Dr. Charles Stanley tells us, "When it rains, it pours.This cliche often feels true when trials come one after the other, with no sign of letting up.
No matter how many of God's promises we claim, it may still feel as if He's letting us drown.
One thing is sure; Whether our hardships are the result of spiritual attacks, consequences of our choices or simply part of living in a fallen world, they have the potential to reveal what we believe about God and our purpose in life.
That's why it is so important to focus on the Lord during such times and let Him determine how we perceive our circumstances."
In Acts 27:1-28:10 Before his hazardous sea voyage and shipwreck, the apostle Paul had a clear sense of God's calling.
Although he was a prisoner, his heart was set on testifying in Rome, and it seemed that God was putting the pieces together to make this possible.
The apostle had even found favor with Julius, the centurion responsible for taking him there.
While the story ends well (and even miraculously), we need to read between the lines to understand what the experience involved; Seemingly endless days on an open sea, the ship tossing, panicked men shouting on deck, water pouring between boards, cargo being hurled overboard in desperation.
Prisoners in chains knew that if the boat broke apart, they'd be the first to drown.
Having already survived storms and shipwrecks 2 Cor. 11:25-27, Paul had a choice to either draw on the courage he'd gained from those experiences, or to accuse God of cruelty.
Although the bleak narrative is interrupted by the apostle's prophetic encounter (in which the Lord assures him that no one will die and he will go to Rome), this encouraging word is followed by another 12 days of terrifying circumstances.
During those dark weeks at sea (and following several months on Malta), the two believers had opportunity to share and live out the gospel before this unlikely audience.
When Paul was bitten by a deadly snake after they were finally safe on land, Julius and the others must have wondered why the apostle's God would allow such a terrible end, especially after all he'd already endured.
Yet Paul seemed almost unconcerned. He had been through so much—and known God's faithfulness so deeply—that nothing superficial could faze him.
The long ordeal was, in essence, an illustration of the message he'd written to the church in Rome;
"Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us" Rom. 8:35,37
Taken from June 2013 In Touch magazine (pgs. 13,14)
[Google images added]
Let’s pray: Father, when difficult times come our way, may we find our anchor is securely placed in You. Grant us Your peace through it all. May we be careful to honor You in our attitudes and talk. In Jesus' precious Name, amen.
Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 147:11 NKJV "The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy."
Today’s quote: Samuel Chadwick - "The one concern of the
devil is to keep Christians from praying.
He fears nothing from prayer-less studies, prayer-less work and prayer-less
religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we
pray. The best time for prayer isn't found. It's made.
The average Christian spends very little time in prayer – then wonders why they have no faith and experience no power. If we are too busy to pray, we are too busy to experience the power of God. We can be very busy, but not necessarily productive because we lack faith. One of the main reasons we lack faith is because we don’t pray. Consistent prayer builds consistent faith.”
The average Christian spends very little time in prayer – then wonders why they have no faith and experience no power. If we are too busy to pray, we are too busy to experience the power of God. We can be very busy, but not necessarily productive because we lack faith. One of the main reasons we lack faith is because we don’t pray. Consistent prayer builds consistent faith.”
Some thoughts today: In a journal, we release our emotions, desires, and deep questions. Consider it an opportunity to simply obey God's urgings to speak to your heart and to receive from Him.
- Don't be hesitant to let God speak His piece to you in your journaling. Don't be afraid of what you're thinking, but relax and be more trusting that what you write is really Him speaking to you.
- There are "aha" moments when a revelation comes to you.
- Don't be hesitant to let God speak His piece to you in your journaling. Don't be afraid of what you're thinking, but relax and be more trusting that what you write is really Him speaking to you.
- There are "aha" moments when a revelation comes to you.
Tuesday’s post: #25 Person and Warfare Intercession C. Peter Wagner
Thursday's post: #26 Discovering Your Gift of Intercession C. Peter Wagner
Thursday's post: #26 Discovering Your Gift of Intercession C. Peter Wagner
A popular post: Feelings Can Fool Us "I may not always feel His presence, but God says He will never leave nor forsake me."
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| Sure looks yummy! |
http://www.amazon.com/dp/
[The following is an endorsement of my book]
'I am glad to recommend Jean's ministry of poetry. As you reflect on the message of these poems, you will encounter the Holy Spirit's presence in fresh, new ways."
Dennis King, pastor, Owego (NY) Church of the Nazarene
[The following is an endorsement of my book]
'I am glad to recommend Jean's ministry of poetry. As you reflect on the message of these poems, you will encounter the Holy Spirit's presence in fresh, new ways."
Dennis King, pastor, Owego (NY) Church of the Nazarene
http://www.amazon.com/dp/
Good post.
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