daddyO and Honey

This book was first mentioned to me by Janet Jerigan, Lynn Spivey's sister, a new friend at Hope. She had suggested it as one of our book club books. The second time it came up was with a conversation with Mitzi Mill, another new friend from Hope. (our builder) She had both this book and Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by the same author. I looked today and didn't realize this author has many books out there.

I picked it up Friday, when i sat in the lobby of the Colonial Country Club. Daniel and many other ACU staff arranged an ACU alumni luncheon in Ft. Worth. Do ask him about it, it was a great success. All of those Aggie mom's club meetings and Reveille Meetings paid off in giving the inspiration to this and other luncheons for ACU. I went along with Daniel to Ft. Worth even though all i really did was ride, read and ride back home. One of Daniel's love languages is together time. It was important to be with him as he rode over and back from Ft. Worth. I read three chapters the first time i picked the book up and have enjoyed the cheerleader type reminders of how important my faith is and how important it is to continue growing.

Since this is not my copy of the book, I took notes on the reading so i could actually process it all. Faith is something that impresses Jesus.

Luke 7:9 says Jesus marveled at the Centurion's faith when he said in v. 7..."just say the word, and my servant will be healed."
Matthew 15:28...Jesus answers the canaanite woman, "O Woman, your faith is great; be it done for you as you wish.

Telling stories of God's activity in our lives is so important, this helps all of our faith increase. More often than not those stories come in the middle of some overwhelming difficulty. Author Jim Cymbala, says, "Faith grows best on cloudy days."

A focus on God's promises as Abraham did when God told him to "Leave." We must step out each day and believe God is good on His promises. It won't make sense at times. Even this week as I was going thru my Bible study on "Discerning the Voice of God" the fact that God works supernaturally and usually ask for a change in the course of our life was mentioned. This is faith that is described in....

I Corinthians 2:5 "that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God"

Jim Cymbala takes you as the reader through David's prayer in Ps. 51,asking things that only God can do in His life. (pure heart, steadfast spirit and willing spirit to sustain him). Cymbala also used Joshua's address in Joshua 23. (recall what God has done, v. 3, look to the future v. 5, take stock of obedience v. 6-8, love the Lord your God v. 11 and last but most powerful v. 14 NOT ONE WORD of God has failed)

At the end of this book i am resolved to pray for more faith. Faith that provides spiritual strength to obey.

Hebrews 4:2 "For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard."

II Peter 1:3 "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."

I Peter 4:11..."whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever.