• WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 2 of 2.
    Continued. So suddenly, out of the whirlwind, you'll notice that God speaks and His speeches seemed designed for the sole purpose, not of answering Job's problems, his questions, his perplexities, but of reducing Job to a state of godly humility and of humbling his pride. In the two addresses of the Lord, first we see that in chapters 38 through chapter 40, a series of questions each of which admits to but a single humiliating reply. God causes to pass before Job a panorama of his creation exemplifying all the wonders of his creation to such an extent that Job is overwhelmed by it and he says," I put my hand over my mouth I'll not say another thing before the Lord". Then in God's second address, it is designed to convince him of his error and charging God with injustice in His sovereign rule of the world and especially in his treatment of Job. Job had questioned the principles of God's rule so he has been ironically invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world for himself and as the test of his capabilities. Then formidable creatures which God has created are paraded before Job and he's asked to subdue one of them to prove that he's able and capable to rule the world. You should read chapters 38 through 42 and you will see this. Job's ignorance of God's providence in the natural order God says disqualifies him from passing judgment upon His rule in the moral order.

    Job is challenged to show his knowledge concerning the creation of the world, God's control of the sea, the command of the light, the formation and direction of many things such as light and darkness, snow and hail, rain and floods, lightning and thunder, dew and frost. He's challenged to show his knowledge concerning the government of the celestial world, the creation, endowment with instincts and direction of the animal world. Job at the conclusion of that address and that panorama of creation just says, "I put my hand over my mouth. I've uttered things too hastily". Then in the second discourse Job is invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world if he can, but first let Job as a test of his capabilities, subdue one or two of God's formidable creations the rhinoceros and the crocodile. Job repents as God's challenges were too overwhelming for him. He was awed into silence and driven to his knees whereupon he cried out behold what shall I answer! I lay my hand upon my mouth. Chapter 40 verse 4 he humbly repents, in 42 verses 5 to 6 he says I've heard of you by the hearing of the ear but now my eye sees You. I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.

    So, trials are the remedy for man's pride. God allows them sometimes to humble our pride. God's children are permitted the experience of trials and of suffering that then they might come to see themselves as God sees them and see God as he really is. Such a revelation will humble the true child of God and can only come many times through the humbling experiences of suffering when man comes to realize that he's but flesh and that God's ways are often beyond his finite wisdom and comprehension. The psalmist had insight into this virtue of maintaining the proper attitude toward God with respect to humility and God's purposes, for he cried, "Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my days what it is and let me know how frail I am" Psalm 39:4. So, we see sometimes trials and sufferings are for the purpose of humbling our pride. God is not always going to give us a reason or an answer for why we're going through that particular trial or tribulation. You see, we're just going to have to trust Him as His righteousness and wisdom are perfect. You will notice God did not give Job any reasons for going through those trials, He just paraded His wisdom before Job and Job was expected to trust him.

    Part 5.) Another purpose in our suffering trials is for the purpose of developing patience and endurance and godly contentment. Afflictions and sufferings often beset the righteous and they experience many kinds of trials. For example, their plans and purposes sometimes are upset or postponed, their intentions are interrupted, their well-laid projects and plans are obstructed and sometimes interfered, all for the purpose of developing in the children of God a patient endurance and submission to the will and purpose of God. Such trials and delays and interruptions will often teach the one who experiences it the virtue of submitting humbly to God and waiting upon Him. We read in James chapter 5 verses 7-11, Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord, behold the husbandman, the farmer, waits for the precious fruit of the earth being patient over it until he receives the early and latter rain, be you also patient establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Take brethren, for an example of suffering and his patient endurance, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold we call them blessed that endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job, he endured and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is full of pity and mercy. So trials often offer the purpose of developing in the child of God patient endurance and godly contentment.

    You see, patient endurance will produce contentment in the midst of trials and tests and delays. Paul in writing to the Philippians in chapter 4 says not that I speak in respect of want for I've learned whatever state I am in therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Paul informs us he's learned contentment in the midst of whatever he experiences. Have you learned such contentment? Your trials are often designed to produce in you godly contentment and patient endurance. Now we should point out that some people try to justify their own lack of faith by quoting this passage. They try to justify why they never have anything or why they're always in need and why they always want this or that and are not satisfied.

    That is missing the meaning of Paul's purpose in writing these things plus it misses the context. In verse 19 we read, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. We have all the promises, such as Matthew 6:33, if you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness God will supply all of your material needs. So we can't use this passage out of its context to try to justify why we don't have faith or we do not have anything. Paul wasn't always hungry simply because he said he knew how to be full or hungry. He was not starving to death but saying that when he suffered needs at times in his ministry that he learned to be content. There are many times that we have to wait to see the answer to our prayers. You don't always get the answer seen immediately and that's to teach you godly contentment as you wait for God to bring to pass whatever you've prayed about.

    Hebrews 10:23, let us hold fast to our confession of faith without doubting for God is faithful who made the promise. We are to submit to that trial and learn patient endurance which will result in godly contentment. Keep in mind God is not going to contradict Himself for he says, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. David said I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and I'll supply all of your material needs. These promises do not mean on the other hand that we will not suffer sometimes temporary lacks and needs but we are to be content in those times. We can believe the promises of God but the answers are not always seen immediately. We are to learn godly contentment and patient endurance as we wait upon God to supply that need and overcome that problem and deliver us eventually out of that trial. God will do it if you will hold fast to your confession of faith.

    Part 6.) Suffering and trials are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. We read of Christ in Hebrews 5:8 that though he were the Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered. Now this does not mean that He did not know already how to obey or that he did not know what obedience meant. This passage does not mean that he was not willing to obey the Father without trials but it means that in his humanity he learned from practical experience what obedience was. He proved Himself through the experiences of trials and sufferings that he was obedient. He became personally acquainted with the experience of obedience to God in the midst of trial and testing. It is not something you can learn out of a book or from a teacher. You can only learn these things through experience and you can only learn obedience through the experience of having your obedience or allegiance to God tested.

    Now this is one of the objects of our trials and sufferings so that we may be like Jesus. He learned what it means to obey under the pressure of trials. Without trials and tests you would be tempted many times to become self-confident and careless and through trials God teaches us how to become submissive and obedient. It's like training a dog. Trials are God's method of obedience training. Hebrews 5:8 is an important principle concerning the meaning of our trials. It means that trials are one of the best ways to get us to translate words into deeds. How many people do you know who have failed to make their deeds match their words in time of testing? They say one thing but in time of testing they do something else.

    While Jesus already covered this situation in the parable of the sower when He said the one that received the seed into stony places is the same as he that heareth the word and anon with joy receives it yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a while. Then when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word he falls away. So trials, testings, and tribulation are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. There are just some things that cannot be learned any other way except through trials, testing and the tribulation.

    Part 7.) Next we see sufferings for the purpose of the development of godly character. We read in James 1:2-4, Count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials knowing that the proving of your faith works steadfastness and let steadfastness have its perfect work that you may be perfect and entire lacking in nothing. Now the perfection referred to here is that of spiritual maturity which is attained through the patient endurance of trials and afflictions for righteousness sake. The endurance of testing and trial forms the habit of perseverance of steadfastness. Testing properly endured develops the moral character and strengthens the spiritual life. So the crosses Christ sends you as His child are for the purpose of maturing you, perfecting you. Your spiritual life is strengthened through the sanctifying power of suffering.

    Peter tells us in 1st Peter 5:10 and the God of all Grace who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ after that you've suffered a little while will Himself perfect, establish, and strengthen you. That is the purpose of your trials- to perfect you and your character. The person who has never been tested may be innocent but not necessarily trustworthy. We see this in the case of Adam. It's only through trials, affliction, and testing that a holy, godly, and trustworthy Christian character can be developed. The trials and testings develop godly character James informs us in Chapter 1- to count it all joy when we fall into divers trials because this is perfecting us and bringing us into godly perfection.

    Also, suffering trial and tribulation for the Gospels sake is often the doorway to inner spiritual strength. The meaning of suffering and affliction is often misunderstood by many Christians. We must see that the immediate removal of your trials and afflictions would be against your best spiritual interest. Many times, the sufficiency of the grace of God in the power of Christ cannot always be demonstrated, except through the experience of suffering trials and tribulation. When you must rely completely on God's grace to endure the affliction and triumph over your trials, divine strength becomes perfected in the sufferer as he learns it is sufficient.

    That is, God's grace is sufficient without the added favor of the immediate removal of the trial. There are times, as the Apostle shows, when glorying in one's weaknesses and trials, is far more profitable than the constant praying for their immediate removal. Paul said when I'm weak then I'm strong. The trials and severe testing at times reduce us to a place where we trust and rest in God's grace alone. There are higher purposes in our trials and afflictions than just the immediate removal of them. It's glorious when you come to the place that you can say, God's grace is all I need. God's grace is sufficient for me in this time of testing and trial. Praise God for His grace, He is all I need and His grace is sufficient. Have you been through a trial that brought you to the place where you could say "I know the sufficiency of God's grace in my severe weakness?"

    Part 8.) Another purpose in our suffering trial and tribulation for righteousness sake is suffering for the purpose of sharing in the afflictions of Christ.
    First Peter 4:13; but rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings when His glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy! Few understand the significance that we are called to partake of Christ's own sufferings and we are to rejoice in them. In all their afflictions, Christians are viewed as having fellowship with Christ and His sufferings. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that he was glad to count all things lost for Christ so that he might know Him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. The significance of sharing in Christ's sufferings is that they are endured in the same cause in which His sufferings were endured. God's glorious purposes in our sufferings, whether they be mental, physical, or spiritual are inflicted upon the disciples of Jesus because they're like Him. They now stand in His place so that His reproaches might now fall upon them and His sufferings might be continued and fulfilled in his disciples. It's really Christ's sufferings which fall upon the Christian declared by the Apostle Paul when he said "now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake because I fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh" Colossians 1:24.

    If His disciples are close enough to Christ to share in His life he is saying they will be close enough to share in His sufferings. For all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2nd Timothy 3:12. This is a promise for you as a disciple and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus, that they shall suffer persecution. 1 Peter 2:21 says for unto this were you called, because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps. Thus the Christian partakes of the sufferings of Christ, not in a way of supplementing Jesus' suffering, but by becoming sharers in those sufferings in the communion of affliction with Jesus Christ. This is our calling, to have a fellowship of suffering with Jesus Christ in our trials and persecution. Hebrews 13;12,13 We are told "wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp bearing his reproach". See also Philippians 1:29.

    As a Christian it has been granted in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him but also to suffer on His behalf. We are called to suffer and be partakers of Christ's sufferings. We fill up in our lives that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. What Paul means is that if Christ were still here He would still suffer persecution, rejection, and even crucifixion. Since He is not here in the world, they cannot touch Him. False religion cannot reproach and revile Him since they see Him no more. But all of this hate and reviling, reproach and persecution by the world and organized religion will come upon the true disciples of Jesus Christ since they see Jesus in you! This is a promise, that if you follow in His steps, you will suffer persecution. So suffering trial and tribulation, affliction and persecution is for the glorious purpose of sharing in Christ's sufferings and afflictions. Nothing brings spiritual maturity and favor with God faster than enduring these persecutions which are given to those faithful disciples strong enough to receive them.

    Part 9.) Now another purpose in suffering is to prepare the Christian for his citizenship in the kingdom of God. Paul addresses the Thessalonians saying we ourselves glory in you and the churches of God for your patience and faith in your persecutions and your afflictions which you endure. He says this is to prepare you and to make you counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you suffer. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4 and 5. Through their subjection to suffering, God thus prepares His people for future glory in His kingdom. They prove by their consistency and endurance their right to their inheritance. Thus the glories of the heavenly kingdom are held up as a reward for faithful endurance from the obedient Christian. So Christ, we are told, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising the shame and sat down on the right hand of God. In 2nd Timothy 2:12 we are told if we endure, we shall also reign with Him. Matthew 24:13 we find “he that endureth to the end the same shall be saved.”

    The close relationship between the endurance of suffering and entrance into the kingdom is set forth in Acts 14:22. We must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. The patient endurance of tribulation and suffering is the only assurance you have that you are an heir to the kingdom of God. So one's endurance becomes a token of his divine citizenship. The parable of the sower taught by Christ shows this truth. Some do not endure during the tribulation and persecution because of the word and they fall away. Christ said blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of God. Suffering is to make us ready to enter the kingdom of God.

    Part 10.) Now we have another purpose in our trials. We see the Bible shows suffering strengthens and purifies the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church benefits spiritually in times of persecution. Persecution purges the Church of its chaff and unites the true disciples in an inseparable bond of love and faith. Their witness becomes bold and effective and the Lord is glorified in a way that can never be realized in those periods of material prosperity and peaceful harmony with the world. It was only after the terrible persecution the Church of Jerusalem suffered at the hands of Saul before his conversion that the gospel was effectively spread throughout the world. We read this in Acts chapter 8 and it was during the early period of threats, beatings, and reproaches by the religious leaders that the church received divine power to proclaim its message. We read they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness and with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. See Acts chapter 4.

    It is an acknowledged fact, that only in those areas of the world in those periods of history when the church has been suffering persecution and affliction, that Christianity was really alive and vigorous and spiritually effective. This is still true today. It was to the persecuted Church of Smyrna that Christ said "I know your tribulation and your poverty but you are rich" Revelation 2:9.
    Many Christians who do not understand the purpose of God in suffering and the scriptural exhortation for the Christian to rejoice in time of trial and suffering, this is somewhat of a mystery. James declared, count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials James 1:2. Christ said to his disciples that in times of tribulation and persecution they should rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Matthew 5:12. Instead, many Christians complain and say in time of trial and testing, oh why does this have to happen to me? How long is this going to last? I don't understand why this is happening. I try to live right and do what is right. To rejoice in trials and afflictions is the opposite to the ways and thinking of the world.

    The Apostle Peter confirms and encourages the persecuted Christians by saying if he be reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests on you! First Peter 4:14. The reason the Christian should rejoice in the time of suffering is because of their blessedness in God's sight. Jesus had this in mind when He said blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10. Such affliction is viewed not only as a special privilege granted to the believer, but it's an unmistakable token of God's acceptance of this individual, a token that he is to share in Christ's exaltation and glory at the second coming. The Scriptures tell us that if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him. We read in Romans 8:16 and 17 that the Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified with Him.

    We are not to despise suffering and tribulation and avoid trials at all costs. No man shall enter the kingdom of God who has not suffered with Christ or who has not suffered for righteousness sake. We might as well face it, the New Testament promises persecution to the righteous. Jesus said in John 15 if they persecuted me they will persecute you. He that lives godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. It is evidence that you're on the right road, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. May God richly bless this word to your heart and give grace to overcome in all things to the glory of God and advancement of His kingdom on earth. Amen. Edited. Shared.

    God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
    ❤️WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 2 of 2. Continued. So suddenly, out of the whirlwind, you'll notice that God speaks and His speeches seemed designed for the sole purpose, not of answering Job's problems, his questions, his perplexities, but of reducing Job to a state of godly humility and of humbling his pride. In the two addresses of the Lord, first we see that in chapters 38 through chapter 40, a series of questions each of which admits to but a single humiliating reply. God causes to pass before Job a panorama of his creation exemplifying all the wonders of his creation to such an extent that Job is overwhelmed by it and he says," I put my hand over my mouth I'll not say another thing before the Lord". Then in God's second address, it is designed to convince him of his error and charging God with injustice in His sovereign rule of the world and especially in his treatment of Job. Job had questioned the principles of God's rule so he has been ironically invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world for himself and as the test of his capabilities. Then formidable creatures which God has created are paraded before Job and he's asked to subdue one of them to prove that he's able and capable to rule the world. You should read chapters 38 through 42 and you will see this. Job's ignorance of God's providence in the natural order God says disqualifies him from passing judgment upon His rule in the moral order. Job is challenged to show his knowledge concerning the creation of the world, God's control of the sea, the command of the light, the formation and direction of many things such as light and darkness, snow and hail, rain and floods, lightning and thunder, dew and frost. He's challenged to show his knowledge concerning the government of the celestial world, the creation, endowment with instincts and direction of the animal world. Job at the conclusion of that address and that panorama of creation just says, "I put my hand over my mouth. I've uttered things too hastily". Then in the second discourse Job is invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world if he can, but first let Job as a test of his capabilities, subdue one or two of God's formidable creations the rhinoceros and the crocodile. Job repents as God's challenges were too overwhelming for him. He was awed into silence and driven to his knees whereupon he cried out behold what shall I answer! I lay my hand upon my mouth. Chapter 40 verse 4 he humbly repents, in 42 verses 5 to 6 he says I've heard of you by the hearing of the ear but now my eye sees You. I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. So, trials are the remedy for man's pride. God allows them sometimes to humble our pride. God's children are permitted the experience of trials and of suffering that then they might come to see themselves as God sees them and see God as he really is. Such a revelation will humble the true child of God and can only come many times through the humbling experiences of suffering when man comes to realize that he's but flesh and that God's ways are often beyond his finite wisdom and comprehension. The psalmist had insight into this virtue of maintaining the proper attitude toward God with respect to humility and God's purposes, for he cried, "Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my days what it is and let me know how frail I am" Psalm 39:4. So, we see sometimes trials and sufferings are for the purpose of humbling our pride. God is not always going to give us a reason or an answer for why we're going through that particular trial or tribulation. You see, we're just going to have to trust Him as His righteousness and wisdom are perfect. You will notice God did not give Job any reasons for going through those trials, He just paraded His wisdom before Job and Job was expected to trust him. Part 5.) Another purpose in our suffering trials is for the purpose of developing patience and endurance and godly contentment. Afflictions and sufferings often beset the righteous and they experience many kinds of trials. For example, their plans and purposes sometimes are upset or postponed, their intentions are interrupted, their well-laid projects and plans are obstructed and sometimes interfered, all for the purpose of developing in the children of God a patient endurance and submission to the will and purpose of God. Such trials and delays and interruptions will often teach the one who experiences it the virtue of submitting humbly to God and waiting upon Him. We read in James chapter 5 verses 7-11, Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord, behold the husbandman, the farmer, waits for the precious fruit of the earth being patient over it until he receives the early and latter rain, be you also patient establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Take brethren, for an example of suffering and his patient endurance, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold we call them blessed that endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job, he endured and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is full of pity and mercy. So trials often offer the purpose of developing in the child of God patient endurance and godly contentment. You see, patient endurance will produce contentment in the midst of trials and tests and delays. Paul in writing to the Philippians in chapter 4 says not that I speak in respect of want for I've learned whatever state I am in therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Paul informs us he's learned contentment in the midst of whatever he experiences. Have you learned such contentment? Your trials are often designed to produce in you godly contentment and patient endurance. Now we should point out that some people try to justify their own lack of faith by quoting this passage. They try to justify why they never have anything or why they're always in need and why they always want this or that and are not satisfied. That is missing the meaning of Paul's purpose in writing these things plus it misses the context. In verse 19 we read, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. We have all the promises, such as Matthew 6:33, if you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness God will supply all of your material needs. So we can't use this passage out of its context to try to justify why we don't have faith or we do not have anything. Paul wasn't always hungry simply because he said he knew how to be full or hungry. He was not starving to death but saying that when he suffered needs at times in his ministry that he learned to be content. There are many times that we have to wait to see the answer to our prayers. You don't always get the answer seen immediately and that's to teach you godly contentment as you wait for God to bring to pass whatever you've prayed about. Hebrews 10:23, let us hold fast to our confession of faith without doubting for God is faithful who made the promise. We are to submit to that trial and learn patient endurance which will result in godly contentment. Keep in mind God is not going to contradict Himself for he says, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. David said I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and I'll supply all of your material needs. These promises do not mean on the other hand that we will not suffer sometimes temporary lacks and needs but we are to be content in those times. We can believe the promises of God but the answers are not always seen immediately. We are to learn godly contentment and patient endurance as we wait upon God to supply that need and overcome that problem and deliver us eventually out of that trial. God will do it if you will hold fast to your confession of faith. Part 6.) Suffering and trials are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. We read of Christ in Hebrews 5:8 that though he were the Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered. Now this does not mean that He did not know already how to obey or that he did not know what obedience meant. This passage does not mean that he was not willing to obey the Father without trials but it means that in his humanity he learned from practical experience what obedience was. He proved Himself through the experiences of trials and sufferings that he was obedient. He became personally acquainted with the experience of obedience to God in the midst of trial and testing. It is not something you can learn out of a book or from a teacher. You can only learn these things through experience and you can only learn obedience through the experience of having your obedience or allegiance to God tested. Now this is one of the objects of our trials and sufferings so that we may be like Jesus. He learned what it means to obey under the pressure of trials. Without trials and tests you would be tempted many times to become self-confident and careless and through trials God teaches us how to become submissive and obedient. It's like training a dog. Trials are God's method of obedience training. Hebrews 5:8 is an important principle concerning the meaning of our trials. It means that trials are one of the best ways to get us to translate words into deeds. How many people do you know who have failed to make their deeds match their words in time of testing? They say one thing but in time of testing they do something else. While Jesus already covered this situation in the parable of the sower when He said the one that received the seed into stony places is the same as he that heareth the word and anon with joy receives it yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a while. Then when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word he falls away. So trials, testings, and tribulation are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. There are just some things that cannot be learned any other way except through trials, testing and the tribulation. Part 7.) Next we see sufferings for the purpose of the development of godly character. We read in James 1:2-4, Count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials knowing that the proving of your faith works steadfastness and let steadfastness have its perfect work that you may be perfect and entire lacking in nothing. Now the perfection referred to here is that of spiritual maturity which is attained through the patient endurance of trials and afflictions for righteousness sake. The endurance of testing and trial forms the habit of perseverance of steadfastness. Testing properly endured develops the moral character and strengthens the spiritual life. So the crosses Christ sends you as His child are for the purpose of maturing you, perfecting you. Your spiritual life is strengthened through the sanctifying power of suffering. Peter tells us in 1st Peter 5:10 and the God of all Grace who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ after that you've suffered a little while will Himself perfect, establish, and strengthen you. That is the purpose of your trials- to perfect you and your character. The person who has never been tested may be innocent but not necessarily trustworthy. We see this in the case of Adam. It's only through trials, affliction, and testing that a holy, godly, and trustworthy Christian character can be developed. The trials and testings develop godly character James informs us in Chapter 1- to count it all joy when we fall into divers trials because this is perfecting us and bringing us into godly perfection. Also, suffering trial and tribulation for the Gospels sake is often the doorway to inner spiritual strength. The meaning of suffering and affliction is often misunderstood by many Christians. We must see that the immediate removal of your trials and afflictions would be against your best spiritual interest. Many times, the sufficiency of the grace of God in the power of Christ cannot always be demonstrated, except through the experience of suffering trials and tribulation. When you must rely completely on God's grace to endure the affliction and triumph over your trials, divine strength becomes perfected in the sufferer as he learns it is sufficient. That is, God's grace is sufficient without the added favor of the immediate removal of the trial. There are times, as the Apostle shows, when glorying in one's weaknesses and trials, is far more profitable than the constant praying for their immediate removal. Paul said when I'm weak then I'm strong. The trials and severe testing at times reduce us to a place where we trust and rest in God's grace alone. There are higher purposes in our trials and afflictions than just the immediate removal of them. It's glorious when you come to the place that you can say, God's grace is all I need. God's grace is sufficient for me in this time of testing and trial. Praise God for His grace, He is all I need and His grace is sufficient. Have you been through a trial that brought you to the place where you could say "I know the sufficiency of God's grace in my severe weakness?" Part 8.) Another purpose in our suffering trial and tribulation for righteousness sake is suffering for the purpose of sharing in the afflictions of Christ. First Peter 4:13; but rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings when His glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy! Few understand the significance that we are called to partake of Christ's own sufferings and we are to rejoice in them. In all their afflictions, Christians are viewed as having fellowship with Christ and His sufferings. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that he was glad to count all things lost for Christ so that he might know Him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. The significance of sharing in Christ's sufferings is that they are endured in the same cause in which His sufferings were endured. God's glorious purposes in our sufferings, whether they be mental, physical, or spiritual are inflicted upon the disciples of Jesus because they're like Him. They now stand in His place so that His reproaches might now fall upon them and His sufferings might be continued and fulfilled in his disciples. It's really Christ's sufferings which fall upon the Christian declared by the Apostle Paul when he said "now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake because I fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh" Colossians 1:24. If His disciples are close enough to Christ to share in His life he is saying they will be close enough to share in His sufferings. For all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2nd Timothy 3:12. This is a promise for you as a disciple and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus, that they shall suffer persecution. 1 Peter 2:21 says for unto this were you called, because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps. Thus the Christian partakes of the sufferings of Christ, not in a way of supplementing Jesus' suffering, but by becoming sharers in those sufferings in the communion of affliction with Jesus Christ. This is our calling, to have a fellowship of suffering with Jesus Christ in our trials and persecution. Hebrews 13;12,13 We are told "wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp bearing his reproach". See also Philippians 1:29. As a Christian it has been granted in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him but also to suffer on His behalf. We are called to suffer and be partakers of Christ's sufferings. We fill up in our lives that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. What Paul means is that if Christ were still here He would still suffer persecution, rejection, and even crucifixion. Since He is not here in the world, they cannot touch Him. False religion cannot reproach and revile Him since they see Him no more. But all of this hate and reviling, reproach and persecution by the world and organized religion will come upon the true disciples of Jesus Christ since they see Jesus in you! This is a promise, that if you follow in His steps, you will suffer persecution. So suffering trial and tribulation, affliction and persecution is for the glorious purpose of sharing in Christ's sufferings and afflictions. Nothing brings spiritual maturity and favor with God faster than enduring these persecutions which are given to those faithful disciples strong enough to receive them. Part 9.) Now another purpose in suffering is to prepare the Christian for his citizenship in the kingdom of God. Paul addresses the Thessalonians saying we ourselves glory in you and the churches of God for your patience and faith in your persecutions and your afflictions which you endure. He says this is to prepare you and to make you counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you suffer. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4 and 5. Through their subjection to suffering, God thus prepares His people for future glory in His kingdom. They prove by their consistency and endurance their right to their inheritance. Thus the glories of the heavenly kingdom are held up as a reward for faithful endurance from the obedient Christian. So Christ, we are told, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising the shame and sat down on the right hand of God. In 2nd Timothy 2:12 we are told if we endure, we shall also reign with Him. Matthew 24:13 we find “he that endureth to the end the same shall be saved.” The close relationship between the endurance of suffering and entrance into the kingdom is set forth in Acts 14:22. We must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. The patient endurance of tribulation and suffering is the only assurance you have that you are an heir to the kingdom of God. So one's endurance becomes a token of his divine citizenship. The parable of the sower taught by Christ shows this truth. Some do not endure during the tribulation and persecution because of the word and they fall away. Christ said blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of God. Suffering is to make us ready to enter the kingdom of God. Part 10.) Now we have another purpose in our trials. We see the Bible shows suffering strengthens and purifies the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church benefits spiritually in times of persecution. Persecution purges the Church of its chaff and unites the true disciples in an inseparable bond of love and faith. Their witness becomes bold and effective and the Lord is glorified in a way that can never be realized in those periods of material prosperity and peaceful harmony with the world. It was only after the terrible persecution the Church of Jerusalem suffered at the hands of Saul before his conversion that the gospel was effectively spread throughout the world. We read this in Acts chapter 8 and it was during the early period of threats, beatings, and reproaches by the religious leaders that the church received divine power to proclaim its message. We read they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness and with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. See Acts chapter 4. It is an acknowledged fact, that only in those areas of the world in those periods of history when the church has been suffering persecution and affliction, that Christianity was really alive and vigorous and spiritually effective. This is still true today. It was to the persecuted Church of Smyrna that Christ said "I know your tribulation and your poverty but you are rich" Revelation 2:9. Many Christians who do not understand the purpose of God in suffering and the scriptural exhortation for the Christian to rejoice in time of trial and suffering, this is somewhat of a mystery. James declared, count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials James 1:2. Christ said to his disciples that in times of tribulation and persecution they should rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Matthew 5:12. Instead, many Christians complain and say in time of trial and testing, oh why does this have to happen to me? How long is this going to last? I don't understand why this is happening. I try to live right and do what is right. To rejoice in trials and afflictions is the opposite to the ways and thinking of the world. The Apostle Peter confirms and encourages the persecuted Christians by saying if he be reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests on you! First Peter 4:14. The reason the Christian should rejoice in the time of suffering is because of their blessedness in God's sight. Jesus had this in mind when He said blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10. Such affliction is viewed not only as a special privilege granted to the believer, but it's an unmistakable token of God's acceptance of this individual, a token that he is to share in Christ's exaltation and glory at the second coming. The Scriptures tell us that if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him. We read in Romans 8:16 and 17 that the Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified with Him. We are not to despise suffering and tribulation and avoid trials at all costs. No man shall enter the kingdom of God who has not suffered with Christ or who has not suffered for righteousness sake. We might as well face it, the New Testament promises persecution to the righteous. Jesus said in John 15 if they persecuted me they will persecute you. He that lives godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. It is evidence that you're on the right road, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. May God richly bless this word to your heart and give grace to overcome in all things to the glory of God and advancement of His kingdom on earth. Amen. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.
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  • Heartbreaking scenes from Nepal.

    PRAY FOR NEPAL

    Rescuers struggling to reach disaster zone after more than 160 killed in Nepal-Tibet flash floods

    More than 160 people have been killed in Nepal, and hundreds of tourists are missing, after a massive flash flood and mudslide

    The missing tourists include more than 100 from India, 54 from the US, 34 from Australia, and 33 from the UK, as well as more than 100 from Nepal itself, according to officials. The area is popular with pilgrims and trekkers

    The US, China, the EU and India are among the countries that have pledged assistance or dispatched relief supplies

    Dozens of Nepalese police officers and army personnel are also missing, as well as power workers. My family was swept away in front of me, one woman tells us - she and her son survived by climbing to a rooftop

    Authorities initially thought an earthquake may have preceded the flooding - but the US Geological Survey now says the "seismic energy was instead generated by a landslide"

    May those still in danger be protected and may everyone affected find strength. Pray for Nepal.
    Heartbreaking scenes from Nepal. 🇳🇵💔 PRAY FOR NEPAL 🙏 Rescuers struggling to reach disaster zone after more than 160 killed in Nepal-Tibet flash floods More than 160 people have been killed in Nepal, and hundreds of tourists are missing, after a massive flash flood and mudslide The missing tourists include more than 100 from India, 54 from the US, 34 from Australia, and 33 from the UK, as well as more than 100 from Nepal itself, according to officials. The area is popular with pilgrims and trekkers The US, China, the EU and India are among the countries that have pledged assistance or dispatched relief supplies Dozens of Nepalese police officers and army personnel are also missing, as well as power workers. My family was swept away in front of me, one woman tells us - she and her son survived by climbing to a rooftop Authorities initially thought an earthquake may have preceded the flooding - but the US Geological Survey now says the "seismic energy was instead generated by a landslide" May those still in danger be protected and may everyone affected find strength. Pray for Nepal. 🤲
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  • Photos: Avalanche floods kill eight, hundreds missing in Nepal’s Himalayas | Weather News | Al Jazeera https://share.google/3xYh3CmZoIAILMGuF

    Greetings from Nepal to Christian families around the world. Today, a very bad flood disaster has hit 3 districts in our country. There has been a lot of damage to property and lives.Therefore, we expect your prayers and support. Thank you.
    Photos: Avalanche floods kill eight, hundreds missing in Nepal’s Himalayas | Weather News | Al Jazeera https://share.google/3xYh3CmZoIAILMGuF. Greetings from Nepal to Christian families around the world. Today, a very bad flood disaster has hit 3 districts in our country. There has been a lot of damage to property and lives.Therefore, we expect your prayers and support. Thank you.
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  • The famous dinosaur track site at Cal Orck’o in Bolivia is one of the most spectacular locations of its kind in the world. This massive wall stretches for nearly a mile and stands over 328 feet high, with a steep 72-degree incline. The site features more than 5,000 individual footprints and 462 trackways, made by at least eight different species that, according to the conventional dating, roamed the area around 68 million years ago. Among these tracks is one that extends for more than 984 feet. Paleontologists have noticed that the majority of the tracks were made by dinosaurs running. The fossilized tracks, with deeply imprinted toes rather than heels, indicate that the dinosaurs were moving quickly. These fossilized dinosaur footprints were originally discovered in 1985 during local limestone mining, and the tracks were found beneath seven deep layers of rock. Landslides in Bolivia in 2015 exposed another 5,000 dinosaur tracks. Today, these trackways are preserved across a massive rock face, with some extending hundreds of feet across the steeply tilted surface.

    Secularists claim these footprints were made by dinosaurs stepping across soft, moist ground that preserved the impressions, followed by a drought that solidified them. This pattern of wet conditions followed by drought supposedly repeated seven times to explain the seven layers of rock. Then, over millions of years, tectonic movement supposedly caused the land to move, eventually forming the enormous cliff we see today. I would normally just swallow that pill and accept this explanation—EXCEPT there were also marine fossils discovered here. That raises an important question: why are marine fossils found in the same geological setting as these dinosaur tracks? A better explanation is that these tracks were caused by a worldwide Flood. Ninety-six percent of these dinosaur tracks, representing eight different species of dinosaurs, both herbivores and carnivores, are moving in the same direction, and many appear to have been moving very quickly. What were they trying to get away from? If these dinosaurs were simply walking through this area under ordinary conditions, why were so many different species moving in the same general direction at the same time? A better explanation is that they were fleeing from rapidly rising floodwaters.

    For forty days and forty nights, it rained, while the fountains of the great deep burst forth. A destructive and powerful Flood carried enormous amounts of water and sediment over the land until the entire earth was under water. Dinosaurs seeing the rising floodwaters would have immediately begun moving toward higher ground. Different dinosaurs fleeing across this specific area left their tracks in the soft ground. The powerful floodwaters, carrying massive amounts of sediment, would have rapidly covered and buried those tracks, preserving the delicate footprints before erosion or other environmental processes could destroy them. As the Flood continued, more and more sediment was deposited, producing the layers of rock containing the tracks. This was not a gentle flood that slowly covered the earth; it was a powerful, destructive Flood that killed all living creatures outside the Ark.

    After the Floodwaters eventually receded, the enormous volume of rapidly moving water continued to reshape the landscape, forming and carving massive geological features. Science has proven and observed that powerful moving water can erode rock, transport enormous quantities of sediment, carve canyons, and dramatically reshape the landscape. If ordinary floods can produce dramatic geological changes, imagine the destructive power of a worldwide Flood involving vast quantities of water moving across the continents. Science has also demonstrated that huge amounts of water exist deep inside the earth, including water stored within the planet’s interior. This fits with the biblical description of the fountains of the great deep bursting forth. The rapidly moving Flood waters explain the enormous cliff at Cal Orck’o and the surrounding geological formations. And the marine fossils found in these deposits provide another important piece of evidence: marine organisms were buried and fossilized in the sediment alongside the dinosaur tracks. The presence of marine fossils alongside these dinosaur tracks is exactly the kind of evidence we would expect from a catastrophic worldwide Flood carrying enormous amounts of water and sediment across the earth.

    When we put all of these pieces of evidence together—the thousands of dinosaur footprints, the rapid movement and overwhelming directional movement of the tracks, multiple dinosaur species including both herbivores and carnivores, the soft sediment in which the tracks were made, their rapid burial beneath additional layers, the enormous geological formation now standing at a 72-degree incline, the tremendous quantities of water stored within the earth, the proven geological power of rapidly moving water, and the marine fossils found within the same geological setting—we have powerful evidence for the biblical account of Noah’s Flood. The Flood was not a myth or a local event. It was a catastrophic worldwide judgment that covered the earth, destroyed all living creatures outside the Ark, buried enormous numbers of animals in sediment, and dramatically reshaped the world we live in today. The evidence is still there. It is written into the rocks.
    The famous dinosaur track site at Cal Orck’o in Bolivia is one of the most spectacular locations of its kind in the world. This massive wall stretches for nearly a mile and stands over 328 feet high, with a steep 72-degree incline. The site features more than 5,000 individual footprints and 462 trackways, made by at least eight different species that, according to the conventional dating, roamed the area around 68 million years ago. Among these tracks is one that extends for more than 984 feet. Paleontologists have noticed that the majority of the tracks were made by dinosaurs running. The fossilized tracks, with deeply imprinted toes rather than heels, indicate that the dinosaurs were moving quickly. These fossilized dinosaur footprints were originally discovered in 1985 during local limestone mining, and the tracks were found beneath seven deep layers of rock. Landslides in Bolivia in 2015 exposed another 5,000 dinosaur tracks. Today, these trackways are preserved across a massive rock face, with some extending hundreds of feet across the steeply tilted surface. Secularists claim these footprints were made by dinosaurs stepping across soft, moist ground that preserved the impressions, followed by a drought that solidified them. This pattern of wet conditions followed by drought supposedly repeated seven times to explain the seven layers of rock. Then, over millions of years, tectonic movement supposedly caused the land to move, eventually forming the enormous cliff we see today. I would normally just swallow that pill and accept this explanation—EXCEPT there were also marine fossils discovered here. That raises an important question: why are marine fossils found in the same geological setting as these dinosaur tracks? A better explanation is that these tracks were caused by a worldwide Flood. Ninety-six percent of these dinosaur tracks, representing eight different species of dinosaurs, both herbivores and carnivores, are moving in the same direction, and many appear to have been moving very quickly. What were they trying to get away from? If these dinosaurs were simply walking through this area under ordinary conditions, why were so many different species moving in the same general direction at the same time? A better explanation is that they were fleeing from rapidly rising floodwaters. For forty days and forty nights, it rained, while the fountains of the great deep burst forth. A destructive and powerful Flood carried enormous amounts of water and sediment over the land until the entire earth was under water. Dinosaurs seeing the rising floodwaters would have immediately begun moving toward higher ground. Different dinosaurs fleeing across this specific area left their tracks in the soft ground. The powerful floodwaters, carrying massive amounts of sediment, would have rapidly covered and buried those tracks, preserving the delicate footprints before erosion or other environmental processes could destroy them. As the Flood continued, more and more sediment was deposited, producing the layers of rock containing the tracks. This was not a gentle flood that slowly covered the earth; it was a powerful, destructive Flood that killed all living creatures outside the Ark. After the Floodwaters eventually receded, the enormous volume of rapidly moving water continued to reshape the landscape, forming and carving massive geological features. Science has proven and observed that powerful moving water can erode rock, transport enormous quantities of sediment, carve canyons, and dramatically reshape the landscape. If ordinary floods can produce dramatic geological changes, imagine the destructive power of a worldwide Flood involving vast quantities of water moving across the continents. Science has also demonstrated that huge amounts of water exist deep inside the earth, including water stored within the planet’s interior. This fits with the biblical description of the fountains of the great deep bursting forth. The rapidly moving Flood waters explain the enormous cliff at Cal Orck’o and the surrounding geological formations. And the marine fossils found in these deposits provide another important piece of evidence: marine organisms were buried and fossilized in the sediment alongside the dinosaur tracks. The presence of marine fossils alongside these dinosaur tracks is exactly the kind of evidence we would expect from a catastrophic worldwide Flood carrying enormous amounts of water and sediment across the earth. When we put all of these pieces of evidence together—the thousands of dinosaur footprints, the rapid movement and overwhelming directional movement of the tracks, multiple dinosaur species including both herbivores and carnivores, the soft sediment in which the tracks were made, their rapid burial beneath additional layers, the enormous geological formation now standing at a 72-degree incline, the tremendous quantities of water stored within the earth, the proven geological power of rapidly moving water, and the marine fossils found within the same geological setting—we have powerful evidence for the biblical account of Noah’s Flood. The Flood was not a myth or a local event. It was a catastrophic worldwide judgment that covered the earth, destroyed all living creatures outside the Ark, buried enormous numbers of animals in sediment, and dramatically reshaped the world we live in today. The evidence is still there. It is written into the rocks.
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 13 Vue
  • Need to know.
    Truth or consequences
    Sabbath, Sabbath, Sabbath, why all the attention on this seemingly irrelevant topic?

    Because

    The Sabbath question is to be THE ISSUE in the great final conflict in which all the world will act a part!

    The substitution of the false for the true is the last act in the drama.

    When this substitution becomes universal, God will reveal Himself.

    When the laws of men are exalted above the laws of God, when the powers of this Earth try to force men to keep the first day of the week know that the time has come for God to work.

    The RCC claims that changing God's Sabbath to Sunday, is a mark of the church's authority..

    The papacy is the first Beast AKA political, religious entity of Revelation 13.

    Thus you have it. The mark of the beast, which the Bible says is about worship.

    Many floods and fires and disasters happening... Evangelicals hold much political power and will scream to the government to enact Sunday law legislation. They believe that all these things are happening because we're not keeping Sunday Holy.

    That is a satanic lie my friends because nowhere in scripture is Sunday the Sabbath..

    Satan deceives the whole world. Revelation 12:9

    Saturday is the true Lord's Day. Sunday will become the mark of the beast when the laws are enacted.. it is not the mark of the beast at this point.
    Need to know. Truth or consequences Sabbath, Sabbath, Sabbath, why all the attention on this seemingly irrelevant topic? Because The Sabbath question is to be THE ISSUE in the great final conflict in which all the world will act a part! The substitution of the false for the true is the last act in the drama. When this substitution becomes universal, God will reveal Himself. When the laws of men are exalted above the laws of God, when the powers of this Earth try to force men to keep the first day of the week know that the time has come for God to work. The RCC claims that changing God's Sabbath to Sunday, is a mark of the church's authority.. The papacy is the first Beast AKA political, religious entity of Revelation 13. Thus you have it. The mark of the beast, which the Bible says is about worship. Many floods and fires and disasters happening... Evangelicals hold much political power and will scream to the government to enact Sunday law legislation. They believe that all these things are happening because we're not keeping Sunday Holy. That is a satanic lie my friends because nowhere in scripture is Sunday the Sabbath.. Satan deceives the whole world. Revelation 12:9 Saturday is the true Lord's Day. Sunday will become the mark of the beast when the laws are enacted.. it is not the mark of the beast at this point.
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  • A Life Rooted in God’s Word

    “A life rooted in God’s Word may face storms, but it will not be shaken.”

    Psalm 1:2–3
    “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night... That person is like a tree planted by streams of water.”

    The strength of a tree is not found only in its branches; it is found in how deeply its roots are established. When the wind blows, the branches may sway. When a great storm comes, branches may break and leaves may fall. But a tree with deep roots will stand firm and will not easily fall.

    In the same way, the Bible does not say that a Christian life will be free from problems. Storms will come, trials will come, tears will come, and unexpected circumstances will arise. But a heart rooted in God’s Word will not be shaken by those circumstances.

    In Matthew 7:24–25, Jesus compares the person who hears His words and puts them into practice to a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came, the floods rose, and the winds blew against that house—yet it did not fall. Why? Because its foundation was built on the rock.

    What is the foundation of our life today? Is it money? People? Our abilities? All these things can change. But God’s Word never changes.

    As roots grow deeper, a tree becomes stronger. In the same way, as God’s Word goes deeper into our hearts, our faith becomes stronger.

    Therefore, instead of only praying that storms will never come, let us become so deeply rooted in God’s Word that we can stand firm even when the storms come. Even when circumstances change, people change, and we do not know what tomorrow holds, let us hold firmly to what God has spoken.

    A life rooted in God’s Word may be shaken by the storm, but it can never be uprooted.

    “Be deeply rooted in God’s Word; no storm in life will be able to shake you.”

    Hepsi Sam
    A Life Rooted in God’s Word “A life rooted in God’s Word may face storms, but it will not be shaken.” Psalm 1:2–3 “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night... That person is like a tree planted by streams of water.” The strength of a tree is not found only in its branches; it is found in how deeply its roots are established. When the wind blows, the branches may sway. When a great storm comes, branches may break and leaves may fall. But a tree with deep roots will stand firm and will not easily fall. In the same way, the Bible does not say that a Christian life will be free from problems. Storms will come, trials will come, tears will come, and unexpected circumstances will arise. But a heart rooted in God’s Word will not be shaken by those circumstances. In Matthew 7:24–25, Jesus compares the person who hears His words and puts them into practice to a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came, the floods rose, and the winds blew against that house—yet it did not fall. Why? Because its foundation was built on the rock. What is the foundation of our life today? Is it money? People? Our abilities? All these things can change. But God’s Word never changes. As roots grow deeper, a tree becomes stronger. In the same way, as God’s Word goes deeper into our hearts, our faith becomes stronger. Therefore, instead of only praying that storms will never come, let us become so deeply rooted in God’s Word that we can stand firm even when the storms come. Even when circumstances change, people change, and we do not know what tomorrow holds, let us hold firmly to what God has spoken. A life rooted in God’s Word may be shaken by the storm, but it can never be uprooted. “Be deeply rooted in God’s Word; no storm in life will be able to shake you.” Hepsi Sam ✍️
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    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 25 Vue
  • The Joy of Being Mentored.

    Human resource is an integral part of success. As you go up you need people to support your ladder of success. The saying goes, “Be good to people on your way up, because you will meet them on your way down.” No man has ever made it in his/her own however talented. God gives His servants people to support their endeavors because no single individual knows everything. One is an expert in this, and another an expert in that. You need to bring all their ideas on board to build your tower. Hence, the adage, “Together we are rock but singly you are sand”. Sand has never supported a foundation by itself. Christ Jesus taught, “Therefore whoever hears these words of mine and does them, I’ll liken him to a wise man that built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and floods came, and wind blew and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that hears not these words of mine, and does them not, shall be likened to a foolish man who built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” (Mathew 7:24-27).
    Almighty God puts this precious resource into your life to bless your life, and as you prosper you also bless other lives. And to lead a people you must be a leader. And to be a leader one must learn leadership skills from the leader. It takes following those who have gone before us to enter a city. This is called mentoring.
    The Scripture teaches, “That the heir, as long is a child, differs not from the servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father”(Galatians 4:1-2). This is also true of Father God: those whom He calls, He puts under the tutoring of men and the Holy Spirit until they fulfill His purpose on earth. Therefore, to ascend to greatness, mentoring is part and parcel of the process. A mentor is simply a guide or adviser. She/he is someone used by God to pull you up from a lowly life. You need someone who has been there to take hold of your hand and lead you to the top of the mountain. It takes following the King to enter the palace gates.
    In our calling, we are all called forth as little children but it takes tutoring and lessons from those who have gone before us to realize our dreams. Greatness is a product of growth. During our growth, we follow the leaders who have gone before us to be like them if not better. The Scripture reminds us that, “He that walks with the wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed”. (Proverbs 13:20). It takes following the wise to be wise. And the wise are also the great of the earth. They lead the way for others to follow onto their footsteps. The Scripture therefore warns that, “_____He that follows vain persons is void of understanding” (Proverbs 12:11). But cursed is everyone that follows after strong drinks. The Scripture laments, “Woe to them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow after strong drinks; that continue until night till wine inflame them” (Isaiah 5:11).
    The Joy of Being Mentored. Human resource is an integral part of success. As you go up you need people to support your ladder of success. The saying goes, “Be good to people on your way up, because you will meet them on your way down.” No man has ever made it in his/her own however talented. God gives His servants people to support their endeavors because no single individual knows everything. One is an expert in this, and another an expert in that. You need to bring all their ideas on board to build your tower. Hence, the adage, “Together we are rock but singly you are sand”. Sand has never supported a foundation by itself. Christ Jesus taught, “Therefore whoever hears these words of mine and does them, I’ll liken him to a wise man that built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and floods came, and wind blew and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that hears not these words of mine, and does them not, shall be likened to a foolish man who built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” (Mathew 7:24-27). Almighty God puts this precious resource into your life to bless your life, and as you prosper you also bless other lives. And to lead a people you must be a leader. And to be a leader one must learn leadership skills from the leader. It takes following those who have gone before us to enter a city. This is called mentoring. The Scripture teaches, “That the heir, as long is a child, differs not from the servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father”(Galatians 4:1-2). This is also true of Father God: those whom He calls, He puts under the tutoring of men and the Holy Spirit until they fulfill His purpose on earth. Therefore, to ascend to greatness, mentoring is part and parcel of the process. A mentor is simply a guide or adviser. She/he is someone used by God to pull you up from a lowly life. You need someone who has been there to take hold of your hand and lead you to the top of the mountain. It takes following the King to enter the palace gates. In our calling, we are all called forth as little children but it takes tutoring and lessons from those who have gone before us to realize our dreams. Greatness is a product of growth. During our growth, we follow the leaders who have gone before us to be like them if not better. The Scripture reminds us that, “He that walks with the wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed”. (Proverbs 13:20). It takes following the wise to be wise. And the wise are also the great of the earth. They lead the way for others to follow onto their footsteps. The Scripture therefore warns that, “_____He that follows vain persons is void of understanding” (Proverbs 12:11). But cursed is everyone that follows after strong drinks. The Scripture laments, “Woe to them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow after strong drinks; that continue until night till wine inflame them” (Isaiah 5:11).
    0 Commentaires 0 Parts 16 Vue
  • Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

    This month, I have taken a break from doing events in an attempt to sell my books. I have got the giveaway going, but that is all for now. It is funny that in a matter of just a couple of hours, I have September looking pretty solid for different sites. Add to that a couple of new projects in the works. So, while my physical is taking a break while the littles are here, my mind never shuts off. Haha.

    Today we have an appointment to see the VA lawyer and work on next steps for my hubby’s compensation. I have questions, and supposedly this alternate site has a calmer venue to ask those questions.

    As the rain falls, yet again today, please pray for those areas that are over drainage capacity and are flooding. My yard is a soggy mess and when I actually get to mow … in six months … we will need a rake to bundle the grass for the horses; however … my little puddles in my yard are nothing compared to those who have been ousted from their homes and businesses.

    I would encourage you to seek an audience with the Father today, as you should every day; however, today make a special appearance and pray for those who are watching their livelihood wash away in the floods. Pray for the emergency workers who are trying to keep everyone safe. Pray for the linemen who are trying to keep the power on. Pray for those who just happen to be in the wrong place when a road washes away. Pray for those in your community who are struggling with something that you are not aware of. Pray for our government leaders to put Him first and to follow His direction. Today, spend a considerable amount of time in prayer. Let's come together as a church and cover our country. While in the community, randomly stop and help someone … be the church in the physical as well as the spiritual. Today, let us show the world how His church demonstrates His love.

    Be blessed.

    **Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” –Matthew 22:37-40
    Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. This month, I have taken a break from doing events in an attempt to sell my books. I have got the giveaway going, but that is all for now. It is funny that in a matter of just a couple of hours, I have September looking pretty solid for different sites. Add to that a couple of new projects in the works. So, while my physical is taking a break while the littles are here, my mind never shuts off. Haha. Today we have an appointment to see the VA lawyer and work on next steps for my hubby’s compensation. I have questions, and supposedly this alternate site has a calmer venue to ask those questions. As the rain falls, yet again today, please pray for those areas that are over drainage capacity and are flooding. My yard is a soggy mess and when I actually get to mow … in six months … we will need a rake to bundle the grass for the horses; however … my little puddles in my yard are nothing compared to those who have been ousted from their homes and businesses. I would encourage you to seek an audience with the Father today, as you should every day; however, today make a special appearance and pray for those who are watching their livelihood wash away in the floods. Pray for the emergency workers who are trying to keep everyone safe. Pray for the linemen who are trying to keep the power on. Pray for those who just happen to be in the wrong place when a road washes away. Pray for those in your community who are struggling with something that you are not aware of. Pray for our government leaders to put Him first and to follow His direction. Today, spend a considerable amount of time in prayer. Let's come together as a church and cover our country. While in the community, randomly stop and help someone … be the church in the physical as well as the spiritual. Today, let us show the world how His church demonstrates His love. Be blessed. **Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” –Matthew 22:37-40
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  • praise Jesus:
    brethren heb1:1-2 is speaking to this last age today. the son has shown me 3 visions after vanished. eg Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, and skeleton vision. Joel 2:28, but mind you they are of divine warning, mercy, judgement unto living ones in this last age.

    scripture torch at no. 7 as sanctified no of God. and as no of spiritual perfection & completion. Gen2:1-3,
    and RED COLOR in it= blood of Jesus, sacrifice of Jesus, sin, spiritual warfare well no.7 stands as warning. seen 7days floods warning in Noah's time.

    therefore: Red 7 vision= call to repentance, sinners, 7 churches, and spiritual awakening, renewal, revival, through repenting & blood of Jesus purify you. 1john1:7, Luke 13:3-5,

    and Christ appointed me to testify to those visions that the son has shown me by sharing them to people of Last age. so that they repent and obey the word and become right before God. acts26:16.
    praise Jesus: brethren heb1:1-2 is speaking to this last age today. the son has shown me 3 visions after vanished. eg Red 7 in the sky, Green 7 on the wall, and skeleton vision. Joel 2:28, but mind you they are of divine warning, mercy, judgement unto living ones in this last age. scripture torch at no. 7 as sanctified no of God. and as no of spiritual perfection & completion. Gen2:1-3, and RED COLOR in it= blood of Jesus, sacrifice of Jesus, sin, spiritual warfare well no.7 stands as warning. seen 7days floods warning in Noah's time. therefore: Red 7 vision= call to repentance, sinners, 7 churches, and spiritual awakening, renewal, revival, through repenting & blood of Jesus purify you. 1john1:7, Luke 13:3-5, and Christ appointed me to testify to those visions that the son has shown me by sharing them to people of Last age. so that they repent and obey the word and become right before God. acts26:16.
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  • SHAKEN, BUT NOT STIRRED BECAUSE OF MY FAITH!
    Key Scripture:
    “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)

    Thought for the Day...
    There are moments in life when your faith will not prevent the shaking—it will keep the shaking from destroying you.
    Sometimes we mistakenly believe that strong faith means we will never experience fear, disappointment, uncertainty, pressure, betrayal, loss, or unexpected trouble. But the Bible never promises that believers will live unshaken lives. Instead, Scripture teaches us how to remain unmoved while everything around us is shaking.
    You may be shaken by what happened, but you don't have to be stirred away from what you believe.
    You can say:
    “I felt it, but I didn't fold.”
    “I cried, but I didn't quit.”
    “I was disappointed, but I didn't stop trusting God.”
    “The storm shook my surroundings, but it couldn't shake my foundation.”
    Why?
    BECAUSE OF MY FAITH!

    FAITH DOESN'T ALWAYS STOP THE SHAKING—SOMETIMES IT HOLDS YOU THROUGH IT
    Jesus told Peter:
    “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not…” — Luke 22:31–32 (KJV)
    Notice that Jesus didn't tell Peter, “You won't be sifted.”
    He said, essentially, “When you're sifted, I'm praying that your faith survives.”
    That's powerful!
    Sometimes God doesn't immediately remove the situation. Instead, He strengthens you in the situation.
    The enemy wants the shaking to become a breaking.
    But God says:
    “You may shake, but you will not shatter.”
    Your emotions may shake.
    Your finances may shake.
    Your relationships may shake.
    Your plans may shake.
    Your confidence may shake.
    But when your faith is anchored in Jesus Christ, your foundation remains secure.

    THE STORM CAN SHAKE THE HOUSE, BUT IT CANNOT MOVE THE FOUNDATION
    Jesus said:
    “…a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not…” — Matthew 7:24–25 (KJV)
    Notice something important.
    The house built on the rock still experienced the storm.
    The rain still fell.
    The floods still came.
    The winds still blew.
    And the storm still beat upon the house.
    The difference wasn't the absence of a storm.
    The difference was the foundation.
    Somebody looking at your life may wonder:
    "How are you still standing after everything you've been through?"

    The answer is simple:
    MY FOUNDATION IS JESUS!
    I've been shaken—but my foundation hasn't moved.
    I've been wounded—but my foundation hasn't moved.
    I've been disappointed—but my foundation hasn't moved.
    I've had nights when I didn't understand what God was doing—but my foundation hasn't moved!

    WHAT SHAKES YOU REVEALS WHAT'S HOLDING YOU!
    Hebrews declares:
    “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace…” — Hebrews 12:28 (KJV)
    Sometimes shaking reveals what we have unknowingly depended upon.
    We trusted the job—until the job changed.
    We trusted people—until people disappointed us.
    We trusted our plans—until life interrupted them.
    We trusted our own strength—until we discovered we weren't strong enough.
    Then the shaking reminded us:
    God was supposed to be our foundation all along.
    When temporary things start moving, faith grabs hold of the One who never changes.
    “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” — Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)
    Everything around you can change while the God underneath you remains the same.

    FAITH SAYS, “EVEN IF GOD DOESN'T CHANGE IT YET, I STILL TRUST HIM!”
    Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a fiery furnace because they refused to bow.
    Their response was remarkable:
    “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us…” — Daniel 3:17 (KJV)
    But then they said:
    “But if not… we will not serve thy gods…” — Daniel 3:18 (KJV)

    That's shaken-but-not-stirred faith!
    They knew God could deliver them, but their faith wasn't dependent upon God doing exactly what they wanted.
    “God can—but even if He doesn't, He's still God.”
    That's mature faith.
    If He heals me—I trust Him.
    If I'm still waiting—I trust Him.
    If the door opens—I trust Him.
    If the door stays closed—I trust Him.
    If I understand—I trust Him.
    If I don't understand—I STILL TRUST HIM!
    My circumstances don't determine God's character.
    God is faithful even when life doesn't make sense.

    YOU MAY BEND UNDER PRESSURE WITHOUT BREAKING
    Paul described the Christian journey this way:
    “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” — 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (KJV)

    Look at those contrasts:
    Troubled—but not distressed.
    Perplexed—but not hopeless.
    Persecuted—but not abandoned.
    Knocked down—but not destroyed.

    In other words:
    SHAKEN—BUT STILL STANDING!
    Faith doesn't mean you never have difficult moments.
    Faith means difficult moments don't get the final word.

    WHEN THE SHAKING STOPS
    One day you'll look back and realize:
    What you thought was going to destroy you actually developed you.
    The shaking taught you how to pray.
    The shaking taught you how to trust.
    The shaking taught you who was really for you.
    The shaking exposed what wasn't stable.
    The shaking drove you deeper into God's Word.
    And the shaking taught you something about yourself:
    “I didn't know my faith was this strong until life gave me something heavy enough to test it.”
    James 1:3 declares:
    “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
    Your faith isn't merely being tested.
    Your faith is being strengthened.

    Prayer...
    Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Rock when everything around me feels unstable. When life shakes me, strengthen my faith. When fear tries to enter my heart, remind me of Your promises. When I don't understand what You're doing, help me trust who You are.
    Lord, let every storm drive me closer to You. Give me faith that refuses to quit, worship that refuses to stop, and confidence that declares, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15).
    I declare that trouble will not destroy me, disappointment will not define me, and fear will not control me. My life is built upon Jesus Christ, the Solid Rock.
    I may be shaken, but I will not be stirred away from my faith.
    In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!

    DECLARATION...
    I may be shaken, but I will not be stirred away from my faith!
    I will not allow fear to replace my faith.
    I will not allow disappointment to replace my worship.
    I will not allow delay to make me doubt God's promises.
    I will not allow what I see to make me forget what God said.
    My faith is anchored.
    My hope is secure.
    My foundation is Jesus Christ.
    The winds may blow.
    The rain may fall.
    The ground around me may shake.
    BUT I WILL STILL BE STANDING!
    Because I've discovered something about God:
    HE IS FAITHFUL IN THE FIRE.
    HE IS FAITHFUL IN THE STORM.
    HE IS FAITHFUL IN THE WAITING.
    HE IS FAITHFUL IN THE SHAKING.
    I'M SHAKEN, BUT I'M NOT STIRRED—BECAUSE OF MY FAITH!
    SHAKEN, BUT NOT STIRRED BECAUSE OF MY FAITH! Key Scripture: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) Thought for the Day... There are moments in life when your faith will not prevent the shaking—it will keep the shaking from destroying you. Sometimes we mistakenly believe that strong faith means we will never experience fear, disappointment, uncertainty, pressure, betrayal, loss, or unexpected trouble. But the Bible never promises that believers will live unshaken lives. Instead, Scripture teaches us how to remain unmoved while everything around us is shaking. You may be shaken by what happened, but you don't have to be stirred away from what you believe. You can say: “I felt it, but I didn't fold.” “I cried, but I didn't quit.” “I was disappointed, but I didn't stop trusting God.” “The storm shook my surroundings, but it couldn't shake my foundation.” Why? BECAUSE OF MY FAITH! FAITH DOESN'T ALWAYS STOP THE SHAKING—SOMETIMES IT HOLDS YOU THROUGH IT Jesus told Peter: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not…” — Luke 22:31–32 (KJV) Notice that Jesus didn't tell Peter, “You won't be sifted.” He said, essentially, “When you're sifted, I'm praying that your faith survives.” That's powerful! Sometimes God doesn't immediately remove the situation. Instead, He strengthens you in the situation. The enemy wants the shaking to become a breaking. But God says: “You may shake, but you will not shatter.” Your emotions may shake. Your finances may shake. Your relationships may shake. Your plans may shake. Your confidence may shake. But when your faith is anchored in Jesus Christ, your foundation remains secure. THE STORM CAN SHAKE THE HOUSE, BUT IT CANNOT MOVE THE FOUNDATION Jesus said: “…a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not…” — Matthew 7:24–25 (KJV) Notice something important. The house built on the rock still experienced the storm. The rain still fell. The floods still came. The winds still blew. And the storm still beat upon the house. The difference wasn't the absence of a storm. The difference was the foundation. Somebody looking at your life may wonder: "How are you still standing after everything you've been through?" The answer is simple: MY FOUNDATION IS JESUS! I've been shaken—but my foundation hasn't moved. I've been wounded—but my foundation hasn't moved. I've been disappointed—but my foundation hasn't moved. I've had nights when I didn't understand what God was doing—but my foundation hasn't moved! WHAT SHAKES YOU REVEALS WHAT'S HOLDING YOU! Hebrews declares: “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace…” — Hebrews 12:28 (KJV) Sometimes shaking reveals what we have unknowingly depended upon. We trusted the job—until the job changed. We trusted people—until people disappointed us. We trusted our plans—until life interrupted them. We trusted our own strength—until we discovered we weren't strong enough. Then the shaking reminded us: God was supposed to be our foundation all along. When temporary things start moving, faith grabs hold of the One who never changes. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” — Hebrews 13:8 (KJV) Everything around you can change while the God underneath you remains the same. FAITH SAYS, “EVEN IF GOD DOESN'T CHANGE IT YET, I STILL TRUST HIM!” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a fiery furnace because they refused to bow. Their response was remarkable: “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us…” — Daniel 3:17 (KJV) But then they said: “But if not… we will not serve thy gods…” — Daniel 3:18 (KJV) That's shaken-but-not-stirred faith! They knew God could deliver them, but their faith wasn't dependent upon God doing exactly what they wanted. “God can—but even if He doesn't, He's still God.” That's mature faith. If He heals me—I trust Him. If I'm still waiting—I trust Him. If the door opens—I trust Him. If the door stays closed—I trust Him. If I understand—I trust Him. If I don't understand—I STILL TRUST HIM! My circumstances don't determine God's character. God is faithful even when life doesn't make sense. YOU MAY BEND UNDER PRESSURE WITHOUT BREAKING Paul described the Christian journey this way: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” — 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (KJV) Look at those contrasts: Troubled—but not distressed. Perplexed—but not hopeless. Persecuted—but not abandoned. Knocked down—but not destroyed. In other words: SHAKEN—BUT STILL STANDING! Faith doesn't mean you never have difficult moments. Faith means difficult moments don't get the final word. WHEN THE SHAKING STOPS One day you'll look back and realize: What you thought was going to destroy you actually developed you. The shaking taught you how to pray. The shaking taught you how to trust. The shaking taught you who was really for you. The shaking exposed what wasn't stable. The shaking drove you deeper into God's Word. And the shaking taught you something about yourself: “I didn't know my faith was this strong until life gave me something heavy enough to test it.” James 1:3 declares: “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Your faith isn't merely being tested. Your faith is being strengthened. Prayer... Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Rock when everything around me feels unstable. When life shakes me, strengthen my faith. When fear tries to enter my heart, remind me of Your promises. When I don't understand what You're doing, help me trust who You are. Lord, let every storm drive me closer to You. Give me faith that refuses to quit, worship that refuses to stop, and confidence that declares, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). I declare that trouble will not destroy me, disappointment will not define me, and fear will not control me. My life is built upon Jesus Christ, the Solid Rock. I may be shaken, but I will not be stirred away from my faith. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen! DECLARATION... I may be shaken, but I will not be stirred away from my faith! I will not allow fear to replace my faith. I will not allow disappointment to replace my worship. I will not allow delay to make me doubt God's promises. I will not allow what I see to make me forget what God said. My faith is anchored. My hope is secure. My foundation is Jesus Christ. The winds may blow. The rain may fall. The ground around me may shake. BUT I WILL STILL BE STANDING! Because I've discovered something about God: HE IS FAITHFUL IN THE FIRE. HE IS FAITHFUL IN THE STORM. HE IS FAITHFUL IN THE WAITING. HE IS FAITHFUL IN THE SHAKING. I'M SHAKEN, BUT I'M NOT STIRRED—BECAUSE OF MY FAITH!
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