It is at times tempting to think God has broken his promises. Maybe we doubt he has provided for us, ect...
I suppose at times it is easy to feel like God has not done what he says he would. Often it is a matter of perspective.
Really we often are in a great confusion. We have confused needs and wants.
We do not have the fancy new gadget and we will surely die. We have not had this or that.
Maybe our lack has been very severe. You see God is always faithful.
Jesus was a man of sorrow well acquainted with grief. He entered into a manager and live a life which was very ascetic.
Many of his followers did the say. And yet his followers heard his promises and did not doubt them as if beatings, shipwreck, nakedness, famine and sword did not invalidate God's promises.
Why? You see they looked at the situation spiritually. God had provided them an infinite reward and they faced temporal sufferings.
It was a matter of perspective. Life in the present was very “bear” and eternity very “bull” to use financial terms.
Showing posts with label promises of God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label promises of God. Show all posts
Monday, April 7, 2014
Friday, August 19, 2005
How We'd Live Differently If We Really Understood that "All Things Work Together for the Good of ..."
Some pondering on how we would live differently if we really understood
that, "All things work together for the good of those who love God and
are called according to his purpose."
1) This should be a source of major comfort to us in times of trials. If it isn't it is a sign that we need our relationship with God and the way we think about him mended.
2) We would have a way to really comfort our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering. Something that goes past, "Oh I'm sorry... or That Sucks..." It adds something deep and bring the focus back to God where it should be in the first place. It gives real comfort if taken to heart by one who loves God loves and is loved by God.
3) It should be a source for great risk taking. If all things work together for my God why shouldn't I say a loving, but very hard thing for a person to hear, it indeed it is something that should be said. If relationships are shatter or friendships weakened, or money given away it is for our good. You could argue that if relationships are made firm or kept safe, and if we hoard money or just guard the little we have then it also works for our good. I think its safe to answer like Paul here. Shall we not take risks for the kingdom of heaven so that God will work them for our good. May it never be.
4) We should wish for others to see the brilliance of this truth and tell others not to just settle with this one promise but to search high and low and far and wide to learn and savor the many additional promises that flow from the beauty of God.
5) We should remember this promise and turn our hearts to thank God at all times and in all situations for his goodness to us.
6) Our love for God would be greatly increased. If we really took it to heart that everything worked together for our good we would be filled with awe at the awesome wisdom and power of God. Today I was filled with that wonder as I accidently dropped a peanut butter filled cracker and spent a while mashing it around on the floor (without realizing it only to have to clean up the mess) Yes mashed peanut butter and cracker bits all over the bottom of my shoe and all over the floor is working for my good and I remember it!
7) We would be more conscious in our effort to try to make everything work for the maximum good possible. If we focus on that everything works for our good and focus on God we will want to work everything for as much good as possible.
A lot more but lunch time is over...
1) This should be a source of major comfort to us in times of trials. If it isn't it is a sign that we need our relationship with God and the way we think about him mended.
2) We would have a way to really comfort our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering. Something that goes past, "Oh I'm sorry... or That Sucks..." It adds something deep and bring the focus back to God where it should be in the first place. It gives real comfort if taken to heart by one who loves God loves and is loved by God.
3) It should be a source for great risk taking. If all things work together for my God why shouldn't I say a loving, but very hard thing for a person to hear, it indeed it is something that should be said. If relationships are shatter or friendships weakened, or money given away it is for our good. You could argue that if relationships are made firm or kept safe, and if we hoard money or just guard the little we have then it also works for our good. I think its safe to answer like Paul here. Shall we not take risks for the kingdom of heaven so that God will work them for our good. May it never be.
4) We should wish for others to see the brilliance of this truth and tell others not to just settle with this one promise but to search high and low and far and wide to learn and savor the many additional promises that flow from the beauty of God.
5) We should remember this promise and turn our hearts to thank God at all times and in all situations for his goodness to us.
6) Our love for God would be greatly increased. If we really took it to heart that everything worked together for our good we would be filled with awe at the awesome wisdom and power of God. Today I was filled with that wonder as I accidently dropped a peanut butter filled cracker and spent a while mashing it around on the floor (without realizing it only to have to clean up the mess) Yes mashed peanut butter and cracker bits all over the bottom of my shoe and all over the floor is working for my good and I remember it!
7) We would be more conscious in our effort to try to make everything work for the maximum good possible. If we focus on that everything works for our good and focus on God we will want to work everything for as much good as possible.
A lot more but lunch time is over...
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Focusing on God
Lamentations 3:22-23: "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
The Lord teaches us in a most kind and gentle way. One can always say in ones darkest moment that “this is far better than I deserve,” as we all deserve hell. In trials God is graciously and generally disciplining (teaching) us by his gracious fatherly care. If God did not discipline us it would be a sign he did not love us. God wants nothing but good for us and is working everything for our Good. (Romans 8:28). When times are bad, Rest your hope in comfort in God. Do not let worldly discomforts take your eyes off God. When times are good Do not let worldly pleasures take your eyes off God. Do not take your eyes off God. For Lamentations 3 continues: "The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD" (vv. 25-26).
Focus your eyes on God. Is Man not made in the image of God. Is not God far more beautiful and glorified man? Is not the current state of man hideous ugliness due to sinfulness. Is not beauty and comfort worth of being chased? Fix your eyes on God and chase your happiness while aiming to give God glory. The two are not in conflict. Does not the Lord know what is better for you than you do yourself? If he tells us that it is better for us to love him with all our heart, mind, and soul, than to love worldly things should not we trust him? If so why do so many Christians not trust God’s promise?
The Lord teaches us in a most kind and gentle way. One can always say in ones darkest moment that “this is far better than I deserve,” as we all deserve hell. In trials God is graciously and generally disciplining (teaching) us by his gracious fatherly care. If God did not discipline us it would be a sign he did not love us. God wants nothing but good for us and is working everything for our Good. (Romans 8:28). When times are bad, Rest your hope in comfort in God. Do not let worldly discomforts take your eyes off God. When times are good Do not let worldly pleasures take your eyes off God. Do not take your eyes off God. For Lamentations 3 continues: "The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD" (vv. 25-26).
Focus your eyes on God. Is Man not made in the image of God. Is not God far more beautiful and glorified man? Is not the current state of man hideous ugliness due to sinfulness. Is not beauty and comfort worth of being chased? Fix your eyes on God and chase your happiness while aiming to give God glory. The two are not in conflict. Does not the Lord know what is better for you than you do yourself? If he tells us that it is better for us to love him with all our heart, mind, and soul, than to love worldly things should not we trust him? If so why do so many Christians not trust God’s promise?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)