suffering

Suffering Makes Us Complete

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We are supposed to suffer because suffering makes us complete. Jesus said: “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:38, NIV). (The idea of taking up our cross is also found in Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:23 and Luke 14:27.) To take up our cross is to suffer. We need the benefits of suffering. Hebrews 2:10 declares that God made our savior “perfect through what he suffered” (NIV). How much suffering will it take to perfect you? You might need more suffering than Jesus to reach completion because you have an old corrupt self, which he did not have. Our suffering only lasts for this life; in the next life God will reward us for it. Since the new covenant of the kingdom fulfilled the old covenant, the followers of God no longer need material or political success in this world in Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Our Lives Please God – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked,but the prayer of the upright pleases him. Proverbs 15:8 (NIV) Followers of Jesus desire to please God. We want more than right standing with him and knowing he loves us, we want to know that our lives please God. We do not want to be a problem child, loved by their parent, but inflicting distress and disappointment on them. It is important to remind ourselves that our lives do please God when we abide in him. If we are becoming more and more Christlike, in other words, righteous, then we know that our prayers please him. The Creator of the universe is actually glad when he hears us. He is happy that his love for us has not gone to waste, but has transformed us and made us more godly. Do not forget to encourage yourself by reminding yourself that you please Continue Reading →

treasure in heaven

Saving Up For Your Eternal Retirement

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In the Old Testament God promised material prosperity to his faithful followers. In the New Testament we find a new approach to material prosperity and possessions. In Matthew 6:19-34 Jesus taught us how to relate to money and possessions. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt. 6:19-21, NIV). The antidote to materialism is saving up for your eternal retirement. This keeps our hearts pure from disordered attachment to possessions. Of course, we have material needs, but we have a Father who knows our needs and directs us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you” (Matt. 6:33, NIV). And even though he was the Lord of glory and destined to be enthroned as Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Righteousness Brings Life – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life Proverbs 11:30 (NIV) Trusting Christ and following him transforms us into the righteous people God intended us to be. And what is the fruit of that? What are the consequences? Life. In fact, the fruit is an entire tree, which also produces fruit. Our righteousness brings life to ourselves and to others. True life consists of friendship with God, peace, harmony, joy, truth, fruitfulness and eternal happiness. This is what we reap for ourselves and what we bring to those around us. Consider how it gives you life when you are around someone who radiates these qualities. Does it not cheer you up, encourage you, make you feel cared for, and affirm your commitment to good? Likewise, we do the same for others when our righteousness shines upon them. And this encourages us deeply because we see how God uses Continue Reading →

humiity

Learning Deep Humility

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Humility is the attitude of the heart that reflects who we are in comparison to God. It takes a lifetime to learn deep humility, but every step we take is valuable. One who is humble is not interested in boosting others’ opinions of them. They are willing to be vulnerable and acknowledge their dependence on others. They are teachable so they welcome suggestions and corrections from others. They are not bothered by criticism presented with a harsh voice; they look for the truth in the criticism and overlook any lack of love. They want to be known for who they really are and will not indulge in boasting or false humility because they value honest relationships. The humble learn to embrace times when they are neglected, forgotten, rejected or wrongfully accused as opportunities to learn more humility and faith. They learn when it is wise to speak up about an Continue Reading →