cross suffering

Courage To Embrace The Unpleasant Truths Of God

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A few years ago I was reading a book by a famous spiritual formation author. In it he talks about “finding the Christ dwelling within us.” Since this was ambiguous, I searched to find out if the author believed in the necessity of repentance and the new birth. Instead, I found statements like “Your belovedness precedes your birth…You are fully loved because you belong to God for all eternity. That’s the truth of your identity. That’s who you are. And you can reclaim it at any moment.” I was concerned that he did not accept the unpleasant truths of God. So I searched the book (with the Kindle search function) for the words “sin” or “repentance,” and they were not found. I could not find a mention of the final judgment of God on human lives. Obviously, these ideas could be expressed in different words, but I did not find Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

The Poor Are Blessed – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him.” (Psalms 22:26, NIV). In the later Old Testament writings, the “poor” were people who not only lacked physical resources but also depended on Yahweh. Knowing that food and housing were limited, they turned to God for help. So the Psalmist of this psalm declares that the poor are blessed, and the Lord’s intention is to give to the poor the food they need. And those who “seek the Lord” live in dependence on Yahweh will praise him because of his provision. So, if we are “poor,” we can remember that the poor are blessed. In general, the physical things we need, God will provide (Matt. 6:33), and his indwelling comforts our hearts. Under the new covenant the poor are blessed even more than under the old covenant. Jesus promised: “Blessed are the poor in spirit,for Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

Our Eternal Blessings – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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David’s eternal blessings: “He asked life of you; you gave it to him,length of days forever and ever.5 His glory is great through your salvation;splendor and majesty you bestow on him.6 For you make him most blessed forever;you make him glad with the joy of your presence. (Psalms 21:-4-6, ESV) In this Psalm, the king of Israel, presumably David, is thanking God for the blessings he has given to him. The king asked for life and God gave him a long life. God brought glory to the king by saving him and clothed the king in splendor. God became present to him and gave him joy and eternal blessings. What does this have to do with us? Remember that God gave us eternal life; he made us immortal. And, we are a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9) and that God repeatedly promises in the New Testament that we will rule with Jesus. Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

Trust Christ In Trials – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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Psalms 20:6 Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. (ESV). Whether it is a major loss or some other circumstance that is causing distress in our lives, it is important to remember to trust Christ in trials. Many of us will be disrupted by various trials, challenges, opposition, sickness, neglect or loneliness. And yet, in the midst of all this, we know that God hears our prayers for our needs. Our response is to trust Christ in trials. God will act; he may not prevent all suffering we want to avoid, but he is with us, and he can bring good out of bad. Remember his promises and how he has acted in the Continue Reading →

discernment scales justice

Discernment Guidelines Release The Spirit – Part 2

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Over the years I have experienced impressions through others (and myself) that were clearly from God and helpful, and others that weren’t from God. Using reliable discernment guidelines has been very important, even if there is a long learning curve. Last week we looked at the biblical idea of discernment and how discernment provides a safe place to release the Holy Spirit. This week we will look at some basic discernment guidelines that we can apply to hearing from God. In general, if a perception fits with the New Testament, especially the fruits of the Spirit, then we can consider if it might be from God. Otherwise, we shouldn’t consider it. This is probably the most basic of the discernment guidelines. It is especially important to keep in mind the virtues of the Holy Spirit. Anything from God will reflect His good nature. Just because a perception is good doesn’t mean it is Continue Reading →