Tracy's Blog

I really appreciate the encouragement of others in my Christian faith. When I'm discouraged or have lost sight of what is true, it really helps me to have someone direct me back to God. But it is not always possible to have a person to fellowship with. There are times when we are by ourselves or in the company of non-believers and we really need encouragement. What can we do? I suggest we talk to ourselves. That the part of us that knows the truth speaks to the part of us that is doubting. Although I've been practising this for awhile through journalling, the concept became clear one night when I was driving and I heard these verses on the local Christian radio station. Lamentations 3:22-24 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”   When I heard Lamentations 3:24, it struck me...

It was a practical question that any 5 year old might ask. Yes, this was the question that Timmy asked in his Children and Worship class at church last weekend. The story was about Noah's ark and all the animals on it. As various aspects of life with the animals were being discussed, Timmy asked “What do they do with the poop?” An older child said, “They probably dumped it into the ocean” and the leader agreed. That's when I had a thought about obedience..... obeying God may mean having to deal with messy stuff. God commanded Noah to build the ark ( Genesis 6:14 ).  Noah did it as an act of faith ( Hebrews 11:7 ) and obedience ( Genesis 6:22 ). But when it was finished and the animals had come on board, there was lots more work to do as he tended to the animals ( Genesis 6:21 ) and I think some of it was hard, unpleasant work. I am tempted to believe that if I'm doing God's will, it shouldn't be tough or challenging or gross.... but sometimes obedience is....