Affliction may be lasting, but it is not everlasting.
Thomas J. Watson

Romans 4:19-24 (NASB)
Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness. Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,

Some never taste the bitterness of affliction, but most do. It can be devastating depending on the circumstances. For those that are in Christ, we have the promise of glory. What a comfort, knowing that only for a short time do we need to endure that affliction, for glory awaits us. Glory that is so wonderful, we can’t even imagine the depth, the breadth, nor the full beauty of it. We have the promise and that is more than enough.

The Puritans understood that there is a huge difference between this world and eternity; it can’t be compared. Paul used the life of Abraham to show how our faith can carry us through. He also pointed out that it wasn’t just the credit of righteousness that was given to Abraham, but it has also been done for our sake as well.

Heavenly Father, when I am weak, I know You are strong. I pray that You would increase my faith each day. I know it is only possible through the sacrifice of Jesus. It was the affliction that He endured and defeated that promises the glory that awaits each of us that are in Him. Amen.

Praying for Frankie.

Always praying for the glory of God,

Ecclesiastes 1:9-11 (NASB)
That which has been is that which will be,
And that which has been done is that which will be done.
So there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there anything of which one might say,
“See this, it is new”?
Already it has existed for ages
Which were before us.
There is no remembrance of earlier things;
And also of the later things which will occur,
There will be for them no remembrance
Among those who will come later still.

Proverbs 10:14
Wise men store up knowledge,
But with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand.

Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

Recent events have emphasized the importance of the counsel of God. As Solomon notes, there really isn’t anything new under the sun. Yet we forget the lessons learned by others and especially the lessons that are provided in scripture. I marvel at the disinterest in applying the word of God to situations that we face. Many don’t look at the wise counsel and instead attempt to make decisions based upon what seems right from their perspective.

We are a society of laws, but we also know that laws alone cannot save us. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ has the ability to change us into a person that cares as much about the next person as we do ourselves.

As I listened to news reports today, those closest to the tragedy have said they are tired of hearing that they are being prayed for – they want action. If only everyone were on their knees in prayer. If only we were looking for guidance above. If only we were looking at scripture for the counsel of God. Then a solution honoring to God would present itself.

Heavenly Father, keep me on my knees in prayer for those impacted by recent events. I pray that Christians everywhere would be deep into the Word of God. I pray that we would only accept the counsel of God. Amen

Always praying for the glory of God,

Philippians 3:10 (NASB)
that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;

Romans 8:16-18 (NASB)
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

When we think of suffering, there is the type that is utterly cruel and without any meaning. But we also know that there is suffering that occurs in this world that is redemptive. Jesus died on the cross – to redeem the world. As Christians we are also called to suffer. But not for sufferings sake. Suffering that is cruel and meaningless needs to be avoided and fought against. However, we are brought into partnership with Jesus to suffer so that our example will draw others to Him.

I’m not sure I completely understand this concept. It’s probably because if I was given a choice, I would rather not suffer. However, the words of Paul say that I will and you will, if we are His children. Shouldn’t we be honored, if we are called to suffer and that God will be glorified in it? My initial reaction is fear; fear of what is right around the corner.

Prayer, it seems to me can prepare us properly for it. Prayer that asks the Holy Spirit to show us the joy that comes when we know that any present circumstances aren’t worthy to be compared to what is to come.

Heavenly Father, when I look at the cross I see suffering, but I also see love. Love of the Father and love of the Son for Your children. It is the ultimate suffering of Jesus that brings to us our salvation. As I live my life, no matter the circumstances, may You be glorified in all I do and say. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,

“I am not in the business of promoting myself; I am in the business of surrendering to the Holy Spirit.” A. W. Tozer

Isaiah 66:2
“For My hand made all these things,
Thus all these things came into being,” declares the Lord.
“But to this one I will look,
To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.”

Prayers of praise to the true and living God redirects my focus from me towards Him. It takes the pride that so easily surfaces to the top of my consciencesness and puts it in its proper place.

But I fail each day to surrender completely. And yet, in my weakness and self-righteous spirit, He comes to me and tells me that He loves me. How is that possible? It can only be expressed by one word – Jesus!

Heavenly Father, I surrender. I pray for a humble spirit. Thank You for the Holy Scriptures. Forgive my daily failures as I release myself to the Holy Spirit that sanctifies me. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,

“Sin cannot be the little thing that my pride has helped me to imagine it to be. It must be an awful thing if but one sin could ruin my soul for ever.”
Charles Spurgeon

Romans 8:3-4 (NASB)
For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

The adjective we are tempted to use to describe our sin is often at the wrong end of the spectrum. We describe our sin as small, little, or insignificant; hoping that in comparison with other sins we think we haven’t committed, that God won’t notice. Unfortunately, as Spurgeon notes, any sin, no matter how we might chose to describe it, is enough to bring us down. In actual fact, there is no adjective that can accurately describe sin. It is simply sin.

When we humble ourselves before the one true God; when we recognize the pride that keeps us separated from Him; only then can we begin to understand the amazing grace that has been given to use through Jesus. It is at that point that confession becomes the only alternative. We can no longer dismiss the importance of our offenses. Our only option is to cling to Him for mercy.

Heavenly Father, have mercy on me. Strip from me the pride that reduces my sin to something insignificant. Bring it fully before me, that I can see it as it truly is. I pray that my confession is honest and heartfelt. Praises to You for Jesus, the only path to salvation. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,