Encouraging Christians, as long as its called today
Abiding in Christ daily is much more than doing what we think we should do, and more about who we are as the church. We are branches and if we are to produce any kind of good fruit, we are to remain in Jesus as long as it’s called today.
Self-control is often seen as something that gets in the way of enjoying life, but can we keep saying, “it’s too hard” or I don’t know how to do it”.The truth is, we have been given everything we need to participate, and God’s provisions to help us, to no longer live like cities broken into and left without walls.
Jonah is a great example of God's Purposes standing above our own plans. You may not end up in the belly of a sea creature, but if God needs to get your attention because your plans have nothing to do with his, he will.
The book of Proverbs tells us, that when we are without self-control, we are like a city broken into and left without walls. Thankfully, God has provided instructions for us in the book of Romans that help us to build the walls of self-control.
If you are reading this and are preparing for a tough time, or already in one, then i want to encourage you, as a follower of Christ, to live and not just survive during this chapter in your life.
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord, let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! LET US COME INTO HIS PRESENCE WITH THANKSGIVING- Psalm 95:1-2
Each time we choose not to practice self control, our desire to avoid sin and addictive behaviors can weaken. We then become comfortable with things that will always cause us to stumble on our journey of following Christ.
The better we know the Lord, the more we will love him, and the more we love him, the more we will worship and obey him. As a result, we will become more like him and experience what the apostle Peter called growing "in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ"... Continue Reading →
When he sees a person, he sees their need, not the day of the week. In this case it was a woman who had been bent over for eighteen years. Imagine the disconnection she felt from community, and the judgement she no doubt received from the religious leaders.
To follow Jesus faithfully entails a consistent development of our deepest loves, to train ourselves to adopt an unswerving loyalty to Kingdom values and to delight in all that God approves - D.A Carson Lord God, we thank you that you have brought us into your kingdom and that Jesus calls us to follow him.... Continue Reading →
