Suffering #2

On November 2, 2015   /   Character, Christian Basics, Christian Values, Endurance, Eternal, Faith, Goals, God's Will for Me, Strengthing, Suffering, Trials, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #58
Suffering #2

Fact #30 Trials can come into my life that are for God’s purposes (Job 1:7).

There are times that God wants us to suffer!?!
When does God want me to suffer?

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4)

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:6–7)

And if the above does not happen then:

If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:15 underline added)

God wants our faith to be perfect and complete thus producing eternal praise, glory, and honor. Godly suffering produces such results!

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FOCUS!

On October 30, 2015   /   Character, Christian Basics, Christian Values, Endurance, Eternal, Faith, Goals, Suffering, Trials, Victory  

Things Above Thoughts
TAT #41
Focus

Doing the Lord’s will is not always enjoyable. I know that sounds like heresy to some Christians but look at Job, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and of course our Lord Jesus Christ, they all had lives of great suffering but they endured. Why were they able to do so? I also know I am called to suffer (Heb.12:2; Col. 1:24–28; 2 Timothy 2:3).
James tells me that suffering can make me perfect and complete (James 1:2–4). But why is it important for me to be complete and perfect? Hebrews 11 and 2 Tim. 2:12 answers that question – to prepare me for a particular spot in God’s eternal kingdom. I know my salvation was achieved by Christ and is secure but there is more possible, (1 Corinthians 3:14–15; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 22:5).
The strange thing about my suffering is that when I focus on the joys, comforts, and present rewards on this earth I become less comfortable and less intimate with my Lord Jesus. Present earthly joys, comforts, and rewards blind me from the joys of my present sufferings. But when I focus on the future eternal joys and intimacy with Christ then my present sufferings seem to disappear.
It is my eternal focus that strengthens my present endurance in all my sufferings and turns those sufferings into joy (Heb. 12:2). Look at the focus of each of the following verses.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.
(Heb11:1 NET Bible)

For if only in this life – I – have hope in Christ, – I – should be pitied more than anyone – else.
(1 Cor. 15:19 NET Bible, personalization added)

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. (Heb. 11:16)

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:2)

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Foolish or Faithful

On October 29, 2015   /   Character, Christian Basics, Goals, Saints, Victory  

Things Above Thoughts
TAT #35
Foolish or Faithful

The Colossian believers are identified as “saints and faithful” (Colossians 1:2). “Saint” is a believer’s heavenly and eternal status. “Faithful”refers to one’s earthly walk with the Lord. The Galatians are identified as “deserters” and “foolish” (1:6; 3:1).  Both appear to be God’s children!

What kind of child are you, a foolish deserters or a faithful?

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Don’t Be Satisfied

On October 29, 2015   /   Bible, Character, Christian Basics, Christian Values, Faith, Goals, Reigning, Strengthing, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #34
Don’t Be Satisfied

Are you satisfied with your biblical knowledge? Are you satisfied with the frequency with which you learn biblical knowledge? Are you satisfied with your biblical study habits? Are you satisfied with your ability to help others understand the Bible? Are you satisfied that the biblical knowledge you have is accurate? Don’t be satisfied with biblical knowledge!

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,  so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects,
(Col. 1:9– 10)

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Peace

On October 29, 2015   /   Character, Christian Basics, Endurance, Goals, Trials, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #32
Peace

Did you have God’s peace when you woke up this morning? Did you have it on your way to work? Did you have peace when that situation came up? Do you have God’s peace right now? God’s peace can be momentary or continual. His momentary peace depends upon applying the right biblical truth to the needed situation but His continual peace depends on an established godly character which comes from years and years of achieving momentary peace.

But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head. (Growing takes time, Ephesians 4:15 NET)

A harvest that has God’s approval comes from the peace planted by peacemakers. (A harvest only comes in its proper season, James 3:18 GWN)

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Fear & Goals

On October 29, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Christian Values, Eternal, Goals, Kingdom, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #31
Fear

We fear we’re losing our country to atheist. We fear God is no longer blessing our country. We fear the person we want as president will not be elected. We fear the terrorists. We fear our low-quality food. We fear for our jobs. We fear for our financial stability. We fear for our health. We fear for our next meal. We fear for our pets. We fear for this earth. Yes we live in an age of uncertainty but these fears have been around since Adam and Eve left the garden and began their toil on this earth. We fear not because of the uncertainty of the times we fear because our focus and goals are improper:

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

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Run

On October 29, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Christian Values, Eternal, Goals, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT #30
Run to the Goal

Another day, another week, little by little time marches on toward eternity. Today it is our choice whether to march in time – either toward a timely death or toward an eternal inheritance.

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! God has given us a new birth because of his great mercy. We have been born into a new life that has a confidence which is alive because Jesus Christ has come back to life.  We have been born into a new life which has an inheritance that can’t be destroyed or corrupted and can’t fade away. That inheritance is kept in heaven for you,  since you are guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed at the end of time. (1 Peter 1:3-5 GWN)

I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 GWN)

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Eternal Goals

On October 29, 2015   /   Christian Basics, Eternal, Goals, Kingdom, Victory  

Things Above Thought
TAT # 28
Eternal Goals

This is just a simple reminder:

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;  for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:20–21)

And by the way this is not a requests or a suggestion, He wants the eternal best for us (Hebrews 12: 10) therefore this is a command.

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