DANCING IN THE DISAPPOINTMENT

Suffering isn’t easy. Pain isn’t comfortable. Disappointment isn’t ideal. But it doesn’t mean that it can’t be beautiful. On this side of eternity, we have the chance to choose to worship through it all. In Heaven, tears will be wiped away, and our natural response will be to bow down and worship Him. What a privilege it is to be able to worship and choose Jesus when all we feel is disappointment.

THE GREATEST STORY

My challenge for us today is this: do not succumb to blindness in a world which is predominately overtaken with it. Be the person who sits down with Scripture, who sits down with Jesus, and allow it to awaken your wonder anew. Allow it to shape you into a person who simply will not fit the mold of society, and who dares break the mold with their heroic courage in continuing the greatest Story ever told.  

GRIEF & LOVE GREATER THAN OURS

Aslan doesn’t go on to explain why Digory’s mother is sick or what the purpose of it all is. Neither does he promise to heal her in that moment, but what He asks Digory to do is trust Him. He does not act as if he doesn’t care, in fact, Digory felt as if Aslan cared more about his mother than he did. And the truth is, Aslan did.

SEVEN QUOTES ON PRAYER THAT HAVE CHANGED MY PRAYER LIFE

There are many quotes, which, over the years, have changed my way of thinking and challenged me spiritually. I must say that it has to be the most difficult thing in the world to choose a few favorites, let alone a single favorite! However, there are seven quotes regarding prayer that have changed my prayer life, and I am very much looking forward to sharing those with you today. Naturally, these quotes are by Leonard Ravenhill, A. W. Tozer, C. S. Lewis, as well as Charles Spurgeon.

PERSONAL REVIVAL

The Lord has reminded me through Torrey’s wonderful old book that power and personal revival is attainable. Our lack of it, is because of our neglect of the tools and resources the Lord has provided for us.

SOMETHING OR SOMEONE?

For Jesus, it wasn’t about religion, it was about being obedient to His Father for the sake of winning souls and indwelling them with the same Spirit He had. After all, where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). Are you getting this? The last thing Christians should be doing is living domesticated lives if we are indwelled with the same Spirit Jesus had and came to give us.

BUT IF NOT

The story of Dunkirk has always inspired me, but I just recently discovered the power of this message that was sent. This message was so incredible because the army at Dunkirk was saying simply that they REFUSED to let the tyrant that was Adolf Hitler, force them into submission and worship of the diabolical group that was the Nazi’s. They pleaded for the British government to help rescue them, ‘But if Not’, they would fight, and they would go on fighting, until the destruction of every last soldier.

GET IN THE WAY OF ME

What I have found is that God uses those things in powerful ways to not only get in our way, but to show us a much better way. Don’t think that the Lord won’t wreck your plans before they wreck you.

LIFE/MINISTRY UPDATE – JANUARY 2023

We’re doing a something a little different today. Instead of a typical blog post like we publish every Thursday, we are going to share some behind-the-scenes of our personal lives, along with some cool memories/moments from 2022, and finally what the beginning of 2023 has been like for us personally, as well as The Few!

How The Public Education System Is Destroying The Soul Of America – 9,000 Download Special

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-8y4hq-1364f21 Do you know the history of standardized testing and why the public school system is still testing today? We have always been passionate about education and it's true purpose, and believe that Christians should be informed about what is taking place in the education system today. If we don't know the purpose of education,... Continue Reading →

EVEN IF YOU DON’T FEEL VERY BRAVE

When you believe the lie that living in a state of fear is “normal”, it gives you the perfect excuse to not do brave things. If the enemy can use the world to get us to react and live our lives in fear, then it’s almost a guarantee that we won’t do anything about the evil they are promoting because we are inward focused.

Even Dragons Have Their Ending Blogmas Day Twenty-Four Reading

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-kbzpc-135ebd0 Do you love a good fairy-story? This is our last Blogmas reading to share with you here on the show, but you are always welcome to go to our Blog (click here) and read any you may have missed! LINKS... Find our Christian Resources Page HERE: https://thefew.blog/resources/  Listen and like our NEW Spotify Worship Playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4oWFSPV8NuxwD7yscL2mZO?si=eZmKLjZVSEWrGWo0p4w7IQ  Podbean... Continue Reading →

Fellow Passengers Blogmas Day Twenty-One Reading

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-a56me-1357fe8 Did you read this blog post while Blogmas was going on?! Blogmas may be over, but we still have a few readings to share with y'all here on the show! The truth is, Blogmas posts are good year-round! 🙂 LINKS... Find our Christian Resources Page HERE: https://thefew.blog/resources/  Listen and like our NEW Spotify Worship Playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4oWFSPV8NuxwD7yscL2mZO?si=eZmKLjZVSEWrGWo0p4w7IQ  Podbean... Continue Reading →

TWENTY-THREE THINGS CHRISTIANS SHOULD DO IN 2023

So many of you loved last year’s post, Twenty-Two Things Christians Should Do In 2022, so much so that we have been itching to post another one for 2023! I love reading through a good list or “idea” type post and have found them to be very helpful when trying to be creatively intentional about living a deep and meaningful Christian life.

THE ARROGANCE OF MAN

You see, Church happens in places like the Bailey’s living room, on Christmas Eve, with a multitude of people who have hardly anything to give, but they give it with such joy. Such love. Such surrender. 

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2023

Though today and tomorrow conclude Blogmas 2022, we know that the journey does not end. Preparing our hearts for Christ, surrendering all that we are to Him, and serving Him are all daily tasks we, as Christians, get to partake in!

ANOTHER WORLD

To be truthful, I suppose I am a bit fearful of what 2023 may bring, and at the same time what it may not bring. I guess you could say I currently find myself “world weary”.

CHANGED YOUR MIND?

You ask; Scott, what are you saying I need to change? Why do you assume I have no room for change? In answer, I would say that I have no idea what you need to change. But you do; and it probably is that thing you thought of as you read that question.

AT HOME

Scrooge’s hard heart was beginning to soften through the power of hospitality. Through the reminder of how Mr. Fezziwig made work enjoyable, even if it was the same hard work Scrooge is doing now. He had the power, through his leadership and attitude, to make people feel welcome, comfortable, at home.

ALWAYS WINTER

As Lucy explains to her older brother, Edmund, what she had encountered while in Narnia, she says something that intrigues me. She says, “It’s always winter, but never gets to Christmas.” 

THE KING HAS COME

The King has come! We celebrate this Christmas Day for that reason. No longer is our world grey and grim. No, it is now bursting with hope and joy because the Light has come into our darkness in the most powerful way. What an adventure this has been! Have a very Merry Christmas, y’all! We thank God for each and every one of you!

EVEN DRAGONS HAVE THEIR ENDING

Though dragons have always been a part of our world, we know that the endings of dragons have also echoed through the pages of history. Let us remember that our Knight is no longer a babe in a manger, but is grown, into the Heavenly Warrior He was always meant to become, and His sword is now drawn.  

THE OTHER CHRISTMAS STORY

When you pause to give thanks for baby Jesus, remember to give thanks for our King doing battle with a dragon. And this year, when you place your manger scene on the mantle, look for the red dragon. He’s there in the hay.

Can’t Will Not Be Tolerated Blogmas Day Nine Reading

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-9aex4-1345ba0 Is the word "can't" a part of your vocabulary? I encourage you today, dear reader, to never partake in uttering the crippling word of “can’t,” but rather go on more boldly in your pursuit of Christ this Christmas Season.   LINKS... Find our Christian Resources Page HERE: https://thefew.blog/resources/  Listen and like our NEW Spotify Worship Playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4oWFSPV8NuxwD7yscL2mZO?si=eZmKLjZVSEWrGWo0p4w7IQ  Podbean Affiliate Link: https://www.podbean.com/thefew Our... Continue Reading →

ODE TO EBENEZER SCROOGE

Scrooge examined his life, his heart, against God’s standard and found himself lacking. He knew that he could not change on his own but called on the Spirit to strive within him. You and I have a wonderful opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit to live within us this Christmas day and every day, friend!

FELLOW PASSENGERS

I wonder how many Christmases Fred had invited his uncle over to join in the celebration and joy. I wonder if he ever found himself distraught over the fact that Scrooge would most likely refuse to accept the invitation, and then remembered the hope he had in Christ, the reason for Christmas, and began his trek to old Ebenezer Scrooge’s without a hint of hesitation.

HOW ARE YOUR SPIRITS DRESSED?

You see, I believe that Scrooge’s story is so powerful because it can so closely relate to us and our present lives. I want you to think back over your life. Think about the past, about your innocence. Think about your present, the things you most want. Think about what your future may be, about whether your eternity will be dark as Scrooge’s was once bound to be.

If It’s All True Blogmas Day Eight Reading

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-2r2xr-133ebd3 Maybe you share some similarities with doubting Thomas as well? You might be skeptical, a bit unsure of your faith. You may have more questions than you can count. Jesus has something for you. He can turn your skepticism into belief. LINKS... Find our Christian Resources Page HERE: https://thefew.blog/resources/  Listen and like our NEW Spotify Worship Playlist... Continue Reading →

JESUS, LORD AT THY BIRTH

Not many are crowned much of anything at birth, except maybe to be called first born, middle daughter, or maybe even an unexpected surprise!  Even in the families of royalty, children have to wait their turn to be called king or queen. Not Jesus.  He was Lord at birth.

EXCITED ABOUT HIM

Our Savior is one who desires every part of your heart, and mind, and speech, and yet we rob Him of the power to display Himself through these things around the people we may very well have the greatest influence over. 

THE BITTER MADE SWEET (PART TWO)

And to what does it compare? To His suffering? To the pain He took on His back. That He took on His head. That He took in His hands. That He took in His feet. That He took in His side. That He took until His last breath was drawn. To what does it compare?

Jesus, Pearl Harbor, And Blogmas Day Seven Reading

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-a5mr5-133ad01 Did you read this Blogmas post that we republished last week?! Take some time today to listen to our dad read it! 🙂 LINKS... Find our Christian Resources Page HERE: https://thefew.blog/resources/  Listen and like our NEW Spotify Worship Playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4oWFSPV8NuxwD7yscL2mZO?si=eZmKLjZVSEWrGWo0p4w7IQ  Podbean Affiliate Link: https://www.podbean.com/thefew Our link gets you one month FREE of Podcasting with Podbean! 🙂 Have a topic or question... Continue Reading →

THE BITTER MADE SWEET (PART ONE)

This was the day that those colors of the current season were making their last fade. The new ones were officially settling in, brushing over what was, on an eight hour drive from central Texas to Hot Springs, Arkansas. This change would remind me that to love Him is to obey Him. No matter the cost.

REIGN

This is what the American Church is saying today. We have the same desire to rule over ourselves and imitate the world around us. We are selfish, have turned away from God countless times, and worshiped false idols whenever we have had the chance. Just like He did with the Israelites, God will say to us, you get what you ask for. He will remove His mighty hand from us and allow us to suffer in our rebellion against His perfect plan.

QUIETLY CHRISTIAN?

God and I wrestled back and forth about whether or not I was to change jobs. The conflict was so great because a co-worker and I had started a Monday morning prayer group that eventually led to most of the employees attending. For some of them, this would be the only Jesus that they would get for the remainder of the week. So, it was important to me that I knew for sure that God wanted me to move on.

“CAN’T” WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

By doing what he said he couldn’t do, Trigger saved the rest of his crew, and their mission to capture the Enigma and bring it back to America was ultimately successful. I believe "can’t" is the most dangerous word that could ever come out of any of our mouths.

Behold The Man – Blogmas Day Two Reading

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-5bqpe-1334ada Have you joined us for Blogmas yet this year? A new Christmas themed post will be published every day in December on our Blog (link below)! Enjoy Madie reading her post, Behold the Man.  LINKS... Find our Christian Resources Page HERE: https://thefew.blog/resources/  Listen and like our NEW Spotify Worship Playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4oWFSPV8NuxwD7yscL2mZO?si=eZmKLjZVSEWrGWo0p4w7IQ  Podbean Affiliate Link: https://www.podbean.com/thefew Our link gets you... Continue Reading →

IF IT’S ALL TRUE

Maybe you share some similarities with Thomas as well. You might be skeptical, a bit unsure of your faith. You may have more questions than you can count. Jesus has something for you. He can turn your skepticism into belief.

SALVATION IS NIGH

What I wanted to share with y’all on this very special day is that “Salvation to all that will is nigh.” Meaning, if you desire salvation, a personal relationship with Jesus, He is near to you at this very moment. All you have to do is reach out, call out for Him.

THE FOCUS

I ask you to please begin each day this holiday season alone in the presence of our heavenly Father. Focus on the Lord. Focus on His attributes, and His precious Word to you. Ask Him to open up your way as you journey through your day with the Prince of Peace beside you.

Attending Well To What Matters – Blogmas Day One Reading

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-pyqk2-132d654 Is it your desire to make the most of this Christmas season? We are publishing new blog posts every day in December, and decided we'd like to read some for you here on the show! More Blogmas readings to come! LINKS... Find our Christian Resources Page HERE: https://thefew.blog/resources/  Listen and like our NEW Spotify Worship Playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4oWFSPV8NuxwD7yscL2mZO?si=eZmKLjZVSEWrGWo0p4w7IQ ... Continue Reading →

OUR DEATH-DEFYING HERO

Did you catch it, friends? Not only did Aslan leap over the Table, representing death, but Lucy scrambled over it too! This is what our death-defying hero has done for you and for me. He has made a way for us to scramble over death and get to Him, never to be separated from God; to have everlasting life! Hallelujah and Amen!

BEHOLD THE MAN

Now, take courage, dear heart, for suffering is no longer meant to produce only misery. Because Christ has assumed human suffering, that means we can also be confident that He has healed and restored it to its most divine form.

ATTENDING WELL TO WHAT MATTERS

The attending process begins when we sort through the things that distract us, and intentionally do away with them as best we can with Jesus’ help. We must make room in our hearts for the light when darkness attempts to fill it daily.

ARE YOU READY? PART TWO

This is what has been rolling around of late in my, saved by a miracle, head.  Assuming we are ready for eternity because we have followed Jesus, He has saved us from our sin, and we have the confidence of Heaven; then there is a second question to ponder.  Are we ready to live like we have made that decision?  

ARE YOU READY? PART ONE

Here's the bottom line.  For me, and I don’t know fully why just yet, Jesus lifted the trailer and pulled me out.  I walked away with minor injuries and still have trouble believing that I am alive.  Only He could have saved me; there is no explanation other than I am living proof our God still does miracles as He sees fit. 

A QUIET REVOLUTION

Do not allow your quiet personality to hinder you from doing the powerful things the Lord calls you to. But go on boldly, more boldly, in making your mark for the Kingdom of Heaven. Allow God to do His best work in you, and hand your passions over to Him, so they may be used to their fullest extent. 

A MAN IN A MILLION

The Lord has used my father, and Atticus Finch, to teach me that just because what is right may often earn you the hatred of lesser men, and may cost you everything you hold dear, it does not make it any less valuable.  

A COMMON CAUSE

In order to make people hate America, you have to make America hate-able. This is exactly what the Left does day in and day out. Why is this their aim? Because America was founded upon Biblical principles that have guided us for the last 230+ years. They know it is especially difficult to fight for a common cause when you don’t have a common identity.

THAT LITTLE PRAYING PASTOR

You are powerful through the blood of Christ, dear Christian. But remember, that blood was not shed for you to sit back and do nothing. It was shed for you to overcome the principalities of this present darkness.  

TO ONE STATE OR THE OTHER

With every day that passes, we are becoming what we will be. So, I ask you, what will you be in the end? What will it take for you to come to the realization that the central part of you, that is becoming either a heavenly creature or a hellish creature, is all you will be left with in eternity?

EVIL CAN ONLY DESTROY ITSELF

Instead of looking at the failure the tortured heroines and persecuted heroes had to suffer through as setbacks, he was taught to look at them as inevitable events which would ultimately bring about that radical, joyful victory of those same weary heroes. He learned to draw one line between Good and Evil, and not allow room for any sort of grey area. Greatest of all these, however, he learned the light always wins, even if it takes a little longer than we want it to.  

BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY

As much as I would like to pat Christians on the back and tell them it’s perfectly fine to retreat when the days are dark and evil, I can’t. We may be living in a post Roe America, and praise the Lord for it, but it is in large part due to the five Justice’s that didn’t go stick their heads in the sand and ignore this crucial, heartbreaking, unlawful issue.

A LIVING HOUSE

He will take care of the restoration process, and just remember that when it hurts, He’s doing a new thing in you that won’t just make an impact in your life, but other’s lives as well.

AIR BRAKES AND DEEP THOUGHTS

Something the Lord has been convicting me of a lot lately is what I’m consuming my mind with. What I’m watching, reading, listening to, thinking about. Most of us want to ignore the way Jesus is really supposed to affect all these aspects of our lives, and we want to believe He’s only supposed to help us with the “big” things.

DISTORTION

Pay attention, Church. The good in this world is quickly slipping away, and if we don’t fight for it, then who will? Now is the time to take action, because every good thing is being distorted.

OUR NEW CHRISTIAN RESOURCE PAGE & LIFE UPDATE!

Madie and I have been so pumped and thankful this week because our Podcast, A Few Minutes With The Few, hit 7,000 downloads and we released our new, free, Christian Resource Page that we have been working on for the last couple of months! It is available to download and print right here from the Blog on our resource tab!

Christian Resources That Will Help You Live Wholeheartedly For Jesus – 7,000 Download Special!

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-j32ev-126ef60 Are you looking for Christian resources that will ACTUALLY help you get serious about living for Jesus daily? If you said yes, we have exciting news for you! We have some of the very best podcast listeners, and y'all have helped us reach SEVEN THOUSAND DOWNLOADS! To celebrate, we have released a free Christian... Continue Reading →

DOES FREE REALLY MEAN FREE?

We must come to the realization that God’s ways bring freedom, not when we simply believe that they do, but when we implement them and live by them daily, knowing that it is for our own good and ultimately God’s glory.

WHAT WE’VE BEEN USED TO

This week, I challenge you to not be like Ruby Gillis. Don’t chase after trivial, unimportant, and wind carried tasks and attitudes until you are faced with death. Live in a way that reflects Jesus in everything you do, and in a way that brings a little slice of heaven down here to earth.

THESE ARE THE DAYS!

You see, when I look back at the days that I would say are the most spiritually fulfilling days of my life, they are the days when I was willing to put a lot of effort into my relationship with Christ. I was praying, studying, and serving every day. They were the days when I learned how to pray with people and share the Gospel with them, and I actually went out and did that on a regular basis. They were the days when I saw the truth being ignored and injustice being accepted, and I spoke out, in love, against it.

TO THE DISCOURAGED CHRISTIAN…

It is true that the Christian life is not a constant high, and what matters more than anything else is where we run when we have feelings we can’t deal with on our own. You see, discouragement is a beautiful part of the Christian life only because God uses it to bring us closer to Himself. He helps soften our hearts to feel what He feels, and it is in that moment, when we feel what He feels, that we can best care, love, and serve.

LIFE UPDATE!

This Blog Post is going to look a little bit different than it usually does, but I am excited to update you on all the awesome things God has been doing in our little corner of the world recently!

WHEN THE WORLD STOPPED TURNING

When our world stops turning, I can only pray that we move past our petty grievances, and stand as one nation under God, the One who enables our world to begin spinning again and causes the sun to rise anew over this blessed land.

WE HAVE THE ADVANTAGE

None of us may be a “master detective” such as Hercules Poirot. However, God has given Christians, who have the Holy Spirit within them, the incredible ability to see the world as it should be (some to a lesser or greater degree). To see a world in which everything is just, and right, and true because we function as we were intended to all along.

A HERO ALWAYS KNOWS (PART THREE)

I'm reminded of an old movie line when the captain of a submarine was asked a question and said he didn’t know.  His second in command pulled him aside and rebuked him.  "The captain always knows what to do; whether he does or not."  It seems like that is often the esteem our children hold us in.  As dads, we are always supposed to know.  We are to be their heroes.

ARE YOU THE HERO OF YOUR OWN STORY? (PART TWO)

My question to you, this week, is: Are you the hero of your own story? Have you thought of your life as a story; one that could impact those around you now and the generations that will come after you? Living in light of eternity demands that you think of your life this way.

CHRISTIANITY AND…

Church, we do not need “Christianity And”. Only one thing is needful. So, come and lay down the “Fashion of Christian coloring” at the cross and be made whole, so that we may experience true happiness and joy.

WITHOUT THIS WEEK

Without this week, I wouldn’t be writing to you about hope, about beauty, and about the light breaking into our darkness. Yet here we are, because of what our Lord Jesus has done.

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