Miserable People and the Faithful

Earlier tonight, I was battling within myself my current Deal family situation, then eventually to the boyfriend. My freight-train of thought brought up all kinds of less than pleasant memories of a past experience I had with them that was similar to the just-in news I got this morning about them. However, this time they aren't using 15-year-old LeeAnna. I wish it was the case and that it was me instead, just like before. I really do. On the bitter contrary, they are using somebody much less able to hold their own than myself. My soft-hearted introverted nine year old brother Benjamin has been made a spectacle of thanks to our 'loving, caring, and concerned' excuse of a family.
Perhaps you could say I'm be being a bit disrespectful when talking about my blood relatives. However, I'm not sure how much a a relative you can still be after 2 years of being ignored and irrationally disowned. I'm not bitter, I'm sad. They are a clump of very miserable people. Miserable people find success in nothing other than bringing others down below them, so that not only are they comparatively "less" miserable, but they are able to place the blame for their misery somewhere other than themselves. What's even worse is rich miserable people, because in society money comes with power.

Miserable people live to make other innocent people miserable.
The more power they have, the easier it is to make innocent people miserable.
Rich people have more power.
___________________________________________
:. Rich miserable people have more power and resources to bring down the innocent.
(Granted, I through in the variable "resources," but its still true.)

I cautiously approached the dead land of MySpace tonight, revisiting my old blog posts. I wrote one just before my grandparents severed our relationship. I had a serious infection at the time that I was having treated. It was difficult and honestly quite painful. But, you know, I was super duper wise back then and I wrote some pretty touching stuff. Okay, maybe not super wise. But as they say, when the goings get tough, the tough get going. Well, I certainly sounded brave, at least.

The note I wrote was about faith. But don't let the stereotypical Christian word 'faith' fool you. Faith is a very heavy serious matter. It can be the difference between life and death.

I'm going to recap some of the thoughts I captured in my old note here.

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
The New Testament book of Hebrews contains one of the most astounding compiled records of all time: a record of miracles that were the consequence of acts of faith.

"I have come to see that healing is a process, not an event." I was right to realize this. Miracles aren't always instantaneous. "May He clearly show us the right answers to our problems, so we my glorify Him in our resolutions!" Amen. Part of having faith in God is giving Him the glory for the miracles. What kind of faithful servant then points to himself after only his faith in God proceeded into a miracle. Why, that's not faith at all.

The fact that the faith of a mustard seed can move a mountain also reminds us that when that mountain moves its really not because of our great measure of faith. Our faith can't take credit. We can't brag about our great faith because we moved a mountain, for it will be obvious your faith comparable to a mustard seed was not what moved the mountain.

Faith isn't magic work. Its not just believing fundamental principles about God's existence and His creation. Its much more personal. And however seed-like it may be, it is a very important part of survival in a very sin-ridden world.

HEB 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

ISA 26:2 Open the gates
that the righteous nation may enter,
the nation that keeps faith.

MT 8:26 He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

MT 9:2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven."

MT 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.

MT 9:29 Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"

MT 13:58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.


MT 15:28 Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.


MT 21:21 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ..Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

LK 7:50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

HEB 12: 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

HEB 13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

JUDE 1:20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.