So often life seems to be like an ocean of perpetual trouble. Wave after wave and swell after swell all amounts to a persistent hardship. As the trials and temptations come, we always find ourselves within a heartbeat or two of either victory or defeat.
If you are like me you have asked God on a number of occasions- why all the tests? I have even answered my own question with; because you are such a sinner, that’s why! As if this is to bring any comfort to my situation, right?
We know however that God is good, and that there is nothing He will withhold from those who walk uprightly. Even the super saints better known as the Apostles had difficulties. This should be a great comfort to us in whatever we face today.
In the text before us, we read that the afflictions pressed so gravely against the Apostles and their companions that life became grievous. Satan hindered their work, all the while men scourge and beat them for the good news. What a day job, huh?
In suffering, we tend to hold on to any type of good news, especially when it comes as a result from the cause of our suffering.
Such was the case with Paul and the believers in Thessalonica.
Paul had sent Timothy to them only to find out that they were holding firm to their faith. This good news seemed to overshadow Paul’s dark imprisonment.
Nothing hurts the inner man more deeply then hearing that one of our brothers or sisters have given up on the race and have turned their backs on Christ. However, nothing brings more joy to our weary heart knowing that our brothers and sisters whom we may have lost contact with over time are still running, enduring and trusting. This makes our joy complete.
Standing firm in our faith can only be attributed to persevering in the effectual call provided by the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, we have personal responsibility to follow hard, and to abide. Ask God to strengthen your grip today.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
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We exit 1 Thess. two with one last thought found in V.13.
When the true believers recieved the Word of God as truth and not from man, it found it's way into their heart only to work it's self out powerfully.
There is a lot nonsense in the world today.It would be hard pressed to number all of the philosophies, ideal's, and religions that dominate societies culture. It is almost as if the world is spinning in circles with so many belief systems, all of which point a way to some form of life or tranquility, or promise.
The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3 that God has placed eternity into the hearts of man. This explains that man's great search began from the point of conception.
One man once said that every road leads to God, but only one road leads to heaven.
The Apostles had truth. The Apostles spoke truth, and desired only to be pleasing to God while doing so. Thankfully, the truth prevailed powerfully into the hearts that would recieve it, but not to everyone.
When one believes in the inspired Word of God, they become infused with the knowledge of truth, then powerfully transformed into the image of God through a process called sanctification. The truth of God is the cause for the transformation, and, one cannot not bear fruit if undertaken by it's power.
Seek to tap into Gods Word today and allow it to drive you into His presence. At that very moment you will find, like the believers in Thessalonica, a powerful transforming process begin in your heart, that will never dissappoint.
Tap In...
When the true believers recieved the Word of God as truth and not from man, it found it's way into their heart only to work it's self out powerfully.
There is a lot nonsense in the world today.It would be hard pressed to number all of the philosophies, ideal's, and religions that dominate societies culture. It is almost as if the world is spinning in circles with so many belief systems, all of which point a way to some form of life or tranquility, or promise.
The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3 that God has placed eternity into the hearts of man. This explains that man's great search began from the point of conception.
One man once said that every road leads to God, but only one road leads to heaven.
The Apostles had truth. The Apostles spoke truth, and desired only to be pleasing to God while doing so. Thankfully, the truth prevailed powerfully into the hearts that would recieve it, but not to everyone.
When one believes in the inspired Word of God, they become infused with the knowledge of truth, then powerfully transformed into the image of God through a process called sanctification. The truth of God is the cause for the transformation, and, one cannot not bear fruit if undertaken by it's power.
Seek to tap into Gods Word today and allow it to drive you into His presence. At that very moment you will find, like the believers in Thessalonica, a powerful transforming process begin in your heart, that will never dissappoint.
Tap In...
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