Think It Over

We have reached the beginning of another year and now looked back as to what we have learned from our walk in Christ during the past 365 days.

We might have gone through sun-drenched days, or a few storms with howling wind and giants waves - we have been falling and getting back up, forgiving and forgetting, accepting and going on.  At the end of the 2012 pilgrim, how have the Grace, Joy and Love of Jesus touched our life? and through our life touches others?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2

WITHOUT  GOD,  LIFE  IS  A  MONOTONOUS  REPETITION  OF  WEEKS,  MONTHS,  SEASONS,  YEARS,  DECADES,  AND  GENERATIONS. - Charles Swindoll

God's great "medicine bottle"

God's Word is so varied and wonderful in its working that it provides not only spiritual health and strength for the soul but also physical health and strength for the body. In Proverbs 4, God's promise perfect healing and health to every believing child of God. God's great "medicine bottle" is contained in Proverbs 4: 20-22.

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.

They are four fold :

1. "Give attention to my Words."

2. "Incline your ear."

3. "Do not let them depart from your eyes."

4. "Keep them in the midst of your heart."

[This excerpt is taken from Foundational Truths For Christian Living by Derek Prince]

Job's Principle

Job 2:10 He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

The life of Job's is a constant communion with God. Even after God allow Satan to take away his material things [Job 1:13-17], his loved ones [Job 1:18-19], and his health [Job 2:7] he still worship God [Job 1:20] and praised Him. Job 1:21 "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." The tragedies reduces him economically, physically and emotionally but Job still fear the Lord and has faith in God. [Job 5:8 & Job 13:15]

Satan argues that divine blessing elicit human obedience while Job's friend contend that obedience earns God's blessing and disobedience merits punishment. However, Job teaches that some suffers are saints, that God is always worthy of the love and worship of His creation, whether or not He bestows blessing upon them, and that God always has a purpose in permitting suffering, though one may never fully comprehend it.

The principle is not "Why do the righteous suffer if God is loving and all-powerful? Suffering itself is not the central theme; rather the focus is on what ones learns from his suffering - the sovereignty of God over all creation.

Philippians 4 : 10-13 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.