P. J. Wolz

 

“How wonderful, at evening, to be able to say,

“What a day, Lord! What a day! Because I could pray.”

P. J. Wolz

Years ago I was typing words that a friend’s grandfather wrote, making a book for her. The above words caused me to pause then and continue to have me pause every time I see them. A saint filled with God’s Spirit who was thankful He could pray.

Do I feel that way? At the end of the day, am I thankful I had the chance to talk with God? Her grandfather’s words continue to make me shiver in excitement. In possibility. In desire.

I want to catch the joy this man had. The relationship He shared with God. The happiness that filled His heart because He could talk to God.

I am thankful I can talk with God, but I haven’t realized it in this way. To come to the end of my day and be thankful that I can talk with God.

I see a simple life. Doing simple things. Regular work each day. A home to come to and rest. And thankfulness to God.

We can talk with God any time and know He hears and guides us. But our lives are so crowded with “things” that we miss the simplicity of talking with God any time we want too.

 Ephesians 6:18

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Biblerepository.com: “Ephesians 6:18 provides insight into the vital role of prayer in the lives of believers . . . This isn’t just about a one-time prayer; it speaks to a continuous, active communication with God. This ongoing dialogue with our Creator is our lifeline, helping us stand firm in our faith . . . The phrase ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication’ indicates that we should be in constant communication with God. This means both thankfulness and asking for guidance or help. Throughout scripture, prayer is presented as a way to deepen the relationship we have with God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul urges believers to ‘pray without ceasing,’ which captures the essence of this ongoing conversation.”

“How wonderful, at evening, to be able to say,

“What a day, Lord! What a day! Because I could pray.”

I need to make these words into a sign so that I see them each day. I want to feel this in my heart each evening and thank God as this man did. What a day indeed!

By His Grace . . . 

George Macdonald

 
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“Few are needed to do the out-of-the-way tasks which startle the world, and one may be most useful just doing common place duties, and leaving the issue with God. And when it is all over, and our feet will run no more, and our hands are helpless, and we have scarcely strength to murmur a prayer, then we shall see that, instead of needing a larger field, we have left untilled many corners of our single acre, and that none of it is fit for our Master’s eye were it not for the softening shadow of the cross.”

George Macdonald, Scottish author, poet and Congregational minister

December 1824 – 18 September 1905

This is one of my favorite quotes. I’m not sure if it’s the suggestion that there is much to do in “our single acre” or that “none of it is fit . . . were it not for the softening shadow of the cross.” Words to consider. Words to dwell on.

Some have the opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of multitudes while others appear to make a small difference in the lives right around them. Wherever you fit in, it is enough. For without the cross of Jesus, none of it would be enough.

I’ve read stories where the work of a famous man or women started a generation or two back when a mother or father made a choice, and that choice was passed down to a willing heart which then touched the hearts of millions.

Our single acre has the ability to change the heart of one who may change the heart of many. Everyone counts. It is always amazing when you watch the Hand of God as He works through individuals.

We were created for a purpose. God prepared work for us to do. He chose the work we will do.

Ephesians 2:10

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Scripturesavvy.com: “We are created by God Himself, and this act of creation is intentional and filled with purpose . . . We are reborn with purpose and capability to do good works. These good works are not just ordinary tasks; they are divinely assigned responsibilities that reflect God’s character and love in the world . . . It shows us that before we were even born, God was already setting things in motion for us to fulfill our purpose. This truth helps us understand that our lives are not accidental but rather part of a larger divine plan.”

Whether our work is large or small, God is the One who chose what each of us will do. Every work assigned is good in the eyes of God. As we serve Jesus, we serve the living God. We owe our service to Him. It is always enough if we serve with His presence before us, leading us along our path.

Large or small, a million people or one, without Christ, none of it is fit. 

How is your single acre doing?

By His Grace . . . 

Charles Spurgeon

 

“A little faith will bring your soul to heaven;

A great faith will bring heaven to your soul.”

Charles Spurgeon

Great faith. Little faith. What is great faith? What is little faith? Once we have faith and believe, God saves us. We can’t lose faith. What does Spurgeon mean by great faith and little faith?

Matthew 15:28

“Then Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed at that moment.”

Biblerepository.com: Matthew 15:28 is a verse that highlights the incredible faith of a woman seeking Jesus’ help for her daughter . . . Jesus calls her faith ‘great,’ which is significant because it is a rare acknowledgment from Him . . . The reference to her faith being great suggests that this woman, despite not being part of the Jewish community, understood who Jesus was and what He could do. Her position as a Gentile, a Canaanite, was one that could have led to feelings of being an outsider or unworthy. Yet, her faith surpassed any barriers of nationality or social standing. She believed that Jesus had the authority and ability to heal her daughter and was not deterred despite the initial silence from Jesus . . . Complete belief in Jesus will bring you great faith.

Believing in Jesus. This women knew who Jesus was and believed He had the authority and ability to do what she asked. It’s as simple as that. We believe or we don’t.

RedeemingGod.com: The terms “Great faith” and “Little faith” simply mean this: Some truths are easy to believe while others are difficult. If you believe something that is difficult to believe, then you have great faith. If you do not believe something that is relatively easy to believe, then you have little faith . . . You and I do not have faith containers in our souls which overflow when our faith is great but are nearly empty when our faith is little. Faith does not work like that . . . Great faith and little faith have nothing to do with the size, amount, or degree of faith . . . Rather, the terms “great faith” and “little faith” describe the difficulty of the truths that are believed.

How much do you believe? As children of God and believers in Jesus, we must have complete belief. That is when we’ll have peace, hope and strength to endure while we wait on God.

Great faith isn’t hard to have. Anyone can have it. There’s no such thing as choosing what you believe. You either believe or you don’t. Believe!

“Great faith will bring heaven to your soul.” You’re always connected. Heaven is at your fingertips. Jesus is with you all the time. Determine to have “great” faith without any doubts. There is no such thing as “little” faith. Always believe. Always trust. And always thank God for His great gift of faith!

By His Grace . . .