If you are anything like me, these words probably sound like a theme song. This is especially true when it comes to spiritual matters. It truly isn't an excuse... more of a promise. Partly because of the reality of what I call Paul's lament (Romans 7:15) doing what he doesn't want to and not doing what he should. Honestly, sometimes I surprise myself with what I say/do. But, there is always an underlying motivation to what I am doing/saying - even if I don't understand or admit it. Sadly, sometimes my reason is - I wanted to (or could). Obviously, not the bigger person in the situation.
Why? Why would we... knowing, on some level, the eventual outcome. I believe it sometimes is a 'just because', but sometimes it is that urging to 'get even', again on some level. At least most of my bad behavior can be so categorized. I always end up having to explain and apologize so it is never a good outcome. Did it make me feel justified in the doing? Possibly. But is that ever any reason for bad behavior?
The promise? To myself and the Lord that I will try to amend my poor behavior and that I will try and discover some 'coping mechanism' to respond more proactively and less destructively. When it comes to making promises, I am most reluctant to do this if it entails a - do not every repeat - clause. The reason is that if this could escalate into violence I don't want that on my conscience. However, if I do make a promise then I try and do everything in my power to keep it. Not everyone has this particular stance, but it is mine. So if it is me who is making a promise, I want to be certain not to involve myself in something I have no control over or have no opportunity to accomplish. Therefore, my definition of 'promise' is quite specific.
Personally, my goal is to stop myself before I get to the action phase so that I am being and doing what I need and want to. So my promise is also linked to a goal that is achievable. 'Can't' has no place in goals or promises in my world of definitions. I also don't always want to be in the state of ... I will try again ... I do want to experience success. So my "I will try's" become growing and improving, learnings and understandings to become the best me I can become.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Prayer
[For me, this is the most difficult subject on which to speak. The 'why is this' is because my view about praying is probably not the typical. With that as a caution, the following is my what and how.]
To me, the beginning step is to discover my foundation, purpose regarding prayer. If I don't start with my 'first' then I'm unsure of the stability of my belief and action. Therefore: first... I believe prayer is based in relationship. What is your relationship with the Lord? Is He 'out there', your ace in the hole when you have an emergency or crisis? Are you in the process of defining your relationship and you aren't confident about it? WHO are you praying to? Is He not only Lord but also friend, someone you talk with as you go through your day? The nature of your relationship determines how/when/what your prayer life is. And the more your relationship grows... the more understanding you will have about prayer.
I also believe that your confidence that He listens, that you are heard, influences what you do and say regarding prayer. Do you believe that He will respond to everything you lift up? Equally important... do you believe He even cares? Or perhaps you'll give Him the benefit of the doubt that He cares but that He can't or won't do anything about your concern? Those are not idle questions, they go to the core of HOW you come to prayer. Your attitude is crucial!
My advice is to discover your prayer style since there really are a number of options. I'm a 'conversationalist' which would make many people very uncomfortable since it is less formal and stylized. I've never believed that the Lord was interested in how we expressed our requests; but for others, this verges on disrespect. My 'method' doesn't just bring prayer requests, though this is part and partial of the prayer time; I also talk about my day, what some of my plans are (short term as well as long), what I've discovered, what He would like to show/teach me in the day, etc. To be honest, I tend to converse with Him throughout the day though there is always the morning set time.
Prayer is a privilege. I noted in scripture how often Jesus went apart to talk with the Father. Goodness, if He felt the need, how much more did I also need to? It is a special time, a time for just the two of us to sit down and talk. Prayer is talking with the Lord - asking, seeking, knocking - but also listening to what I believe He is teaching me... and He is always showing me something new.
And yes, it is bringing the needs that I know to Him to ask Him to help (the person) find their way. It is reciting scripture that pertains to the issue that I am asking about. It is lifting up family, it is lifting up my upcoming decisions, it is life! There's the prayer of agreement (Matthew 18:19), the need to come with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), coming confidently (Hebrews 4:16) because we need, we want to be successful in praying (James 5:16). Prayer is about people and life... and it is about Him. Trying to bring honor and praise and worship to Him in the time. This only scratches the surface of prayer.
To me, the beginning step is to discover my foundation, purpose regarding prayer. If I don't start with my 'first' then I'm unsure of the stability of my belief and action. Therefore: first... I believe prayer is based in relationship. What is your relationship with the Lord? Is He 'out there', your ace in the hole when you have an emergency or crisis? Are you in the process of defining your relationship and you aren't confident about it? WHO are you praying to? Is He not only Lord but also friend, someone you talk with as you go through your day? The nature of your relationship determines how/when/what your prayer life is. And the more your relationship grows... the more understanding you will have about prayer.
I also believe that your confidence that He listens, that you are heard, influences what you do and say regarding prayer. Do you believe that He will respond to everything you lift up? Equally important... do you believe He even cares? Or perhaps you'll give Him the benefit of the doubt that He cares but that He can't or won't do anything about your concern? Those are not idle questions, they go to the core of HOW you come to prayer. Your attitude is crucial!
My advice is to discover your prayer style since there really are a number of options. I'm a 'conversationalist' which would make many people very uncomfortable since it is less formal and stylized. I've never believed that the Lord was interested in how we expressed our requests; but for others, this verges on disrespect. My 'method' doesn't just bring prayer requests, though this is part and partial of the prayer time; I also talk about my day, what some of my plans are (short term as well as long), what I've discovered, what He would like to show/teach me in the day, etc. To be honest, I tend to converse with Him throughout the day though there is always the morning set time.
Prayer is a privilege. I noted in scripture how often Jesus went apart to talk with the Father. Goodness, if He felt the need, how much more did I also need to? It is a special time, a time for just the two of us to sit down and talk. Prayer is talking with the Lord - asking, seeking, knocking - but also listening to what I believe He is teaching me... and He is always showing me something new.
And yes, it is bringing the needs that I know to Him to ask Him to help (the person) find their way. It is reciting scripture that pertains to the issue that I am asking about. It is lifting up family, it is lifting up my upcoming decisions, it is life! There's the prayer of agreement (Matthew 18:19), the need to come with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), coming confidently (Hebrews 4:16) because we need, we want to be successful in praying (James 5:16). Prayer is about people and life... and it is about Him. Trying to bring honor and praise and worship to Him in the time. This only scratches the surface of prayer.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
The world in which you live
That is a phrase I use often. Most of us know our world but likewise most of us don't fully understand our influence, opportunity in our world. Though we may not realize, WE do have the opportunity to make an important impact! Will it be risky? Will it end in folly? Is it something we have to do? Bottom line... do we know who's asking? And... what's being asked?
I will always argue that we really do want to live a meaningful life - to make a difference. I don't think anyone thinks that they want to be invisible or have no positive affect on others. So, by definition (mine) risk is an automatic component in getting up each day. I try and look for the learnings, teachings, opportunities for me to grow as I start the day. And no, I didn't always. A function of age? I think it's more a function of frame of reference - our whats, who's, whens, ifs, where's, and how's that guide is in our day. We are the ones who determine how we will respond to this.
Specifically, by remembering the Great Commission and how we interact to discover our role, we have multiple opportunities. We can each of us accomplish our role in this by acting in the world in which we live, not hiding, not compromising. Most of us aren't called to make a huge difference in the World, but I believe we all can accomplish far more than we realize...in our portion, in our world.
There are those who are glass half full and those who are glass half empty - and yes, your view makes all the difference. I remember someone saying that even if you don't believe you are equipped/prepared, that you need 'more' (fill in the blank), that when you start and take that first step, you will look back and discover you had everything you needed or the Lord provided what you lacked... when you needed it. This frame of reference provides a sense of confidence that you need to take that first step.
As I said earlier, not many of us are called to a large platform... most of us are called to the world we live in. Sometimes that can be scarier than the unknown 'world', but we all are called to be part. Read 1 Corinthians 12 until it builds up in you the confidence to act knowing that even if you do/say the 'wrong' thing that the Lord will help you to become successful in that which you are called to do. Look for your gifting, your talent and you'll undoubtedly find your call. Then all you need do is to share it in the world you are living in. Really quite simple once you think about it.
I will always argue that we really do want to live a meaningful life - to make a difference. I don't think anyone thinks that they want to be invisible or have no positive affect on others. So, by definition (mine) risk is an automatic component in getting up each day. I try and look for the learnings, teachings, opportunities for me to grow as I start the day. And no, I didn't always. A function of age? I think it's more a function of frame of reference - our whats, who's, whens, ifs, where's, and how's that guide is in our day. We are the ones who determine how we will respond to this.
Specifically, by remembering the Great Commission and how we interact to discover our role, we have multiple opportunities. We can each of us accomplish our role in this by acting in the world in which we live, not hiding, not compromising. Most of us aren't called to make a huge difference in the World, but I believe we all can accomplish far more than we realize...in our portion, in our world.
There are those who are glass half full and those who are glass half empty - and yes, your view makes all the difference. I remember someone saying that even if you don't believe you are equipped/prepared, that you need 'more' (fill in the blank), that when you start and take that first step, you will look back and discover you had everything you needed or the Lord provided what you lacked... when you needed it. This frame of reference provides a sense of confidence that you need to take that first step.
As I said earlier, not many of us are called to a large platform... most of us are called to the world we live in. Sometimes that can be scarier than the unknown 'world', but we all are called to be part. Read 1 Corinthians 12 until it builds up in you the confidence to act knowing that even if you do/say the 'wrong' thing that the Lord will help you to become successful in that which you are called to do. Look for your gifting, your talent and you'll undoubtedly find your call. Then all you need do is to share it in the world you are living in. Really quite simple once you think about it.
Monday, January 21, 2019
Caught!
There's an old saying, "...your sins will catch up with you." Undoubtedly accurate. Sometimes it feels as if we're living on tenderhooks of unrepented sins. Rather silly, isn't it? When we sinned, the Lord was with us (remember His words that He would never leave us... that included when we did/said what we shouldn't) - it really isn't new information for Him. So why hang on to those sins? Why wait until they grow, which they always do, into gargantuan proportions? Why be consumed with fear and guilt?
It is always, always simpler to recognize, because most of us are aware we sin when we sin, and to accept our responsibility and turn to the Lord. He gave us what our actions need to be [confess, repent - turn from] so that He can in turn cleanse us and restore our righteousness (1John 1:9-2:1). Do we? Sometimes yes, sometimes we drag our feet like little children caught in doing something our parents said we shouldn't. Sometimes we let the sin fester and because it is unrepented sin, we place this as a block in our relationship.
Hopefully, we all eventually come to our senses. Where are we when we aren't with the Lord? Out in the cold! Knowing that the lump in our hearts and minds is what's keeping us from being whole. Those of us who do recognize this do turn to the Lord to seek His forgiveness. Because let's face it - it is He who has been let down by us... it is He who we have betrayed. Remember His words is John 16 when Jesus was attempting to prepare His disciples for what was going to happen.
We are given so much. We are equipped, prepared and ready to become all that the Lord has for us. When we are 'caught' out in not living up to this status, many of us either become embarrassed or fearful that we've now done the unthinkable. Both states are lies, coming from the father of lies. Why believe? Is this truly an obstacle that we will use to widen the gap in our relationship? We have a way to be redeemed and made righteous. All we need do is repent. The bottom line truly is... we have always been 'caught'. The decision is - who do we want to be caught by? Our choice.
It is always, always simpler to recognize, because most of us are aware we sin when we sin, and to accept our responsibility and turn to the Lord. He gave us what our actions need to be [confess, repent - turn from] so that He can in turn cleanse us and restore our righteousness (1John 1:9-2:1). Do we? Sometimes yes, sometimes we drag our feet like little children caught in doing something our parents said we shouldn't. Sometimes we let the sin fester and because it is unrepented sin, we place this as a block in our relationship.
Hopefully, we all eventually come to our senses. Where are we when we aren't with the Lord? Out in the cold! Knowing that the lump in our hearts and minds is what's keeping us from being whole. Those of us who do recognize this do turn to the Lord to seek His forgiveness. Because let's face it - it is He who has been let down by us... it is He who we have betrayed. Remember His words is John 16 when Jesus was attempting to prepare His disciples for what was going to happen.
We are given so much. We are equipped, prepared and ready to become all that the Lord has for us. When we are 'caught' out in not living up to this status, many of us either become embarrassed or fearful that we've now done the unthinkable. Both states are lies, coming from the father of lies. Why believe? Is this truly an obstacle that we will use to widen the gap in our relationship? We have a way to be redeemed and made righteous. All we need do is repent. The bottom line truly is... we have always been 'caught'. The decision is - who do we want to be caught by? Our choice.
Friday, January 18, 2019
The little things...
The 'little' things Do make a difference! They are important! Sometimes this is what is remembered and not the beginning nor the end result. However... 'little' needs defining and what may be 'little' to one may be critical to another and of no consequences to yet another. Therefore, this requires us to look at our own personal 'little' things, our own priorities, what is important in our lives, etc. And we need to realize and not accept when our little thing is not accepted or recognized by others... and vice verse. Little things are always important!
Why my emphasis? Because I believe it is the ignoring, lack of attention, etc. of our little things that can become stumbling stones. And a pebble can do a great deal of damage and start a cascade of much larger stones if left unchecked, unanswered. When we don't attend to these little things, our emotions can become our driving force - even when we don't realize this. Do remember that the lack of attention by others of our little things can stem from the fact that we've never shared them so if they aren't significant for others, they will go unnoticed and unfilled.
An example of a little thing in my world is my love of ancestry research. Don't get me wrong. This is fun and entertaining and enlightening in the discovery about ancestors. However, it isn't critical to what I do or how I act in the day. Yet, the discoveries I've made give me understandings in some of the things I tend to be interested in and how I go about this. Is the Lord in this? Of course. He is involved in everything that I do because the point is - I always invite Him into my day and what I am about.
Perhaps a round about way of getting to the main point... Because inviting the Lord, consciously doing so, is the mindset I advocate. If you remember scripture, God walked with Adam in the cool of the morning - that was a relatively, or seemingly, small/little thing. And Jesus stopped the 'adults' from baring the children from approaching Him... and He laughed with them. That too is no little thing.
I firmly believe that the Lord doesn't want to be involved with us only in the hard times, the crises times, the desert times. Obviously, He will be with us then and will help us find a way through. But the joyeous reality is that He also enjoys being with us ALL THE TIME, which includes the fun, the joy, the happy moments. When we operated from the mindset of consciously inviting Him into the day, at the start of the day, then we enhance our day. Why not enjoy the little things with Him as well?
Why my emphasis? Because I believe it is the ignoring, lack of attention, etc. of our little things that can become stumbling stones. And a pebble can do a great deal of damage and start a cascade of much larger stones if left unchecked, unanswered. When we don't attend to these little things, our emotions can become our driving force - even when we don't realize this. Do remember that the lack of attention by others of our little things can stem from the fact that we've never shared them so if they aren't significant for others, they will go unnoticed and unfilled.
An example of a little thing in my world is my love of ancestry research. Don't get me wrong. This is fun and entertaining and enlightening in the discovery about ancestors. However, it isn't critical to what I do or how I act in the day. Yet, the discoveries I've made give me understandings in some of the things I tend to be interested in and how I go about this. Is the Lord in this? Of course. He is involved in everything that I do because the point is - I always invite Him into my day and what I am about.
Perhaps a round about way of getting to the main point... Because inviting the Lord, consciously doing so, is the mindset I advocate. If you remember scripture, God walked with Adam in the cool of the morning - that was a relatively, or seemingly, small/little thing. And Jesus stopped the 'adults' from baring the children from approaching Him... and He laughed with them. That too is no little thing.
I firmly believe that the Lord doesn't want to be involved with us only in the hard times, the crises times, the desert times. Obviously, He will be with us then and will help us find a way through. But the joyeous reality is that He also enjoys being with us ALL THE TIME, which includes the fun, the joy, the happy moments. When we operated from the mindset of consciously inviting Him into the day, at the start of the day, then we enhance our day. Why not enjoy the little things with Him as well?
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Hope and Encouragement
We all need both... daily. For me, two of the New
Testament people provide this for me - Peter and Paul. One denied the Lord, after he was the first to recognize Who Jesus was, not just once but three, count them - 3, times but went on to head the church because of his rock of confession. The other one spent much of his time persecuting the church until he was caught on the road to Damascus.
I believe that Christians, all of us, get caught up in the lies
that the devil throws at us, especially when we do or say something that we
shouldn't, recognize this, but haven't figured out what to do next. The old - 'You've really blown it this time! If you say you are a
Christian, how could you possibly do/say (fill in the blank).' Sound familiar? How debilitating, crippling! Then, if you remember nothing else, that you are not alone and this will not define who you can become.
I find that I use scripture to bring me hope (our anchor - Hebrews 6:19). We really can't be proactive nor effective in our world apart from the courage and confidence that is built upon hope. Our issue is really to determine where our hope is and on whom and its strength. Do we respond to every wind that causes us to be on shifting sand? Or do we stand firm (Ephesians 6) knowing on Whom we hope? You really can't stand apart from your hope.
The other necessary partner is encouragement. We all face those times in which everything seems dismal, that we are seemingly buffeted on all sides. Then we are tested on what and who we believe. Will we listen to all the naysayers or check to make certain we have tested the spirits (1John 4:1-6) and know that we are following where the Lord is leading? Encouragement does also come in the midst of challenge. Encouragement may or may not come from others, but should you make your final decision based on opinion? Perhaps. But look to how scripture also encourages us.
Hope and Encouragement. With them as your partners then you are truly well equipped. Besides... I am also completely convinced that if we are on the wrong path that the Lord will help us through and onto the right one. I believe He is wanting us to be successful and aids us to become all we can be.
I find that I use scripture to bring me hope (our anchor - Hebrews 6:19). We really can't be proactive nor effective in our world apart from the courage and confidence that is built upon hope. Our issue is really to determine where our hope is and on whom and its strength. Do we respond to every wind that causes us to be on shifting sand? Or do we stand firm (Ephesians 6) knowing on Whom we hope? You really can't stand apart from your hope.
The other necessary partner is encouragement. We all face those times in which everything seems dismal, that we are seemingly buffeted on all sides. Then we are tested on what and who we believe. Will we listen to all the naysayers or check to make certain we have tested the spirits (1John 4:1-6) and know that we are following where the Lord is leading? Encouragement does also come in the midst of challenge. Encouragement may or may not come from others, but should you make your final decision based on opinion? Perhaps. But look to how scripture also encourages us.
Hope and Encouragement. With them as your partners then you are truly well equipped. Besides... I am also completely convinced that if we are on the wrong path that the Lord will help us through and onto the right one. I believe He is wanting us to be successful and aids us to become all we can be.
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Just a little bit...
No such thing when it comes to your sins. There is never a little sin or sinning just a little. And don't get me started on 'just a little white lie...' There is absolutely nothing 'little; about a lie. A lie is a lie - period! Just as Sin is killing. And attempting to cover a sin with 'a little' or 'just' won't work. Sin is Sin and rephrasing it as 'missing the mark' is only self-serving.
I'm being too harsh? Really. Then you explain, not to me or others or even yourself, but to God about 'little'. Is that how you think He will excuse or overlook your words/behaviors? There are scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments that speak to God's view of sin.
"There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination
to Him; haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent
blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run
to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord
among brothers." (Proverbs 6:16-19, ESV)
"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom
But what happens when we slip. Are we doomed? Again, from His Word:
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1:9)
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness,
but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that
all should reach repentance." (2Peter 3:9)
Again... not an exhaustive list but it too indicates what our Father God wants for us and is willing to do for us to maintain fellowship. The supposed 'little' we think we are doing is unimportant proves to be the test we are given... at least in my thinking. We can't have one foot in the world and one foot in God's - we choose each moment when we are faced with challenges. We can be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) and we have a 'helper' (John 14:15) to walk with us in our world.
We are light in this dark world and we can't compromise this with... 'just a little'.
I'm being too harsh? Really. Then you explain, not to me or others or even yourself, but to God about 'little'. Is that how you think He will excuse or overlook your words/behaviors? There are scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments that speak to God's view of sin.
"There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination
to Him; haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent
blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run
to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord
among brothers." (Proverbs 6:16-19, ESV)
"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom
of God? Do not be deceived... (1Corinthians 6:9)
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your
God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does
not hear." (Isaiah 59:2)
I could go on but these scriptures do put a period to this thinking. If you have made Jesus your Lord, then you need to put these thoughts far from you because they are a delusion. The good news is that we can choose to leave sin behind and choose life. And there is no life apart from our life in Jesus. It takes acknowledging you are a sinner and in need of a Savior. It takes repentance of who you are and a willingness to change to become a child of God. It takes the knowledge and acceptance that you can't maintain what's been given you, this new person by yourself, that you need a personal relationship with the Lord.
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1:9)
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness,
but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that
all should reach repentance." (2Peter 3:9)
Again... not an exhaustive list but it too indicates what our Father God wants for us and is willing to do for us to maintain fellowship. The supposed 'little' we think we are doing is unimportant proves to be the test we are given... at least in my thinking. We can't have one foot in the world and one foot in God's - we choose each moment when we are faced with challenges. We can be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) and we have a 'helper' (John 14:15) to walk with us in our world.
We are light in this dark world and we can't compromise this with... 'just a little'.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Keeping faith in the midst of doubt
Doubt is definitely insidious. Doubt is the great enhancer of feat. It has incredible power over our thinking and acting. It causes hesitation and stagnation. And we know how fear can affect us. Point being that this is why faith is so fully explained and emphasized. It is faith that casts out fear. Faith is to light as fear is to darkness - they simply can't co-exist.
I would advise that when we find ourselves doubting that we quickly take an action against it. And I don't mean simply denying that it exists. Doubt can become a great stimulus to helping us to advance in our level of faith because it causes us to think, refine what it is we do believe. Paul Tillich once said, “Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.” Another way of looking at doubt is - don't run or deny it, use it as a basis to grow your faith.
Let me put a context to doubt... At the end of Romans 14:23 it states: "For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." Granted the first part of the verse is talking about eating, but the point about faith can't be discarded. When we consider what we believe, our 'walk', actions must be consistent with our words. We must act in faith, it truly is our only alternative. Otherwise... what proceeds from us is sin.
Another scripture that I especially like is James 1:6
"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts
is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed b;y the wind."
Our faith is incredibly important and it is evidenced in our speech and actions. But lets face it... we don't always speak or act this way. We do doubt, we have 'reservations'. That's why I've also always liked the scripture that tells us, "And have mercy on those who doubt;..." (Jude 1:22) Many of us also cry, as the father did in answering Jesus question: "I believe; help my unbelief..." (Mark 9:24, ESV).
The Bible has a plethora of scriptures related to faith, my favorite being in Hebrews (11:6). Also, it is part of the full armor of God (Ephesians 6). In this last example faith is our shield - able to quench all the fiery darts. This is powerful - we are equipped, we are able to stand. We can 'keep the faith' even in the midst of trials and temptations because faith is our defense.
I would advise that when we find ourselves doubting that we quickly take an action against it. And I don't mean simply denying that it exists. Doubt can become a great stimulus to helping us to advance in our level of faith because it causes us to think, refine what it is we do believe. Paul Tillich once said, “Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith.” Another way of looking at doubt is - don't run or deny it, use it as a basis to grow your faith.
Let me put a context to doubt... At the end of Romans 14:23 it states: "For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." Granted the first part of the verse is talking about eating, but the point about faith can't be discarded. When we consider what we believe, our 'walk', actions must be consistent with our words. We must act in faith, it truly is our only alternative. Otherwise... what proceeds from us is sin.
Another scripture that I especially like is James 1:6
"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts
is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed b;y the wind."
Our faith is incredibly important and it is evidenced in our speech and actions. But lets face it... we don't always speak or act this way. We do doubt, we have 'reservations'. That's why I've also always liked the scripture that tells us, "And have mercy on those who doubt;..." (Jude 1:22) Many of us also cry, as the father did in answering Jesus question: "I believe; help my unbelief..." (Mark 9:24, ESV).
The Bible has a plethora of scriptures related to faith, my favorite being in Hebrews (11:6). Also, it is part of the full armor of God (Ephesians 6). In this last example faith is our shield - able to quench all the fiery darts. This is powerful - we are equipped, we are able to stand. We can 'keep the faith' even in the midst of trials and temptations because faith is our defense.
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