VERSE: For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him .... -- Philippians 1:29
THOUGHT: Suffer! How is suffering a privilege? It's not unless it is for Jesus. Remember how the early apostles were joyful because they were counted worthy to suffer for the name? (cf. Acts 5:41.) You see, he suffered for us so we could be saved. When we face suffering for the cause of Christ and his Kingdom, we help inspire others to live faithfully in adversity and show to all the genuineness of our faith. So few have anything worthy of their living, dying, or suffering. We have reason for all three: our lives will be caught up in Jesus' victory! (cf. Rom 8:32-39; 1 Cor.15.)
PRAYER: Make me courageous, O God! Help me to be faithful in times of trouble and strong in times of persecution, hardship, and suffering. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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4 comments:
By His grace, we can all be bright spirits to and for each other. Every time I feel I am the victim, I ask Him for patience and guidance, and Lord delivers. By thoughts, through friends - the Lord delivers.
I have been a silent blog follower since the beginning. I have only made a few comments here and there because I have read what others say and have felt like the words that I would write would in no way compare to what others have said. Although I have always said that I am a believer in Christ I have been living in a void wondering what was missing in my life. Every Sunday, cleaning the house is more important that going to church, but that's ok, I still believe. Every church function the kids have other plans or I'm just too tired to go, but that's ok, I still believe. Reading your blog thinking to myself..AMEN, I believe! But, over the past few posts I have realized that although "I still believe" I have not allowed myself to fall. I have kept up walls of excuses and not allowed myself to fully engage in what He has for me. I am now aware of His presence waiting for me to open my heart. It has only been through your words Shelly, that I have come to this point. I cannot even begin to imagine what your struggle has felt like. But know that in your struggle you have brought others (including myself) closer to God, or at least lit up the pathway and pointed! I am truly grateful.
DL
Shelley what a true testament of your faithful postings for DL to be touched and the door opening for her belief to become more real and the peace it will bring.
You have helped me time and time again and I know that I am forever changed with this wonderful blog and WONDERFUL ARMY GOODELL.
Brian I am praying for you and the kids hard on my knees that you will have peace.We all love you and have you in our hearts and with Robynn being gone almost one yr.we are still here.
I love you all,
Praying in hope and love
Miss Denise
I just wanted to let you know that I have been thinking about you all. I know that this time will continue to be emotional for years to come. I chose "emotional" as opposed to difficult because I think that no matter how hard it is to remember that we are no longer with our loved ones, those will one day be the very things that carry us through.
I have always heard people say that grief gets easier with time. I guess that depends on what day it is... because truly it does still vary day to day and even hour to hour sometimes.
My prayer is that like always, your family will come together and continue to take turns holding one another up...depending on who's day it is...:)
I read somewhere recently:
"I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out– plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen."
Kelly K
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