Encouraging Christians, as long as its called today
In the physical realm, it’s not just unforgiveness that we have chosen to live with, we also allow resentment, bitterness and anger to move in as well. These three things will always be hiding in the shadows waiting for their opportunity to erupt like a volcano.
An aspect of Paul's story that stands out to me, is the people that God used to help him, and it’s a lesson for us today about the need to be available when God wants us to come alongside others.
The church must regularly check what is guiding our steps because it is very easy for us to stray from following Jesus.
If you identify as a smoker and are a Christian, you are deceiving yourself if you think your born-again identity and the addiction can share the same space in peace. They will always be at war with each other, whether you feel it or not.
James gets to the heart of the matter so we know exactly where we stand. Be doers and not just hearers of the word, deceiving ourselves. We are to go beyond reading and hearing the bible, especially when it gives us instructions, and if we don’t, there is a problem.
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
