Paul did not count the fleeting, temporary pain of standing up for the Gospel anything to be even considered, in sight of the future splendor Heaven and eternal life held. Rather, he rejoiced in the suffering, knowing he would soon be overjoyed by the glory.
Month: February 2015
II Corinthians 4:18 ” So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Our attention can not be on the temporal… the worldly…on the here today but gone tomorrow mentality that permeates the society. Rather, our focus…our affection…our hope must be on the things yet unseen.
Matthew 8:16 ” When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Him, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.”
If you profess Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and have the Holy Spirit dwelling within…you have that same authority Jesus used. You can pray for others with all boldness and courage, believing they will be healed. Miracles happen when we pray in the name of Jesus
Philippians 3: 18-19 ” …many live as enemies of the Cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.”
The world scoffs at the Cross and all it stands for. They don’t see their fate rooted in the ruination of their soul eternally…instead they only see the momentary gratification of the flesh and the 15 minutes of fame they try to possess.
I Corinthians 13:3 ” If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
Our motive for doing something is far more important than the act itself. If we do a kind deed, but with an ulterior motive that is based on selfish pride or desires, that once kind deed has turned a dark corner. Our motives need always to remain pure and selfless as we go about the Lord’s work .
I Corinthians 13:2 ” If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
You may think you have it all together as a Christian…you may even think that you’ve got a direct line to God Himself, but if all your head knowledge isn’t surrounded by love and compassion it’s rubbish. If you don’t take the attitude of a servant when you’re telling others about Jesus, it’s all just bauble. I’ve heard it said – You may think yourself as some great Christian Leader with a dynamic ministry…but if you look behind you, and no one’s following…you’re just out for a walk.
I Corinthians 13:1 ” If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Some noises are just irritating to our ears…fingernails on a chalkboard, piercing fire alarms, or the incessant high-pitched barks of a dog all seem to rub us the wrong way. So if I preach to you, but have no compassion…or exhort you, but have no empathy for your situation, I’m just like that annoying sound you quickly walk away from.
Micah 7:7 ” But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior, my God will hear me.”
The Lord is ever listening for you…He has His ears attuned to your voice. You will never have to question or wonder, for He will always hear you. He’s waiting to hear your voice today…call on His name.
Romans 16: 25 ” Now to Him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ…”
When someone hears and accepts the Good News of the Kingdom of God and the gift of salvation through Jesus, they are transformed. They are forever changed by the power of the Holy Spirit within, and established by God Himself eternally. But this can’t happen if they never hear the Gospel or the message of redemption…for that is our mission here on earth – to take the name of Jesus to the nations.
Luke 22:32 ” But I have prayed for you, Simon Peter, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Jesus knew that Peter would betray Him. But He also knew that Peter would later seek forgiveness and restoration of their relationship…and in doing so, become a spiritually stronger man. Each one of us carry around times when we ourselves failed the Lord miserably, only to have Him mercifully forgive and restore us back to that right relationship with Him. Those failings have now become unique teaching opportunities in which we can build up and strengthen others we see wavering.
Safetypinlove 