From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Romans 5:2-3 "Through Him we have gained access by faith to the grace in which we now stand, and we boast of our hope for the glory of God. But not only that - we even boast of our afflictions! We know that affliction makes for endurance.
We're too impatient! If God doesn't speak to us in the first five minutes of our prayer time we get up, shrug it off and decide "He isn't talking today." Where's the tenacity of our Spiritual forefathers who would take hold of God in prayer and refuse to let go until they received "a sure word" from Him?
There are two things you can count on as you walk with God: trouble that works for you, and grace to stand while you're going through it. Have you been praying for patience? Get ready for trouble! There's no other way to get it. Patience grows in the soil of adversity. How do you test the strength of an anchor? Expose it to the fury of a storm.
Understand this: some of the people you can't stand right now are the very ones who'll mature you! Our problem is - we pray for things but don't recognize the answer when it comes. God has a purpose in all things, He also has a process. As you get to know Him better you begin to recognize both.
Here's how it works: you ask God for strength and He allows you to go through times of testing. You ask for wisdom and you get to deal with problems that require solutions. You ask for success and He gives you the ability to work - not necessarily harder, but smarter. You ask for favor and He gives you responsibility. Salvation is a gift, but patience is a reward for overcoming.
So stay where God has you today and learn the lessons He wants to teach you; tomorrow you'll be glad you did!
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
God Is In Control
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
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."
It would be nice if we could see the trials in our lives as options, as electives. It would be nice if we could say, "I'm going to skip the trials course."But trials are going to happen in the life of every believer. Notice that James says, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials . . . . The phrase, "various trials," could also be translated, "many-colored trials." So no two trials or experiences are necessarily alike. You will be tested. The question is, will you pass or fail?
We must remember that God never tests us without a reason. God's ultimate purpose is to conform us into the image of Jesus Christ. God wants to produce a family likeness in us. This means that some trials and testings will show us immediate results, while others will produce long term ones. In other words, there are times when I can come through a trial, look back, and say, "I learned this when I went through that experience." But then there are times when I come through a difficulty, and I can't tell you what I have learned.
But what has happened, maybe unnoticed by me, is that I have become a little bit more like Jesus. He has worked in my life to mold me and shape me into His own image. It's hard to say what has resulted sometimes. But we can know that God is in control. And His ultimate purpose is to conform us into the image of His own dear Son.
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."
It would be nice if we could see the trials in our lives as options, as electives. It would be nice if we could say, "I'm going to skip the trials course."But trials are going to happen in the life of every believer. Notice that James says, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials . . . . The phrase, "various trials," could also be translated, "many-colored trials." So no two trials or experiences are necessarily alike. You will be tested. The question is, will you pass or fail?
We must remember that God never tests us without a reason. God's ultimate purpose is to conform us into the image of Jesus Christ. God wants to produce a family likeness in us. This means that some trials and testings will show us immediate results, while others will produce long term ones. In other words, there are times when I can come through a trial, look back, and say, "I learned this when I went through that experience." But then there are times when I come through a difficulty, and I can't tell you what I have learned.
But what has happened, maybe unnoticed by me, is that I have become a little bit more like Jesus. He has worked in my life to mold me and shape me into His own image. It's hard to say what has resulted sometimes. But we can know that God is in control. And His ultimate purpose is to conform us into the image of His own dear Son.
Called To Serve Others
John 15:12 "This is My commandment: love one another as I have loved you."
The following story from Ken Blanchard's, "Leadership by the Book", illustrates the essence of what it means to serve others.
"Several years ago at the Special Olympics the nine finalists in the hundred-yard dash prepared for the start of the race. When the gun went off, these contestants with various disabilities headed down the track toward the finish line. Part way down the track, one of the competitors fell. He tried to get up, but fell again. He tried again, but without success. Finally he just lay on the track and began to sob.
"One by one the other eight contestants heard his sobbing and stopped. They all headed back toward their fallen competitor. When they got there they helped him up and all nine contestants held hands, walked down the track, and crossed the finish line together. The crowd couldn't believe it. They rose to their feet and gave a fifteen minute standing ovation.
"These young people may have been disabled physically, but they were very advanced spiritually. They knew that we're called to serve others. Go and do the same. God Bless you!"
The following story from Ken Blanchard's, "Leadership by the Book", illustrates the essence of what it means to serve others.
"Several years ago at the Special Olympics the nine finalists in the hundred-yard dash prepared for the start of the race. When the gun went off, these contestants with various disabilities headed down the track toward the finish line. Part way down the track, one of the competitors fell. He tried to get up, but fell again. He tried again, but without success. Finally he just lay on the track and began to sob.
"One by one the other eight contestants heard his sobbing and stopped. They all headed back toward their fallen competitor. When they got there they helped him up and all nine contestants held hands, walked down the track, and crossed the finish line together. The crowd couldn't believe it. They rose to their feet and gave a fifteen minute standing ovation.
"These young people may have been disabled physically, but they were very advanced spiritually. They knew that we're called to serve others. Go and do the same. God Bless you!"
Pop Quizzes
From: Greg Laurie Ministries
Psalm 25:4 "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths."
One of the first things that often comes to mind when we go through difficulties is, What have I done to deserve such a thing? But it is important for us to know that God does have lessons He wants to teach us during trials. I definitely want to learn what He is trying to teach so that He doesn't have to repeat the lesson later on.
Remember in school when the teacher would announce, "Class, today I am going to give you a pop quiz"? Those who hadn't studied weren't ready for the test.
God gives pop quizzes too. There are times when He will bring certain tests into our lives. We find a good example of this in a test Jesus gave His disciples. The multitudes came wanting to hear Him, and they were all hungry. John 6:5–6 tells us, "Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, 'Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?' But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do."
Jesus wanted to see if His disciples were learning anything. Jesus wanted them to say, "Lord, you are the Creator of the universe. You have a plan. We trust You."
God will test you because He wants you to grow up. He wants you to mature. He wants you to develop a walk with Him that is not based on your fluctuating emotions, but on your commitment to Him as you learn to walk by faith. When a crisis hits, you will see how much faith you really have.
Psalm 25:4 "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me Your paths."
One of the first things that often comes to mind when we go through difficulties is, What have I done to deserve such a thing? But it is important for us to know that God does have lessons He wants to teach us during trials. I definitely want to learn what He is trying to teach so that He doesn't have to repeat the lesson later on.
Remember in school when the teacher would announce, "Class, today I am going to give you a pop quiz"? Those who hadn't studied weren't ready for the test.
God gives pop quizzes too. There are times when He will bring certain tests into our lives. We find a good example of this in a test Jesus gave His disciples. The multitudes came wanting to hear Him, and they were all hungry. John 6:5–6 tells us, "Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, 'Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?' But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do."
Jesus wanted to see if His disciples were learning anything. Jesus wanted them to say, "Lord, you are the Creator of the universe. You have a plan. We trust You."
God will test you because He wants you to grow up. He wants you to mature. He wants you to develop a walk with Him that is not based on your fluctuating emotions, but on your commitment to Him as you learn to walk by faith. When a crisis hits, you will see how much faith you really have.
Start Where You Are
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Judges 6:12 "The Lord is with you, O champion!
If you've been under attack lately, get ready; God's about to show you what the fight is all about! The level of warfare over your life tells you what God is going to build in and through you. Sometimes the devil is more aware of who we are than we are. Gideon was hiding in a cave, afraid of the Midianites. Yet God calls him a "mighty warrior."
God sees things in you others don't; that even you don't! Our God, who is "the beginning and the end" sees things in their completed state - including your ultimate victory.
Somewhere in your life you should have a vision that humanly speaking makes no sense, something you know could never happen without God. It will take you beyond your own competency and make you realize that it's "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord" (Zechariah 4:6).
Quit asking people who they think you are. Ask God! When He endorses you what difference does their opinion make?
When God calls you He shows you what you've got, then empowers you to use it. When Gideon said, "I don't have what it takes," the Lord replied, "Go in the strength you have" (Judges 6:14), and "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites" Judges 6:16).
There's an important truth here: you must start where you are and use what you have, then God will give you more. If you're unwilling to move until you get more, you may wait forever!
Judges 6:12 "The Lord is with you, O champion!
If you've been under attack lately, get ready; God's about to show you what the fight is all about! The level of warfare over your life tells you what God is going to build in and through you. Sometimes the devil is more aware of who we are than we are. Gideon was hiding in a cave, afraid of the Midianites. Yet God calls him a "mighty warrior."
God sees things in you others don't; that even you don't! Our God, who is "the beginning and the end" sees things in their completed state - including your ultimate victory.
Somewhere in your life you should have a vision that humanly speaking makes no sense, something you know could never happen without God. It will take you beyond your own competency and make you realize that it's "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord" (Zechariah 4:6).
Quit asking people who they think you are. Ask God! When He endorses you what difference does their opinion make?
When God calls you He shows you what you've got, then empowers you to use it. When Gideon said, "I don't have what it takes," the Lord replied, "Go in the strength you have" (Judges 6:14), and "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites" Judges 6:16).
There's an important truth here: you must start where you are and use what you have, then God will give you more. If you're unwilling to move until you get more, you may wait forever!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
The Storms In Life
From: The Purpose Driven Life Ministries - Mark Kelly
Matthew 7:24-27 "Anyone who listens to My teaching and obeys Me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears My teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash."
A hurricane rages off the ocean onto land. Winds in excess of 150 mph and a powerful storm surge blast the village that sits on the beach, splintering bamboo huts and throwing the pieces in every direction. But in the midst of the destruction, one house weathers the storm intact. The difference? This house is solidly built with a foundation set down into the bedrock. The roof is gone, but not even a Category 5 storm is going to shake the foundation.
All of us know firsthand about the storms in life. Relationship problems. Financial setbacks. Betrayals of trust. Health crises. The awful consequences of bad choices. Everywhere we turn, we see lives and families destroyed by a storm. God's desire, however, is that our lives and relationships survive the storms because of a strength that fills us from within. That power is released when we step out in faith and let Jesus live his strong life in us. The switch that turns on the power is obedience.
The wise soul is someone who not only listens to what Jesus teaches but also builds his or her life on the foundation of obedience, allowing Jesus' powerful message to make a real difference. The foolish soul doesn't apply Jesus' wisdom to the way he or she lives. The difference is revealed when the storms of life rage. The person who lives by God's Word can withstand any storm.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Matthew 7:24-27 "Anyone who listens to My teaching and obeys Me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears My teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash."
A hurricane rages off the ocean onto land. Winds in excess of 150 mph and a powerful storm surge blast the village that sits on the beach, splintering bamboo huts and throwing the pieces in every direction. But in the midst of the destruction, one house weathers the storm intact. The difference? This house is solidly built with a foundation set down into the bedrock. The roof is gone, but not even a Category 5 storm is going to shake the foundation.
All of us know firsthand about the storms in life. Relationship problems. Financial setbacks. Betrayals of trust. Health crises. The awful consequences of bad choices. Everywhere we turn, we see lives and families destroyed by a storm. God's desire, however, is that our lives and relationships survive the storms because of a strength that fills us from within. That power is released when we step out in faith and let Jesus live his strong life in us. The switch that turns on the power is obedience.
The wise soul is someone who not only listens to what Jesus teaches but also builds his or her life on the foundation of obedience, allowing Jesus' powerful message to make a real difference. The foolish soul doesn't apply Jesus' wisdom to the way he or she lives. The difference is revealed when the storms of life rage. The person who lives by God's Word can withstand any storm.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Guided By His Presence
From: Paul Wallace Ministries
Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil."
One of our greatest temptations is to trust ourselves. We say, If you want it done right, do it yourself. We look to our own experiences, our own insights, our own intellect, when it is not even comparable with the infinite wisdom of God.
Why can't we trust Him to answer us in a way that is ultimately best for us? That is to place trust in His nature, in His heart. If I will not do that, I must examine why not. Either I do not believe He is who the Word declares Him to be, or I prefer to make my own decisions and be my own Lord . If I love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, I should trust Him with all my heart as well.
The Lord intricately plans all your ways. Do you see His hand? Can you see the abounding mercy? We should acknowledge His grace in our lives, and let Him reveal to us what He is up to. When we do look to His direction, the crooked paths become straight. Life becomes a wonderful interaction with our Maker. He touches the world through us, and in the process, transforms our lives.
To be wise in our own eyes is to deceive ourselves. It is refusal to acknowledge our frequent mistakes and our real condition. We desperately need the Lord for guidance and discernment.
If we think we can do it on our own, we have no fear of a just God, who, like a father, will discipline us. Shun evil by following His directions. Let each day be filled with the wonder of His presence guiding you, so that His ways become your ways.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil."
One of our greatest temptations is to trust ourselves. We say, If you want it done right, do it yourself. We look to our own experiences, our own insights, our own intellect, when it is not even comparable with the infinite wisdom of God.
Why can't we trust Him to answer us in a way that is ultimately best for us? That is to place trust in His nature, in His heart. If I will not do that, I must examine why not. Either I do not believe He is who the Word declares Him to be, or I prefer to make my own decisions and be my own Lord . If I love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, I should trust Him with all my heart as well.
The Lord intricately plans all your ways. Do you see His hand? Can you see the abounding mercy? We should acknowledge His grace in our lives, and let Him reveal to us what He is up to. When we do look to His direction, the crooked paths become straight. Life becomes a wonderful interaction with our Maker. He touches the world through us, and in the process, transforms our lives.
To be wise in our own eyes is to deceive ourselves. It is refusal to acknowledge our frequent mistakes and our real condition. We desperately need the Lord for guidance and discernment.
If we think we can do it on our own, we have no fear of a just God, who, like a father, will discipline us. Shun evil by following His directions. Let each day be filled with the wonder of His presence guiding you, so that His ways become your ways.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Monday, December 10, 2007
His Plan On His Schedule
From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens."
Just like there's a rhythm to your physical life, there's one to your spiritual life. And God determines the beat. God has a plan, and a "set… time." Sometimes He moves suddenly. But usually He has to prepare you for the changes He has in mind.
Often He'll start by loosening your grip on a career that provided security, a home you're invested in, a relationship you considered long-term. Then He gives you the passion to pursue fresh interests, and before long you're thinking, "Hold on. These dreams will never be fulfilled where I am sitting right now." Thus - the desire for change takes root!
Then comes the waiting. Why? Because it takes time for change to produce the maximum benefit. During that time God: (a) begins healing your past so it can't pollute your future; (b) expands your knowledge so you're better prepared; (c) develops your character. Even though God says, "When the time comes, I will… do all this" (Isaiah 60:22), we don't appreciate His timing until after the dust has settled.
One thing, however, is certain. When you allow God to work out His plan on His schedule, you get only His best. And remember, it's easier to know when to move if you stay in step with God and hear the beat. That sometimes means turning a deaf ear to the clamor of the outside world or the advice of well-intentioned friends. But the end results are always well worth it!
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens."
Just like there's a rhythm to your physical life, there's one to your spiritual life. And God determines the beat. God has a plan, and a "set… time." Sometimes He moves suddenly. But usually He has to prepare you for the changes He has in mind.
Often He'll start by loosening your grip on a career that provided security, a home you're invested in, a relationship you considered long-term. Then He gives you the passion to pursue fresh interests, and before long you're thinking, "Hold on. These dreams will never be fulfilled where I am sitting right now." Thus - the desire for change takes root!
Then comes the waiting. Why? Because it takes time for change to produce the maximum benefit. During that time God: (a) begins healing your past so it can't pollute your future; (b) expands your knowledge so you're better prepared; (c) develops your character. Even though God says, "When the time comes, I will… do all this" (Isaiah 60:22), we don't appreciate His timing until after the dust has settled.
One thing, however, is certain. When you allow God to work out His plan on His schedule, you get only His best. And remember, it's easier to know when to move if you stay in step with God and hear the beat. That sometimes means turning a deaf ear to the clamor of the outside world or the advice of well-intentioned friends. But the end results are always well worth it!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
His Ways Will Always Be What Is Best
From: Daily Disciples Ministries
Isaiah 55:8-9 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts higher than your thoughts."
There are times when we pray for things or persons and our prayers are answered just as we prayed them. Then, there are times when we pray and our prayers seem to go unheard, with no answer at all. God may be forcing us to wait as He tests our faith.
But what about those times when we pray about something specifically, and we clearly see God's hand in it? We pray, God leads and we are getting it. We can even see what is coming as God reveals things to us. Our faith is being increased and we are finally gaining some spiritual strength and understanding. Even though the course is tough, we are making steady progress.
And then out of the blue, something happens that changes our course so drastically that we feel the air has been knocked out of us. All of sudden, we find ourselves in a place of desolation and despair. What happened? It seemed like everything was moving along so well. It is in these moments that we all must glean a deeper understanding that God's thoughts and ways are not ours.
God is not linear or logical. God does not play by our rules. And God is never in a rush. So what do we do in those moments when we must ask certain questions? Is the Lord with me? Is He trying to hurt me, punish me, or test me? Have I done something wrong? Once again, these are very human thoughts, and are not necessarily Spirit-led.
The only thing we can do in these times of confusion and wonder is to go right back to the Lord. Maybe God is testing us. Maybe He just wants us to draw closer to Him. Maybe He wants to change our prayers. Maybe He is looking at a much bigger picture than what we see. Maybe He is trying to get us lined up with His will.
Keep one thing in mind today as you meditate on these verses. Our Lord loves us more than we can ever comprehend and everything He does is in our best interest. His main desire for us is that we are His, totally and completely. Do you feel as though God has abandoned you or maybe has just forgotten about your needs? Ask Him to help you understand more of His ways. Ask Him to open your mind to comprehend the scriptures. Go to Him, repent if you have un-confessed sin and trust that His higher ways will always be what is best.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Isaiah 55:8-9 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts higher than your thoughts."
There are times when we pray for things or persons and our prayers are answered just as we prayed them. Then, there are times when we pray and our prayers seem to go unheard, with no answer at all. God may be forcing us to wait as He tests our faith.
But what about those times when we pray about something specifically, and we clearly see God's hand in it? We pray, God leads and we are getting it. We can even see what is coming as God reveals things to us. Our faith is being increased and we are finally gaining some spiritual strength and understanding. Even though the course is tough, we are making steady progress.
And then out of the blue, something happens that changes our course so drastically that we feel the air has been knocked out of us. All of sudden, we find ourselves in a place of desolation and despair. What happened? It seemed like everything was moving along so well. It is in these moments that we all must glean a deeper understanding that God's thoughts and ways are not ours.
God is not linear or logical. God does not play by our rules. And God is never in a rush. So what do we do in those moments when we must ask certain questions? Is the Lord with me? Is He trying to hurt me, punish me, or test me? Have I done something wrong? Once again, these are very human thoughts, and are not necessarily Spirit-led.
The only thing we can do in these times of confusion and wonder is to go right back to the Lord. Maybe God is testing us. Maybe He just wants us to draw closer to Him. Maybe He wants to change our prayers. Maybe He is looking at a much bigger picture than what we see. Maybe He is trying to get us lined up with His will.
Keep one thing in mind today as you meditate on these verses. Our Lord loves us more than we can ever comprehend and everything He does is in our best interest. His main desire for us is that we are His, totally and completely. Do you feel as though God has abandoned you or maybe has just forgotten about your needs? Ask Him to help you understand more of His ways. Ask Him to open your mind to comprehend the scriptures. Go to Him, repent if you have un-confessed sin and trust that His higher ways will always be what is best.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Patience
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
Proverbs 14:29 "He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly."
It has been said that life is a test of patience. Where do you struggle with being patient?
I struggle with lines--whether it's traffic, or waiting at a restaurant. Why, I'd rather drive five miles out of the way than sit still in traffic. I get impatient with people when I'm facing a deadline and get interrupted, or when someone says they'll do something and it doesn't get done.
Where do you struggle with patience? Do you ever pray, "Lord, give me some patience, now!"
Let me suggest a few practical ways to learn patience:
1. Take a breath and pray for self-control.
2. When people anger you, if possible, retreat for a moment. Take time to back off and get control of your emotions.
3. Confront fairly, and seek to listen, understand, and where needed, forgive.
4. Remember, the greatest motive for patience is remembering God's patience with us.
Patience is a precious commodity, for it's a powerful way to win the respect of others and turn a potential enemy into a friend.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Proverbs 14:29 "He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly."
It has been said that life is a test of patience. Where do you struggle with being patient?
I struggle with lines--whether it's traffic, or waiting at a restaurant. Why, I'd rather drive five miles out of the way than sit still in traffic. I get impatient with people when I'm facing a deadline and get interrupted, or when someone says they'll do something and it doesn't get done.
Where do you struggle with patience? Do you ever pray, "Lord, give me some patience, now!"
Let me suggest a few practical ways to learn patience:
1. Take a breath and pray for self-control.
2. When people anger you, if possible, retreat for a moment. Take time to back off and get control of your emotions.
3. Confront fairly, and seek to listen, understand, and where needed, forgive.
4. Remember, the greatest motive for patience is remembering God's patience with us.
Patience is a precious commodity, for it's a powerful way to win the respect of others and turn a potential enemy into a friend.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Having The Passion For It
From: The Word For You Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Colossians 1:29 "For this I work and struggle, impelled by that energy of His which is so powerful a force within me."
Do you want God's best for your life? The path of ease won't get you there, the path of sacrifice will. It's not easy to rise early while others sleep in order to prepare for the challenge. Like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, you'll discover it's hard to find people willing to stand with you in your times of testing.
But there can be no celebration without preparation! Everybody wants success but not everybody can handle it; some would rather have tranquility. They don't like criticism and they can't take pressure.
But if you're the kind of person who isn't satisfied sitting on the sidelines - go for it! If you have the passion, the price won't stop you. Passionate people are drawn and driven toward the goal (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Some days you'll have tears in your eyes and dirt under your fingernails. But in spite of the scrapes and bruises you'll have a joy that causes you to sing at midnight like Paul and Silas, and a sense of mission that makes you cry out like Isaiah, "Lord, Here am I. Send me" (Isaiah 6:8).
Nobody said it's easy. Some days all you can do is - stand! When you cannot seem to put one foot in front of the other - stand! Realize there's never been a day that lasted forever. Don't give up and don't give in. Bite your lip, taste your tears and stand on what God has promised you. And remember, you're not operating in your own strength: "For this I work and struggle, impelled by that energy of His which is so powerful a force within me."
Colossians 1:29 "For this I work and struggle, impelled by that energy of His which is so powerful a force within me."
Do you want God's best for your life? The path of ease won't get you there, the path of sacrifice will. It's not easy to rise early while others sleep in order to prepare for the challenge. Like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, you'll discover it's hard to find people willing to stand with you in your times of testing.
But there can be no celebration without preparation! Everybody wants success but not everybody can handle it; some would rather have tranquility. They don't like criticism and they can't take pressure.
But if you're the kind of person who isn't satisfied sitting on the sidelines - go for it! If you have the passion, the price won't stop you. Passionate people are drawn and driven toward the goal (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Some days you'll have tears in your eyes and dirt under your fingernails. But in spite of the scrapes and bruises you'll have a joy that causes you to sing at midnight like Paul and Silas, and a sense of mission that makes you cry out like Isaiah, "Lord, Here am I. Send me" (Isaiah 6:8).
Nobody said it's easy. Some days all you can do is - stand! When you cannot seem to put one foot in front of the other - stand! Realize there's never been a day that lasted forever. Don't give up and don't give in. Bite your lip, taste your tears and stand on what God has promised you. And remember, you're not operating in your own strength: "For this I work and struggle, impelled by that energy of His which is so powerful a force within me."
Refuse To Be Discouraged
From: The Word For You Today - Bob Gass Ministries
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope."
Nothing shocks God or catches Him off guard. He didn't panic when Adam sinned in the Garden. He didn't freak out when the world grew so sinful that He had to send a flood to cleanse and start it over again. Sodom and Gomorrah didn't make Him gasp. When Jonah ended up inside the big fish, God wasn't thrown. That's because God always has a plan. And He's got one for your life too. It's detailed, timely, well-oiled, perfectly orchestrated, and when you fully grasp it you'll be thrilled!
But sometimes it's hard to see God's hand at work, especially when trouble's knocking on your door in the form of a diagnosis you dreaded, a runaway child, a partner who wants out of the marriage, or a financial setback you're not sure you'll survive. When the crisis you're facing makes you want to throw in the towel, remember this: our problems become God's opportunities.
He loves to transform our most costly mistakes into priceless gems of wisdom, our bruised and bleeding places into greater strength, and our deepest fears into unshakable faith - once we start seeing them as part of His master plan! Today God wants to bring His purposes to pass in your life in ways that will astonish you. So stay in step with Him, keep trusting, and refuse to be discouraged...no matter what.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope."
Nothing shocks God or catches Him off guard. He didn't panic when Adam sinned in the Garden. He didn't freak out when the world grew so sinful that He had to send a flood to cleanse and start it over again. Sodom and Gomorrah didn't make Him gasp. When Jonah ended up inside the big fish, God wasn't thrown. That's because God always has a plan. And He's got one for your life too. It's detailed, timely, well-oiled, perfectly orchestrated, and when you fully grasp it you'll be thrilled!
But sometimes it's hard to see God's hand at work, especially when trouble's knocking on your door in the form of a diagnosis you dreaded, a runaway child, a partner who wants out of the marriage, or a financial setback you're not sure you'll survive. When the crisis you're facing makes you want to throw in the towel, remember this: our problems become God's opportunities.
He loves to transform our most costly mistakes into priceless gems of wisdom, our bruised and bleeding places into greater strength, and our deepest fears into unshakable faith - once we start seeing them as part of His master plan! Today God wants to bring His purposes to pass in your life in ways that will astonish you. So stay in step with Him, keep trusting, and refuse to be discouraged...no matter what.
Thank you for visiting Christians in Agreement.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Trouble Is A Fact Of Life
From: Bryant Wright Ministries
James 1:12 "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life."
There's an Arab proverb that goes like this: "All sunshine makes for a desert." Have you ever thought of life that way?
All of us want things to go our way all the time, but we have to admit that life doesn't work like that. Hard times come. Relationships are damaged. Financial worries plague us. There are even times of war. Yes, the clouds and the storms really do come.
Jesus said, "In this world, you will have trouble." But the good news is, He didn't stop there. He also said, "Take heart. I have overcome the world." Yes, trouble is a fact of life. But Jesus has given us a means of finding victory--the real victory--even in hard times.
Won't you allow Him to provide all you need to face the good times and the bad? He's willing and able to provide triumph, even when things look the darkest. Put your trust in Jesus Christ.
James 1:12 "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life."
There's an Arab proverb that goes like this: "All sunshine makes for a desert." Have you ever thought of life that way?
All of us want things to go our way all the time, but we have to admit that life doesn't work like that. Hard times come. Relationships are damaged. Financial worries plague us. There are even times of war. Yes, the clouds and the storms really do come.
Jesus said, "In this world, you will have trouble." But the good news is, He didn't stop there. He also said, "Take heart. I have overcome the world." Yes, trouble is a fact of life. But Jesus has given us a means of finding victory--the real victory--even in hard times.
Won't you allow Him to provide all you need to face the good times and the bad? He's willing and able to provide triumph, even when things look the darkest. Put your trust in Jesus Christ.
Faith Or Doubt
From: Paul Wallace Ministries
Job 2:4-5, "Skin for skin!" Satan replied. "A man will give all he has for his own life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face."
After Job lost everything but his wife and yet retained his integrity, God asked Satan if he was now convinced of Job's love for God. Satan told God that any man would curse God if his health were taken from him. God gave permission to take his health but not his life. Job was afflicted with boils head to foot. He used a piece of broken pot to scrape the boils. Then his wife told him it was not worth it to try to remain right with God, just curse Him and die.
Sometimes we get poor advice from a spouse because they don't want to see us suffer. Eternity is of much greater value than temporal relief from pain.
Job answered her with an expression that we would do well to consider, Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? Is God only allowed to be Santa Claus? Can he never bring difficulty? Will we be so brazen as to say that we know better than God what is needed in our life? We thank Him for the things we perceive to be good, but should we not thank Him for trouble knowing He has allowed it for a purpose ?
Job did not sin with his mouth. His heart may have been beginning to question, but his testimony remained solid. Here too, we can take a tip from Job.
Be most careful of what you express to others during difficult times. We can teach them to have faith in God, or to doubt God. Our response is a witness that can encourage faith or doubt . It is at these times that we are most tempted to let the wrong expressions slip from our lips as we seek sympathy from those around us. We want them to feel our pain.
Remember: No one feels our pain like our Great High Priest, Jesus. Take your expressions of pain to Him in prayer. His Holy Spirit is the Comforter.
Job 2:4-5, "Skin for skin!" Satan replied. "A man will give all he has for his own life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face."
After Job lost everything but his wife and yet retained his integrity, God asked Satan if he was now convinced of Job's love for God. Satan told God that any man would curse God if his health were taken from him. God gave permission to take his health but not his life. Job was afflicted with boils head to foot. He used a piece of broken pot to scrape the boils. Then his wife told him it was not worth it to try to remain right with God, just curse Him and die.
Sometimes we get poor advice from a spouse because they don't want to see us suffer. Eternity is of much greater value than temporal relief from pain.
Job answered her with an expression that we would do well to consider, Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? Is God only allowed to be Santa Claus? Can he never bring difficulty? Will we be so brazen as to say that we know better than God what is needed in our life? We thank Him for the things we perceive to be good, but should we not thank Him for trouble knowing He has allowed it for a purpose ?
Job did not sin with his mouth. His heart may have been beginning to question, but his testimony remained solid. Here too, we can take a tip from Job.
Be most careful of what you express to others during difficult times. We can teach them to have faith in God, or to doubt God. Our response is a witness that can encourage faith or doubt . It is at these times that we are most tempted to let the wrong expressions slip from our lips as we seek sympathy from those around us. We want them to feel our pain.
Remember: No one feels our pain like our Great High Priest, Jesus. Take your expressions of pain to Him in prayer. His Holy Spirit is the Comforter.
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