2 Samuel 7; 2 Corinthians 1; Ezekiel 15; Psalms 56, 57

Willingness to endure the hard times, as much as enjoy the good times.

When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you’re just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you’re going to make it, no doubt about it. 2 Corinthians 1:6-7, The Message. (emphasis mine)

I listened to a message on grief by Rick Warren. He said if you’re only living in the party, you’re only living half a life. That in grief, that’s where we grow. (And if you’re not grieving your losses, you’re stuck in that spot until you do.)

We don’t want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it. We felt like we’d been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don’t want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God’s deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, The Message.

In my lowest moments (persecution, exclusion, depression, the waiting), after realizing I had done all that I could do–and all to no avail–I was at a place where I learned surrender. Over the course of three years, I would get lots of practice in learning to differentiate between the things over which I had control, and those that I did not. I learned how to lean on the Lord, and that I could trust him. I learned to pray, and to ask for prayer.

As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened.

Thank you, Jesus.

Courtney (66books365)

Advertisement

2 Kings 8, 1 Timothy 5, Daniel 12, Psalm 119:49-72

Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand. Daniel 12:10

If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8

Teach me knowledge and good judgment for believing your commands. Psalm 119:66

God used family problems this week  to refine and purify my actions.  Initially I fixated on my sister’s culpability. After all she did curse at me. Certainly I was above reproach. (Ha!) Then the Scriptures opened my eyes to how my own behavior contributed to the situation.

In constantly trying to rescue her from her problems we as a family had robbed her of the ability to cope on her own. In turn I had denied myself the opportunity of receiving assistance from her.

The best One to judge everything is the One who is in control. Had we inquired of God  first perhaps things would not be so out of control now. Yet I praise Him for showing me that there are better ways to handle challenges than the way we have always done.

Father, You put me in frustrating situations time after time to help me grow. Thank you for teaching me how to respond to others to create more healthy balanced relationships. Thank you for your mercies new every morning.

yicareggie

 

Mark 4-5

The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded our by the cares of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for nice things, so no crop is produced. Mark 4:18

Observation

Faith usually grows slowly from a mustard seed into a huge tree. The disciples needed Jesus to explain the parables.  They were amazed when he calmed the storm.  The townspeople didn’t understand how a demon possessed man could suddenly be in his right mind. The crowd at Jairus’ house laughed when Jesus suggested the little girl was not dead.   The woman Jesus healed from the bleeding disorder was one of only a few who understood the power of God immediately.

Application

The power of God is puzzling and unnerving to most people. The gift of faith  leads to understanding and acceptance of the power of God in Jesus Christ. The disciples had the physical presence of Jesus to mature spiritually. Beware of those things in life that could lead to an anorexic soul. Let’s plant ourselves deep into the Scriptures, prayer and the support of the Body of Christ to keep our faith vital.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the gift of faith. Get me out of the thorns and into productive soil where my faith can grow and be used to bear much fruit for your kingdom. Forgive me for those times I chose to hide in the shade of the thorns. You are an awesome God who had a plan for me from the beginning of time. Thank you for your forgiveness and love. In Jesus Name I pray

yicareggie