But the spirit gives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - Galatians 5:22
Getting up every morning to do our assigned duties (work, school, taking care of the kids or whatever your occupation) is hard, especially when you have people with challenging personalities. But how much of their annoyance is them and how much of it is you? Interesting question. How do you go about answering the question?
Much like the fruit of the spirit.
We need to consider the following:
1. Do they know I am offended? If not, tell them in a gentle way and walk in peace.
2. Am I extending them the same courtesy when they tell me they are offended by my words or actions? If not, I must use self-control.
3. When I go to them do I assume they will not receive the information well? If not, I must be faithful that in my approach God will give me right words to say.
4. When I see them, how do they appear? I should see them the way God sees them ... lovingly.
5. Do I give them an ultimatum? I should be patient because God is working, and everything is according to His will and in His perfect timing.
6. When I've done all I can do ... I still have faith God will work it all out.
He can and He will ... you only need to bear the fruit.
26 January 2009
23 January 2009
Lessons from Ice
I was tasked with taking a crew of media (reporter, producer, and camera person) to a place where troops (Soldiers) have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice their lives daily. Of course with every combat situation, there are some real hiccups. For instance, we were not greeted by the appropriate Public Affairs representative, but me being a Master Sergeant and having plenty of field experience I was able to get us to the right destination unharmed and unfrozen.
Yes, when we landed here via helo, it was very cold, snowy and pretty. Pretty as in the snow-capped mountains that surrounded us. The troops were very surprised, yet helpful to us. They provided us lodging. It was in a tent, and it had heat. We were able to eat three square hot meals a day. You couldn't tell this location was remote at all. I fell right in and began setting the media crew up with interviews and possible news stories.
But the most beautiful thing to me was not the remoteness of the area, but the passion these Soldiers showed to get the job done. I also understood more clearly their desire to provide the Afghan people security, governance, and development. I know, what does this have to do with ice. It has much to do with ice.
Ice is a hard substance. Like many troops, you have to become hard to do what is asked of you. You cannot afford a moment to soften because you will begin to doubt yourself. Doubt only invites worry and with worry comes fear.
Ice melts at a certain temperature, yet remains cool up to a point in time. Troops also melt after a few hard months. That's why we have gyms, television, phones, exchange stores to buy items, and an opportunity to go on R&R (two weeks of leave to go home, or some other destination of our choosing). We need to decompress and relax. This is where we make sense out of it all, before going back into the grind.
We also must be cautious of ice. Tread lightly if you will. Since here, I have fallen four times and slid countless many times from the ice. Whether I am cautious or not, ice is treacherous. The last time I fell, it was hard. I looked around to see what I did wrong, to see who was looking, and what my next step would be. Then I stopped. I realized I fell to only get back up ready for the next step. Like any troop, we have moments of glory and moments of silence for our fallen comrade. As Christian Soldiers, we do the same. We give God praise and glory through the good times, and we have moments when we fall because of our sin or sins. The important thing is not giving up and extending our hand to God to pick us up. You see, God is always there for us ... we only need to look up to Him and hold to His unchanging hand.
So the next time you see ice ... think of God. Stand firm, be vulnerable unto Him and keep looking up to Him because His hand is there to lift you back up again. I know and I'm still here treading lightly on ice with God.
Yes, when we landed here via helo, it was very cold, snowy and pretty. Pretty as in the snow-capped mountains that surrounded us. The troops were very surprised, yet helpful to us. They provided us lodging. It was in a tent, and it had heat. We were able to eat three square hot meals a day. You couldn't tell this location was remote at all. I fell right in and began setting the media crew up with interviews and possible news stories.
But the most beautiful thing to me was not the remoteness of the area, but the passion these Soldiers showed to get the job done. I also understood more clearly their desire to provide the Afghan people security, governance, and development. I know, what does this have to do with ice. It has much to do with ice.
Ice is a hard substance. Like many troops, you have to become hard to do what is asked of you. You cannot afford a moment to soften because you will begin to doubt yourself. Doubt only invites worry and with worry comes fear.
Ice melts at a certain temperature, yet remains cool up to a point in time. Troops also melt after a few hard months. That's why we have gyms, television, phones, exchange stores to buy items, and an opportunity to go on R&R (two weeks of leave to go home, or some other destination of our choosing). We need to decompress and relax. This is where we make sense out of it all, before going back into the grind.
We also must be cautious of ice. Tread lightly if you will. Since here, I have fallen four times and slid countless many times from the ice. Whether I am cautious or not, ice is treacherous. The last time I fell, it was hard. I looked around to see what I did wrong, to see who was looking, and what my next step would be. Then I stopped. I realized I fell to only get back up ready for the next step. Like any troop, we have moments of glory and moments of silence for our fallen comrade. As Christian Soldiers, we do the same. We give God praise and glory through the good times, and we have moments when we fall because of our sin or sins. The important thing is not giving up and extending our hand to God to pick us up. You see, God is always there for us ... we only need to look up to Him and hold to His unchanging hand.
So the next time you see ice ... think of God. Stand firm, be vulnerable unto Him and keep looking up to Him because His hand is there to lift you back up again. I know and I'm still here treading lightly on ice with God.
20 January 2009
When Pain Is All You Have ...
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying or pain, because all the old ways are gone. - Revelation 21:4
I have a tendency to feel others pain and hold onto to it. I don't know why, I just do. And when it's time to let go of it, I breathe as if it's my last breath. At that very instant, I can see Jesus on the cross. He bore our sins with every stripe that was struck upon His skin. He was even ridiculed. More importantly, He died so that we could be set free.
How many of us can honestly do what He did? Think about the co-worker, boss, and inconsiderate person that has crossed your path. What was your first instinct? Probably a few choice, colorful words. What about the person you love? Have they hurt you in a way that you can't love someone else out of fear, guilt or shame? Have you denied yourself total happiness because you hold on to pain? It's not easy moving on, but you can.
When you can look yourself in the mirror and forgive yourself, you have moved on. When you can turn to your brother or sister and forgive them truthfully, you have moved on. When you can ask God to forgive you and believe He has done just that, you have more than moved on ... you have allowed Him to work a miracle in your life.
Pain is a temporary thing. It is an emotion. We are all allowed emotions. What isn't allowed is letting the emotions take us away from the one, true living Savior. Give Him your pain, sorrow, suffering, and burdens. He will carry you through. I know because He continues to carry me through all the good and trying times daily.
When pain is all you have, ask God to see you through and stand firm in Him. For your pain will become joy.
I have a tendency to feel others pain and hold onto to it. I don't know why, I just do. And when it's time to let go of it, I breathe as if it's my last breath. At that very instant, I can see Jesus on the cross. He bore our sins with every stripe that was struck upon His skin. He was even ridiculed. More importantly, He died so that we could be set free.
How many of us can honestly do what He did? Think about the co-worker, boss, and inconsiderate person that has crossed your path. What was your first instinct? Probably a few choice, colorful words. What about the person you love? Have they hurt you in a way that you can't love someone else out of fear, guilt or shame? Have you denied yourself total happiness because you hold on to pain? It's not easy moving on, but you can.
When you can look yourself in the mirror and forgive yourself, you have moved on. When you can turn to your brother or sister and forgive them truthfully, you have moved on. When you can ask God to forgive you and believe He has done just that, you have more than moved on ... you have allowed Him to work a miracle in your life.
Pain is a temporary thing. It is an emotion. We are all allowed emotions. What isn't allowed is letting the emotions take us away from the one, true living Savior. Give Him your pain, sorrow, suffering, and burdens. He will carry you through. I know because He continues to carry me through all the good and trying times daily.
When pain is all you have, ask God to see you through and stand firm in Him. For your pain will become joy.
18 January 2009
Comfort In Time of ...
... because the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of water that give life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. - Revelation 7:17
Yesterday, there was an explosion outside Camp Eggers, Afghanistan, located about 10 minutes away from my compound. One U.S. service member died and five wounded. There were also one U.S civilian and nine Afghans wounded. When I read the national media stories and saw images (photos) of the damage and the people, my heart sunk. I could not imagine how families must be feeling, and the units the service members belonged to of what is going through their minds. In fact, one of the service members sings in the Eggers Gospel Choir. She sustained third degree burns and is believed to have an amputated leg as a result of the explosion. Four of the Afghans worked on my compound doing construction. I saw their boss last night, and he wants to resign because he is frightened.
And just four days ago, an Afghan man that sold movies on my compound was killed along with his uncle and three sisters in the car. It seemed like only yesterday that I saw him wearing a smile.
We never know how many of our days are ordered. Only God knows. That is why it is so important that we come to Jesus. He places His seal over us, and nothing can remove that seal.
It's times like these that we need to stand together in the name of Jesus, and pray for healing, forgiveness, and strength. He alone can grant us peace, healing, forgiveness, grace, mercy, love, and direction.
Whatever you are going through right now, cast your burdens on Jesus. Let Him do what must be done. I only ask that you obey and do His will, and He will carry you through.
Yesterday, there was an explosion outside Camp Eggers, Afghanistan, located about 10 minutes away from my compound. One U.S. service member died and five wounded. There were also one U.S civilian and nine Afghans wounded. When I read the national media stories and saw images (photos) of the damage and the people, my heart sunk. I could not imagine how families must be feeling, and the units the service members belonged to of what is going through their minds. In fact, one of the service members sings in the Eggers Gospel Choir. She sustained third degree burns and is believed to have an amputated leg as a result of the explosion. Four of the Afghans worked on my compound doing construction. I saw their boss last night, and he wants to resign because he is frightened.
And just four days ago, an Afghan man that sold movies on my compound was killed along with his uncle and three sisters in the car. It seemed like only yesterday that I saw him wearing a smile.
We never know how many of our days are ordered. Only God knows. That is why it is so important that we come to Jesus. He places His seal over us, and nothing can remove that seal.
It's times like these that we need to stand together in the name of Jesus, and pray for healing, forgiveness, and strength. He alone can grant us peace, healing, forgiveness, grace, mercy, love, and direction.
Whatever you are going through right now, cast your burdens on Jesus. Let Him do what must be done. I only ask that you obey and do His will, and He will carry you through.
15 January 2009
There Is Only One Mediator
There is only one God. And there is only one way that people can reach God. That way is through Jesus Christ, who is also a man. - 1 Timothy 2:5
Today, we had a meeting with our Deputy Director of Public Affairs. We were able to discuss the issues we had with our immediate supervisor. We got a few things off our chest, and exposed various annoyances we had within our own section and the leadership overall. As we spoke and listened to each other, the Deputy Director was able to collect what we said and come up with three courses of action. We left the meeting knowing he would talk to our supervisor and the Director of Public Affairs. We were assured that one of the two, hopefully the Director, would come and talk to us overall. We also knew that the new team members would not have to worry about working in an hostile environment once they arrive within the next few weeks. We had for once, worked effectively as a team.
Jesus is our mediator, a go-between for us, when He died on the cross for our sins. He gave us salvation, and extended His mercy and grace. But it isn't just given to us, we have to confess with our own tongue that He is God, He died on the cross for our sins, He rose again on the third day, and that He is coming back for us again someday soon. Isn't it amazing how He could endure all of that for us, a stiff-necked people, so that we would be saved from living in hell? What if He decided to do otherwise? Where would we be? What kind of life would we live? Who would be able to stand firm?
Aren't you glad He stood in the gap for you? It's a blessed peace in knowing that there is only one mediator who can forgive my sins, love me, and reward me with a mansion in Heaven to live with no more sorrow, dying, or crying. Amen, amen and amen!
Today, we had a meeting with our Deputy Director of Public Affairs. We were able to discuss the issues we had with our immediate supervisor. We got a few things off our chest, and exposed various annoyances we had within our own section and the leadership overall. As we spoke and listened to each other, the Deputy Director was able to collect what we said and come up with three courses of action. We left the meeting knowing he would talk to our supervisor and the Director of Public Affairs. We were assured that one of the two, hopefully the Director, would come and talk to us overall. We also knew that the new team members would not have to worry about working in an hostile environment once they arrive within the next few weeks. We had for once, worked effectively as a team.
Jesus is our mediator, a go-between for us, when He died on the cross for our sins. He gave us salvation, and extended His mercy and grace. But it isn't just given to us, we have to confess with our own tongue that He is God, He died on the cross for our sins, He rose again on the third day, and that He is coming back for us again someday soon. Isn't it amazing how He could endure all of that for us, a stiff-necked people, so that we would be saved from living in hell? What if He decided to do otherwise? Where would we be? What kind of life would we live? Who would be able to stand firm?
Aren't you glad He stood in the gap for you? It's a blessed peace in knowing that there is only one mediator who can forgive my sins, love me, and reward me with a mansion in Heaven to live with no more sorrow, dying, or crying. Amen, amen and amen!
11 January 2009
Held Up In Jesus
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
There's always someone you can lean on in the time of trouble. You know your "boy" or your "girlfriend", and they seem to be there ready to listen and give you advice. But there are even moments when talking to them is not good enough. Who can you turn to? Who is the one that will always be there even in your darkest hour to comfort you, love you, forgive you, and make it all right? It's Jesus Christ. He's the only one.
I have been put in a rock and a hard place by my own doing, and no matter what decision I made, it was going to be a hard one to make. We've all been there, and some of us are still going there.
Just yesterday, I spoke about decisions being made in prayer and not in haste. I still believe that, and follow that. I think where the problem comes in, is that I forget WHO made the decision. You see, sometimes I pose a project to someone in a manner to where they think it's their idea. Why? To get things moving and without confrontation. Does it always work? Ninety percent of the time yes. What about the other ten percent? I got held up in my own frustrations of not getting credit for it. But, Jesus doesn't want credit for it. He only wants to save us from destruction. That destruction can be in a lake of fire, depression, guilt, shame, pride, jealousy, boasting, grudges, and many other things that prevent us from eternal life in Him. We're too concerned with our excess baggage. Why? Jesus paid it all - excess baggage and all that nonsense. When we can't go any further than the rock were under, He's there to lift the rock. When we can't stop searching to fill an empty void, He's there to fill it. When we seem we can't go on, He's there encouraging us every step of the way. And every step we take, is one more step closer to victory in Jesus.
I believe there's a song that the words say, I looked up to the hills from whence cometh my help. My friends keep looking up toward heaven. God is looking at you, and saying, "My sweet child, come to me just as you are. Don't give up because I have many blessings to give you. You only need to believe in me and know that I am the way, the truth and the life." Now, that sounds like sweet, wonderful music to my ears. I have a hope because I'm held up in Jesus and He will see me through.
Be strong my brothers and sisters, and keep the faith.
There's always someone you can lean on in the time of trouble. You know your "boy" or your "girlfriend", and they seem to be there ready to listen and give you advice. But there are even moments when talking to them is not good enough. Who can you turn to? Who is the one that will always be there even in your darkest hour to comfort you, love you, forgive you, and make it all right? It's Jesus Christ. He's the only one.
I have been put in a rock and a hard place by my own doing, and no matter what decision I made, it was going to be a hard one to make. We've all been there, and some of us are still going there.
Just yesterday, I spoke about decisions being made in prayer and not in haste. I still believe that, and follow that. I think where the problem comes in, is that I forget WHO made the decision. You see, sometimes I pose a project to someone in a manner to where they think it's their idea. Why? To get things moving and without confrontation. Does it always work? Ninety percent of the time yes. What about the other ten percent? I got held up in my own frustrations of not getting credit for it. But, Jesus doesn't want credit for it. He only wants to save us from destruction. That destruction can be in a lake of fire, depression, guilt, shame, pride, jealousy, boasting, grudges, and many other things that prevent us from eternal life in Him. We're too concerned with our excess baggage. Why? Jesus paid it all - excess baggage and all that nonsense. When we can't go any further than the rock were under, He's there to lift the rock. When we can't stop searching to fill an empty void, He's there to fill it. When we seem we can't go on, He's there encouraging us every step of the way. And every step we take, is one more step closer to victory in Jesus.
I believe there's a song that the words say, I looked up to the hills from whence cometh my help. My friends keep looking up toward heaven. God is looking at you, and saying, "My sweet child, come to me just as you are. Don't give up because I have many blessings to give you. You only need to believe in me and know that I am the way, the truth and the life." Now, that sounds like sweet, wonderful music to my ears. I have a hope because I'm held up in Jesus and He will see me through.
Be strong my brothers and sisters, and keep the faith.
10 January 2009
Decisions Should Be Made In Prayer Not Haste
Think before you speak, and be careful about what you say to God. God is in heaven, and you are on the earth, so say only a few words to God. - Ecclesiastes 5:2
I have heard this phrase several times, "Think before you speak." It makes sense, but to a child it crushes their spirit if you don't explain it quite right. You see, children say things that seem like nonsense at first, but it actually made sense the more you thought about it. I mean they take what we say literally. And what do we do? We over analyze and miss the big picture. We end up saying things that we regret later. Our pride will prevent us from asking for forgiveness, and yet we want our children to think before they speak.
I have been so angry at my husband that I went deep into my low pocket to make a point. He became angry at me, and then there was silence for a day or two. Neither one really apologized, but it was understood until the next time. Finally, we had to lay it all on the table. I have prayed in front of my children about certain things that effect them and me. They see how I lay my burdens at God's feet and just walk away. By morning or next week, we all see how God worked it out. And God works it all out when you leave it to Him.
I don't want my children growing up making decisions out of anger, or peer pressure. I want my children to go to God in prayer.
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. -Proverbs 22:5-7
Tell Him what is going on and ask Him to help you. By the time you act upon it, the decision you made is a Godly one. And all decisions should be made in prayer not in haste.
I have heard this phrase several times, "Think before you speak." It makes sense, but to a child it crushes their spirit if you don't explain it quite right. You see, children say things that seem like nonsense at first, but it actually made sense the more you thought about it. I mean they take what we say literally. And what do we do? We over analyze and miss the big picture. We end up saying things that we regret later. Our pride will prevent us from asking for forgiveness, and yet we want our children to think before they speak.
I have been so angry at my husband that I went deep into my low pocket to make a point. He became angry at me, and then there was silence for a day or two. Neither one really apologized, but it was understood until the next time. Finally, we had to lay it all on the table. I have prayed in front of my children about certain things that effect them and me. They see how I lay my burdens at God's feet and just walk away. By morning or next week, we all see how God worked it out. And God works it all out when you leave it to Him.
I don't want my children growing up making decisions out of anger, or peer pressure. I want my children to go to God in prayer.
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. -Proverbs 22:5-7
Tell Him what is going on and ask Him to help you. By the time you act upon it, the decision you made is a Godly one. And all decisions should be made in prayer not in haste.
07 January 2009
Obedience to God's Will
I command you today to love the Lord your God. Do what He wants you to do. Keep His commands, His rules, and His laws. Then you will live and grow in number. And the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are going to take as your own. - Deuteronomy 30:16
Have you ever done something you know you should not do, but did it anyway. And as you were doing it or perhaps even after you did it, you felt horrible. It was as if your mama was looking at you with her "mother" eye. Instantly, you wanted to die, crawl in a hole, or vanish into thin air rather than hear her say, "Now what possessed you to do something so foolish? You know I didn't raise you that way." Then it's the forbidden phrase of forever torment. "Wait until your father gets home." Then you just want to runaway.
Our heavenly Father plays two roles. He is the nurturing mother who sees everything, and is able to love and protect at a moments notice. He is also the father that disciplines, and says to us, "Now this hurts me more than it hurts you." Why do you think that matters to us? It matters because we want to please our parents. It matters because they love us enough to tell us when we are wrong, and put us back on track so we can be responsible adults. More importantly, it matters because God is able to love us no matter what, forgive us when we have done wrong, and set us back on track aligned in Him. In order to do that, we must have God in us. As we continue to read His Word, apply it to our lives, and spread the Good News, we are willingly being obedient to Him. And through our obedience to Him we are pleasing Him, edifying Him, and giving Him all the praise and the glory He deserves.
What small steps of obedience can you take today? What are you willing to do for Him?
Have you ever done something you know you should not do, but did it anyway. And as you were doing it or perhaps even after you did it, you felt horrible. It was as if your mama was looking at you with her "mother" eye. Instantly, you wanted to die, crawl in a hole, or vanish into thin air rather than hear her say, "Now what possessed you to do something so foolish? You know I didn't raise you that way." Then it's the forbidden phrase of forever torment. "Wait until your father gets home." Then you just want to runaway.
Our heavenly Father plays two roles. He is the nurturing mother who sees everything, and is able to love and protect at a moments notice. He is also the father that disciplines, and says to us, "Now this hurts me more than it hurts you." Why do you think that matters to us? It matters because we want to please our parents. It matters because they love us enough to tell us when we are wrong, and put us back on track so we can be responsible adults. More importantly, it matters because God is able to love us no matter what, forgive us when we have done wrong, and set us back on track aligned in Him. In order to do that, we must have God in us. As we continue to read His Word, apply it to our lives, and spread the Good News, we are willingly being obedient to Him. And through our obedience to Him we are pleasing Him, edifying Him, and giving Him all the praise and the glory He deserves.
What small steps of obedience can you take today? What are you willing to do for Him?
05 January 2009
Mercy Abounds Within, We Only Need To Extend It
So brothers, since God has shown us great mercy, I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to Him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to Him. This is the spiritual way for you to worship. - Romans 12:1
How often have you felt discouraged or defeated because you sinned, back-slid, or broke a New Year's resolution? Many times I am certain. Have you remained in that state of defeat? You shouldn't because the God we serve is all-knowing, loving, forgiving, and merciful. He made us great and small, tall and short, weak and strong, and light and dark complexioned. We are His masterpiece, and through our imperfections we are perfect. Perfect as in complete. We are perfect in Him. Essentially that means to go to God and ask for forgiveness daily. He will cleanse you from the inside out. Now, that is truly amazing.
How do we extend God's mercy to others? Simply by accepting God's mercy and demonstrating that mercy to others. Our actions, walk and talk may be the only thing others see of God. It's kinda like being under a microscope, or a x-ray machine exposing all of you. Vulnerable huh? Yes, and that is when we are truly Christ-centered. When is the last time you showed mercy to someone at work, in the grocery store, in church, in your family, to a stranger or even to yourself? If you can't remember, then it's time you do.
Perhaps a better question: Have you experienced God's mercy today?
God has chosen you and made you His holy people. He loves you. So always do these things: Show mercy to others; be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. - Colossians 3:12
How often have you felt discouraged or defeated because you sinned, back-slid, or broke a New Year's resolution? Many times I am certain. Have you remained in that state of defeat? You shouldn't because the God we serve is all-knowing, loving, forgiving, and merciful. He made us great and small, tall and short, weak and strong, and light and dark complexioned. We are His masterpiece, and through our imperfections we are perfect. Perfect as in complete. We are perfect in Him. Essentially that means to go to God and ask for forgiveness daily. He will cleanse you from the inside out. Now, that is truly amazing.
How do we extend God's mercy to others? Simply by accepting God's mercy and demonstrating that mercy to others. Our actions, walk and talk may be the only thing others see of God. It's kinda like being under a microscope, or a x-ray machine exposing all of you. Vulnerable huh? Yes, and that is when we are truly Christ-centered. When is the last time you showed mercy to someone at work, in the grocery store, in church, in your family, to a stranger or even to yourself? If you can't remember, then it's time you do.
Perhaps a better question: Have you experienced God's mercy today?
God has chosen you and made you His holy people. He loves you. So always do these things: Show mercy to others; be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. - Colossians 3:12
04 January 2009
Job Continued, So Must We
"I was naked when I was born, and I will be naked when I die. The Lord gave these things to me, and He has taken them away. Praise the name of the Lord." In all this Job did not sin or blame God. - Job 1:21-22
As I thumbed through the Bible, I came across a heading, "Job Continues". Yes, Job continued to trust in God in all his circumstances. Let's face it, he lost everything (flocks, herds, children, servants, house). What would you do in Job's shoes? I answered that question two ways: I'd like to think I would remain in God just as Job had done. On the other hand, I may even give in or submit to my defeat. So, I don't know really what I would have done all by myself; however, I know what I can do with God.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
As we go into this new year of 2009, let's not be defeated when we break a new year's resolution, or ponder on all the bad and insignificant things. Instead, let's look toward the marvelous light of Jesus. Let's remember the spiritual growth we received and its continuance, the mercies and blessings God has bestowed upon us, His forgiveness and unfailing love, and another year to tell of the Good News.
But now God has made you his friends again. He did this through Christ's death in the body so that He might bring you into God's presence as people who are holy, with no wrong, and with nothing of which God can judge you guilty. This will happen if you continue strong and sure in your faith. You must not be moved away from the hope brought to you by the Good News that you heard. That same Good News has been told to everyone in the world, and I Paul, help in preaching that Good News. - Colossians 1: 22-23
My friend, we need to continue like Job ... we must
As I thumbed through the Bible, I came across a heading, "Job Continues". Yes, Job continued to trust in God in all his circumstances. Let's face it, he lost everything (flocks, herds, children, servants, house). What would you do in Job's shoes? I answered that question two ways: I'd like to think I would remain in God just as Job had done. On the other hand, I may even give in or submit to my defeat. So, I don't know really what I would have done all by myself; however, I know what I can do with God.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
As we go into this new year of 2009, let's not be defeated when we break a new year's resolution, or ponder on all the bad and insignificant things. Instead, let's look toward the marvelous light of Jesus. Let's remember the spiritual growth we received and its continuance, the mercies and blessings God has bestowed upon us, His forgiveness and unfailing love, and another year to tell of the Good News.
But now God has made you his friends again. He did this through Christ's death in the body so that He might bring you into God's presence as people who are holy, with no wrong, and with nothing of which God can judge you guilty. This will happen if you continue strong and sure in your faith. You must not be moved away from the hope brought to you by the Good News that you heard. That same Good News has been told to everyone in the world, and I Paul, help in preaching that Good News. - Colossians 1: 22-23
My friend, we need to continue like Job ... we must
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