Power of Perseverance

        Perseverance is something that all men need. Without it, many would not accomplish goals that they have set. Why is this true? Perseverance helps you to maintain consistency in the midst of opposition. Therefore, make sure that perseverance is a part of your toolkit for success in this life. Remember the words of Christ,

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. Matt 10:22 (KJV)

When speaking of the end of all things, Jesus said that the one who would be saved is the one who endured; that is, the one who persevered. If you remain willing to persevere through hardships, misunderstandings, and persecutions, you are willing to be blessed by the Lord in this life and in the one to come. Remember these 3 things when you persevere:

        Persevere with a praise in your mouth: give Him thanks in all things. Persevere with a purpose in mind: know that there is a reward for your endurance. And, persevere with the promise of salvation and victory: you are promised life everlasting. There is power in perseverance.

Prayer of the Week:

“I thank you for your daily provision and protection. I make a new commitment to persevere through my trials and tests through your strength. I give you glory and praise today. Amen.”

Hold On to Faith

Why is it hard at times to maintain unwavering faith in God? Even after He has done so many things apparently, it can still be difficult to trust Him. Many believe and do not believe, simultaneously. They know that God answers prayer and can do all things, but the breakdown is that they do not believe that God will do it for THEM.

Many Christians do not struggle with believing in God’s existence or His ability to act. However, they do not trust or believe that God will act on their behalf.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:6 (KJV)

Be encouraged in this time in your life. Do not lose faith. God is only restricted by His own will. Do not let past failures hinder your faith. Do not let present circumstances hinder your faith. He will do it, even for You. Come to Him in expectation, for He is a rewarder of those who continually come after Him.

Prayer of the Week:

“I know that it takes faith please you. I ask today that you will help me to increase my faith. Amen”

Do You Know Who You Are?

Some spend a lifetime trying to discover “who they are.” They enter into careers, relationships, and pursue other endeavors in an attempt to find themselves. Even individuals who have many accomplishments sometimes struggle with their identities.

This leads us to an important truth: One’s identity cannot be defined by outward activities, but by an internal actualization. As a Christian, “Do You Know Who You Are?”

The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Isaiah 1:3 (KJV)

As a nation, Israel forgot their identity. They forgot that they were God’s people, and this led them to engage in activities that did not reflect their connection to Him.

As Christians, we have to define “who we are” by “whose we are.” Regardless of what we do or accomplish in this life, we have to do it in light of Christ and our relationship with Him. In doing so, you will not, like Israel, get off track. Do you know who you are as a Christian?

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, I thank you that I am a new creature in Christ On today, help me to know who I am in Him fully. Amen.”

God on Trial

         Every country on the face of the earth has some form of judicial policy. In western culture, judicial policies are enforced through courtroom activities. Usually, the individual who has been accused or charged with a crime is presented before a judge, jury, and prosecution to decide their innocence or guilt. The question for today is “Have I put God on Trial?”

In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. Job 1:22 (KJV)

The story of Job depicts a man who had done anything to deserve the calamities that befell him. However, Job did not bring charges against God; that is, he did not put God on trial. How do you respond to your trials and troubles? Do you bring God into the courtroom of your mind? Do you present a case against Him because of the things that are allowed to happen?

        Christians have to trust God’s wisdom, will, and way knowing that whatever He allows, He will give strength and peace to endure. Do not place the One on trial who is faithful and true, knowing that in the end, He will be merciful as He was to Job and bless us for enduring through hard times.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, grant me the grace to accept what you allow in my life. I trust that all things will work together for my good. Amen.”