Always Faithful

      It is interesting that as adults we find ourselves tripping, stumbling, and falling in this world as if we are wearing a blindfold.   God never planned on us doing 'life' on our own.  Jean Toomer said that 'we learn the rope of life by untying its knots.'  I am pretty sure I have untied many of knots in my life and although  I  learn something every time, the most heart penetrating and refreshing truth is... He will never leave me or forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)

               When I was younger I was so ambitious and even a tad bit arrogant to think that I could change the world.  It was a lofty goal, but futile in the end because through the years I found the greatest impact I could make on the world was changing me.  It was the moment I realized that changing the fabric of my heart was vital prior to me going out into the world and trying to make a difference. 

               It reminds me of this quote and I want to share it with you.

"Too many people are thinking the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, when they ought to just water the grass they are standing on."
- Amar Dave

      I have been and always will be supportive and respectful for the armed services.  I had a good friend lose a friend recently who was serving overseas.  He was a Marine.  While examining this branch in detail --The Marine Corps.—I found a correlation to some of the things that I have also learned from my relationship with God and His persistent and consistent engagement into my daily life. 

               FACT:  Semper Fidelis distinguishes the Marine Corps bond from any other. It goes beyond teamwork—it is a brotherhood that can always be counted on.  Latin for "always faithful," Semper Fidelis became the Marine Corps motto in 1883. It guides Marines to remain faithful to the mission at hand, to each other, to the Corps and to country, no matter what. Becoming a Marine is a transformation that cannot be undone, and Semper Fidelis is a permanent reminder of that.

     Take a journey with me as we examine some of the core values of the Marine Corps and relate them to our Christian walk with Jesus.  We will take a look, hear from God’s Word, then challenge ourselves to act.  See it! Own It! and Do It!

               Core Values of the Marine Corps...

1.            HONOR - A code of personal integrity, honor guides those who do the right thing when no one is looking. It is not only a duty, but also a distinction, as those who possess honor are held in honor. It's found in one's beliefs, but exhibited through one's actions. Marines are held to the highest of standards, ethically, and morally.  Marines are expected to act responsibly in a manner befitting the title they've earned.

Jesus tells us:

  ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

"There are two ways of spreading light - to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."
- Edith Wharton

     Jesus expects His followers to live and act in a way that reflects HIM.  We are held to the highest calling of living moral Godly lives.  Integrity is the external behaviors of inner values.  As Christians, we need to be the same on the inside as we are on the outside.  We should never veer from inner values, even when it might be expeditious to do so --we must display integrity and character that is above reproach.

      Do you display integrity by honest dealings, predictable reactions, and well-controlled emotions in all situations?

      Is your life shining? 

2.            COURAGE - When other principles are tested, it's courage that prevents them from crumbling. It isn't ignoring fear, but being stronger than fear. Courage is the guardian of all other values. It is there when times are toughest, when difficult decisions have to be made. 

"It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are."
Unknown

Apostle Paul said:

¹³ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. ¹⁴ Do everything in love.  I Corinthians 16:13

"Conduct is more convincing than language."
- John Woolman

     God raises up living lighthouses —individual men and women others can look up to for support.  So what is the magnetic quality within these individuals that makes them such an effective support?  In a word, courage.  Christian courage is the willingness to say and do the right thing no matter what the cost is, because God promises to help you and save you on account of Christ.

GOD'S PROMISE TO BE WITH YOU - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:9

          Are you a lighthouse?    Is your life revealing that despite what others may think or say –  you will ALWAYS do the right thing?   

         Courage comes from trusting God.   "Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD" Psalms 31:24

          How is your level of trust?

3.            COMMITMENT - Commitment doesn't take breaks and it cannot be faked. It measures and proves one's desire, dedication and faithfulness.

God is always faithful to provide:

² And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. ⁴ We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command

2 Thessalonians 3:2-4

          Will you remain faithful to pass it on?

⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:9-11

"There is no better way to thank God for your sight than by giving a helping hand to someone in the dark."

Helen Keller

T hose who are less fortunate
O ften don't want to ask for help.

H ard times hit all of us at some point
E njoy your good fortune
L et your fortune help others
P eople helping people makes this world a better place!
~Catherine Pulsifer

“When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.”

Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton  (1803-1873); Novelist, Playwright, Politician

               If you find yourself with this burning desire to make a difference in the world----start with one.  One person!  Extend your hand and help someone out of the dark into the light. 

  Let’s remain faithful to… Jesus; to the mission of sharing His love with the world; and letting our life shine; no matter what.

Always Faithful,

Rick