Faith and Suffering

We’ve all heard amazing stories of faith in the midst of trials and I don’t just mean little irritants throughout the day but real storms that rock your hope right out from under you!  What is it that keeps these people going?  How is it that they hold on to their faith instead of throwing it out the window?  After all how could a loving God allow his people to suffer?

We in North America have the idea that suffering is bad.  I know I sure don’t like it!  I wonder if we never suffered would we appreciate the good things and good times in our lives?  In Philippians it says to “Give thanks in all things” I know there are other places in the world where people are tried much more deeply than we are here and yet they don’t lose their joy. 

The Bible says Jesus “learned obedience through the things he suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8)

“He was also tempted in every way that we are and overcame.” (Hebrews 2:18)

It is so important when you are in the middle of life’s storms to hold on to God’s promises.  Things WILL change.  God says “He is working everything out for our good”   So how does suffering strengthen our faith in God?    For some people it shatters their faith and yet other’s come out shining as gold!   

What it comes down to is relationship.  How is it that some people like Corrie Ten Boom can live in a concentration camp and not become bitter and others hit a minor trial and give up on God?   How is it that a Christian like Pastor Saeed can be thrown into one of the world’s worse prisons and not throw in the towel?  It’s about more than just heaven and hell.  This is much more than just “fire insurance.”

Well one thing I’ve learned about relationships is that it is not based only on the good times and good things another person can give us.  Real love is give and take.  Real love is patient and kind.  Real love is 1 Corinthians 13.  God wants us to love Him in good times and bad.  (Just like we do our spouses, family and friends)

After talking to several people I have come to the conclusion that it comes from knowing Him intimately; who He is, his character and above all His love.  For me whenever I get into a pity party or feel angry towards God because of my circumstances the love of the cross shatters all of that.   It all comes down to that “Old Rugged Cross”.  The scourging, the whipping, the beating, the mocking, the humiliation of nakedness, the crown of thorns, the nail pierced hands and all He could think about was forgiving His killers!

Although I am so thankful for other believers that keep me encouraged through times of testing, however, it still boggles my mind what some people go through without losing their joy.  I don’t know about you all but I need to get into The Word and in prayer more not because this is a religion based on works but because I really do want to KNOW Him.  I really do want to trust Him no matter what!

A parable based on Words of Wisdom: Malachi 3:3

Refiner and Purifier of Silver

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." 

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this

statement meant about the character and nature of God. 

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to

the group at their next Bible Study. 

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch

him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond

her curiosity about the process of refining silver. 

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it

heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the

middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the

impurities. 

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought

again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." 

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire

the whole time the silver was being refined. 

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he

had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver

was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. 

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you

know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's

easy - when I see my image in it." 

This parable’s author is unknown.

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on

you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

(If anyone would like to share their testimony with me you can reach me at) https://www.facebook.com/windandfireHolly

First Choice/Best Choice

Ever consider that David was not God's first choice for King? Saul was the first one chosen. Regardless of what people say about Saul, he was sent by God to Samuel as an answer to the prayer of God's people. YOU also are an answer to somebody's prayer. David wasn't the first choice - but he was the BEST choice.

If you are serving under someone else, "whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as TO THE LORD, and not unto men." (Col 3:22) work as if you were working for Jesus because the Lord see's your effort and "you shall receive the reward of your inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." 

David was a man after God's heart and that is why he ended up in the role that Saul was originally given. He was a man after- in pursuit of - God's heart. Your ROLE changes but your PURPOSE doesn't. If your passion is God's presence and you stay focused on fulfilling your present assignment, you will discover that what you are doing now is actually preparing you for what your NEXT ROLE is going to be.

Esther was not the Kings first choice - she ended up replacing Queen Vashti.

You may feel like you are running LAST but the last are often FIRST before the story is over. The "first born" in the family were the ones with the Birthright and the Inheritance. However....

Isaac was second to Ishmael.

Jacob was second to Esau.

Joseph was 11th out of 12 and anything but the first choice of his brothers.

Moses was not the people's choice for a deliverer - they drove him into a dessert.

Jeremiah was not Israel's first choice for a Prophet, but he was Gods.

Peter and the rest of the disciples in Galilee were not the local Rabbi's first choice. All young men went to Hebrew school, but by 13 were either encouraged to continue with the Rabbi and be further trained or were told to "go learn the trade of your father." When Jesus saw Peter, James, Andrew and John they were doing like the Rabbi said - working in their fathers fishing business.

NOW the CRAZIEST of all overlooks in history....Jesus of Nazareth was overlooked by the local Rabbi as a qualified recruit for the ministry.

Stay faithful to your present call, stay passionate about His presence and stay OPEN to the providential way's that God open's door's because YOU are an answer to someone's prayer and your gift's are a solution to someone's problem. Be an expert problem solver and you accelerate your positioning...it's just a mater of time.

Dry Time

Dry Time

I must admit the last couple weeks I have been going through a dry time spiritually.  It seems that God is distant and uninvolved.   I know these are my emotions lying.  The truth is He is closer than ever!

Psalm 139, "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me....How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You." (Psalm 139:1-10 & 17-18)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N__3NYLygIY  Healing our Image of God and Ourselves

Don't give up we'll get through this dry time!

"Awake My Soul"
(with Lecrae)

[Chris Tomlin:]
Breathe on me, breath of God, breathe on me
Breathe on me, breath of God, breathe on me
I come alive, I’m alive when you breathe on me
I come alive, I’m alive when you breathe on me

[Chorus:]
Awake, awake, awake my soul,
God resurrect these bones
From death to life, through you alone
Awake my soul

Speak to me, word of God, speak to me
Speak to me, word of God, speak to me
I come alive, I’m alive when you speak to me
I come alive, I’m alive when you speak to me

[Chorus:]
Awake, awake, awake my soul,
God resurrect these bones
From death to life, through you alone
Awake my soul

[Lecrae:]
Then He said to me,
Prophesy to these bones and say to them,
Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!
This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones,
I will make breath enter you,
And you will come to life.
So I prophesied as I was commanded.
As I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound,
And the bones came together, bone to bone.
And I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them,
And skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.
Then He said to me,
Prophesy to the breath,
Prophesy, son of man, and say to it,
Conjure the four winds of breath and breathe.

[Chorus:]
Awake, awake, awake my soul,
God resurrect these bones
From death to life, through you alone
Awake my soul

Awake, awake, awake my soul,
God resurrect these bones
From death to life, through you alone
Awake my soul

[Lecrae:]
Yeah, I’m not alone, I realize
I breathe out, I come alive
Your word gives life to my dry bones
Your breath tells death it can ride on
Awake me, make me a living stone,
A testament to your throne, I
I’m nothing without you, I’m on my own
The only one who satisfies my soul

Balancing Rest and Work

Have you found the right balance between, life, work and rest?  If so how do you manage?  If not what areas are you neglecting?  Do you find as a single person you are being stretched between parents, work, home, social and people's expectations of your time are different?  What can we as singles do about that?

Peace, Be Still!

How many of us are guilty of not slowing down?  Not letting go and letting God?  I know I am.  I burnt myself out last month "trying to fit everything in" and neglected what was really important, my relationship with God and my own personal care (exercise, eating right, sleeping etc.)  Well no more, it's time to have boundaries and say no once in a while.  (very hard thing to do for us social people pleaser's)  Even Jesus took time out for rest and rejuvenation at friends (Lazarus, Mary and Martha) and especially with His Father.  You may be asking yourself is it okay as a Christian to say no.  Well consider the following verses.

Matthew 5:1

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,

Mark 6:30-31

³⁰ The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. ³¹ Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

When God told us to rest He was also concerned about our beasts of burden and employees!  

Exodus 23:12

¹² “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.

The hard part is finding balance between rest and work.  God's plan is not that we should become couch potatoes.

Numbers 8:23-26

²³ The Lord said to Moses, ²⁴ “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work at the tent of meeting, ²⁵ but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer. ²⁶ They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the tent of meeting, but they themselves must not do the work. This, then, is how you are to assign the responsibilities of the Levites.

And although we should prepare for the future we don't want to be like the rich man who worked and stored up goods only for himself then dropped dead before he could enjoy it!

Luke 12:20-21

²⁰ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’²¹ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

1 Timothy 6:17-19

¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.¹⁹ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

In this crazy busy go go go world how many of us take time to rest?  So it's no wonder how many times in scripture God tells us to be still, quiet, or be at peace. They may not be written in those exact words but here are some of the verses I found pertaining to rest.  Take some time and meditate on them and find your peace.   

Psalm 46:10 

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Psalm 37:7 

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Exodus 14:14 

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

Mark 4:39

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Psalm 23:1-6 

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...

Psalm 62:5 

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

Psalm 131:2

But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.

Psalm 91:1-16 

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, ...

.

Job 6:24 

“Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray.

1 Peter 3:4

But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

Lamentations 3:24-26 

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Isaiah 32:17 

And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.

1 Kings 19:11-13 

And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

1 Thessalonians 4:11 

And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,

 Friend have you reached the right balance in life? Do you have ample, but not too much, rest? If not, join me in praying that God will  assist us in moving towards that right balance.

Your Purpose in Life

What's Your Life Purpose?

Finding and Knowing Your Life Purpose

From Karen Wolff

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If finding your life purpose seems like an elusive undertaking, don't panic! You are not alone. In this devotional by Karen Wolff of Christian-Books-for-Women.com you'll find reassurance and practical support for finding and knowing your life purpose.

What's Your Life Purpose?

While it's true some people seem to find their life purpose easier than others, it's also true that God really does have a plan for every single person, even if it takes a while to see what it is.

Most people think finding your life purpose means doing something you truly love. It's an area that just seems natural to you and things just seem to fall into place. But what if things aren't so clear for you? What if you're not sure what your gifts are? What if you haven't discovered any particular talent that makes you think it could be your true calling in life? Or what if you're working somewhere and you're good at it, but you just don't feel fulfilled? Is this all there is for you?

Don't panic. You're not alone. There are lots of people in the same boat. Take a look at the disciples. Now, there's a diverse group. Before Jesus came on the scene, they were fishermen, tax collectors, farmers, etc. They must have been good at what they were doing because they were feeding their families and making a living.

But then they met Jesus, and their true calling came into focus very quickly. What the disciples didn't know is that God wanted them to be happy—even more than they did. And following God's plan for their lives made them happy inside, where it really matters. What a concept, huh?

Do you suppose it could be true for you too? That God wants you to be truly happy and fulfilled even more than you do?

Your Next Step

The next step in finding your life purpose is right in the Book. All you have to do is read it. The Bible says Jesus told his disciples they were supposed to love one another as he loved them. And he wasn't kidding. Getting really good at this part of the process is like building the basement of your house.

You wouldn't dream of moving forward without a rock solid foundation. Discovering God's purpose for your life is exactly the same. The foundation of the process means getting really good at being a Christian. Yup, that means being nice to people even when you don't feel like it, forgiving people, and oh yes, loving the unlovable people in the world.

So, what does all that stuff have to do with what I'm supposed to be when I grow up? Everything. When you get good at being a Christian, you also get good at hearing from God. He's able to use you. He's able to work through you. And it's through that process that you'll discover your true purpose in life.

But What About Me and My Life?

So if you get really great at being a Christian, or at least you think you are, and you still haven't found that true purpose—then what?

Getting really good at being a Christian means you stop thinking about you all the time. Take the focus off you and look for ways to be a blessing to someone else.

There is no better way to receive help and direction in your own life than to focus on someone else. It seems completely opposite of what the world tells you. After all, if you're not looking out for yourself, then who will? Well—that would be God.

When you focus on someone else's business, God will focus on yours. It means planting seeds in great soil, and then simply waiting for God to bring a harvest into your life. And in the meantime ...

Step Out and Try It

Working with God to find your life purpose means working as a team. When you take a step, God takes a step.

• Be willing to try some things that interest you. You will know very quickly if you've found the right thing for you. Doors will either open or slam shut. Either way, you'll know where you stand.
• Be Patient. Wanting to know everything right this second is pretty common these days. Learning to trust that God will show you when He's ready—now that takes patience. God isn't going to show you every piece of the puzzle all at once. If he did, you'd get that "deer in the headlights" look, because you'd be so overwhelmed by it all. Not to mention you'd be overly tempted to come up with a back-up plan "just in case" things didn't work out.
• Don't waste your time on things you know aren't from God. "Get rich quick" schemes never work. Finding a Christian husband or wife won't happen if you're focused on activities and events that don't involve Christians. And participating in things you know are wrong—well, you're simply prolonging your answers.
• Don't let the people around you talk you into things. Just because it all sounds like a good idea from the world's view doesn't mean it's God's plan for you. Following God's leading sometimes means you have to say no to many well-meaning family members or friends. It comes down to the decision to follow, no matter where it leads.
• Lastly, don't ever give up. You may not know your specific purpose today or tomorrow, but as long as you're really great at being a Christian, and your heart is open, you will find God and he will find you.

Karen Wolff, a contributing writer for About.com, is host to a Christian Web site for women. As founder of Christian-Books-for-Women.com, she wants to provide Christian women with a place to find practical information, tips, and help with a variety of issues they face every day. For more information visit Karen's Bio Page.

Where does the single adult fit into the body of Christ?  I mean every time we turn around they're preaching about families and children from the pulpit which doesn't really cover our demographic.  Even though we have no children of our own couldn't we mentor those who have no spiritual parents?  Don't we need spiritual mentors as well?  What about a place to have fellowship with other believers like ourselves?  

The church in general is so worried about becoming a meat market that they forgot that in the beginning the church was not only the spiritual center of town but the social center as well.  What safer place would there be to meet someone?  With your spiritual leaders and mentors around as activities go forth they are our protection from any wolves in sheep's clothing.  If they're not going to get fellowship in church they will find it elsewhere.  ("It is not good that man should be alone") God said that :)

Genesis 2:18a

And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone;

It is important to note that Paul although he had no biological children he had "children in the faith" like Timothy.  Both these men were single.  One was mentored and the other the mentor.  I believe we has singles need to take our place in the body as we are lacking so many spiritual father's.

1 Corinthians 4:17

Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, this is my friend, daughters of Jerusalem.

Song of Songs 5:15-16 

Your Mine!

Lied to and heavily yoked, weighted down until I nearly choked,
As I crawled in the dirt with my heavy load, 
a filthy mess or so I was told.
One after another Dragon piled on the shame. 
I guessed it was me who was to blame.

In the Distance I saw Him there.
He was so beautiful I couldn’t help but stare.
On a white horse with a flying mane, 
hope sprung anew, in the midst of my pain. 

Help I cried from the dust of the ground, and my heart leapt at the clopping hooves sound.
He was beautiful, this white knight, this prince;
And with one look of His eyes I haven’t been the same since.

You’re altogether lovely my lady and bride! I was speechless although my heart sang inside.
“What’s this heavy weight you bear? I looked down again, too ashamed to share.
The Dragon has lied and I was full of pride. I believed his promises for fortune, wealth and fame but in the end it only caused me pain.

My burdens were labelled, the prince could see; 
disease, stress, strife, with old selfish me.
“You’re beautiful sir, and wise I can see too! 
What must I do to be free like you?”

He said those words again about being ravished by me. I could scarce believe. 
“I alone can give you permanent reprieve. “

“Yes I’ll do anything you say! 
I looked in His eyes and my heart began to sway.
All I could see was love shining inside. 
“You’re altogether lovely my princess, my bride!”
“You ravish me my love. 
This war will be won with strength from above.” 

“It won’t be easy daughter; 
If you’re willing to follow my Father,
I will make all things new!”
He exclaimed and began to trade garments with me, 
then seemed to take my burdens with a kind of glee. 

Before he left he set a table to dine and 
declared what’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine!
Enjoy my bride and in three days hence 
you and I shall sup together as lady and gent. 

”What are you going to do my love?”
“I’m going to teach that dragon not to mess with my lady with eyes of a dove.
Your eyes ravish me my lady my bride. Wait for me while I destroy the Dragon’s lies!”

And with His heavy load and dirty clothes my prince, my knight went into the cave,
with no thought for himself but only for me to save.

For three days I waited and the fight went on.
At one point I thought my prince was gone. 
But on the third day just as he said, 
He galloped towards me on his trusty stead.

He no longer was dirty and weighted down tight.
He was free, clean and dressed like me in a garment of white.
It’s time for our wedding my lady my bride and we ate and supped
While the bound up dragon watch and sighed.

Into my chambers now my bride my love.
I have new gifts for you from my Father above.
Peace, joy, contentment and trust; 
the gifts kept coming until I thought my heart would bust.
But I haven’t anything to give you I sighed.
Oh but you already have, your heart my bride.

We then entered into his chambers and the secrets we shared were so intimate and fine.
I never new life could be so sublime.
Kindness, love, righteousness and joy,
My Bridegroom roars and the dragon shakes like a wee boy.
“She’s not yours! She’s is mine!”
And in the chambers after we have supped,
together we drink of the marriage cup.