It is easy to follow Christ and focus on His Presence when everything is going well. But what happens when tough times come your way? Although your world may be shaken to the core, Jesus still offers Peace, Light and Joy. If we can take our eyes off our troubles long enough to see God at work in our lives, we will find that the hard times ... times when we need the most help ... are when our faith is strengthen and our trust can grow.
When we face trails and temptations, we can find comfort in such scriptures as Matthew 11:28-29, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Sometimes we need correction. Sometimes we're headed in the wrong direction. Yet Jesus always provides a way out. Keep Him at the center of your life and everything else will fall into place. Who else can offer such a promise?
Don't give up when the going gets tough. Hebrews 10:35-36 warns us, "Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised."
If you face hard decisions or life seems particularly difficult today, keep your focus on Jesus: bathe in His Peace. Be glad that He is offering you the opportunity to build character and develop greater faith in the hard times.
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Follow Jesus One Step at a Time
Not only is walking with Jesus one step at a time all that He asks, it is the only safe way to walk through this world. Why is this such a difficult concept to accept? Why do was want to see ahead? Why do we want to rush head-long into the future? When we take our eyes off Jesus and see the looming mountain ahead, we become discouraged, even fearful. We start worrying about how we are ever going to climb that mountain (whatever your mountain: debts, poor health, failed relationships). If you're not keeping your focus on just this one step ahead, you're likely to stumble and fall.
When we fall, Jesus will pick us up, dust us off, and remind us to follow Him just one step at a time. Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading us away from that mountain. There may be an easier way us the mountain ... one that is not visible to us right now. Or even if God does lead us up our own special mountain, He will never leave our side. Psalm 91:11-12 promises us, "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone."
With Jesus beside us and angels around us, we are not going to fall or even hit our foot on a rock along the way.
II Corinthians 5:7 says, "for we walk by faith, not by sight ..." Jesus sees the path ahead ... we don't. Trust Him to guide you. Take courage and have faith. You will never regret following Jesus one step at a time.
When we fall, Jesus will pick us up, dust us off, and remind us to follow Him just one step at a time. Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading us away from that mountain. There may be an easier way us the mountain ... one that is not visible to us right now. Or even if God does lead us up our own special mountain, He will never leave our side. Psalm 91:11-12 promises us, "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone."
With Jesus beside us and angels around us, we are not going to fall or even hit our foot on a rock along the way.
II Corinthians 5:7 says, "for we walk by faith, not by sight ..." Jesus sees the path ahead ... we don't. Trust Him to guide you. Take courage and have faith. You will never regret following Jesus one step at a time.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
What Occupies Your Mind the Most Becomes Your God
God's first commandment is to have no other gods before Him. (Exodus 20:3) When we take our minds off of God, to place them on other things, we are replacing the real God with sad imposters. Some people worship their bodies: all they think about is calories and workouts and abs. Some people worship their families: they become overly anxious about the family welfare. And of course, some worship money and possessions. They spend all of their energy on gaining wealth and shopping. But strangely enough even worries, if indulged, develop into idols. Anxiety can gain a life of its own. Fear can infest your mind.
You can break free of these false gods by bringing your attention back to God: to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Affirm your trust in Him and refresh yourself in His presence. Put your faith in the eternal. Remember Matthew 17:20, "...If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you."
What goes on in your mind is invisible to others but plain to God. He searches your thoughts, hoping to find signs that you are putting your trust in Him. Don't worship at the altar of any other earth-bound god. Guard your thoughts ... stay close to your Creator.
You can break free of these false gods by bringing your attention back to God: to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Affirm your trust in Him and refresh yourself in His presence. Put your faith in the eternal. Remember Matthew 17:20, "...If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you."
What goes on in your mind is invisible to others but plain to God. He searches your thoughts, hoping to find signs that you are putting your trust in Him. Don't worship at the altar of any other earth-bound god. Guard your thoughts ... stay close to your Creator.
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