Required: Faith with Courage

Jordan River at Flood stage, Courtesy Google Images

 It's time to step into the Jordan (River).

It's a one-liner whispered in the early morning, while coffee was savored in a dimly lit room, and this servant's heart asked for direction, wisdom, and a purpose for this new year.

Our family had journeyed down a long and exhausting road, and were growing weary. It didn't appear that any of us were on the same page any longer. We couldn't agree on our next steps. The thought of pursuing a dream invited accusing voices, telling us we'd waited too long. It's too late. Just accept what is and be content.

Sounds honorable. Be content. Right?

Paul tells Timothy, "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content," (1 Timothy 6:7-8 NKJV).

Courtesy Google Images

A resounding AMEN to this.

However, there is a state of being in life that appears to be masquerading as contentment. This is complacency. The Cambridge dictionary defines this as "feeling so satisfied with your own abilities or situation that you feel you do not need to try any harder."

Complacency is, in fact, a condition John wrote about in Revelation. 

And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write: 

These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 

So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked--I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with salve, that you may see. 

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. 

If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne (Revelation 3:14-21 NKJV).

Chilling words. Have we become content with our success? Have we settled into a pattern of living that was comfortable and familiar? Or have we struggled along our paths so long that we've decided the path of least resistance would be ok. Rest. Relax. Step out of the battle for a time.

Sadly, we don't overcome any obstacle by taking the smooth road. 

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NKJV).

Discipline is not a swear word. Rather, it is a tool used for our growth and maturity. Whatever it looks like in our lives, it produces in us the ability to withstand the struggles that come, as well as strengthens us to be a pillar for our fellow Christ followers to lean on when they are treading the waves of a stormy sea.

Faith isn't for the faint of heart. It's not an easy path. It will take courage. It will take a decision, every day--possibly every minute--to trust God, believe His word, and know that He doesn't abandon His children.

So take heart, friend. We are called to faith in Christ, and in order to follow Him, we will need courage to live out our faith. Courage to step into the Jordan.

Joshua leading Israel across the Jordan courtesy Google Images

For a little context, the Israelites were instructed to step into the Jordan during the time it was at flood stage. Once across this river, they would set foot on their promised land--Canaan. The priests were to take the Ark of the Covenant and lead the way. The moment their feet touched the water, the Lord pushed it back, stacking the molecules atop one another until a wall of water stood upriver--like a dam. And the entire nation crossed on the riverbed's dry bottom (Joshua 3).

In science, the laws of physics and natural science would dictate that this is an impossible feat. And it is. Without God's intervention. Without Him, we can do nothing. But when He is leading, we can be assured of successful outcomes. Joshua was encouraged multiple times to be strong and courageous as he took the mantle of leadership after Moses' death.

It's no different today. We need courage to not only step into uncharted territory, but also to go against our own logic--or that of those around us.

One of my favorite contemporary heroes of the faith is Eric Liddell. His courage to stand for conviction over the Olympic medal ultimately won him a gold in a race he'd not trained for. In his words, "No man who really is a man ever cared for the easy task. There is no enjoyment in the game that is easily won. It is that in which you have to strain every muscle and sinew to achieve victory that provides real joy," (Common Good, 7/26/24).

As 2025 came to a close, and the words "step into the Jordan" echoed in my mind, I looked over the time spent wishing, hoping, and waiting. Some of it felt like circling the mountain. Some felt like a boxing match while sinking in quicksand. Most of it could be described as life happens.

Going forward into 2026, and knowing what context a "step into the Jordan" meant, it's time for us to show up and be counted. Take back the territory God has given, own it--figuratively and literally--and finish our race.

Let it be said of us, "They didn't have to say a word, everyone knew they were in the room."

As the first of many steps, I am working to gather these lessons and publish them in book format. It's a lifelong dream, and 2026 is the year. I will share this journey as we progress. 

**If you'd like to receive these in your email inbox, please send me a message, and I'll add your email address to my list.**

Blessings to you this year. Until next time, 💜 Karlene J 💜 

Immanuel

Courtesy Google Images

Remember the song, Santa Claus is Coming to Town?

I can still remember lying in bed, listening intently for the sound of sleigh bells on Christmas Eve. Santa's arrival meant I had made the nice list. Proof I'd been a good girl. And if I didn't find my gift under the tree (and it happened), I'd hear the words, "Well, remember the time ...?"

Courtesy Google Images

And I knew, because of the TV shows, that Santa had a magic crystal snowglobe that showed him how I'd behaved all year. 😇

Thankfully, I never sank so far into the naughty list that I found coal in my stocking. 

I still love this show. But as I have grown, I've taken the nuances of this story and grin. This is the basis of a works mindset in every human heart. Paul and James mention it often in Scripture. Santa's gifts are for the well-behaved, those who are good enough.

But we know from Paul's words in Romans 3:10 

As it is written: There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one."

Oddly, this brings me hope. We're all in the same predicament. Not one of us is better than another. There's only One who is perfect, and through Him we are able to clothe ourselves in righteousness. 

Courtesy Google Images

What a gift!

His name is Jesus. Or as the angel told Mary and Joseph: Immanuel, meaning God with us.

Greater than Santa Claus. The One who measures the universe with the span of His hand (Isaiah 40:12).

Please allow me to back up.

When in college, I was required to take a class on world religions. I was interested to learn that in some religions, belief in God is limited to the idea that he is afar off, watching from a distance, and uninvolved in our lives. "The big guy in the sky" kind of thinking. This left us to ourselves, I felt, with no true moral compass or structure. The thought of an uninvolved God felt empty and lonely, leaving me with nothing to guide me. Maybe I misunderstood it, but knowing and believing in a very personal and involved God has given me a perspective that leads me to hope that there is someone orchestrating and holding my life together (Psalm 139).

As we turn our hearts and minds to observe the celebration of our Lord's entry onto this earth, I can't help but think about the gift we have been given. So many don't realize--yet.

Lately, my heart has been tugged in the direction of recognizing God's presence in every aspect of life. As Christians, we know this to be true, but sadly, I think it's easy to fall into a pattern of living our lives until something hard happens and the question arises, "Where are You?" 

Jesus tells us, "and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b). So to ask where He is seems to indicate our nearsighted vision, or human forgetfulness that God is always good on His promises. He meant it when He said, "And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

He is, has always been, and always will be with us.

Courtesy Google Images

One of my favorite verses of Scripture, lately, is Malachi 3:16-18:

Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name. "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him." Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Did you see that? The Lord listens to our conversations. Jesus said, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). 

He sees our heartaches, "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit" (Psalms 34:18). He also catches our tears as the Psalmist said, "You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?" (Psalm 56:8).

But He is not only there when we are downtrodden, Zephaniah 3:17 tells us, "The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

💝 Yes, my dear friend, He sees you. 💝

He's near to the brokenhearted, and He celebrates with you also. There is nothing that has caught Him by surprise. He will never leave you (or me). He will always redeem and restore us in ways we didn't dream possible. 

Trust Him. 

His ways are so different from ours (Isaiah 55:8). We may never understand this side of eternity (Proverbs 3:5-6). But we can lean on His goodness, knowing He may not feel safe and secure at times, but He will never allow us to be harmed (Jeremiah 29:11).

Merry Christmas, with love 💜💜💜

Until next time, 💜 Karlene J 💜