Month: March 2017

Trials Don’t Separate Us From Christ’s Love – Weekly Word Of Encouragement

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“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” Romans 8:35 (ESV) It is interesting that in the same sentence about Christ’s love we have a list of terrible things that our loving God allows in our life. Why is this? Because God’s first priority is our Christformation, not comfortable circumstances. In vv. 28-29 we learned that all things work to conform us to the image of Christ. And the truth we always know is that Christ loves us no matter what terrible thing is happening to us. In those times God is actively transforming us into someone who can abide in peace and faith no matter what is happening. His love is always there, and even our own feelings that God isn’t there don’t separate us from Christ’s love. Simple application: put your name in Continue Reading →

solitude

Solitude Transforms Us

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At first, solitude may feel monotonous or like a heavy burden. If you seek out spiritual guidance and patiently practice it, then in time solitude becomes a close friend. Then our soul has developed an important spiritual affection. If we don’t persevere in solitude until it becomes natural for us then it will always feel like an unpleasant task. In solitude we learn to take our sins seriously and view them as God does. If we tend to overlook our sins, solitude gives us time to feel the proper remorse. Every sin is a sin against a relationship. Should God grant us spiritual sweetness if we are not remorseful about our sins? In solitude we remember that the distractions of the world will all turn to dust. In solitude we have time to fully absorb God’s word. Solitude and the word equip us to minister to others. Does it please Continue Reading →

solitude

Solitude Opens Up Our Friendship With God

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Authentic relationship with God grows in community but it also requires solitude. We need time to shut everything else off and just be with God in Christ. In solitude we can focus on giving to God and receiving from him. In solitude we can meditate on Jesus and on scripture which produces deep change in us. In our meditation we should frequently remember all that God has given us. In meditation we also open up to the sins and weaknesses God wants to purify. It is hard to find time for prayer and meditation but if you cut out trivial conversations and activities then you will find enough time. Then you must determine a way to find solitude, just as Jesus did early in the morning. Find a time and place where you can escape. It is in solitude that our relationship with God grows deep and strong. Just as Continue Reading →