Victory Archives - Things Above Ministries

TAT 145 VICTORY IN THE FACE OF DEFEAT

On April 3, 2024 / Victory

TAT 145 VICTORY IN THE FACE OF DEFEAT

Satan schemes are enormous. They are worldwide and, when successful, will turn the world against those who are dedicated to living their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ.
The world will be coming up with good answers to bad situations, but the answers will only be good, they will not be godly. So how do we stand firm for our Lord, The Lord? The answer is always the same, to continue to live a life of Biblical Faith. So once again let’s make sure we understand BIBLICAL FAITH.
Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see. (Heb. 11:1 GWN)
What does that mean?
Answer:
By faith he (Abraham) lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Heb. 11:9-10 NASB)
Abraham expected, and was convinced, that God was going to provide a city, for him; a city which God had built! But he died without seeing that city. Today we are facing a similar situation. Presently, God is not providing heaven on earth. But let us follow the example of Abraham, and just as he is now living in that promised city so shall we.
The things of God we cannot see are real. When we are assured of that fact it is easier to live by Biblical Faith – daily. If we are not living our lives for eternal goals we are not living by God’s faith, Biblical Faith.

The Battle

On April 18, 2016 / Endurance, Strengthing, Suffering, Trials, Victory

Things Above Thought
TAT #79 The Battle

I need the battle. Without the battle there is no struggle. Without the struggle there can be inactivity and that can be confused with victory and peace.

When I’m in a period of inactivity I let my guard down and one of Satan’s flaming arrows finds its mark. The battle then returns but now I’m wounded and weak, down on one knee; facing the dirt not the heavens. What do I do?

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Eph. 6:13)

Even when I’m wounded, weak, and down I will once again take up the full armor of God and stand firm against Satan’s attacks.

Let us not be inactive, it is now time to take up the full armor and prepare for the evil day – the battle is coming.

Why?

On April 11, 2016 / Endurance, Faith, Trials, Victory

Things Above Thought
TAT #79 Why

Many are starting their weeks with a common question “Why?”.
Remember;

Fact #31. I must have a heavenly view of life and eternal goals before my earthly life will make any sense (The book of Job & Col. 3:1–2)

Fact #32. The logic of cause and effect, which only considers the physical realm and physical information, is incomplete and inaccurate because it does not consider the spiritual/heavenly information (Job chapters 3–37).

*****
All Numbered Facts are provided in the free pamphlet “A Glimmer of Light”; Go to “Publications/Free Publications/Glimmer of Light”.

Silent

On February 1, 2016 / Endurance, Faith, Heavenly Witness, Suffering, Trials, Victory, Witnessing

Things Above Thought
TAT #73

We are to have an answer ready for anyone who would ask about our hope (1 Pet. 3:15).
We are to always speak the truth (Eph. 4:25).
We are to speak the gospel (1 Thes. 2:4).
We are to exhort (2 Tim. 4:2).

BUT, there are times when we are to keep silent.
Job was victorious in his testing on what he did not speak (Job 1:11).
Job’s friends were a failure because they did speak (Job 42:7–8).

Fact #18 “Sometimes all I have to do to glorify God is to keep my mouth shut (Job 1:11).

Suffering #6

On November 30, 2015 / Character, Endurance, Strengthing, Suffering, Trials, Victory

Things Above Thought
TAT #62
Suffering #6

Not everybody suffers the same but all suffering can have the same results!

1. Suffering because of sin. This suffering points out the need for repentance and after repentance I can glorify God and continue on toward perfection.
2. Suffering because of trials that God sends to test my faith. Because these are godly trials I can glorify God and continue on toward perfection.
3. Suffering because I am growing old and living in this world. This provides good opportunities to apply and grow in my faith to glorify God and continue on toward perfection.

Fact #9 All unjust sufferings on this earth pays huge benefits for all eternity (2 Corinthians 4:16–18; 1 Corinthians 3:8–15)

Fact #28 All suffering and trials can strengthen my faith (Job; James 1:2–4).

Suffering #5

On November 23, 2015 / Character, Christian Basics, Christian Values, Endurance, Goals, Suffering, Trials, Victory

Things Above Thought
TAT #61
Suffering #5

Jesus Christ came and enable us to be obedient to Him. Can obedience bring happiness? Absolutely! Will it always bring happiness in this life? Absolutely not! (Just ask Job, John the Baptist, or Paul.) Is obedience better than happiness? Absolutely!

If our sole purpose of obedience is to make us happy now – who are we serving?

If we suffer in this life for His eternal glory we will be happy for all eternity.

Fact #27 Even when I’m hurting, questioning why, and wanting to die, it is still possible to be in the center of God’s will (Job1:21–22; 3:1–26; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:6–7).

(The numbered facts above come from the pamphlet “A Glimmer of Light” found on the web site.)
*******************************
All TATs can be viewed at www.things-above.org (Click on “Blog”)

Suffering #4

On November 16, 2015 / Character, Christian Basics, Endurance, God's Will for Me, Strengthing, Suffering, Trials, Victory

Things Above Thought
TAT #60
Suffering #4

“Why do you write so much about suffering?”

When the Lord God came to Adam and Eve after they had sinned He did not say “there, there everything is going to be alright. From now on I’ll take care of everything and make you happy again.” Instead, He told them there was going to be hostility, struggle, trials, and pain throughout their lives (Genesis 3:8–24). He told them exactly how it was going to be, He didn’t “sugar coat” it. His main objective was not to make them happy! He prepared them for what was ahead.

We have placed ourselves, and our world, under Satan’s rule and there will always be suffering. As America slips into greater and greater darkness the suffering of the obedient will probably increase. Be prepared.

Eternal goals might not include our present happiness.

Fact #27 Even when I’m hurting, questioning why, and wanting to die, it is still possible to be in the center of God’s will (Job1:21–22; 3:1–26; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:6–7)).

Suffering #3

On November 9, 2015 / Character, Christian Basics, Endurance, Faith, God's Will for Me, Sin, Strengthing, Suffering, Victory

Things Above Thought
TAT #59
Suffering #3

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

What are the other times that God wants me to suffer?

God constructed the laws of cause & effect and actions & results. One such law is that disobedience to God (sin) can bring suffering. Therefore certain pain can be a result of sin. This pain can be used to recognize our sin and repent. It can also be considered to be from God and therefore good. It’s just like our visit to the ole Doc: “ Doc, when I do this it hurts! Well if it hurts when you do that then don’t do that.”

For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. (1 Peter 3:17)

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!

Suffering

On October 30, 2015 / Character, Christian Basics, Strengthing, Suffering, Victory

Things Above Thought
TAT #57
Suffering #1

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

Why do I have to suffer?
Why is there so much suffering in the world?
Why does the Bible sometimes make suffering sound like a good thing?

Suffering is greatly misunderstood. Some say: “If there is a God why does He allow suffering?” I think what many are actually saying is: “If there is a God and He is in control why is He allowing me to suffer?” Some preachers say God wants you to be continually happy and prosperous but Job, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, James, and Paul disagree. While there is a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) and a joy that is from the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22) there is also a call to suffering:

“For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,” (Philippians 1:29)

There are times that God wants us to suffer!

Enjoy struggling with that thought and wait for the next TAT ☺.

Archive for the Victory Category