Showing posts with label trials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trials. Show all posts

Monday 8 January 2018

I Am Not Alone - By: Kari Jobe



“I Am Not Alone”
By: Kari Jobe

When I walk through deep waters
I know that You will be with me
When I’m standing in the fire
I will not be overcome
Through the valley of the shadow
I will not fear
I am not alone
I am not alone
You will go before me
You will never leave me
In the midst of deep sorrow
I see Your light is breaking through
The dark of night will not overtake me
I am pressing into You
Lord, You fight my every battle
And I will not fear
You amaze me
Redeem me
You call me as Your own You’re my strength
You’re my defender
You’re my refuge in the storm
Through these trials
You’ve always been faithful
You bring healing to my soul

Friday 25 August 2017

Sometimes we face trials

In life we encounter many difficulties. Even as an organisation we can have to face trials or having to look at people who tell lies about us and have people defending the false accuser.

Sometimes we lack this necessary wisdom to face trials and persevere faithfully. These are the times when our suffering is so overwhelming that we are tempted to question whether God is either sovereign or good or to come to question if the organisation we are with might be the right one.

In such circumstances we may not forget that the adversary of God may be everywhere and in all sorts of disguises. There are enough people who shall try to get you away from your church or from your faith group. Their aim shall be to discourage you and to destroy your faith in that group you where doing so much for.

Though when we look at the matter, take distance form it we shall see some good things in it as well. It shall give us an opportunity to check if we are connected  with the right persons. Also it shall remind us that if we lack the wisdom needed to face such trials with faith and steadfastness, we can ask God.
We should ask God.

We must ask God.

In the very first chapter of his letter, James reminds us that the God we are to ask is not only sovereign, He is also faithful.

Many people may try to annoy us and get us so far that we start doing the wrong things; They may tempt us or want us to lure in saying things which can harm us more.

Many may use many ways to tempt us or to get us so far that we might react in the way they would love us to see, bringing damage to us. God does not tempt us to sin; He is good. He doesn’t make fun of us when we ask for wisdom; He is the God who gives generously.
James 1:5 The Scriptures 1998+  (5)  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of Elohim, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it shall be given to him.
When tempted by evil doers, we should not be afraid to ask God for advice. At moments we may feel left abandoned. We may feel as if so many are turning against us. We also may feel like we once more failed.

When daring to talk to God and asking His advice, He shall come to us and by our guide. Our good and sovereign God will grant to us the very thing we are lacking, the very thing we need to face suffering well.

So, let us ask God for wisdom, believing that He is sovereign, faithful, and good, and that God uses our suffering to make us look more like Jesus.
James 1:4 The Scriptures 1998+  (4)  And let endurance have a perfect work, so that you be perfect and complete, lacking in naught.
Life might not always be easy and may demand a lot of us. Often we have to show a lot of patience.

When believing in God, trusting Him, we might find out that everything comes all right in due time.

Do you believe? Ask Him! He is a generous God who delights in giving good gifts to His children in order that we may patiently and faithfully endure to the end.

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Additional reading
  1. An other look at the events of today by one of our magazines
  2. Today’s thought “Be aware of what went on” (August 15) He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him.
  3. The post-Christian world
  4. Through much tribulation
  5. About transgression, law and punishments
  6. The ecclesia Facebook account from now on restricted access 
  7. Golden rule for understanding in spiritual matters obedience
  8. The Golden rule not always as easy as its sounds
  9. Gates to different belief systems in this world
  10. Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 1 Charity and neighbour love
  11. Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 2 Prayer and neighbour love
  12. Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 3 Forgiveness and neighbour love
  13. Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 4 Treasures’ and neighbour love
  14. Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 5 Matthew 6: 24-34: e) Anxiety and neighbor love
  15. Matthew 7:1-11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Neighbor Love Continued 6: Matthew 7:1-5 Judgment and neighbor love
  16. Matthew 7:1-11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Neighbor Love Continued 8: Matthew 7:6-11 Giving and neighbor love
  17. Matthew 7:12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Summary on the Torah’s Fulfillment
  18. Matthew 7:13-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #1 The Narrow Gate and the way to destruction 
  19. Religious Theology – The wide gate!

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Tuesday 1 June 2010

Disappointed expectations

Finding Treasures in Trials...

Disappointed expectations confront us all. How we handle those
disappointments will have a powerful impact on the peace and stability of our

From "It Takes Two to Tango" by Gary and Norma Smalley copyright 1997

Dutch translation / Nederlandse vertaling > Teleurgestelde verwachtingen

Friday 21 May 2010

Rejoice even though bound to grieve


“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” (1Pe 1:6 NIV)


 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (1Pe 4:12-13 NIV)

 “And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,” (Heb 12:5 NIV)

 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Heb 12:11 NIV)

 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” (Heb 4:15 NIV)

 “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Heb 2:18 NIV)

 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1Co 10:13 NIV)



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Friday 12 March 2010

A love not exempting us from trials


"God's love for us is not a love that always exempts us from trials,
but rather, a love that sees us through trials."
- Anonymous

“If we open our heart for the love of God
we  get more ‘breathing space’
and more easily can we aim ourselves  to the will of God.”
 - Marcus Ampe

“The love of God is an one of the largest realities in the universe
A pillar on which the hope of the world rests.
But it is also a personal intimate matter.

God does not love races, he loves people.
He does not love masses, but people.
- A. W. Tozer

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character;
and character, hope.
And hope does not disappoint us,
because God has poured out his love into our hearts …"
Romans 5:3-5

God, our maker, give that we can be formed for the  good by You.
Give us your fatherly love and lead us not in temptation
but release us of angriness and evil
and give that we can share your love with others.

Dutch version / Nederlandstalige versie > Een liefde die ons niet vrijstelt van verzoeking

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Friday 16 October 2009

Character is built


"Character is built,
you don't just reach up and grab it."
- Robert Rowe

Nearly all men can stand adversity,
but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.
- Abraham Lincoln

"The true character of ministry is a servant heart."
- Unknown author

“A man of twisted purposes is a cause of fighting everywhere:
and he who says evil secretly makes trouble between friends.”
Proverbs 16:28

“Be free from the love of money and pleased with the things which you have;
for he himself has said, I will be with you at all times.”
Hebrews 13:5


"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings,
knowing that suffering produces endurance,
and endurance produces character,
and character produces hope,
and hope does not disappoint us,
because God's love has been poured into our hearts."
Romans 5:3-5

God our Father, let all the trials that come to me form me.
I always give the right targets at love after
and that I with good intentions may reach to the correct character.
Give me the right good character,
that I ask you in Jesus name, amen.
Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Karakter wordt opgebouwd

Monday 4 May 2009

Faith and trial

Dutch version / Nederlands > Beproevingen en geloof

“In this [hope] you rejoice even though for a brief moment at the present you are bound to grieve in various trials, in order that the proof of your faith –much more precious than gold refined by fire! –may be found [a cause for] praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1Pe 1:6-7 MHM)
“It is by [Jesus] also we now enjoy an approach [to God] through His unmerited favor in which we now stand. Also, we may boast in the hope of God’s glory.” (Ro 5:2 MHM)
“For it is better for persons to suffer because of doing good – if that be the wish and will of The God – than be persons suffering for doing bad.” (1Pe 3:17 MHM)


“Consider it immeasurable joy, my brothers, whenever various trials befall you, realizing that this testing of your deep conviction works out endurance. But, let endurance work out completely so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” (Jas 1:2-4 MHM)


“Beloved, do not think it strange the burning fire you face as a test as though something alien was taking place. But rather all of you continue to rejoice because of sharing in the sufferings of the Christ, so that you might also rejoice in exultation at the revelation of his glory.” (1Pe 4:12-13 MHM)
“For thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.” (Ps 66:10 ASV)
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But Jehovah delivereth him out of them all.” (Ps 34:19 ASV)
“[There] they strengthened the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to remain in the Faith, saying: “We must gain entrance into the Kingdom of The God through many oppressions.”” (Ac 14:22 MHM)


“For I think The God has exhibited us apostles last as [persons] condemned to death, because we became a theater spectacle to the Cosmos–both to angels and humans. We are morons because of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honorable, but we dishonorable. Until this present hour we both hunger and thirst–are without proper clothing, are beaten, and homeless. Also, we work with our own hands. When reviled, we bless. When persecuted, we endure. When defamed, we implore. We [apostles] have become the outcasts in the world of humankind. Until the present moment we have become the refuse of all.”


“I do not write to shame you, but rather as admonishing my beloved children. For though you have myriads of infant-teachers, but you do not have many fathers in Christ. For I gave birth to you in Christ Jesus by means of the Good News.” (1Co 4:9-15 MHM)
“But, we possess this treasure in vessels of baked clay, so that the surpassing greatness may be the power of The God and not our own.”
“Continually pressured, but not completely restricted. Continually perplexed, but not without direction. Continually persecuted, but not abandoned. Continually suppressed, but not destroyed. Constantly enduring the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may be manifest in our body. For we, the living, are constantly being exposed to death in behalf of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus might also be manifest in our mortal flesh.” (2Co 4:7-11 MHM)


“Thou didst cause men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” (Ps 66:12 ASV)
“The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts.”
(Pr 17:3 ASV)
“Not only that, but we also are boasting in the oppression, realizing that this oppression produces endurance. However, this endurance documents and endorses [us]. Then, this endorsing documentation [produces] hope;” (Ro 5:3-4 MHM)

“Blessed [by God] is the person who endures trials. Because having become approved such a person will receive the crown of life which [God] promised to those loving Him.” (Jas 1:12 MHM)
“Do not be frightened of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested by 10 days of oppression. Continue to be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.” (Re 2:10 MHM)
“Because you observed the word of my own endurance I will also keep you from the hour of temptation coming upon the entire inhabited earth.” (Re 3:10 MHM)


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 2013 update:
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Faith a commitment to the promises of Christ and to to the demands of Christ



"Faith is not only a commitment to the promises of Christ;
faith is also a commitment to the demands of Christ."
- William Barclay

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while
you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold,
which perishes even though refined by fire -
may be proved genuine and may result in praise,
glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed."
1 Peter 1:6-7

I am aware of what Jesus Christ did preach and listen to his words brought to us by the gospel.
God let that Good News penetrate me and be as cement for a brick of my faith.




English: Jesus Christ - detail from Deesis mos...
English: Jesus Christ - detail from Deesis mosaic, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



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Tuesday 28 April 2009

A Living Faith #4 Effort

A LIVING FAITH IN ACTION

Effort
Faith and works are inseparable; salvation requires both elements to be present and neither of these elements will be achieved without making an effort to overcome the natural tendencies of human nature. It takes an effort to learn and put into practice the Commandments of Christ.

However, although effort is required on our part, non-the-less faith and its works will not be achieved by personal strength. Trust and faith in the Lord Jesus comes first. It is only by remaining firmly rooted and grounded in him that faith will grow and produce works. Paul writes:

“For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:5-8

Firstly Paul speaks of remaining steadfast in faith. Life will throw many temptations, trials and difficulties in the path of all who truly seek to follow the Lord Jesus.  There will be times when these temptations and trials may feel overwhelming and maybe even insurmountable. Possibly there will be even times when the thought comes, ‘why me’? Nobody is unique in having this experience, for it will be something that all who diligently seek the Lord Jesus and strive to follow him will maybe feel. What really counts is how we respond to these trials and moments of weakness.

Now one option is to think that the path and effort needed is too much. Faith wavers, trust decreases which then leads to an attitude of ‘live for today, for tomorrow we die’.  Another option is giving way to despair; a longing for salvation may remain, but a deep abiding feeling of personal sin and unworthiness, hangs like a black cloud overhead. This may lead to an attitude of ‘I have done so much wrong, sin feels overwhelming, and therefore I must have failed’.  However, there is a third option, the one that fights despondency and puts faith into action. 

So, how can we put faith into action? Well in the quote from Colossians Ch.2 Paul continues by exhorting believers to walk in Christ, being rooted in him and established in faith. If we ‘walk in Christ’ then in effect we will obey and follow His Commandments. Faith does not give up, rather faith acknowledges personal failure and inabilities, it perseveres and remains in Christ.  Faith does not surrender to despair, but continues to be active:

Ø  A living faith trusts and has hope.
Ø  A living faith confesses sin, repents and endures.
Ø  A living faith realises that Yahweh has in Jesus provided the means of reconciliation and paved the way for mercy and forgiveness.

Apart from Christ we are and can do nothing. But through him all things are possible for as Jesus said “all things are possible to him who believes." Remember the allegory that Jesus used when he described himself in these words:  ‘I am the true vine’. Jesus is the root stock that nourishes the whole vine, thus he continued:

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5

Without Christ we are powerless and without hope. However, if we remain in him then despite our weaknesses, despite our failures and despite our personal sense of sin, we will ultimately bear fruit. We will produce the works of faith.

Therefore with this in mind, we must take to heart the third point from the quote in Colossians Ch. 2 where Paul warns against being led astray by what he terms ‘empty deceit’ and the ‘traditions of men’. There is only one Truth, only one path, only one Lord. Did not Jesus say: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to the one true Gospel message. Paul warned the early disciples saying “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another” Gal 1:6. The same message applies equally as much in this age:

F There is no other gospel, no other path to salvation than that clearly shown in scripture.
F We know, believe and obey the one gospel message or we do not. There is no middle ground, no alternative way.
F Only if we walk according to the Word can we have fellowship
F We must avoid those things and people that could lead us astray

Thus again Paul writes:

“I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you” 1Cor 15:1-2

Only if we receive the Word of Truth and stand firm by making the effort to “hold fast the pattern of sound words … in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2Tim1:13) will faith be something living and active in our lives.

Without daily exercise and the correct diet the body soon becomes flabby and out of condition.  Likewise without exercising faith and having a well balanced scriptural diet, we become spiritually flabby and spiritually out of condition. In its extreme lack of physical exercise and poor diet leads to obesity and premature death.  In a similar way, unless we make the effort to feed on the Word and grow spiritually, faith will die! Now Paul exhorts:

“…exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” 1 Tim 4:7-8

So once again we see that it is a matter of character development and having the right attitude of mind. Effort and exercise in spiritual matters is the beginning of exhibiting the works of a living faith.  Paul sums up some of these works saying:

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;  not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;  rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” Romans 12:10-12

Note those active words, denoting effort and describing some attributes of a living faith:

Ø  Diligence
Ø  Fervent
Ø  Patient
Ø  Steadfast
Ø  and the implied humility and selflessness.

If the effort is made to acquire these attributes then we will indeed rejoice in hope, for our eyes will be focussed upon the Lord Jesus Christ. The wisdom of Solomon gives the final word:

“diligence is man’s precious possession”… ..“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction” Proverbs 12:27; 13:1

Are you wise? Are you heeding Yahweh and obeying His instruction?  Are you making the effort to develop a living faith?

To be continued …….A Living Faith #5 Perseverance

Andy Peel

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In this series:
A Living Faith #1 Substance of things hoped for
A living faith #2 State of your faith
A Living Faith #3 Faith put into action
A Living Faith #4 Effort
A Living Faith #5 Perseverance
A Living Faith #6 Sacrifice
A Living faith #7 Prayer
A Living Faith #8 Change
A Living Faith #9 Our Manner of Life
A Living Faith #10: Our manner of Life #2
A Living Faith #11 My place in the body of Christ and my ecclesia
A Living Faith #12 The Love for Jesus


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2016 January update