In what area of your life do you need to experience God’s love today? Is it in every aspect of your life? What are you facing?
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5: 3-5
What are you having to deal with?
Christian, when was the last time you witnessed someone up close and personal.. experiencing great JOY in the midst of a trial?
The Bible doesn’t promise us a life of ease, of never ending comfort free of all challenges, pain or trials. He suffered and we too will suffer at times in the will of God, but He will be with you and help you get through it.
Christian, when was the last time you witnessed someone up close and personal.. experiencing great JOY in the midst of a trial?
The Bible doesn’t promise us a life of ease, of never ending comfort free of all challenges, pain or trials. He suffered and we too will suffer at times in the will of God, but He will be with you and help you get through it.
The Apostle Paul faced tremendous trials and grief – experienced peace and joy out there on the sea. God helped him get to where he needed to be.
Paul was shipwrecked, abandoned, beaten, and imprisoned many times as he shared the truth of Jesus Christ with others. Yet, in his grief and trials, he continued to worship and praise God and inspire others.
Typically, what does a person want while gettin' through a tough journey?
The lukewarm carnal believer, the cold lost person and the red hot spiritual believer.. will all respond differently to challenges and what is going on around them. Which temperature are you spiritually? Who in the Bible was unlike on-fire Paul when they weren't feeling good inside? How about religious King Saul in the Old Testament, or Judas in the New Testament who betrayed the Lord.
People typically desire relief from the pain, more benefits, some servants, more attention, a better position perhaps, respect, comfort, zero problems, suffering or trials.
People typically desire relief from the pain, more benefits, some servants, more attention, a better position perhaps, respect, comfort, zero problems, suffering or trials.
Remember in the Gospels the dude who wasn't feelin' so good after sellin' out his sinless Friend? How did he deal with that.. did it repent and receive forgiveness?
“But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?'” Luke 22:48
“But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?'” Luke 22:48
God will forgive any of us sinners if we will simply turn to Him with honesty. But it's hard for hardhearted, stubborn, proud and religious folk to admit when they are wrong. Repentance has to do with humility and getting real with a real situation. Pride is easier than humble.. in the minds of many. People of the world typically want to be first, and feel they deserve to be... and they lust after better perks. They want to be groundlessly promoted… will even promote themselves and will tell you why they are important.
They want power, provision, and good solace. They want to be "high profile” and to be recognized as a big-shot.. want prosperity, a bigger office with a view, want many public accolades, want pleasure and influential worldly connections…… but Jesus tells you and me to be a servant. He was. Wise!
Are you not yet sure you know Christ in a personal way. You can be.
Are you not yet sure you know Christ in a personal way. You can be.
Christian, choose to be humble and practical looking to God to meet all your needs. Know the whole counsel of God, with discernment and with His insight. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?“ Matt. 16:26
Wanna hold the money box? Want to be top dog? Want independence minus accountability?
Got a trial in your life. Be childlike..honest with God about how you feel and what you're going through.. childlike but not childish. Keep it simple and to the point. Your Father understands and he can use you.
Choose to be a good example (even if it looks like you're not going to make it), discerning, a good steward. God will finish what He started in you. When you run into things you don't understand, fall back on what you know is true. He loves you and has a plan. It's okay to ask God. He might not answer, doesn't have to. He will sometimes. It's not owed to us. Turn and trust Him anyway.
"Judas had the money box..” to buy stuff. Didn’t help him be better. John 13:29 Facebook.com/shareJesus
