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This morning I am dealing with the thought that I have, at some time, doubted that Jesus could help me, or do some other thing. I fear that I Might have stood at the well with Him and said... "Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep:"

When I am called by God do I respond with reservation in my voice? Do I tremble as I step forward? Or, does my fear for self prohibit me from stepping forward at all? These are the things I contemplate this morning.

My wife used to say that I could easily pick up the life of a hermit. I have to admit that over the years I have been tempted on occasion to withdraw to a place where all I needed to survive would be food, shelter, and God, but is a monastic life why God sent Jesus to die for us? I don't think so.

Today I am going to give a speech before my company on humility, service, and being a servant manager and employee. What better day to contemplate our servant role in faith, and the lessons that Jesus taught us in this regard. Let's listen to His words:

I was reading my devotional this morning and read something that set me back. As I thought about it, I realized that it was true... what I read was a statement regarding man's fear that God might fail. Oswald Chambers said it in this way:

I am wondering about my displays of love for God this morning. Have I ever thrown caution to the wind and done something totally outlandish and bold for Him... just because? Have I left behind my more stoic religious faith and loved Him purely from my heart?

The mundane acts of life... do they drag you down or define your faith? Moreover, are they mundane at all, or just the day to day living of a life of faith?

Are you sleeping through the major opportunities and events in your life and faith? In doing so, do you regret and despair over lost opportunity? As we consider this today, let's also realize that the time we have to do these things is short and the timing of them unforgiving.

Are you depressed about something this morning? Do you feel that the Lord has backed away or allowed some tragedy to befall you? If so you are not alone. This has happened Throughout the Bible, and in my own life, but there is a word of wisdom for you this morning... just keep living.

Is God calling you to greater things but you just can't seem to join Him in the effort? Is the Holy Spirit moving on you in a powerful way, but you can't seem to be able to bring that movement to the point where it bears fruit? This is our contemplation this morning.

What happens when our faith is at risk? Have you ever contemplated the effect that we have on those around us when we slip into negative behavior or sin? How about the impact we have on our church? Heaven? Even though our Christian walk seems totally personal... it isn't. Our faith has a ripple effect that touches all those around us, and beyond.

I am sitting in my prayer chair sipping on a cup of Dark English Breakfast Tea in the pre-dawn grey; having prayed, read my morning devotional and scripture. The house is still, as am I, and the spirit is swirling about me with a sweet peacefulness. This is the time of day that I can hear the Lord without distraction.

This morning I am contemplating how well I hear the Lord's voice. I know that I hear it often, but do I hear everything He says to me; or do I always recognize His voice? I recall Samuel being awakened by God calling his name in the night. Samuel, who from birth was Nazarite, dedicated to God, and who would be a great prophet... didn't recognize the voice he was hearing. It wasn't until Eli told him how to respond that he said...

Father, call me to follow you in my youth, and again in the old age of my faith. Lead me between these calls and reveal yourself to me with every breath I take and every prayer I utter. Lord I thank you and praise you always for your provision and forgiveness. I am humbled by my failings but even more by your understanding and ever present love.