes from gentleness...“rest for our souls.” I don’t know about you, but I could use some rest for my soul after unpacking a few hundred boxes!!!"

"But the fruit of the Spirit is...FAITHFULNESS"

We are to our 7th fruit of the Spirit, which is Faithfulness. The writer of this fruit is Kathy Bycroft...my mom-in-law. If you know Kathy at all, she loves to study God's word, check out the commentaries, and do word studies of all kinds. So I knew that I had to include her in this because of the amount of wisdom that God has given to her. She is a student of the Word for sure, and loves to learn. She doesn't just stop there...she not only teaches what she has learned to young kids, but teaches adult women in leading studies for them, whether it be small groups or Bible studies for all that want to take part. She even has written some of her own material...not all can do this. This takes a lot of time, and "faithfulness" to what you think is important...and that is to reach others for Jesus.

I have known Kathy now for almost 16 years. We didn't just naturally become close right when we met. This took time and a lot of getting to know each other and what we were about. I actually was kind of scared of her when I first met her...ok, maybe the right word is "intimidated". I found out that we are different in many ways, but both committed to God. I'm glad to say that I have a good relationship with my mother-in-law. Not everyone has that. So I'm thankful. I have learned a few things from her too over the years. Anything from learning from her Biblical wisdom...to learning different ways to cook for a diabetic...to something I thought I would never do, and that is working in the garden snappin' beans! I am proud of this accomplishment since I didn't grow up a country girl. She is a very strong woman with thick skin. I can tell in the different trials or difficulties that she has gone through in her life, that she has learned to take it all to God, and not whine about it. So I think it's fitting that she was randomly chosen for this fruit of "faithfulness". Kathy has proven faithful time and time again to God, and to her family and friends.

You're in for a lesson as you read this. The words that she wrote reflect who she is. Kathy is a simple and to the point kind of girl...she pretty much tells ya like it is. It took me a while to figure this out! :) But I got it now. Throw in truth and a lot of boldness and there you have it!

And by the way Kathy, I'm not scared of you anymore! I'd like to think I helped loosen you up a little with my good sense of humor! Love ya! ;)

Name: Kathy Bycroft
Hometown: Tyro, KS
Married to: David Bycroft (they celebrated 40 years of marriage last October...see above pic!) And they've been ministering at Tyro for that long too as senior minister and wife.
Family: 1 daughter and 2 sons, all married...along with 8 grandchildren and another on the way this summer!
Current Living: Tyro, KS
Hobbies: collects Iris and herringbone depression glass; makes wedding cakes and all of the birthday cakes for all the grandkids (very creative cakes I might add!); fixes food for families with new babies, or home from the hospital, or with other needs; gardener and canner of veggies; has taught Sunday School since she was a teenager; plays the piano; loves her grandkids and possibly the biggest is this: takes care of Dave! :)


And now, a lesson from Kathy...


"FAITHFULNESS"


"We have just celebrated a special occasion within our church family. All the couples who have been married 50 years or more were invited to an evening in their honor. Over a thousand years of marriage commitment and faithfulness were represented there!

What keeps two people together that long?

It’s not an easy thing, especially in our time and society when no one seems to stick to much for very long.


Don’t like your job? Just quit and find another one. Your spouse getting old or not pleasing you in some way? Leave and find someone "better".

Not happy with your church? Go see if there’s another one that will fill your "needs". There are plenty around to choose from! God disappoint you in some way? Give up on Him!


Faithfulness (commitment) is a rare commodity these days. People don’t want to stay in for the long haul in much of anything. Why?? Because we are a selfish people. That’s the bottom line. We want things to please us, or we will take our toys and play elsewhere.

How do we overcome this? It’s only by the power of the Holy Spirit in us, because we certainly aren’t faithful people by any natural inclination.

So we must put to death the natural and live by the Spirit.

God Himself is the ultimate example of faithfulness.

Most of the time, when asked to describe God’s nature, we say He is LOVE. But did you know He is called FAITHFUL (in both the Old and New Testaments) more times than He is called LOVE? Without the faithfulness of God...His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness would mean nothing.

Without His faithfulness, we wouldn’t know whether we could trust Him to carry through on His other promises.

And so without my being willing to be faithful to God and keeping my promise of commitment to Him, my talk of love, joy and peace; my attempts at being kind and good mean nothing.

There is no such thing as a person who is “sorta faithful”. You either are or you aren’t. Would a wife say her husband had been faithful to her if he’d only had a few affairs over the course of their marriage? Would a husband say his wife had been faithful if she took his paycheck every week but spent it on another man?

I think not!

And so neither are we faithful when we want the blessings God gives us, but don’t want the responsibility of commitment to Him that comes with the blessings.

It’s really an issue of what you believe is true. If God is the truth, then He deserves our faithfulness. And if you are not totally faithful, then maybe you don’t really believe He is THE TRUTH.


Check yourself: Your faithfulness to Him shows what you really believe about Him."