To be in Christ, is to have overcome the world.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
War for souls.
Saturate me in your love, so I will never run dry.
My heart is burning for you Lord.
My life’s purpose is to love you God and make you known.
A recent devotional I read by Matt James Kelly.
But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?”
Romans 9:20 NIV
If faith is the belief in things unseen, then the opposite of faith is fear. Fear is the absence of faith; a resistance to things we cannot control, know or see. Refusing to question is essentially saying God Himself is too weak and His spirit incapable of bringing individuals full circle with their doubts and back into powerful faith living. To put it more simply—it is fear.
The problem is not the faith crisis itself. The faith crisis is a normal human response and the problem lies in what happens after. We have to allow faith to influence the way we live, and the way we engage the world around us. We have to take a step into belief while in the shadow of challenges and doubts.
What cause you the most fear? How can you combat this internal crisis with faith?
"Lord, though I’m scared of what the future holds, if I can have more of you and be more dependent on you, I’ll do it.
There is power in the name of Jesus, to break every chain.
You aren’t here because of what you’ve done. It’s by God’s grace. It’s God’s grace that has allowed you to be who You are, to know what you know, to do what you do. There is no need to fear. Grace covers all things.. even in the lack of ability to accomplish goals, meet expectations, and even move forward in faith. God is with you and is the one who is ultimately doing everything for His glory. It is God who gives you strength and ability. It is God who works through you. It is God who changes you. It is God who teaches you. It is God who fights for you. It is God who will be with you.
True success is being recognized by God because of your faith in Jesus Christ. In Christ alone, You must place your trust.
Now… there is really nothing to lose. No matter how much you fail in this life, you still will reap eternal life. Then, what is there to fear?
“Thou shalt love thy neighbour.” —Matthew 5:43
“Love thy neighbour.” Perhaps he rolls in riches, and thou art poor, and living in thy little cot side by side with his lordly mansion; thou seest every day his estates, his fine linen, and his sumptuous banquets; God has given him these gifts, covet not his wealth, and think no hard thoughts concerning him. Be content with thine own lot, if thou canst not better it, but do not look upon thy neighbour, and wish that he were as thyself. Love him, and then thou wilt not envy him.
Perhaps, on the other hand, thou art rich, and near thee reside the poor. Do not scorn to call them neighbour. Own that thou art bound to love them. The world calls them thy inferiors. In what are they inferior? They are far more thine equals than thine inferiors, for “God hath made of one blood all people that dwell upon the face of the earth.” It is thy coat which is better than theirs, but thou art by no means better than they. They are men, and what art thou more than that? Take heed that thou love thy neighbour even though he be in rags, or sunken in the depths of poverty.
But, perhaps, you say, “I cannot love my neighbours, because for all I do they return ingratitude and contempt.” So much the more room for the heroism of love. Wouldst thou be a featherbed warrior, instead of bearing the rough fight of love? He who dares the most, shall win the most; and if rough be thy path of love, tread it boldly, still loving thy neighbours through thick and thin. Heap coals of fire on their heads, and if they be hard to please, seek not to please them, but to please thy Master; and remember if they spurn thy love, thy Master hath not spurned it, and thy deed is as acceptable to him as if it had been acceptable to them. Love thy neighbour, for in so doing thou art following the footsteps of Christ.
- Good Morning Good Evening Devotionals by Charles Spurgeon.
Love out of reverence for Christ.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3
Befriended, befriended by the King above all kings
Surrendered, surrendered to the friend above all friends
Invited, invited deep into this mystery
Delighted, delighted by the wonders I have seen
Astounded, astounded that Your gospel beckoned me
Surrounded, surrounded but I've never been so free
Determined, determined now to live this life for You
You're so worthy, my greatest gift would be the least You're due
– – CH Spurgeon
He will not fail nor be discouraged til He has established justice in the earth. Isaiah 42:4.
Jesus, you will always have my heart.
