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August 3, 2010
Strength on the Journey
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Greetings!
This summer seems to be full of challenges. The world economy has tanked and it is hitting friends and family with full force. If the job market wasn't bad enough, many are also plagued with sickness, loss or some kind of defeat or discouragement. These troubling times in this world are wonderful times for the people of God to display His strength.
God's strength can be found in God's Word. I love God's Word. It refreshes the soul like nothing else. Money can be tight, the future dim, and death knocking at the door but God's Word brings peace amidst the storm and joy in battle. When we focus on the issues we face, we will always be overcome. But, when we focus on God the issues seem pale in comparison. This is easy to say and easy to write but difficult to live.
As a follower of God and a leader of people, I am perplexed by the absence of solid faith in troubled times. I don't want you to think I lack compassion, concern or care but I am fairly bothered by the "witness" of God followers that portrays weakness, double-mindedness and often fear. When we should be strong in Christ we are often weak in the world.
God's Word call us to be overcomers. We are to be different. We are to be the light of the world. We are to "count it all joy" when we face trouble ( James 1:2-4). Yet, we are also human and fall prey to the flesh that consumes our Spirit.
Friend, this is not how we should live. We are to be above the world ...Living in it but not of it ( John 17:11-16). I know times are tough but we must ask ourselves in tough times, "Who is bigger - Our God or our problem?" |
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Keep your Head and Heart on the Good Things
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.
~ Philippians 4:8 ~ |
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| Steps to Strength
In Philippians 4, Paul instructs followers of God to change their mindset and worldview. Earlier in the letter he wrote, "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain" (Philippians 2:14-16).
I think Paul wrote this to aid us in the journey of life on planet earth. He states we are supposed to shine like lights even though the days are dark and wicked. Paul is encouraging and challenging as he coaches for a victorious life.
Paul's writings are challenging but always drip with hope. The theme is patience under trial, strength in battle and joy no matter what our trouble. The key is "holding fast the words of life". To keep our heart and head straight in this wicked world we need to read and obey the words of Scripture. In this day and age, head knowledge is not going to cut it. No, you need heart transformation. The power of God is not a power of mental assent but of transformation!
This week, change your worldview by applying the truth from Scripture. If you are crumbling under pressure take refuge and find strength in God. If you are hurting financially find your provision in God. If you are weak from illness find your peace in Jesus. Whatever you are going through, if you are going through it conformed to the world just stop. Stop and follow God's Word and allow the size of your God to be bigger than the size of your problem.
Be transformed and find strength on the journey. Take this challenge personally and share it with those in your sphere of influence. I know times are tough but the people of God are tough and Jesus is the toughest of all! Run to Him. Run to truth and execute in faith!
Here is the prescription for "Strength on the Journey" from Paul as directed by the Holy Spirit:
- Rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3)
- Forget the things of the past and move into what God has for you in the future (Philippians 3:13)
- Press on toward the prize of God's call for your life (Philippians 3:14)
- Rejoice in God - Really, Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
- Be anxious for nothing - pray and receive God's peace (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Meditate on the good stuff (Philippains 4:8)
- Repeat as needed!
Friend, I know times get rough and the storms of life can be wicked. Yet, I also know God is awesome and He never fails. Trust, Obey, Engage Faith and Live! Be transformed by the power of our Risen Lord! |
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For King and Kingdom,
Randy Martin |
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