JESUS TODAY I am training you in the discipline of perseverance. You are on a long uphill journey, and sometimes it seems endless to you. Looking back, you can see some times of ease and refreshment. Looking ahead, however, you see only a continuing ascent. The top of the mountain you are climbing is nowhere in sight. I know how hard it is for you to keep going day after day. So I say to you, Do not become weary and discouraged in your soul. You live in a culture dedicated to entertainment and pleasure-seeking. In such a climate, a life of struggle feels alien. If you are not careful, you will succumb to self-pity, a sinful snare. To avoid falling into this trap, remember that I am Sovereign and I am lovingly present with you. Your ongoing struggle is not a mistake or a punishment. Try to view it, instead, as a rich opportunity: Your uphill journey keeps you aware of your neediness, so you look to Me for help. The difficulties in your life make your heavenly home more precious and real to you. Even now, as you trustingly whisper My Name, I embrace you in everlasting Love. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. -Hebrews 12:3 nkjv The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. -Isaiah 61:1 nkjv Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. -Philippians 3:20-21 The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. -Jeremiah 31:3
Posted on: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 14:52:16 +0000