Tag Archive: problems

Are You Completely Satisfied in Christ?

September 20, 2014

We can be joyful at all times not because we are spared affliction but because we are completely satisfied in Christ.

Jesus promises that we will suffer. In Matthew 10:17-18, Jesus warns his followers, “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.” Although that quote may seem distant or irrelevant to Christians today, the point remains that, in the words of Christ, “if the head of the house [Jesus himself] has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!”

Not only does Jesus promise that believers must suffer, the Apostle Paul assures us that the path to being an heir of God demands sharing in the sufferings of Christ (Romans 8:17). Similarly, Paul writes this to those in the church at Philippi: it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him (Philippians 1:29).

Clearly, we, as Christians, will not be spared affliction. (In addition to the Scriptures above, see Acts 9:15-16, Philippians 3:10-11, and 1 Timothy 1:8-9.)

Despite being assured affliction and suffering, Christ-followers can be joyful nonetheless.

We can be joyful not by creating a bubbly faced facade of happiness to hide reality but rather by confidently knowing that, in the face of immense sin and suffering, we are secure in Christ. Why fear and be saddened by those who can only kill the body when you’re protected by Him who can keep you from hell (Luke 12:4-7)? Or, to put it positively, rejoice that you have received the Holy Spirit, who guarantees your eternal salvation—and thus, your eternal joy (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

The faith that justifies is the very same faith that satisfies. Saving faith satisfies us by weaning us from the short-lived satisfaction of sin to ultimate satisfaction in Christ.

Thus, despite the fact that suffering will come even—or, perhaps, especially—to us who profess faith in Christ, we can have great joy not because we are spared affliction but because we are completely satisfied in Christ.

Contributed Christ Notes

Tags: affliction, Christ, danger, grace, hope, joyful, peace, prayer, problems, salvation, satisfaction, sorrow, Suffering, trials, tribulations

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Are You In Turmoil Today?

Filed under: Inspirational — 3 Comments

April 6, 2014

At times the struggles and situations of life put you in a state of turmoil, and this can cause you to lose focus. Turmoil means, “a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.” If you are in a state of turmoil, then your peace is topsy-turvy. When your peace is gone, then all hopes and happiness go with it as well.

In this world, there are always going to be trials and tribulations, and no one is immune from them. You don’t have to do anything or be guilty of anything to have these tribulations thrown at you. Notwithstanding, if you are looking to find peace in the world to solve your problems, then you are looking in the wrong place. If the world could give you peace, then there would be no problems in the world. There’s one source where your true peace comes from, and that is the “Prince of Peace.” Look to Him if you are in turmoil today.

Tags: confusion, deliverance, grace and mercy, happiness, Jesus, joy, love, peace, prayers, Prince of Peace, problems, trials and tribulations, turmoil

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Are You Drowning in Your Problems?

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September 25, 2013

When you feel you’re “drowning ” in life’s situation; don’t worry, because your life guard walks on water.

Matthew 14:23-27 reminds you:

²³And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

²⁴But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

²⁵And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

²⁶And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

²⁷But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Tags: Be of Good Cheer, Bible, Christianity, Drown, faith, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, prayer, problems, Religion and Spirituality

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Did You Remember To Pray Today?

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July 19, 2013

The Difference

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish, I didn’t have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me and grew heavier with each task;
Why doesn’t God help me, I wondered; He answered, “You didn’t ask.”

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn’t show me – He said, “But you didn’t seek.”

I tried to come into God’s presence; I used all my keys at the lock;
God gently and lovingly chided, “My child, you didn’t knock.”

I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

Author: Grace L. Naessens

Tags: Beauty, blessings, deliverance, God, Heaven, help, Jesus, joy, love, motivation, peace, prayer, problems

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When You’re Hanging on by a Thread

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July 16, 2013

“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” Psalm 34:19 (NIV)

I have a dear friend whose husband didn’t want to be married anymore. Sure, she knew there were problems in their relationship, but this devastating news blindsided her. We prayed together. She sought counseling and even invited her husband along. Still, no matter her attempts to save her marriage, it was falling apart.

I’ve never seen her so helpless, so troubled, so lost. She was hanging on by a thread. I understand the darkness she was in and know the weakness and heart-wrenching pain because I’ve been there. Most of us have experienced terrible news that took us by surprise and left us hanging on by a thread.

Perhaps you’re there now. You may be experiencing a broken relationship. Maybe you need to be saved from some addiction or financial trouble. Whatever the case, you feel alone, scared and weak. Your situation is hard, wrenching and painful. You’re losing your grip on faith.

I could tell that my friend was losing her grip on her spiritual foundation. In her deep despair, all she had was a thread of hope to hang on to. What was that hope? It is the promise of God found in Psalm 34:19, “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.”

Excerpt from Proverbs 31 Ministries (Author – Micca Campbell)

Tags: Christianity, God, hope, Lord, marriage, problems, Psalm, Relationships, righteous, scared, spiritual, weak

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Finding Peace

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May 8, 2013

You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. You will find peace not in denial, but in victory.

J. Donald Walters

Tags: B4Peace, confronting, courageous, denial, escape, paradise, peace, problems, victory

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To You; Love God

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April 19, 2013

To: You

Today is Good Friday.

Think back over the events of this week as if they were a computer text document.

Has this been a really tough week? Have there been a lot of challenges and problems that you are glad you have simply survived?

Then, in your mind, press the “delete” key and let this week go. It’s over. Cease to focus upon it. Empty your trash file and leave behind the events of this week.

If, however, there have been some good experiences– experiences that brought you joy and satisfaction; or, if you overcame challenges which have now given you resources to live even more fully, imagine highlighting, cutting and pasting these events into a new document titled “Next Week.” Set your intention now to enjoy the upcoming week to the fullest.

Lastly, if this week has been extraordinary, then consider saving it as a template for your future. Create a file for this wonderful week and let it serve as a model for what is to come.

Delete, cut and paste, or make a template.

You choose.

Love,
God