Trials Bring Us Closer to God

"Trouble is one of God's great servants because it reminds us how much we continually need the Lord." - Jim Cymbala

Can you think of anyone who has never experienced troubles in their life? I know that I can't! We all pass through trials of one type or another. Some may be smaller than others, or last longer than others; some may even encounter trials more frequently than others.

One thing is certain: trials are natural to us. And no matter what kind of trial we undergo, it is a very personal matter to us. Maybe that's why so many look up to the sky, raise their arm in anger and frustration, and shake their fist, asking, "Why me, Lord?"

You are correct in assuming it is personal between God and you...because it is! But, not in the way you think. First, just because you've been thrown a curve ball in life doesn't mean that God has labeled you an evil, wicked person. It's not like that at all.

In addition, it doesn't mean that God is irritated, or annoyed with you over something. It's quite the opposite, actually. God loves each of us as any loving and caring parent would love their child. And, like any such parent, they correct their child if they are going in a different or undesirable direction (Psalm 119:67).

We prune fruit trees in our yards to promote good growth and fruit (at least we should). This is similar to what God does to his children when he sends troubles to them. I know it may sound mean, especially when this happens to someone who is doing pretty good, but it is necessary to promote good spiritual growth and results (Genesis 42:21).

You see, we all sin. These troubles are punishments for our sin. We can think of our trials as reminders of our sins. A wayward child who displays unacceptable behavior, needs correction and redirection. They need to be shown the error of their ways. Not to be mean or malicious, but because you love them so, and want only the best for them (Hosea 2:6).

Obviously, you and I need a lot of work to get to the point where God would like us to be. So, we will endure many trials. However, it's important that we learn something from every trial we face. I can't list everything I can think of here, but let me share some possible explanations for our trials.

God wants to steer us to repentance. We all veer off the road every now and then with sin. God helps direct us back. God wants to keep us from sin. Nothing like a barrier to keep us out of sin. God wants to humble us. We are proud, vain creatures. When things are going right, we tend to get cocky. We need a good dose of humility now and then.

God wants to make us more holy. Sin causes a dirty, build-up on our soul. Trials scrub it away, renewing our inner selves. God wants to separate us from the world. Even the best of us can get too attached to worldly possessions and ways. Trials serve to remind us where our hearts should really be.

Hopefully, you can see that God has a goal for sending trials our way. His intentions are always good, though at the time it may not seem so to you or I. Our trials, or afflictions are necessary to bring about the harvest of God's glory. In the end, we are all better off for meeting them.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Romans 8:28; 1 John 4:18; 2 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 12:6

Prayer: Dear Jesus, You send trials our way not in anger, but to show us the errors of ways and to learn that there are no shortcuts to You. May I always keep this thought in my heart. Amen

May God bless you all!

Kasey

Video - Natalie Grant Helps Women Find Their Voice

We can all...find out who Jesus wants us to be... find our voice in first understanding His voice over our lives. And, have a greater understanding of who we are in Christ. Christian singer Natalie Grant talks about her journey to finding her calling, and encourages women to live out their God-given passions in her book, Finding Your Voice. Definitely worth a view!   ~Eve

You Are A Unique Creation of God - Part 2

"Daily living by faith on Christ is what makes the difference between the sickly and the healthy Christian, between the defeated and the victorious saint." - A. W. Pink

When last we met, we discussed how God not only created us as individuals, but desires "individuality" in all of us. He wants so much more for us than to be indistinguishable from one another. Had he wanted us all to be exactly alike he certainly had the power to do so.

But it's not enough simply to be different from one another. Who we are must be based on becoming the best person that we can be for God, rather than what we can gain for ourselves. Naturally, this will require some effort on our part. Thankfully, we have been given some guidance on this by Him.

Previously, we examined some ways in which each of us can become our own person in God. Let's briefly review these before we continue on. First, think what God wants YOU to think. Think positive, and nurturing thoughts. Help develop these thoughts by thinking of God often. Ask for guidance if you need it.

Second, see what God wants you to see. This means to open your eyes, look for good in others and remember...no one is perfect. Also, look for ways to help when you can. Let God open your eyes to the many opportunities in which we may serve, no matter how challenging it may seem.

Third, we must take a cue from Jesus and listen compassionately to the cries of the sinful, suffering and sorrowful. We need to step away from all of the ruckus that surrounds us from various sources, especially the media, and give our minds and ears a break. Only then will we hear what God wants us to hear.

The stage has now been set for this week. Here are some final items to help in our endeavors to become truly in tune with God. Let's begin with words. Not just any words, but harsh, unkind words. The critical, hurtful words that have no place in the Christian conversation.

Unfortunately, it's much too easy to engage in this type of malicious behavior. We must learn to say what God wants us to say. Instead, use words of love, faith, comfort, understanding, and forgiveness as he did. Let Jesus Christ speak through you (Luke 6:45).

We have all been guilty of becoming ensnared in our own selfish pursuits, thus neglecting God. It is critically important that we create room in our lives for God. He must be our A-1, top-priority (Colossians 1:18). This is doing what God wants you and I to do.

And finally, in our highly mobile society we are constantly on the go from here to there. Most of this movement is directed toward our selfish pleasures and obtainment. Christians should go for God instead. Start with His house to worship and the homes of others to witness (John 15:16).

God will provide direction as to whom and where. All you need to do is ask Him (Isaiah 48:17). We must go where God wants us to go. I hope that these two messages have provided some ideas, clarity and guidance that will help you become the best person God wants you to be. God bless you!

Scripture: Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 30:21; Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 73:23-24

Prayer: Dear Lord, guide my steps and light my way, that I may become the best person that You want me to be. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Gretchen

Life May Change...But Not Christ!

"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have." -Margaret Mead

There is hardly anyone among us who isn't aware of the turmoil going on around the world. People seem to be on edge; looking for something, perhaps anything, that they can grab hold of that might calm their restlessness. Maybe even you are experiencing this feeling at this very moment!

Strife, uneasiness, fear, anger, resentment, and the like, are nothing new. They've existed as long as humans have walked this earth. This can be the result of long-standing dissatisfaction with the status quo. Or, perhaps when something new and different is introduced and is misunderstood.

Jesus Christ was very familiar with this. During his short, earthly life he experienced the gamut of human feelings and emotions, both good and bad. Throughout his journeys, as he preached, there were a lot of folks who just didn't know what to make of him.

Even all of the miracles he performed weren't enough to convince everyone about his real identity. You see, much like that old Bob Dylan folk song, "The Times They Are A Changin'," the times really were changing. Only many couldn't see it, or just didn't want things to change.

Change is not easily accepted by everyone for the simple reason that some like things just the way they are. I'll be the first to admit that not all change is good. But, sometimes it's necessary to give things a little nudge forward in a positive way (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

One of the downsides of change is not everyone benefits. What may be good for some, may not be for another. It's the result of cause and effect. However, I need to clarify that this only applies to the changes that we initiate. God is immutable, or unchangeable. The Son of God possesses this same immutability (Hebrews 13:8; Malachi 3:6).

Christ's message of unconditional love, both loving the Lord your God and your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39) has not changed. As you can see, a good portion of us still haven't gotten the message. Jesus knows us so well, he knew that this message would take time to sink in. Thankfully, he is as infinitely patient as he is gracious, loving, and merciful (Titus 3:5).

Scripture: Joshua 1:9; Jeremiah 29:11; Deuteronomy 31:6; John 1:3

Prayer: Dear Jesus, though changes can sometimes cause my life to be a confused jumble, I know that I can always trust in You to keep me grounded and cool-headed. Amen

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey

Friday Faith Check-up: Be Merciful, as God is Merciful

"God's mercy is so great that you may sooner drain the sea of its water, or deprive the sun of its light, or make space too narrow, than diminish the great mercy of God."  - Charles Spurgeon

As Christians, we hear a lot about mercy and being merciful, especially toward others. This week, I'd look at what this means, especially to believers. The dictionary definition of merciful is: compassionate; tender; unwilling to give pain; not cruel. I think it's safe to say that God definitely has this quality.

Most of us have observed this characteristic, at one time or another, and have even displayed it within our own actions or deeds toward others. Perhaps, it wouldn't hurt to scratch the surface here for a moment and ask the question: "What does it mean to be merciful?"

First off, mercy is a godlike quality. There are numerous passages in the Bible that truthfully tell us so, such as; Psalm 103:8; Titus 3:5; 1 Timothy 1:2; Ephesians 4:2-6; 1 Peter 1:3. It is also a Christlike quality (Jude 21; Hebrews 2:17). And, mercy is love in action, that is, to see others through the lens of compassion and pity.

Try to imagine a world in which mercy was nonexistent. It isn't a very pleasant thought, is it? Thankfully, God has demonstrated mercy to us by way of our relationship with Him. It motivates our desire to give as He gave when His only begotten Son was offered as a sacrifice for our iniquities (John 3:16).

We please God by being merciful and loving in our own lives. It regenerates or refreshes our spiritual batteries through the power of the Spirit of God. Only then can we truly understand how Moses felt when, upon reaching the top of Mount Sinai, God made Himself known to him in the glory of His grace and goodness (Exodus 34:6).

Scripture: Psalm 86:5; Deuteronomy 4:31; Lamentations 3:22-23; James 2:13; Malachi 3:17

Prayer: Dear God, by Your merciful actions in my own life, You have shown me how much You really love me. Let me also extend this mercy to others whom I may encounter. Amen

Have a blessed and safe weekend!

Kaye

From Curse to Blessing

"If there be ground for you to trust in your own righteousness, then, all that Christ did to purchase salvation and all that God did to prepare the way for it is in vain."  - Jonathan Edwards

Laws are a necessity of any civilized society. Without them, it wouldn't be civilized. We, who live under laws understand this. However, laws are not perfect. Some complain that there are too many laws; others that there are not enough of them. Most simply tolerate them and carry on with their lives.

Laws can grow in number, have new pieces added on or removed, and may even overlap one another. Before you know it, they may grow too numerous, and too difficult or confusing for the average person to understand and obey. Their original purpose becomes blurred and impractical.

Such was the case with "the law" referred to in the Old Testament (Mosaic Law). These were God's instructions regarding the behaviors (moral, social, spiritual) of His people. They are contained in the first five books of the Bible. The laws basically consisted of the 10 commandments, rules for social life, and the worship of God (Exodus 20, 21, 23, 25-31).

They formed a covenant, or a promise between God and man that if we abide by His Laws then we will enjoy a right relationship with Him. Of course this is a quick and easy explanation, but the fundamental idea is there.

The law carried an incredible obligation with it. In order to earn God's favor and blessing it required complete obedience by God's special people, Israel. It also required perfection. For this reason, following the law was impossible. No matter how hard we would try, we could never live up to it.

Following the law was not enough to deliver us into eternal fellowship with Him. As a result of our failure to abide by the law, even by one infraction, we were condemned to death, or cursed (James 2:10). The only remedy for violation of the law in the O.T. was through God prescribed sacrificial ceremonies by which the guilty party was cleansed.

Whenever the law was broken, which was quite often, so was our relationship with God. It wasn't until God, in his mercy and grace, sent His Only Son to save us, was this all nullified. Only by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the curse of the law removed once and for all.

We were redeemed, or saved from the curse of the law by Jesus taking on the curse in our place. Christ became the ultimate sacrifice on the cross for us. Were were deserving of it? Not at all, But because He loves us so much he died in order that you and I may live (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Can we live lawless, and reckless lives now? We still are under the law. However, instead of the Old Testament law which required perfection, and repeated sacrifice for sinful behavior, we are now under the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). In place of a long list of behaviors, violations, and ways to address any wrong-doing, there are now two essential commands (Matthew 22:37-39).

Yes, laws are necessary. Without them social order would be a roulette wheel at best. The law of Christ spells out what He desires from us. Our love for Him should always be the driving force of anything we do or say. By obeying the indwelling Holy Spirit, we who believe in Christ have the very righteousness of the Law fulfilled in them (Romans 8:4).

Scripture: Hebrews 8:13; Galatians 5:1; 1 John 5:2; Philippians 3:9;Romans 8:1

Prayer: Holy Father, I ask You for the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of guidance and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord; that I may follow Your path always. Amen

May God bless you!

Andrea

Video - Beth Moore: You Need An Editor

Bible teacher Beth Moore explains why we need to Holy Spirit to temper our words. Good word about the Word!  ~Eve