Advertisement
Bringing people together in love and faith
My Blog
Blogs > racefan4 > My First Blog
My First Blog
  
A Work of Biographical Proportion-In Progress
Title View |
Finding Joy In The Midst Of Struggles And Hardships Apr 24, 2008 4:13 am
Mood: Joyful!, 723 Views
Is it possible? Can we do it? Why is it necessary? Find out:

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

How many of us really take this verse seriously? We laugh and say, "Yea, oh sure, uh huh!" But the truth is, if we really desire the liberating power of God's Spirit and kingdom in our lives, we must find joy in life's hardships. There are a number of things that cause hardship in our lives--things such as sickness, family tragedies, financial difficulties, etc. These things are a given, but Jesus says, "be of good cheer". He is saying that we must learn how to find joy in the midst of life's hardships, because He has overcome the world.

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

This was a difficult concept for me to grasp. Count it all joy? Cheer up? TILT! TILT! TILT! It seemed like an oxymoron to me, how could you be joyful when under trials and tribulation? I'm glad you asked, there IS an answer.

First, you have to understand that struggles and hardships are necessary in our lives.
*They help us to grow in our faith and dependence in Him.
*The storms of life draw us closer to God.
*It takes hardship for God's Kingdom to fully emerge and be developed in our lives.
*Struggles and hardships sift out the impurities in our lives.

So, how do you find joy?

1.We Must Completely Let Go Of The Past.

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead...
Until I am really free from the past, I will never have the joy that is needed to deal with today's problems and trials. Paul recognized the weight of the past was a great hinderance to him, so he let it go. We must do the same.

2.We Must Have A Vision That Is Greater Than The Struggle.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law.

It is vision that sustains us in the midst of life's hardships, because it gives us the ability to see beyond that which is taking place in our lives momentarily. It enables us not to lose heart in the midst of the problem. As we continue to focus on our vision of what God has in store for us as well as the blessing of eternal bliss we are able to see that whatever we are going through is only a momentary affliction.

3. We Must Focus On The Growth That God Desires To Bring Forth.

God has always desired to use the hardships in our lives to teach us to rely on Him and to use them as an opportunity for growth and maturity. Our growth and maturity comes out of the hard lessons of life, not the easy ones.

Romans 5:3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

4.We Must Trust In The Lord In All Things.

Psalms 5:11-12 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

Our ability to continually trust in God is a very strong key element in our ability to find joy in the midst of life's hardships, because trust enables us to know deep within our heart and soul that everything is really alright. It enables us not to get anxious.

Finally, there was a very important principle that convinced me to find joy during trials. It's the scripture, "The joy of the Lord is my strength."
Is there ever a time where you need strength more than when going through trials? Strength is what will get you to the other side, strength is what helps you to endure the hardship. Just another reason to find joy in the struggle, His Strength will help you to overcome.

So, in the midst of your trials, find your joy in Him through prayer and meditation on these scriptures. It will sustain you in the storms and make the journey a whole lot more tolerable.
4 Comments
Please Pray For Bill ! (dundeal) Apr 23, 2008 9:51 am
Mood: Prayerful, 1175 Views
Can we come together in unity for a few minutes?

Friends, our brother Bill, (dundeal) has pneumonia and is home from the hospital, still taking medications. I just spoke to him and he is weak and in need of our prayers. Will you lift him up right now and pray for his complete healing and restoration?

He is perhaps the most inspirational blogger here, and always there to pray for each of us when we have a need, and give of himself for the benefit of others. It's time to look beyond all the negativity and focus on the needs of others.

Please say a prayer for him. I know he would be deeply grateful. I would too.

Thank you!
28 Comments
Good Witness, Or Bad? Apr 23, 2008 5:25 am
Mood: "Being" A Witness, 751 Views
Christians often talk about “witnessing” to others about Jesus. But Jesus’ command to the believers is to “BE witnesses”. Our failure to “be witnesses” may help explain the lack of success of many of our soulwinning efforts.

Some Christians will approach a total stranger and open the conversation with something like: “Hello, I’d like to ask you if you know Jesus as your personal Savior.”

Now this is certainly commendable, but it rarely works. Why? You have no credibility with that stranger. You haven’t yet earned a hearing with him or her. There is no established trust factor.

But Jesus, in Acts 1:8, gave us a major key to reaching others for Him.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will BE my WITNESSES in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Various forms of the word “witness” occur 42 times in the NIV New Testament. But not one of those 42 occurrences is the expression “to witness”. We are not called “to” witness, but to “be” witnesses.

And being a witness involves your whole life, not just your words. It involves setting an example for God in your life. It involves a display of His love and compassion.

Jesus deliberately used the phrase “BE witnesses”. Now how can we obey His command to be witnesses?

Matthew 5:13 You ARE the SALT of the earth.

Be salt — that is, flavor and a preservative to all around you.

Live for God before people, and you will impart a positive flavor to any gathering of people.

Live for God before people, and you will be a preserving force against corruption.

As you determine to be salt and light before others, you exert a positive influence upon them.

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world.... it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your GOOD DEEDS and praise your Father in heaven.

Be light, and the darkness is pushed back.

Be light before men, so they see your GOOD DEEDS.

Your good works point others to God. Your good deeds can cause others to “praise your Father in heaven”.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Be His ambassadors, walking in His full authority, walking in the fullness of His love.
Empowered for the ministry of reconciliation, and speaking the message of love and reconciliation.

It is who we ARE (all the above) that prepares hearts to HEAR our speaking.

BE witnesses ... BE salt and light to the world ... BE good seed, planted among men ... BE good examples ... BE sons and daughters of God ... BE Christ’s ambassadors, demonstrating His love, having earned a hearing for the “message of reconciliation”.

I believe that a great deal more can be done for the Kingdom, through love, encouragement, and example, than with hate, condemnation, and criticism. Most people will respond to kindness and a loving word, much better than with wrath and hatefulness. You get more with honey, than with vinegar.

Just my opinion, for what it's worth.
20 Comments
Is It WrongTo Love Jesus More Than God or Holy Spirit? Apr 22, 2008 4:13 pm
Mood: Just Wondering..., 679 Views
Just thinking out loud, lol.

I was outside with my puppy, and a thought came into my mind about the Godhead-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They're one, yet they're individual. As I pondered that, I began to consider that most of my prayer time is with Jesus. Most of my praise and worship is to Jesus. Don't get me wrong, I love God, He is my Abba and my Creator. I love the Holy Spirit, He is my Guide and my Comfort. I pray to God for certain things, such as provision, refuge and safety, or His perfect will. Then, there's certain things I pray to the Holy Spirit for, such as guidance, wisdom, comfort, and working out my salvation on a daily basis. (sometimes hourly, lol)

But, there's something about Jesus, that stirs a passion in my spirit. Just saying His Name makes me feel good. Most of my spiritual life is spent praying to Him, thanking Him, and honoring Him, not nearly as much as time is spent with the other 2 entities. He is THE MOST IMPORTANT person in my life. Does that mean I love Jesus more? And, if so, is there anything wrong with that?

Of course, whenever I have these silly questions, I always manage to answer myself. I believe that I don't really love Jesus more, I love Him differently, that's all, and it's not like God or the Holy Spirit is going to get jealous right? lol

Does anyone else wonder about such trivial things? Or am I the weirdo?

What do you think?
15 Comments
"Be Anxious For Nothing"-Can We REALLY? Apr 22, 2008 4:06 am
Mood: Trusting Him, 557 Views
I've always been a worrier, a planner, I want to be in control of all the details, leaving nothing to chance. I'm very analytical in my intellect, and question everything, studying all the implications, sometimes driving myself crazy with all the whats, whys, wheres, and hows. That's why this lesson has been one of the most difficult for me to learn.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6

Most of us are familiar with this scripture, but how do we really attain it?

"And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you."
Luke 12:29

How do we NOT have an anxious mind? Don't we all consider what and how we'll eat and drink?

If you make God #1 in your life by seeking after Him and His perfect plan and destiny for your life - then God will make sure that you have every little thing you will need to perfectly walk out your call for Him.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Matthew 6:34

All 3 of these scriptures hold the key to "being anxious for nothing", the key is TRUST. Now, that may come easy for some of you, but because of life's hardships, I don't do trust very well. I don't trust people and always question the motives and intentions of others. This attitude or mindset made it very difficult to trust God.

But, I have learned that the only possible way you can learn how to be anxious for nothing in this life is to learn how to totally trust God with every aspect of your life - and then totally trust Him to help you handle any type of storm cloud that may come your way - no matter how big or how severe that storm cloud may be. The Bible says that with God, nothing is impossible.

For me, trust is a process, it takes a while, a long while, lol, to trust people. The same is true for trusting God. It has been a process. Have I completely attained it yet? No, but through His Word, studying His attributes, contemplating His love and sovereignty and omnicience, I've at least come to a place where my questions are different. Instead of asking, "why God, why?, I now ask "what do you have for me in this Lord?"

If you stick with the Lord and continue to grow and mature in His grace, knowledge and power - then you will start to get to a point where your faith and trust levels will start to build up in Him. And once your personal faith and trust levels in the Lord start to grow and build up - then you will find yourself starting to relax more in the Lord.

And once you start to be able to relax more in the Lord - then the peace of the Holy Spirit will start to enter into your mind, soul and emotions. And once His peace starts to flood up into your mind and soul - then you can learn how to be anxious for nothing in the way that Jesus would really like.

So, trust Him, He is WORTHY of our trust. He CAN be counted on, His promises are TRUE, and He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us. He IS in control, nothing is left to chance, it's all in His plan for us. Hallelujah! Tell Him today and every day that you trust Him, tell Him your confidence and assurance is in Him, and eventually, trust will come.

We CAN really "be anxious for nothing".
8 Comments
Let's Resolve Our Conflicts! Apr 21, 2008 3:48 am
783 Views
Egos. Politics. Power Struggles. Differences in opinion. Sounds like Corporate America—but I’m actually talking about the relationship dynamics that sometimes exist between brothers and sisters in the faith.

In the Bible, the Lord shows us numerous examples of men working together to spread the Gospel and accomplish His Will. What a great honor and privilege it is to allow the Lord to use your talents and abilities, leadership skills and commitment to Him to further His cause of saving souls and doing Godly deeds.

The mission that God has given His people is a noble one. However, it is unfortunate that often times, significant conflict emerges amongst us who love the Lord. If not dealt with swiftly and appropriately, that conflict has the power to undermine the very purpose that people of God are working towards.

One thing is for sure—when human beings congregate closely together in any situation for a prolonged period of time, there are bound to be differences of opinion and personality conflicts. We see this take place in the bc blogs frequently. However, when disagreements begin to divide us and stunt the growth and success of God’s mission, then we have a problem that must be addressed and dealt with in a Godly manner. Can you imagine having to tell God that His Church was not as effective as it could have been because the people put their egos, personality issues and quest for power and popularity ahead of His mission? He would certainly burn with anger.

Friends, we are responsible for nurturing and saving souls for God. We are responsible for encouraging each other. It is the single most important thing we can do to help God’s people in this sin-sick world. To allow bickering and strife to thwart that purpose in any way is contrary to God’s Will. By allowing conflict to consume us, we are inadvertently assisting the enemy in fulfilling his goal of hindering us and our ability to encourage and develop Christians, and reach and save those who are lost.

The Lord would not have us to get caught up in strife and contention. Those of us who do God’s Work, should consider ourselves as servants. Servants are humble and willing to serve when called upon. There is no room for seeking personal gain when we are serving the Lord. If we are truly focused on what pleases God, and not ourselves, we will have far less conflict, gossiping, power plays and ego-tripping.

The Bible tells us in Matthew 18: 15-16 that if we feel that our brother has sinned against us that we are to first go to him and speak with him alone and directly—in an attempt to work the problem out. In most cases, conflict exists because there is just a simple misunderstanding that can be worked out if there is communication between the parties. Brothers and sisters, let’s do better, let's not argue, let's agree to disagree. We can work out our differences, live and let live. Let’s talk to each other and drop our egos and personal agendas. The success of God’s mission depends on it.

If I have offended any in my blogs or comments, please forgive me. That is not my intention, I wish only to be a blessing, but in my imperfection, I may not always do it right. If I have expressed wrong sentiments, let's use the Biblical instruction to resolve the situation. Airing our dirty laundry in a public forum is counter-productive and only provides an environment for the hatemongers to jump in and stir the pot. That only furthers the negative emotions and leaves the babes in Christ feeling disenfranchised.

If you have a problem with another, "go to him and speak with him alone and directly—in an attempt to work the problem out." I, for one, am willing to receive correction and criticism, with humility. Let's resolve our conflicts quickly, in order to further what God's Will and Purpose is, in His Kingdom. Jesus said that we are to love one another, so that the world will see that we belong to Him.

Does the world see that you belong to Him?
31 Comments
What's Your Destiny? Why Are You Here? Apr 20, 2008 2:39 pm
Mood: Walking in His plan!, 587 Views
We all know that the Word of God says He has a perfect plan for each of our lives. I am blessed to know what my calling is, as some go an entire lifetime wondering, "why am I here?"

Accomplishing our destiny is not by chance; it is by choice.

Our destiny is not something we wait for; it is something we achieve.

Our destiny is not our past; it is our future.

Our destiny is not whatever comes along; it was determined before we were in our Mother's womb.

As I look back, I remember vividly, the day God told me I was going to start a Woman's Ministry. At the time, that was amazing, in itself. Now, 17 years later, as I walk in that destiny, I've discovered something even more amazing. Every trial and every difficulty along the way, was a step towards that destiny, a preparation for what was to come. Each heartache was a lesson that left me with faith and total dependence on Him.

Never in a million years, could I have foreseen that the hardest things in my life, abortions, rape, attempted suicides, drug use, physical abuse, being married to an alcoholic for 18 years, losing my sister to AIDS, yes, even death, were all vital and necessary for me to experience, in order to minister to the women God has placed across my path. Even my 6 month experience, being deceived by a scammer last year, was for the benefit of many. I needed to experience all these things, in order to counsel and empathize with others going through them. And, the lessons of forgiveness have proven to be invaluable!

So, if you're going through a trial or difficulty today, know that God is not only in control, but allowing these things to prepare you for your destiny. The "choice" part is you being determined to walk in that perfect plan He has for you. It may be His destiny for you, but it is your choice to walk in it. Look at it from a different perspective, God can and will take all of your mess, and turn it into your ministry. He can and will take all of your ashes and turn them into a powerful testimony to His love and grace.

Will you let Him?
10 Comments
Just For Today, Before You Grumble And Complain.... Apr 20, 2008 6:50 am
Mood: Blessed Beyond Measure!, 730 Views
Just For Today...


Today before you say an unkind word -
Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food -
Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Today before you complain about your husband or wife -
Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion

Today before you complain about life -
Think of someone who went too early to heaven

Before you complain about your children -
Think of someone who desires children but they're barren

Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep -
Think of the people who are living in the streets

Before whining about the distance you drive -
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet

And when you are tired and complain about your job -
Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another -
Remember that not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one maker

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down -

Put a smile on your face, and thank God you're alive and blessed beyond what you deserve!

Amen! Hallelujah to the Lamb!
17 Comments
The 24-Hour Period Apr 20, 2008 5:35 am
Mood: Full of Joy!!!, 651 Views
God: "Whew! I just created a 24-hour period of alternating light and darkness on Earth."

Angel: "What are you going to do now?"

God: "Call it a day."

Do you know how to make God laugh?

Make plans!

What did Adam and Eve do after leaving the garden?

They really raised Cain.

God bless each of you on this glorious Sunday!
10 Comments
And We Think WE Have It Bad? Consider This! Apr 19, 2008 4:45 am
Mood: Grateful!!, 808 Views
So often, we moan and groan and complain because of the liberal media that criticizes and condemns our Christian beliefs. So often, we are angered by judges and politicians, who attempt to enact legislation, allowing and condoning the things we consider to be evil. So often, we feel persecuted when atheists, new agers, and environmentalists make every effort to remove Jesus from our society.

But, just for today, I ask you to consider what it may be like to live in a place where you could be arrested, tortured, or killed for your faith. Consider these recent headlines across the world:

China Detains Dozens Of Christians In Xinjiang
Chinese security forces detained dozens of House Church Christians in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, forcing them to show allegiance to the government as part of crackdown similar to a campaign against Buddhist monks in nearby Tibet.
Thursday, April 17.
Uzbekistan Christian Missing After Police Raid
A charismatic Christian in Uzbekistan remained missing Saturday, April 12, more than a week after he was reportedly detained as part of a government crackdown on Protestant believers and other religious communities in this Islamic nation.
April 14th
Russia Closing Down Methodist Church
Members of a United Methodist congregation in Russia were without a church Sunday, April 13, after authorities closed it for running a Sunday School without government permission, the latest in a series of police raids targeting Christian education.
April 14th
Algeria: Christian Sentenced for 'Proselytism'
An Algerian Christian was handed a two-year suspended sentence for “proselytism” yesterday amid an ongoing government crackdown on 26 of Algeria’s 50 Protestant congregations, a church leader said.
April 14th
China Detains House Church Leaders For Running "Evil Cult"
House church leaders and other Christians remained detained Sunday, April 6, in China’s Sichuan Province, on charges of running an "evil cult" after security forces raided their house church and Sunday School.
April 8th
Uzbekistan Police Raid Christian Gathering
A devoted Christian in Uzbekistan’s second largest city faced more police interrogations Saturday, April 5, after security forces broke up a Christian home meeting.
April 8th
Vietnam Christian Prisoner tortured To Death
A Vietnamese Degar Montagnard Christian who refused to join the Communist-backed church in Vietnam’s Central Highlands has been tortured to death in prison, while other detainees were beaten for declining to renounce their faith in Christ
April 8th
Wave of Persecution in China; Group Smuggles Millions of Bibles
Government initiated attacks in China against Christians and their churches are "the worst in years" with a "wave of persecution" reported across the Communist nation
April 2nd
Algeria Continues Widespread Church Closures
Groups of devoted Christians in Algeria were without places to worship Saturday, March 29, after authorities closed down more than a dozen Protestant churches amid anger over alleged attempts by evangelical believers to convert Muslims.
March 31st
India: Hindu Extremists Assault Christian Family
Hindu extremists in a village in Madhya Pradesh who have harassed and threatened local Christians beat the grandparents and aunt of a 15-year-old girl last weekend when the Christian family refused to allow the group to rape her.
March 28th
Egypt: Ex-Muslims Blocked from Declaring Conversion
Christian-born converts to Islam in Egypt wishing to return to their former faith have found their way blocked by an appeal before the country’s Supreme Constitutional Court.
March 27th
Sri Lanka: Attacks on Bible School Continue
A Provincial Council member brandishing a gun assaulted a security guard at a Bible college in Lunuwila, Puttlam district two weeks after an attack on 10 of the institution’s students seriously injured two of them.
March 26th

So, how bad do we REALLY have it?

These are just a random sampling of persecutions occurring around the world, in the last few weeks.

Just for today, thank God and praise Him, that you were born in a place where you have the freedom to worship Him.

Just for today, pray for our Christian brothers and sisters, not as fortunate as we are. Pray for their safety.

Just for today, consider how long you could remain faithful, living under these circumstances. Would you be willing to be steadfast when facing arrest, beatings, torture, and death?

Just something for you to consider today.
28 Comments
1 2 3 4 5 ... 10 ... 18 19 20 21 22 ... 30 ... 43 44 45

To link to this blog (racefan4) use [blog racefan4] in your messages.
Guidelines
January 2009
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
        1
  		2
1
3
 
4
  		5
  		6
  		7
  		8
  		9
  		10
 
11
  		12
  		13
  		14
  		15
  		16
  		17
 
18
  		19
  		20
  		21
  		22
  		23
  		24
 
25
  		26
  		27
  		28
  		29
  		30
  		31
 

Recent Visitors
VisitorAgeSexDate
supabubba47M1/8
Verybusybee54F1/8
YOUNG53M54M1/7
AlanB252M1/7
longing4more49F1/7
quan0936M1/5
Pray2be 56F1/4
simplysmiles51F1/4
Cassiusclay 48M1/4
kiadan 33F1/3
Most Recent Comments by Others
PostPosterPost Date
Going Camping For The Weekend, Our Last Hurrah!80sgirl19Jan 8 6:15 pm
Feeling Led To Leave BigChurchphilopatirJan 5 4:48 pm
How Are YOU Blessed At Christmas???goldensJan 4 8:35 am
A New Year, A New BeginningchocnrosesJan 1 9:32 pm
My Angel Christmas TreeheartforedjehuDec 26 5:49 pm
Can You Just Imagine For A Moment???NeedGodlyleaderDec 24 11:34 am
This Post Rated XXX-If Sensitive, Please DON'T Readwpx1Dec 24 3:46 am
What Does The Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?thanksjesusDec 23 1:19 pm
We Need Some "Blogger's Etiquette" Around Here!!!racefan4Dec 23 5:33 am
Make A Decision To Be Happy!!! It's REALLY Up To You!!!racefan4Dec 23 5:26 am
Would You Marry Someone With Faults?I_Am_1_Rib_ShortDec 22 11:51 pm