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Hope Grows

22 May

Hope Grows

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Paul writes in the latter stages of Chapter 4 of both the troubles we will face, and that the size of them, in the bigger picture of eternity. He speaks of the power of Christ living in us; the strength that comes from that hope and promise of eternal life in Christ. How no matter what this world throws at us, we will have victory in Him. 4:8 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We are not promised a life of ease, but we are promised eternal life in heaven with the One whom created life. The strength found in that hope, is the strength to face anything the day may bring.

At your core you have a crutch you go to when you need help. It may cause you to be an introvert, handling your problems alone on the false power of your pride. It may sadly be a substance to numb the pain, or a habit to hide from it. It may be any means of escape, but there is only One who can carry the load and provide the hope that will get you through it; Jesus Christ. There are many right now after the horrific tornado in Oklahoma that are seeking comfort and hope. I pray that in all of this their faith grows in Christ. Even in, and through all of this pain, God can be glorified and draw others to himself. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

It is in the normality that your heart is prepared for the trial. It is in the daily time with God that you are strengthened for the attack that will come. You prepare for war, by preparing for battle. You spend daily time with God developing an understanding of God by the revelation He reveals. He opens your eyes to a faith that only the heart understands. 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. The more time you spend in the pursuit of Him, the more He reveals himself to you, and the stronger your faith becomes. The stronger your faith becomes, the greater your hope becomes, and with that hope comes understanding of the trials you will face. They ALL are only temporary, and they all can point you, and draw you closer to the One you will spend eternity with.

 
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Posted by on May 22, 2013 in Daily Devotions

 

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Muddy Dirt Roads

23 Feb

My family is in the middle of a large trial with many facets. We are not promised a life full of roses as Christians, and far from it to be honest. It is the people of this world, whom live in and for the world, that live the life of ease. If you are suffering, it may be an honor to Christ in how you respond. But it also may not be. Sit back and look at your situation, and pray for God to reveal why and where you are there. Respond how you feel Christ would.

 

 

 

Muddy Dirt Roads

James 1:2-4   My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

There is only one place with streets paved of gold. There is only heavenly eternal paradise in our lives with Christ after our short time here. Now is a difficult walk, full of various trials, various tests, various hardships that we are called to endure. Think of the story of Job, whom was living a Godly life, and God was so proud He let Satan test him for He knew Job would not fail. When we are pressed during these trials, what is truly inside us comes out. If we have been seeking God and spending time in His Word, the peace that goes against the worldly grain emerges. If we have not, then our worldly spirit spills forth as they are expected. Where we invest ourselves will always rise to the top when the heat is applied. How do you respond?

1 Peter 1:6-8  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom you have not seen you love. You will honor Christ by your response to what you are facing. How can they not “lash out” as everyone else does? How come they don’t act as others do? You can possess something that the world does not comprehend. You can possess something that the world cannot take away. They will want what you possess, for they do not understand the hope that you have within you. Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Faith and Hope are in dwelt in your soul, and no trial you must endure can take away that security that only Christ provides for eternal paradise with Him. These things are temporary.

 
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Posted by on February 23, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Fatherly Rebuke

04 Feb

Fatherly Rebuke

Hebrews 12:6    6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”

Chapter 11 in Hebrews is the chapter of the heros of faith such as Moses and Abraham. It speaks of all those in the Old Testament that both suffered, and or persevered through their faith. Then as we go into Chapter 12, it speaks of the sufferings we may also face as a child of God.  “For consider Him (Christ) who endured such hostility….lest you become weary and discouraged” (vs.3). God is the perfect Father whom both will reward and discipline. He is truly our role model as fathers ourselves, but we simply cannot hold to His standards. We are more concerned with being our children’s friends, than our children’s parents.

Some come to faith, as a means of escaping the woes of this world. They have been told that once they become Christians, life will be easy. But if we accept that God is our Father, we must accept the rebuke of Him. Because He is just, He only could not rebuke perfection, and the only perfection that has walked this earth, was His Son, that was sent here to die for our sins. “But if you are without chastening, of which you all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate, and not sons.” (vs. 8). That is a scary verse if you come to faith on those grounds, and continue to sin, living a life of ease without rebuke. Matthew Henry said “to go on in sin without a rebuke is a sad sing of alienation from God.” Proverbs 3:11-12  “ My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction;  For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights”. Be thankful when God convicts you, and punishes you for a sin, for you have the security that you are a child of His.

 
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Posted by on February 4, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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