"Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life." - Sarah Young, "Jesus Calling"
Why do we think we deserve a life without struggles and worries? We don't. It's inevitable to face problems each and every day. We want the answers to all our problems. Yes, Jesus comes to comfort us in times of need, but that doesn't mean that once you accept Christ into your life that all your problems go away. If you thinking this way, you have false hope of something that will never be.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33
Christ came down to this earth and overcame the world - and it wasn't easy! He was teased, mocked and rejected by many. More than many. And we think that we feel left-out?
Don't count on have a problem-free life on earth, but instead, look forward to a problem-free life in heaven! You are seeking a perfect world and a perfect life. Instead, focus all your energy into seeking the Perfect One.
And remember, it is possible to rejoice in the Lord in the struggles and worries. Doesn't light shine most brightly when it is shone in the dark? Light a candle in a dark room and see how bright it shines! We are to "declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness and into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9). He is brighter than an darkness we will face!
When circumstances don't seem to be going your way, trust God anyway. He is much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
How GREAT is Our God
This week we have been challenged to read a scripture passage each day.
Today I am starting with Psalm 119: 1-16 (New International Version).
1 [a] Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
By living according to your word.
The psalmist in this passage was not suffering, but was offering up praises to the Lord! He was not ashamed of what he believed. In fact, he declares, "I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. (v. 11-12). "
Let's devote ourselves to the God who has given us life and breath, and everything in-between. Let us seek Him with all our hearts and let us keep His commandments. The psalmist reveals the secret to our success during these times: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word (v. 9)" It's really that simple? Indeed it is.
We don't have to feel ashamed or guilty for things that have happened yesterday, or last week, or even last year. Why carry around that burden?
Donald Miller says in Blue Like Jazz: "The ability to accept God's unconditional grace and ferocious love is all the fuel we need to obey Him in return." In case you didn't already realize this, unconditional is another word for without condition. Meaning, whatever is going on in your life, whatever struggles you have or sins you have committed, He is begging you to run after Him.
So run after Him today. Praise Him for all He has given you. I think you will be delightfully surprised of how great our God really is.
Today I am starting with Psalm 119: 1-16 (New International Version).
1 [a] Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.
3 They do nothing wrong;
they walk in his ways.
4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
The psalmist in this passage was not suffering, but was offering up praises to the Lord! He was not ashamed of what he believed. In fact, he declares, "I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. (v. 11-12). "
Let's devote ourselves to the God who has given us life and breath, and everything in-between. Let us seek Him with all our hearts and let us keep His commandments. The psalmist reveals the secret to our success during these times: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word (v. 9)" It's really that simple? Indeed it is.
We don't have to feel ashamed or guilty for things that have happened yesterday, or last week, or even last year. Why carry around that burden?
Donald Miller says in Blue Like Jazz: "The ability to accept God's unconditional grace and ferocious love is all the fuel we need to obey Him in return." In case you didn't already realize this, unconditional is another word for without condition. Meaning, whatever is going on in your life, whatever struggles you have or sins you have committed, He is begging you to run after Him.
So run after Him today. Praise Him for all He has given you. I think you will be delightfully surprised of how great our God really is.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
