Endurance

Lord, Help My Unbelief {Hebrews 11}

11:30 AM

Today's Scripture: Hebrew 11

 If the Lord visited you as He did Solomon long ago and encouraged you to, "Ask what you wish Me to give you." (1Kings 3:5) What would you ask for?


I love my early morning walks with The Lord. Once I see my husband off to work, I'll change and head out the door just as the sun is promising to come on the horizon. It's still pretty dark; the stars and moon are still visible, and most are still sleeping. It's so very quiet except for the crickets and such; even the birds haven't come awake!

 This is my favorite time of the day, for I get to witness the world around me waking up! 

 I start each morning heading west down to the cove at the end of my street and when I make the turn to head east, He generally takes me breath away, for the sky is lit up like the poster above. His majesty is on full display most mornings, and though we've already been in deep conversations, I often find myself pausing for a moment or two and taking in the beauty of His creation.

 There was one particular morning we started our walk by reflecting back to when The Lord had visited Solomon and encouraged him to ask Him for whatever he wished. It was then I began to wonder what I would ask The Lord for if given the same opportunity. 

 I decided then that it wouldn't be wisdom. Though I'm always studying and looking for new revelations in His Word, I figured all the wisdom in the world didn't help Solomon much in the end. My next thought was love, God's love! That's it, but then I suppose along with that I would need mercy and compassion for all. And what about the rest of the fruits of the Spirits? Yes, I wanted to filled up with all!

BUT wait! Are we not already given all His character traits when we received Christ Jesus and the gift of eternal life with Him? Of course! 

 2 Peter 1:3 tells us as much, "His divine power has given us ALL THINGS towards life and godliness, through the knowledge of the One having called us by His own glory and excellence." (Emphasis mine)

 Paul in Ephesians also tells us that, "To Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the POWER that works WITHIN US" (Eph 3:20 Emphasis mine)

 The Lord reminded once more that morning that He has already given me EVERYTHING I could ever want from Him when He gave me Himself, for His Spirit resides within each of us, and therefore we each possess the ability to love as He loves, forgive as He forgives and so on. What we need most of all is, faith. Notice,

 "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for." (Hebrews 11:1-2) 

 These precious saints listed here in the "Hall of Faith" got it! They knew Who was large and in charge of their lives. Did you notice how often the writer begins with the words, "by faith" in Hebrews 11?

 Remember what Jesus, Himself told us, " "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen." (Matthew 21:21)

 What will God write about you in His book? Will you find yourself listed among the others in His Hall of Faith? Do you truly believe you can do ALL THINGS through Christ?

 If so, then "let us also get rid of every weight and entangling sin. Let us run with endurance the race set before us,  focusing on Yeshua, the initiator and perfecter of faith." (Hb 13:1-2) until we all make it home to Abba.  

 Blessings,
sue


Becky Austin

Let Good Persevere (Romans 12)

3:40 AM





The early church lived in perilous times. They faced the very real trials of potential persecution, imprisonment, and even death to live out their beliefs. But, in Romans, they are encouraged to persevere through such uncertain times and worship God by committing their very lives wholeheartedly. 

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (12:1-2)

To persevere in trying circumstances is no easy task but Paul gives us 3 vital keys.

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (12:12)

Our greatest witness to the world can be in how we respond to difficulty and adversity.  How we respond to others can be a great opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ. If Christ reached out to us in our sin and despair, shouldn’t we extend His love to others who also desperately need it? Our wounded human instincts may cause us to want to avoid others, reject or retaliate against their behaviors, but each person we interact with needs to see Jesus through our responses to them. 

Persevering includes extending grace to others and representing Christ in every opportunity.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.  (12:15-18)

Not every person is easy to extend love to. Not every person is easy to be kind to.  We must be patient and pray for Gods help to love others as He asks us to. When others “push our buttons”, “try our patience”, and “get on our last nerve”, we must remember that there is a spiritual war at stake. We must persevere to seek God’s wisdom in knowing how to respond. We must not repay evil with evil. 

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (12:21)


Endurance

The Polish of Perseverance {James 1}

12:30 AM


Monday, May 27  

James 1 

The Petoskey is the state stone of Michigan. As a child I would comb the beaches of many lakes for the perfect piece of this fossilized coral. Dull and pitted in its natural state, with repeated sanding and rinsing, the scratches and rough edges would wear away. And once the polishing cream was rubbed in, that stone was a treasure to behold; smooth to the touch with a shine like glass. 


An Indian guru once said, “The stones of a river start out rough, but with the current continually bumping and polishing them, they end up being beautiful.” I couldn’t think of a more perfect description of the Christian life. Each of us are as river stones. Rough and jagged around the edges, tossed and turned in the raging current of life. And although no one looks forward to the grating friction brought on by tribulations, James tells us when trouble does come our way we are to, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.” (vs. 2) 

Why is there joy in trials? Because as James tells us, “the testing of your faith produces  perseverance”. (vs. 3) And what is perseverance? A “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.” (dictionary.com) Spiritual perseverance means never giving up no matter how hard our circumstance may be. It means trusting that God is using our situation not only to grow our faith, but to work all things together for our good. (Rom. 8:28) And there is great joy to be found in knowing that our Father does so in love, with the purpose of making us “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (vs. 4) 

“The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond, and must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear.”...Daniel Defoe

No one is exempt from the trials of life. And although painful, James tells there is much to be gained from the perseverance of weathering the storm. For just like a Roman philosopher once said, “A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.” In 1 Peter 2:4, Jesus is called a, “living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God.” We too are choice and precious stones to God. He lovingly refines and purifies us until we are smoothed by faith and polished by perseverance. There is no one who endured or persevered more than Christ. And as His followers it is our goal to each day become more like Him and to follow His example. Doing so not only deepens our relationship with God, to those who endure to the end James promises a great reward. “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him”. (vs. 12) And as for me, knowing that I will be spending eternity in paradise with the Lord, is worth any trial or tribulation,  no matter how hard! 

For more encouragement, follow the link! http://t2womenintheword.blogspot.com/2017/11/walking-in-diligent-perseverance-2.html


crown of righteousness

SoulSearching Sunday~The Joy of Waiting

12:00 AM

Sunday, December 9, 2018


Week Forty-nine...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was 1 Timothy 4 - Hebrews 6...

 1. What do you imagine it will be like when the LORD returns for you? How will His face appear? What words will He speak to you as He places “the crown of righteousness” on your head? Contemplate His glorious return.

 And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness that the LORD, the righteous Judge will give me on that great day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His glorious return. (2 Timothy 4:8)

 2. Today, as an act of worship, pray specifically for someone in authority over you. In what practical ways can you live out your faith as you relate to those with whom you live or work?

 Remind your people to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not speak evil of anyone, and they must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. (Titus 3:1-2)

 3. What do you anticipate will be the three most difficult problems and temptations you will face in the next few days? What parallel situations can you see in Jesus’ life on earth? Thank God that He has already been where you are going, and ask for His strength to endure.

 Since He Himself has gone through suffering and temptation, He is able to help us when we are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)






Endurance

SoulSearching Sunday~All You Need Is Love

12:00 AM

Sunday, November 18, 2018


Week Forty-six...

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was 1 Corinthians 7 - 2 Corinthians 13...

 1. Think carefully about your regular activities, your thoughts and dreams, your use of time and energy and money. What do these “bits of evidence” suggest about the prize you are seeking in life? Commit your best efforts toward pursuing Christ as your act of worship.

 Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

 2. It’s an old exercise, but a good one. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and substitute your name every place you see the word “love.” Is this accurate? Where do you fall short? How can living like this be a lifestyle of worship?

 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever. (1 Corinthians 13:7-8)

 3. What do you consider to be your “thorn in the flesh”? Thank God for His presence and power in your life regardless of whether He removes the thorn or provides you with the strength to endure.

 I have received wonderful revelations from God. But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. Three different times I begged the LORD to take it away. Each time He said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)


1 Corinthians

Scripture Saturday~God is Faithful

12:00 AM

Saturday, November 10, 2018



Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verse is 1 Corinthians 10:13...

 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it. (NIV)

 Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!

Endurance

Safe In God's Hands {Gen. 46:1-50:26}

5:11 AM

Monday Jan. 15 {Safe In God’s Hands} Gen. 46:1-50:26  


The story of Joseph is a hard one to read. It seemed he couldn’t catch a break. Author A.W. Tozer once said, 'It is doubtful that God ever used anybody greatly without first hurting him deeply”, and Joseph knew this firsthand. But even through his lowest of lows and highest of highs, Joseph recognized that it was the hand of God working in all things to bring about His will. 

With all of the trials that he faced, it would have been easy for Joseph to get stuck in self pity and discouragement. He could have turned away from God, blaming Him for his misfortunes. He could have used his power and authority to take vengeance against his brothers for their brutal betrayal. But he didn’t. Instead Joseph humbled himself before the Lord and submitted to His will. He held on to the truth that God is always in control. Always. Joseph trusted  in the knowledge that, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)


When tough times have come into my life, too often my first response has been anger or to question God and cry out, “Why me?” I have tried to rely on my own abilities to control or change the situation instead of being like Joseph; riding out the storm, content in trusting in God’s perfect plans and timing. Pridefully I've tried in vain to follow my own path instead of the path God has laid out for me.

During those times when I feel the pull of a “woe is me attitude”, I remember the strength of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He willingly faced endless adversity and endured unmeasurable suffering to fulfill the plans of God. And because of His sacrifice, we are saved. Although I might not understand God’s reasons for the tribulations in my life, God knows. And that’s enough for me. What I do know is that He loves me, always has my  best interests at heart, and wants me to cast all of my anxiety onto Him. (1Peter 5:7). 

At the time of his troubles, Joseph didn’t yet know the great things God was going to accomplish through him. And when we are knee deep in our troubles we might not see the great things God wants to accomplish through us too. No matter the difficulty, even if as in Joseph’s case it’s the wickedness of others, God is there. I love how the iworship Bible says, “He’s watching. Working. Writing a masterpiece.” And in writing this masterpiece, God may use our suffering to result in not only a great blessing for ourselves, but for others as well. For just as Joseph declares to the brothers who treated him with treachery, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (Gen. 50:20)

No matter what you are going through right now, remember that He has a purpose and a plan. God loves you more than you can ever know, so trust Him. He will will keep you safe in His hands, and there are no better hands to be in!




Endurance

Running With Endurance {Hebrews 12}

12:00 AM

Running With Endurance { Hebrews 12 }


Life is hard. There are no two ways about it. The Bible refers to life as a race. And in the running of this race, we encounter hurdles of trials along the track. When we hit those curves in life, the Lord calls us to dig our heels deep into our faith, keep our eyes on Him, and patiently endure to the end.

Hebrews chapter 12 begins with, “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (v. 1) In the previous chapter, we are told of many great saints who have gone to be with the Lord. Saints who ran their races with faith and perseverance, and who inspire us all to do the same. Saints we can draw strength from when our run becomes difficult. They encourage each step we take that brings us closer to victory. I like to imagine a great grandstand filled with believers cheering me on, with my Grandma waving the biggest flag. 

And like those saints, we too can win the race set before us. But winning means letting go. Letting go of things in our lives that hinder our relationship with God. Sin weighs us down, slows our pace, and keeps us in bondage. It places our focus elsewhere when our eyes should be fixed on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (v. 2) Jesus, our perfect example, endured torture, pain, sorrow, rejection, and betrayal. He despised the shame of being publicly crucified, yet He did so willingly for the joy of fulfilling the will of the Father, and the greatness of His reward. During the toughest times of our race, when we've hit a wall and can't go one step further, remembering Jesus’ sacrifice gives us our second wind so that we don't, “grow weary and lose heart.” (v. 3)

We know that nothing in our lives happens without God’s permission. The difficulty He allows to enter is meant to train, strengthen, test, and often times, discipline us. And although no one likes to be disciplined, we can find comfort knowing that, “whom the Lord loves, He disciplines”.  (v. 6) God wants the very best for us and His discipline leads us to repentance and complete dependency on Him, which in turn results in great blessings. For verse 11 promises, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” “Brokenness is God’s requirement for maximum usefulness. He disciplines us because He loves us, and He wants us to experience abundant Christian life.” (Dr. Charles Stanley) 

James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” Trials bring with them the opportunity to grow in maturity and to become more like Jesus. We are like diamonds in the rough, and each fire we successfully walk through in faith polishes us a little more, until we shine like the brilliant gems we are meant to be. God promises to never give us more than we can handle. And trusting Him provides us with the endurance to run our race with joy, knowing that He’ll be at the finish line waiting to receive us into His loving arms.


The Race of A Lifetime
                       
The race we are running,
is the race of a lifetime
we must run it well . . .
or else we’ll be left behind.
If we’re going to succeed,
we must run it to win
the only way to victory
is to run away from sin.
For Satan is on the chase,
after our souls, he is gunning
we must be sure from him
to always keep on running.
We need to stay focused,
on the goal that is ahead
we must be sober and alert
so we can be Spirit lead.
It’s a race of endurance,
not one of swiftness or speed
we must depend on God . . .
for the stamina that we need!
.....Deborah Ann