Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
Suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope.
A lot of times I think we view hope as an emotion, when in reality it’s a process. The above passage makes it clear that in order to get to hope we need to endure suffering. Suffering is part of life. We endure heartache and disappointments– that’s just the world we live in. But it’s how we choose to handle the hardship. We can either give up or press on. Pressing on in our times of trouble develops perseverance. Eventually perseverance becomes part of our character which makes us who we are. Our character can then become light in the dark because Jesus lives within us and it is living in Him that produces hope. Hope is not a feeling or wish, it is knowing deep down inside that you can get through anything as long as you have Christ by your side.
If you are going through times of trouble– remember this;
Hope is on the way!
Have a good week and let the Lord lead!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Shine!
Today marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Has it been that long? I came across something that Max Lucado wrote right after the attack and would like to share some of it with you.
"Grant those who lead us wisdom. Have mercy on the souls who have departed and the wounded who remain. Give us grace that we might forgive and faith that we might believe. Look kindly on Your church. For two thousand years You've used her to heal
a hurting world. Do it again, Lord. Do it again!"
We are the church Max Lucado writes about. We are here to help heal a hurting world. Matthew 5:13-16 from the Message Bible says this:
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Are you shining?
Have a good week and let the Lord lead!
"Grant those who lead us wisdom. Have mercy on the souls who have departed and the wounded who remain. Give us grace that we might forgive and faith that we might believe. Look kindly on Your church. For two thousand years You've used her to heal
a hurting world. Do it again, Lord. Do it again!"
We are the church Max Lucado writes about. We are here to help heal a hurting world. Matthew 5:13-16 from the Message Bible says this:
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Are you shining?
Have a good week and let the Lord lead!
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