Turmoil & Love of the Brethren

There are so many things going on in the world that are stressful. 

Earthquakes, tornadoes, unrest between people, drought, persecution, and apostasy.

Conflicts without and fears within. 

 

If you are Christ's and you are depressed, God is the Comforter of the depressed.  If we are suffering, God will never forsake us as His children.   It's easy to despair if we forget God is working the best for us and that Heaven will be more joyous for those who have been purified and perfected by trials.

 

Sometimes conflicts come from other brothers and sisters in Christ.  Sometimes confrontation is necessary when there is sin and error, but other times we wound each other forgetting that we are all in a process of sanctification.  While we must not compromise Biblical doctrine and false teachers must be called out (especially by church leaders), we can't forget that there are true Christians who are at different levels of spiritual growth.   It may be hard for us to remember Galatians 6:1 even in the times when someone does sin.   We hurt the reputation of Christ in the world bickering about eschatology, Theonomy, etc.  It isn't that those things aren't important, and individual churches should have people willing to be united in their teaching to prevent factions. 

The internet is another world, but even at that - all true Christians should be united on the essentials of the Gospel. 

Sadly, many people do not know what the essentials are and are tossed to and fro, while others act like things are essential that aren't. 

 

People are sinners, and Christians are sinners that have been forgiven by God and in need of patience and grace from God and by other Christians.  I struggle with and strive to forgive other believers.  Christ has forgiven me, and while I may feel I have much knowledge - I still wonder at God not giving up on me with all my sinfulness.  I have a long ways to go in the process of being conformed to Christ's image in my character and in my thoughts.

 

How much do I love enemies?  Sometimes we treat other Christians as enemies when we shouldn't. 

 

Recently I was reminded to pray for enemies, and it helped me in my conversations on Twitter with those who call themselves "atheists."  You actually begin to care about those you pray for.

 

As Christians, did we always know as much as we know now, and in twenty years will we look back and have no mercy on our old selves?

Knowledge can puff up, but love edifies. 

One may say they have love, but they lack knowledge.  Another may have all doctrine right, but if they don't live it and love others they will separate themselves and fall into disobedience.

 

Recently, I was able to do some hobby things when my hands were feeling up to it.

I did some bead hat bands and this painting.  I decided to share the painting with those who look at my blog.

 

 

God Is Faithful In The Shadowland

Have you ever noticed that in the Bible you often see people going over and reminding themselves about what God has already done for them and for Israel in the past?

I believe that is a great example for me.  When I struggle with anxiety and lack of faith in God's taking care of me when I get stressed, I find it's helpful to remember that God has always taken care of me in the past as well.

Having grown up in a home where my Dad  was doing a ministry for many years, we sometimes were in the position where we didn't know where the money would come from to support us and the ministry.  Then God would provide for us ... sometimes from unexpected sources.

One time we were feeling the need to move from a house that had a mold issue in it that my parents were renting.  We prayed as a family one night and during the prayer time a phone call came from a man telling us about a house for rent!

There are just so many situations that God has helped me through.  Sometimes I have felt I couldn't stand pain or more recently dizziness and head ringing any longer.  I know that God knows more what I can stand better than I do ... which is often more than I think I can.  There are so many people out there suffering.  I know that God has a purpose in trials for me.  My desire is to have joy and faith in God during the trial.  I want to please God even in the shadowland.  He is faithful.

Sometimes the best way to go forward in faith is to remember God's role in the past.
I hope you can enjoy this lighthearted song by Josh Wilson which is another good reminder of God's faithfulness and sovereignty.

Hold On (Peter Furler) / Trusting Jesus in Trying Circumstances

Whatever you are going through, if you belong to Jesus He will work it out for your ultimate good. This is something I should remind myself of when I start to get anxious instead of trusting God for the future and the what if's.   I find myself struggling with doubts and fears way too often!

I think of different situations when I hear the song Hold On by Peter Furler (which I found a video for with the lyrics online that I'm sharing below).  
I have thought of the September 11, 2001 attacks at times while listening to the song as well as the tornadoes that have happened in more recent times.
I believe it could also relate to earthquakes, broken or difficult relationships, persecution, deaths, floods, fires, tsunamis, hurricanes, as well as other stresses of life.

God is Sovereign over all of these things, and for Christians we know that nothing happens that doesn't come first through God.  He is trustworthy.   So, if we have pain or even die physically, we know that it won't happen apart from His Sovereign plan ... which is good ... even when we can't know all of the results.   We can trust God to either lift us out of or take us through all difficult situations.
I also know that during these times God is purifying us like gold or silver in a fire to better reflect our Lord's Image and remove our impurities.  We are like diamonds made to shine brighter.  Trials often point out our sin to us (not trusting, anger, impatience, lack of obedience, being unloving or unforgiving).  They also give opportunity to have our faith shine and to glorify God better. 

Whatever the trial, I'm thankful that it doesn't have to be wasted. It's a test, and if we hold on to Jesus we can't go wrong.

 

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12 NASB

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9 NASB