Our Victory Regardless Of Circumstances – Weekly Word of Encouragement

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“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Rom. 8:37 (ESV) In all these things (tribulation, distress, persecution etc.) we ARE more than conquerors. It doesn’t say we will be one day (though we will). Rather, it says that we are now more than conquerors. No matter what happens to us now we have victory. We are like the Roman generals who return home in a great victory procession, displaying all the fruits of their victory. What is our victory? That nothing separates us from the love of Christ. That in spite of whatever happens our hearts are safe and victorious; we still have peace and holiness. We are still connected to the Ruler of All. He maintains our goodness. Trials don’t defeat us; we are still lights in the world. In Christ we always have spiritual victory. Simple application: put your name in Continue Reading →

sorrow for sin cry

Finding Holiness Through Sorrow

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If we preserve proper respect for God and His instructions then we will also preserve our spiritual growth. This means choosing a remorseful heart when we sin. It is easy for some of us to allow too much freedom to the point that we follow destructive passions instead of a disciplined heart. Make it a practice to ask God for a holy heart, and for a sorrowful heart when you sin. After Paul corrected the Corinthians he wrote: “Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal.” I Cor. 7:11 (NLT)  Be careful not to take unholiness too lightly. Do not laugh when you should mourn. Remember the words of James: “your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and Continue Reading →

Trials Don’t Separate Us From Christ’s Love – Weekly Word Of Encouragement

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“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” Romans 8:35 (ESV) It is interesting that in the same sentence about Christ’s love we have a list of terrible things that our loving God allows in our life. Why is this? Because God’s first priority is our Christformation, not comfortable circumstances. In vv. 28-29 we learned that all things work to conform us to the image of Christ. And the truth we always know is that Christ loves us no matter what terrible thing is happening to us. In those times God is actively transforming us into someone who can abide in peace and faith no matter what is happening. His love is always there, and even our own feelings that God isn’t there don’t separate us from Christ’s love. Simple application: put your name in Continue Reading →

solitude prayer

Solitude Transforms Us

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At first, solitude may feel monotonous or like a heavy burden. If you seek out spiritual guidance and patiently practice it, then in time solitude becomes a close friend. Then our soul has developed an important spiritual affection. If we don’t persevere in solitude until it becomes natural for us then it will always feel like an unpleasant task. In solitude we learn to take our sins seriously and view them as God does. If we tend to overlook our sins, solitude gives us time to feel the proper remorse. Every sin is a sin against a relationship. Should God grant us spiritual sweetness if we are not remorseful about our sins? In solitude we remember that the distractions of the world will all turn to dust. In solitude we have time to fully absorb God’s word. Solitude and the word equip us to minister to others. Does it please Continue Reading →

solitude prayer

Solitude Opens Up Our Friendship With God

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Authentic relationship with God grows in community but it also requires solitude. We need time to shut everything else off and just be with God in Christ. In solitude we can focus on giving to God and receiving from him. In solitude we can meditate on Jesus and on scripture which produces deep change in us. In our meditation we should frequently remember all that God has given us. In meditation we also open up to the sins and weaknesses God wants to purify. It is hard to find time for prayer and meditation but if you cut out trivial conversations and activities then you will find enough time. Then you must determine a way to find solitude, just as Jesus did early in the morning. Find a time and place where you can escape. It is in solitude that our relationship with God grows deep and strong. Just as Continue Reading →