In my second post for today I am going to deal with holiness through grace. This is where people misunderstand grace the most. Some people say that if you teach people grace then you are giving them a 'license to sin.' I don't know what your experience is, but I have noticed that most people do enough sinning without a 'license.' The Bible, however, teaches quite the opposite. You could never attain righteousness through your own works, likewise you can't attain holiness through your own works. It's funny how easy it is for us to get saved and then live in a way that we try to impress God through our own works.
The reality is that this 'works' message starts many times before salvation. How many people are told, "You are going to have to change if you want to become a Christian?" How many altar calls are nothing more than scare tactics? Thomas Hooker, the founder of the state of Connecticut, believed this way. One of his friends told him, "Mr. Hooker, you make good Christians before men are in Christ, as ever they are after would I were but as good a Christian now, as you make men while they are preparing for Christ." Wait!!!! I thought we become a new creation after accepting Christ?
This is a far cry from a story told about D.L. Moody ~ A young woman came to see him and she said, "I want to become a Christian, but I just love to dance, I tried to give up dancing to become a Christian, but I just can't." (She was most likely talking about partying, as we know not all dancing is wrong.)
D.L. Moody said to her, "Why, little lady, just give your heart to Jesus, and you can dance all you want to." That convinced her, so she gave her heart to the Lord and was born-again.
A number of days later this young lady met D.L. Moody on the street. She smiled and said, "Mr. Moody, I see what you mean now. The 'want to' is gone!"
What different approach. One was mans attempt to control the situation and force perfection onto a non-believer. The other was simple trust that God is big enough to complete the work He begins in us.
OK - To keep this blog short I am going to wrap with a couple of verses and small commentary.
The church grows and bears fruit when we TRULY understand God's grace.
Colossians 1:6 ~ "In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace."
Grace teaches us how to live right.
Titus 2:11-12 ~ "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age"
Grace gives us the ability to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
Hebrews 12:28 ~ "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."
There are a lot of things we can do that outwardly have an appearance of holiness. The Pharisees where masters at this. However true holiness comes through grace. Maybe next time I will blog about how the Bible teaches us to walk this out.
Monday, August 8, 2011
THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS THE GREASE!
It has been a while since my last post, but I have been thinking about these particular posts for some time. If you have read any of my posts then you know that I have spent a lot of time on the subject of grace.
According to the Bible the Good News of the Gospel is that it is the "gospel of grace." We are no longer under the law. In fact in Galatians 2:21 the Bible says, "I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die."
However, this is a subject of controversy. No doubt we have all heard the phrase "sloppy Agape or GREASY GRACE." A while ago I sat down with a couple of men who are considered leaders of leaders and was sharing with them about grace and how much understanding it has changed our lives. The atmosphere in the room changed as I received a stern warning to watch out learning about grace. That the grace teaching could lead into all forms of error for example. . . Pluralism. When I left this meeting I felt genuinely sad that our adversary the devil has done such a good job of misleading God's children about one of the most important truths in the New Testament. Think about this. . . Before Azusa Street what kind of response would you have gotten talking to Christians about Speaking in tongues? Before the healing revival what would most believers think about healing? Before the Latter Rain Movement what would you have been told about laying on of hands and impartation? Before the Charismatic Movement who really taught about the gifts of the Spirit?
My point is this ~ This last one hundred years and more has been a time where God is rapidly restoring truth to His body. Grace is one of these truths!
PERSONAL TESTIMONY OF GRACE
Angela and I had been trying for a couple of years to have a baby. We had been prayed for by multiple people. We dealt with all the "What could be wrong questions." As you can imagine there were many well intentioned believers who had all kinds of reasons of why. In fact I can remember sitting with a lady who prophesied over Angie that the reason why she couldn't get pregnant was because she was not doing enough in ministry. How disheartening. . . This really effected Angela.
Around this time God began teaching us about grace, unearned and unmerited favor. We realized the foundation of our faith is grace. (Eph 2:8-9) "For by grace are you saved" It was during this time that we began to rest in the truth of His word. Within a couple of months she became pregnant with our first son. A little less than two years later she became pregnant with our second son.
We did everything we knew to do. It wasn't until we rested in Gods promises that we saw Him act. How often do we struggle in life trying to accomplish things in our own strength, when the reality is that His grace is sufficient?
According to the Bible the Good News of the Gospel is that it is the "gospel of grace." We are no longer under the law. In fact in Galatians 2:21 the Bible says, "I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die."
However, this is a subject of controversy. No doubt we have all heard the phrase "sloppy Agape or GREASY GRACE." A while ago I sat down with a couple of men who are considered leaders of leaders and was sharing with them about grace and how much understanding it has changed our lives. The atmosphere in the room changed as I received a stern warning to watch out learning about grace. That the grace teaching could lead into all forms of error for example. . . Pluralism. When I left this meeting I felt genuinely sad that our adversary the devil has done such a good job of misleading God's children about one of the most important truths in the New Testament. Think about this. . . Before Azusa Street what kind of response would you have gotten talking to Christians about Speaking in tongues? Before the healing revival what would most believers think about healing? Before the Latter Rain Movement what would you have been told about laying on of hands and impartation? Before the Charismatic Movement who really taught about the gifts of the Spirit?
My point is this ~ This last one hundred years and more has been a time where God is rapidly restoring truth to His body. Grace is one of these truths!
PERSONAL TESTIMONY OF GRACE
Angela and I had been trying for a couple of years to have a baby. We had been prayed for by multiple people. We dealt with all the "What could be wrong questions." As you can imagine there were many well intentioned believers who had all kinds of reasons of why. In fact I can remember sitting with a lady who prophesied over Angie that the reason why she couldn't get pregnant was because she was not doing enough in ministry. How disheartening. . . This really effected Angela.
Around this time God began teaching us about grace, unearned and unmerited favor. We realized the foundation of our faith is grace. (Eph 2:8-9) "For by grace are you saved" It was during this time that we began to rest in the truth of His word. Within a couple of months she became pregnant with our first son. A little less than two years later she became pregnant with our second son.
We did everything we knew to do. It wasn't until we rested in Gods promises that we saw Him act. How often do we struggle in life trying to accomplish things in our own strength, when the reality is that His grace is sufficient?
Saturday, July 9, 2011
I DON'T NEED YOU ANY MORE. . . .
There is a trend in our post-modern society that breaks my heart. I am excited that we live in a time where people question what was and has been. I am excited that this has led to a rise in creativity and people hungry for truth. However, I have noticed a trend, even among "Christians," and that is to try and create their own truth. You can call it values clarification (whats right for you may not be right for me) or situational ethics. Whatever you call it, people are falling into error. It's as if we have become so proud as to believe our opinion is ultimately the truth.
When I was youth pastoring a parent came into my office in tears because her "Christian" daughter had been experimenting with drugs. When her mom confronted her she tried reasoning with the Bible. To which the daughter replied, "That is what you believe."
I was upset over this. I hear this kind of thing to often. In fact the decisions that some people make often makes the same statement. That next week in youth group I used an example of a board game. The players of the game don't create the rules. The creator of the game creates the rules.
Here is the first mistake we make. God IS NOT LIKE US. We do not have the right to create a God in our image. That is called idolatry.
The second real mistake is a lack of believing that God's word is truth. Either it is and we had better know it well enough to live by it, or why waste our time. If you are one of those who don't believe God's word is truth ~ Then you better make sure you're right, because this is one area you can't afford to be wrong.
Jesus brought us Grace and Truth:
When I was youth pastoring a parent came into my office in tears because her "Christian" daughter had been experimenting with drugs. When her mom confronted her she tried reasoning with the Bible. To which the daughter replied, "That is what you believe."
I was upset over this. I hear this kind of thing to often. In fact the decisions that some people make often makes the same statement. That next week in youth group I used an example of a board game. The players of the game don't create the rules. The creator of the game creates the rules.
Here is the first mistake we make. God IS NOT LIKE US. We do not have the right to create a God in our image. That is called idolatry.
Ps. 50:16-21 "But to the wicked person, God says: “What right have you to recite my laws
or take my covenant on your lips? 17 You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.
18 When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.
19 You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. 20 You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother’s son. 21 When you did these things and I kept silent,
you thought I was exactly like you."
or take my covenant on your lips? 17 You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.
18 When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.
19 You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. 20 You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother’s son. 21 When you did these things and I kept silent,
you thought I was exactly like you."
Romans 1:21-23 "What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn't treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand."
Jesus brought us Grace and Truth:
John 1:17 "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
God's Word is truth:
John 17:17 "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."
David said, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." ~ Ps. 119:11
Jeremiah 15:16 " When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty."
2 Timothy 2:15 " Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"
The Bible tells stories of what happens when each person does "what's right in there own eyes." It never turns out well. There is truth ~ Be one of those that is fed up with mans religious traditions, but more importantly be one of those that is hungry for the truth of God's Word. The Bible calls the quest for real "truth" noble. (Acts 17:11) It's a quest that will change you're life forever. . . And it's good!!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Diplomatic Immunity!
Years ago, when I was first introduced to Christ For The Nations worship, there was a song I really enjoyed titled "No Eye Has Seen." The song was an exact quote of I Corinthians 2:9 set to music. The song was intimate, made you glad you were saved and reminded you that God has good things in store for us. However the song only tells half the story.
The Bible continues:
I Corinthians 2:10, 12 "But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God."
The Bible says, "since the beginning of the world" (Is. 64:4) man has not had clue what good things God has in store for us. In fact in I Co. 2:8 says if they did know they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.
However, as a believer He has revealed all things freely given to us by God. This where it gets interesting. If God has revealed these things then where is the victory in the lives of believers? Where is the joy, unspeakable and full of glory? Where is the demonstration of the power of God?
I believe that it comes down to one thing. Understanding the we are Ambassadors for Christ. (II Co. 5:20) Or we could take it from the perspective of being pilgrims on the earth. (I Pt. 2:11) In either case imagine living in one of the most morally deprived, oppressive nations in the world. However, you are not a normal citizen you are the Ambassador of the United States to that nation. While you live there you live under different laws. You are not subject to the oppression of that government. Your laws are those of the Nation you represent. As long as you remember this you will be able to successfully represent the United States to this nation.
However, if you forget who you represent and the fact that the entire government of the United States is behind you; it's possible that you might start to come under the oppression of that nation. It may effect your mood, you may make decisions out of fear, you might find yourself imitating the culture, etc.
In my opinion this very thing happens to believers. God reveals great things to us (i.e. ~ Definition of Sozo ~ salvation, wholeness, healing, rescue, restoration.). However, when circumstances happen in our lives contrary to God's revealed truth, we are more influenced by the culture in which we live or our past experience. We forget that we live here under different laws because we represent a different kingdom. (I could spend quite a bit of time building my case but in an attempt to keep this blog short - I am just going to quote one verse. "while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." II Co. 4:18
If we are going to be all that God has called us to be and represent Him correctly. . . We have to wrestle with the decision. . . Either God's Word is true or are circumstances are. Jesus lived a life of miracles proving that God's Word always trumps circumstances.
I'll end with this: As I am trying to express. If you allow your culture and/or circumstances to define truth, you will never understand all the things God has freely given us. A carnal mind cannot comprehend these things. They are to great.
But as it is written:
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
The Bible continues:
I Corinthians 2:10, 12 "But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God."
The Bible says, "since the beginning of the world" (Is. 64:4) man has not had clue what good things God has in store for us. In fact in I Co. 2:8 says if they did know they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.
However, as a believer He has revealed all things freely given to us by God. This where it gets interesting. If God has revealed these things then where is the victory in the lives of believers? Where is the joy, unspeakable and full of glory? Where is the demonstration of the power of God?
I believe that it comes down to one thing. Understanding the we are Ambassadors for Christ. (II Co. 5:20) Or we could take it from the perspective of being pilgrims on the earth. (I Pt. 2:11) In either case imagine living in one of the most morally deprived, oppressive nations in the world. However, you are not a normal citizen you are the Ambassador of the United States to that nation. While you live there you live under different laws. You are not subject to the oppression of that government. Your laws are those of the Nation you represent. As long as you remember this you will be able to successfully represent the United States to this nation.
However, if you forget who you represent and the fact that the entire government of the United States is behind you; it's possible that you might start to come under the oppression of that nation. It may effect your mood, you may make decisions out of fear, you might find yourself imitating the culture, etc.
In my opinion this very thing happens to believers. God reveals great things to us (i.e. ~ Definition of Sozo ~ salvation, wholeness, healing, rescue, restoration.). However, when circumstances happen in our lives contrary to God's revealed truth, we are more influenced by the culture in which we live or our past experience. We forget that we live here under different laws because we represent a different kingdom. (I could spend quite a bit of time building my case but in an attempt to keep this blog short - I am just going to quote one verse. "while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." II Co. 4:18
If we are going to be all that God has called us to be and represent Him correctly. . . We have to wrestle with the decision. . . Either God's Word is true or are circumstances are. Jesus lived a life of miracles proving that God's Word always trumps circumstances.
I'll end with this: As I am trying to express. If you allow your culture and/or circumstances to define truth, you will never understand all the things God has freely given us. A carnal mind cannot comprehend these things. They are to great.
I Corinthians 2:13-16 " These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ."
Saturday, June 4, 2011
I MISS THE WAY. . . .
Years ago Michael W Smith came out with a song titled, "I Miss The Way." It was a song written to somebody who walked away from the Lord and started living life for themselves.
I Miss the Way YouTube Link
Here is the verse:
I spent a lot of time tonight praying for friends that aren't currently serving God.
I am going to end with the chorus of "I Miss The Way."
I Miss the Way YouTube Link
Here is the verse:
Once a true believer
Once there was a fire in your soul
You were the epitome of blessed faith astir
With thirst for holiness
And hunger for the Word
Now you move in other circles
To the beat of different drums
And I see only glimpses of the one you used to be
The inspiration that you were to me
Once there was a fire in your soul
You were the epitome of blessed faith astir
With thirst for holiness
And hunger for the Word
Now you move in other circles
To the beat of different drums
And I see only glimpses of the one you used to be
The inspiration that you were to me
I spent a lot of time tonight praying for friends that aren't currently serving God.
I am going to share something with you that is important and hopefully God will use it to remind you how much He loves you. READY -- Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus did not start out as a betrayer!
Luke 6:12-16 "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor."
Think about it, Judas saw everything all the other Apostles saw. The blind eyes opening, the lepers made whole, the dead raised, the sea made calm, the feeding of the multitudes, etc. He heard the same teaching and saw the kindness of Jesus towards sinners. Yet, for some reason he still became a traitor.
Why? While Peter, James and John and the other apostles where getting to know Jesus, Judas was in the background stealing money and making plans on how to betray Jesus for more money. Judas never got to know Jesus as an intimate friend. Jesus was just a way for him to make money.
Friends please listen. Your life is where it is because of one thing. At some point you lost intimacy with the father. At some point you stopped getting to know Him and allowed other things to come and draw away your affections. I know this world has so many distractions, but I also know NOTHING compares to being in that place where you hear the heartbeat of God.
Unfortunately, I can't force you spend time with Him, your godly parents (as hard as they may try) can't give you this intimacy through osmosis. Even going to church or having grown up in church doesn't give you intimacy. Only you can make the choice. Being married and living in the same house doesn't mean that I know my wife's most intimate thoughts and desires. Those are discovered by time together communicating, listening, loving, etc.
If you do "draw near to Him, He'll draw near to you." If you seek Him you will find Him, When you seek for Him with all your heart. Don't worry, He's just waiting to lavish you with His love.
Jesus never stopped loving Judas. Till the end He called him friend. It doesn't matter how far you may feel like you have fallen He's there waiting to show you His love.
I am going to end with the chorus of "I Miss The Way."
I miss the way His love would dance within your eyes
I miss the way His heart was the soul of your life
And somewhere in the saddest part of heaven's room
Our Father sheds a tear for you
He's missing you, too
I miss the way His heart was the soul of your life
And somewhere in the saddest part of heaven's room
Our Father sheds a tear for you
He's missing you, too
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
WHAT CAN MAKE A GROWN MAN CRY?
So you may be thinking - "Wow didn't Jeremy just do a blog entry?" I know! I decided to live life on the wild side and do another one back to back. :) No the reality is; I was encouraged to write more blog entries, but make them shorter. So this is my attempt at both.
The other day I was walking in Meijers and thinking about the Scripture, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 By itself this is great verse. Jesus, who knew no worries, is giving us His peace. Hmm. . . . However, this is what hit me. Jesus is Sar-Shalom. He is the Prince or RULER of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
As I was walking I was overwhelmed with this fact. Fighting back tears so I didn't look like a psycho walking through Meijers, I began to realize this promise of peace like I have never understood it before. Think about it. Jesus, the RULER of all peace is now giving us ALL of His peace. Is it any wonder that it is called a "peace which surpasses all understanding?" (Philippians 4:7)
To begin understanding this we have to know what peace we are being offered. The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom - still a common greeting and farewell between Jews today - literally means "being in a state of wholeness or with no deficiency. It was meant to act as a blessing on the one to whom it was spoken: "May your life be filled with health, prosperity, and victory."
In an attempt to shorten my posts. . . . I am going to end with a story of peace from the New Testament. May "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." In fact, let me say it correctly. . . "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Mark 4:35-40 (The Message)
35-38Late that day he said to them, "Let's go across to the other side." They took him in the boat as he was. Other boats came along. A huge storm came up. Waves poured into the boat, threatening to sink it. And Jesus was in the stern, head on a pillow, sleeping! They roused him, saying, "Teacher, is it nothing to you that we're going down?" 39-40Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, "Quiet! Settle down!" The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Jesus reprimanded the disciples: "Why are you such cowards? Don't you have any faith at all?"
Now that's peace. . . . When it seems like the ship is sinking and the end is near, to take a nap without a care in the world.
I want to point out something. Jesus was in perfect peace. He was in total control. If He said lets cross over to the other side, then they were going to cross over. . . . Not drown. Nothing in our life takes Him be surprise. He isn't in heaven thinking. . . . "I didn't see that one coming." But did you notice that He did not act until the disciples cried out to Him.
He wants us to come boldly to the throne of Grace. Not in fear like these disciples, but instead asking for mercy and grace to help in the time of our need. You can ride the storm out with Jesus in the boat and make it to the other side, or you can ask Him to calm the sea. Either way, if Jesus is in the boat your going to make it to the other side!
Friday, May 20, 2011
IN THE MIDST OF THE FLOOD
I am writing this blog at a time when there is major flooding happening along the Mississippi River. Although I know that this is a tragedy and I am not making light of this situation, I am going to talk about a flood in the Bible we are all familiar with.
A couple of blogs ago I began speaking on the subject of grace. Today is going to be no different. . . . Except with a twist.
Most of you have probably heard about the "law of first mention". Basically this means that to truly understand the meaning of a Biblical principle you need to go to the first time it is mentioned. The thought behind it is that God does not change, therefore the first mention will set a precedent to the interpretation of the principle throughout the Bible. How was that for fun? Aren't you glad that you are reading this? :)
So I want to talk about the first time Grace is mentioned in the Bible. This is important for all of us who may be going through trying times. You will see that Grace will carry you through. There is nothing that you are going through that God is not bigger. There is nothing that you are going through that God will not carry you through. There is nothing you are going through that God does not have the answer. The Bible says, "Thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus." 2 Co. 2:14 I like to summarize it this way. . . . "It's not over until I win."
I remember reading a book by Kenneth E Hagin and he was talking about casting your cares unto the Lord. He was talking about going to these ministers meetings and listening to all the ministers complaining about their offerings and the needs of the church. They would look to him and ask him what problems he was dealing with. He would look back at these ministers and declare, "I don't have a care in the world." WOW! To come to a place of complete rest in God to CAST ALL OF OUR CARES TO HIM.
OK. . . . So Grace. . . . The first mention of Grace is found around the time of Noah and the building of the ark. In Genesis 6:5-6 the Bible says, "God saw that human evil was out of control. People thought evil, imagined evil—evil, evil, evil from morning to night. God was sorry that he had made the human race in the first place; it broke his heart. God said, "I'll get rid of my ruined creation, make a clean sweep: people, animals, snakes and bugs, birds—the works. I'm sorry I made them." (The Message)
That's a bad day. Can you imagine God looking at the earth today and saying. . . ."I am so fed up I am just going to wipe them all out and start over." No thanks. No matter what your end time theology is I am glad that I am saved, because "God has not ordained us for wrath." I Th. 5:9
Right in the midst of His intent to get rid of man and start over the Bible says this, " But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." Gen. 6:8 The result of this Grace is that God shared His plans to flood the earth, God gave them a plan to be saved through the flood and best of all God saved them in the midst of the flood.
As a believer God will not hide His wisdom from us when are in need. If we live a life led by the Spirit, he will not only usually share in advance when trials are coming our way, but will give us His wisdom on how to get through the trial. James says, "If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open." I Corinthians 10:13 says, "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it." Finally, Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Here is the best part, in the midst of the storms of life, God will keep us. Jesus said in this world you will suffer persecution, but FEAR NOT I have over come the world. Think about about the three in the fiery furnace. . . . They didn't bow and as a result they were in the fire and did not burn and had they never been thrown into the fiery furnace the fourth man would have never appeared. Could it be that some of our troubles are just an opportunity for God to show himself strong on your behalf?
I could go on with examples, but I want to end with this.
No matter what you are going through. . . . . Financial difficulties, marriage problems, sickness, sin etc. God has Grace that will bring you into to triumph. IT'S NOT OVER UNTIL YOU WIN! The storms came, but the storms also left.
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