Greetings, brothers and sisters of Christ and children of God,

Have you ever told someone that you have faith in them? Why? Because you trust them and their character, without needing evidence. Has anyone told you that they have faith in you? It is encouraging to hear someone say they have faith in you. That means they believe in you and trust you. Faith is about trusting and believing. Yes, trust can be broken, which can break our faith in someone. That is why it can be dangerous to put our faith in man and not in God. I believe that if you put your faith in God, you can do anything that God wills for you.

Faith is believing when all the odds are against you. When you are struggling with an issue in life, be it family, loss, work, or any issue that is like that of Goliath the giant or like a mountain standing before you and taunting you that you cannot overcome it, it is not the faith that you have in yourself, the faith others have in you, but the faith you have in the power of the Lord, God, almighty who can lift you above all issues and tear down the walls of Jericho so you may enter where God wants you to go. 

When Abram (Abraham) had no heir to leave his land to, God came to him in a vision and told Abram he would have a son. Then God led Abram outside to look at the stars and said to Abram that his offspring would be as numerous as the stars. Abram believed God, and he was credited as righteousness (Gen 15:1-6).

When the disciples told Thomas that they had seen the Lord, Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were and put my hands into his side, I will not believe.” Later, Jesus came before them all, including Thomas, and told him to touch his hands and side. Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.” (John 20:24-29).

Thomas had lost his faith and therefore a blessing. The blessing of joy was no longer, but when he believed again, he had joy and became a great witness. Abram, with his belief, was found to be righteous. It does not mean that he did not have moments like Thomas or that we do not have those moments, but we must always keep the faith. Faith is what unlocks the door to God and all that He has for you. Putting your faith in Him is humbling yourself and trusting in Him without needing any evidence.

Last week, the little lambs continued their learning of the fruit of the Spirit with a focus on joy and peace. This week, they will explore the Old Testament as they learn about patience. This gift is the hardest for any child to receive. Give me patience, Lord, but hurry.

I look forward to seeing all of you tomorrow. If, for whatever reason, I do not see you, may the Lord bless you with abundant love, joy, and a full cup of happiness, and may He comfort you, heal you, be the light unto your feet when you need it.

God bless you,

Your brother in Christ,

Michael (aka Mr. Michael)

New Day meets at 3455 Cliff Shadows Parkway right next to Lone Mountain every Sunday at 10AM. Children’s church is upstairs and children can be dropped off at 9:45. Youth (6th grade and up) join us in the sanctuary for worship and then go to class. Visit The Gathering Place upstairs for donuts and coffee before or after service.