underlining in the Bible

Since I was a little guy I've always been an underliner in the Word. I think it is just natural to be drawn to certain parts of Scripture and want them to pop every time you open the Bible. However, as I was reading 1 & 2 Thessalonians this morning in a Bible that had no markings I felt as though I were reading them for the first time. The reality is that I've read both of those books numerous times and what I am getting at is that since there were no markings on the pages my eyes weren't naturally drawn to some parts and trained to skip the parts that aren't 'that great' or meaningful. It was really a refreshing morning! The goal is to have fresh eyes and an open heart to be changed by the Word everyday. Mixing it up with different versions or translations, different times & places, and with markings or no markings are all ways to keep devotions fresh. So may you have fresh eyes to see today!

Stepping Out

I've been doing some thinking about faith, about really stepping out and having to really walk by faith. In Romans Paul writes that the righteous will live by faith. I have been really gripped by this fact and have been taking some spiritual inventory lately. Where do I really need faith? I have two paychecks per month, two cars (my wife and I) that work fine and are paid off, great place to live, more than enough food that we even throw away our spoiled vegetables, amazing family, friends, and in the midst of all of this I am called to live by faith. What I have been questioning is where do I even need faith? Faith if being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. I can see every ounce of provision coming and live in the comfort of all that is around me. I have been very hungry for actually having to faith in God and really trust Him with every step. So I am, on September 1st my wife and I are stepping out and going for it...full time traveling evangelism, worship, preaching, or whatever doors God opens up to minister in Jesus' name. This is both liberating and a bit scary because we are really having to trust that He will provide, He will open the way, and He will see us through. I am not saying that just because everything is going smooth that you can't be living in faith I am simply saying that I need a change, I need to step out and get out of the comfort of the norm and go for it. So we are and I am so excited to see all that God will do in Haley and I as we obey the calling to go.