Mountain-Moving Faith

April 25, 2023 Gracie

A Perspective On Mountain-Moving Faith

Without a doubt, the prettiest mountains I’ve ever seen are the Grand Tetons located in northwestern Wyoming.

Located several miles from our vacation spot in Jackson Hole, the majestic snow-covered peaks were hard to miss on the already stunning landscape.

Simply breathtaking.

When I see the splendor of God’s creation like that, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and the fact that I worship the One who created it all.

Mountain-Moving Faith

Do you remember this Bible verse in the Book of Mark?

These are the words of Jesus to His disciples:

Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted to him. – Mark 11:23, (NASB).

It’s a perplexing verse for some and not at all about getting what we ask for.

The verse describes having complete trust in God’s providence, no matter what the final outcome or whether we understand it or not.

We must have the courage to stand on His Word . . . always.

Of course He did not mean they were to go about moving mountains, but that they were to lay hold of faith in God, a “mountain moving” type of faith. – as quoted in Precept Austin.org.

Sometimes we face mountain-sized challenges in our lives.

Challenges like,

A debilitating illness

Financial concerns

An atheistic teenager

Marriage troubles

Can you relate?

We pray and pray, but we may not get the answers quickly like we were hoping for.

Even so, God still loves us and has our best interests at heart.

He is Sovereign, and even though “we” may not understand the “why’s” of a situation, God knows every detail.

In a nutshell, He makes no mistakes.

“Perspective” is important.

Having a godly perspective may not bring immediate relief to our prayer concerns, but it does recognize and honor God’s omniscient holiness.

God is good all the time and will always work things for His glory, even the hard things.

Mountain-Moving Encouragement

Recently, I came across a wonderful poem about moving mountains.

As the author says, “mountains can turn into blessings in disguise.”

Please enjoy.

Moving Mountains

Lord, I’ve never moved a mountain and I guess I never will.
All the faith that I could muster wouldn’t move a small ant hill.
Yet I’ll tell you, Lord, I’m grateful for the joy of knowing Thee,
and for all the mountain moving down through life You’ve done for me.

When I needed some help you lifted me from the depths of great despair.
And when burdens, pain and sorrow have been more than I can bear,
you have always been my courage to restore life’s troubled sea,
and to move these little mountains that have looked so big to me.

Many times when I’ve had problems and when bills I’ve had to pay,
and the worries and the heartaches just kept mounting every day,
Lord, I don’t know how you did it. Can’t explain the where’s or why’s.
All I know, I’ve seen these mountains turn to blessings in disguise.

No, I’ve never moved a mountain, for my faith is far too small.
Yet, I thank you, Lord of Heaven, you have always heard my call.
And as long as there are mountains in my life, I’ll have no fear,
for the mountain-moving Jesus is my strength and always near.

Author Unknown

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²Precept Austin quotation is from the “Mark 11 Commentary.” [2023.] Courtesy of Precept Austin, Mark 11 Commentary Resources, Subheading, “Whoever says to this mountain.” Web. Accessed 19 April, 2023.

Our Exceptional God

Answering Tough Questions About Christianity

September 4, 2019 Gracie

Have you ever had problems answering tough questions about your faith?

If you have, you’re not alone.

I’m pretty sure it’s happened to all of us at one time or another.

Before you know it, a skeptic catches us off-guard.

The end result?

Often, it’s disappointment in ourselves and a feeling like we’ve let God down.

Please remember, dear Christians: Take these challenges as an incentive to get better prepared!

It’s a constant educational process.

The more you learn, the more confident you’ll be.

If you’re struggling, it’s time to polish your spiritual armor.

Here’s Why It’s Important to Pray About It First

Remember not only who we are, but more importantly, Whose we are.

Challenges to our faith are becoming more frequent, and that’s why praying about these future encounters is so important.

Pray for courage and guidance on a daily basis. If we don’t pray about it, we’re sending a message that we don’t think we need God. We’d rather rely on our own influence and intelligence.

It’s a big responsibility but, as Pastor John MacArthur reminds us, it’s not our job to *change* men’s hearts. We’re to speak the truth in love. Evangelism succeeds in God’s timing, not ours.

Changing hearts is the supernatural work of God.

It gets frustrating at times, but we’re not failures simply because the person we’re trying to reach blows us off every time.

Don’t give up!

When you believe that every word of scripture comes from God and is authoritative and true, and you believe that God is the One, Sovereignly and powerfully, Who uses that truth to change people’s lives – that produces courage. The courage of confidence in Scripture and the courage that God will work through that. You speak that truth with courage and with love and leave the results to the Lord.¹ – John MacArthur, Pastor and Bible Teacher, Grace To You.

Answering Tough Questions About Christianity

Why do we evangelize?

Our motive is pure, despite mischaracterizations from the entertainment world.

We want to help lead people to Christ because we love them and care about where they’ll spend their eternity.

It’s up to us to get the skeptic to think about their faith challenges, but not to get them to sign on the dotted line first time out. It could even take years with someone, if it even happens at all.

It’s important to note that we don’t “win people for Christ” – without God.

Keep on gently listening and planting those seeds, then give it to God.

Please watch this excellent clip from apologist, Greg Koukl from “Stand To Reason.”

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¹ John MacArthur quotation, courtesy of Sermons Online. “John MacArthur On Courage and Confidence.” Online Video Clip. Dr. John MacArthur. Web. Accessed 28 August, 2019.

Our Exceptional God

Narcissists Hurt

February 13, 2018 Gracie

Why Do Narcissists Want To Hurt You?

That’s a good question.

Did you know that almost two million online search results pull up when you look into the roots of this common personality disorder? Many websites exist to offer you advice and consolation.

Narcissists hurt

Is There a Narcissist in Your Life?

No doubt, the world is full of narcissists – I’m sure you know at least one.

I’m talking about those challenging, life-disrupting people who feel that the world is all about them. You’d better feel that way too, or else you’ll feel the consequences of their displeasure.

Worse yet, if you’re not in their pocket, stroking their ego, then “you’re” the one with the problem.

If you question a narcissist and their motives, you hear things back like:

I don’t remember saying that.

You’re paranoid.

If this sounds familiar, you have a very tough road ahead, and I’m sorry you’re having to deal with it.

What Can You Do About The Narcissist in Your Life?

I’m not a therapist, and every situation is different.

I do encourage you to research the subject as much as you can.

Even more importantly, I encourage you to pray about it. Talk it over with God. He is listening.

You may be wondering, should you put the “No Contact” rule into effect to protect your own well-being?

That might work in some cases if you only see the narcissist occasionally. (However, that would be pretty difficult if the narcissist is your boss.)

Another question: Even though you’re constantly the target who is talked about in the office or elsewhere, as a Christian, do you have to just take it?

Again, a difficult and sometimes emotional question to answer.

A Helpful Website

I was doing some research on narcissism and came across a website that may be helpful to you.

The best part? It talks about narcissism from a Biblical perspective.

Narcissist Traits – They Stumble A Lot

The narcissist is full of pride, but also deep inside (where no one can see) the narcissist is also insecure.

Pray for God’s strength and guidance and that you will know when it’s time to leave the relationship, if your circumstances permit.

Know also that, some day, in God’s providence, truth and justice will be served.

Dear child of God, in the eyes of our Heavenly Father:

You are greatly loved

You have value

God will place joyful people in your life if you ask Him.

Surround yourself with others who genuinely love, respect, and care about you. It’s the best feeling!

³Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4, (ESV).

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Our Exceptional God