Post by mommadee48 on Apr 28, 2022 9:51:47 GMT -5
IN TOUCH with PASTOR CHARLES STANLEY.
IT'S HARD TO WAIT FOR SOMETHING GOOD. When we're fixated on a dream or goal, getting there can seem to take forever. We might even wonder if it'll happen at all. Well, sometimes it doesn't, since GOD knows what's best for us and HE directs the lives of HIS children. But HE always blesses obedience, and at times it's with HIS very greatest gift---special closeness with HIM. If you're waiting, suffering, longing, or even working toward something, remember Paul's words: "Let's not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary" (GALATIONS 6:9). Think of the time it takes for a seed to become a flower. As you ponder these readings each day, ask for faith to see all the good GOD has in store for you.
Because when difficult seasons in our "faith" feel exhausting, it can be tempting to disengage. Yet that's actually when we should press in---not to force a connection with GOD, but to submit ourselves to HIM control of our future and helps to prepare us for the path ahead.
WHEN WE'RE FEELING DISAPPOINTED; BY C. STANLEY; READ: (ROMANS 8:26-31).
HAVE YOU EVER COMFORTED PEOPLE GOING THROUGH A HARD TIME by reminding them of the marvelous truth of ROMANS 8:28?
Most of us are quick to quote this verse to others, but how often do we claim it for ourselves?
What happens when we're the ones going through a difficult season of life?
Proclaiming faith in the truths and promises of the Bible is not the same as applying them to our own life in the midst of trying times. It's one thing to know Scripture intellectually, but it's something else to live by faith. And disappointments are great opportunities to put our faith into action. Since GOD always works them for our benefit, they're actually proof that HE loves us. Our Heavenly Father actively oversees our lives, and difficulties are one way we're shaped into the likeness of Christ.
We can profit from hard circumstances by growing in faith, wisdom, character, and knowledge of the Lord. Even though GOD's best may not turn out to be what we hoped or wanted, HE has promised to work everything out for our good. It's helpful to remember that HE is more interested in the eternal value of our spiritual growth than in our temporary relief from difficulty.
LOOKING BEYOND DISAPPOINTMENT, READ; (JOHN 11:1-15).
DISAPPOINTMENT IS AN EMOTIONAL RESPONSE to dashed hopes, goals, and desires. Sometimes it's the result of circumstances beyond control, but when others are involved, it's easy to blame them for the situation. We might even lose faith in the person we think let us down.
Martha and Mary could relate. The gospel of John tells us that Jesus loved Martha, her sister Mary, and their brother Lazarus (11:5). Because of this, they expected HE would come immediately after learning that Lazarus was sick. But Jesus didn't come until after Lazarus had died.
We're often like Martha and Mary. We pray for GOD to intervene in a situation the way we desire. But if HE doesn't, we're confused and disappointed in Him. Now, maybe we don't voice these feelings, but we've all felt let down.
Today's passage reminds us that the Lord has higher purposes than we can perceive. Don't let your disappointment shape your view of GOD. Instead, rely on what you know to be true about HIM---that HIS love for you never fails, and HE orchestrates all the events in your life for HIS glory and your ultimate good. When you're feeling disappointed, the best response is simply to trust HIM.
OUR DAILY BREAD:
MAKING EVERY MOMENT COUNT; READ (MATTHEW 24:36-44).
The halted hands of a pocket watch in a library's archives at the University of North Carolina tell a harrowing tale. They mark the exact moment (8:19 and 56 seconds) the watch's owner Elisha Mitchell slipped and fell to his death at a waterfall in the Appalachian Mountains on the morning of June 27, 1857.
Mitchell, a professor at the university, was gathering data to defend his (correct) claim that the peak he was on---which now bears his name, Mount Mitchell---was the highest one east of the Mississippi. His grave is located at the mountain's summit, not far from where he fell.
As I ascended that mountain peak recently, I reflected on Mitchell's story and my own mortality and how each of us has only so much time. And I pondered Jesus' words about HIS return as HE spoke to His disciples on the Mount of Olives: "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him" (MATTHEW 24:44).
Jesus clearly indicates that none of us knows either the moment He'll return and establish HIS Kingdom forever or when He may summon us to leave this world and come to HIM. But he tell us to be prepared and "keep watch"(v.42).
Tick...Tick... The "clockwork" of our lives is still in motion---but for how long?
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, not the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son for Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day of the Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So, you must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. May we live our moments in love with our merciful Savior, waiting and working for Him.
IT'S HARD TO WAIT FOR SOMETHING GOOD. When we're fixated on a dream or goal, getting there can seem to take forever. We might even wonder if it'll happen at all. Well, sometimes it doesn't, since GOD knows what's best for us and HE directs the lives of HIS children. But HE always blesses obedience, and at times it's with HIS very greatest gift---special closeness with HIM. If you're waiting, suffering, longing, or even working toward something, remember Paul's words: "Let's not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary" (GALATIONS 6:9). Think of the time it takes for a seed to become a flower. As you ponder these readings each day, ask for faith to see all the good GOD has in store for you.
Because when difficult seasons in our "faith" feel exhausting, it can be tempting to disengage. Yet that's actually when we should press in---not to force a connection with GOD, but to submit ourselves to HIM control of our future and helps to prepare us for the path ahead.
WHEN WE'RE FEELING DISAPPOINTED; BY C. STANLEY; READ: (ROMANS 8:26-31).
HAVE YOU EVER COMFORTED PEOPLE GOING THROUGH A HARD TIME by reminding them of the marvelous truth of ROMANS 8:28?
Most of us are quick to quote this verse to others, but how often do we claim it for ourselves?
What happens when we're the ones going through a difficult season of life?
Proclaiming faith in the truths and promises of the Bible is not the same as applying them to our own life in the midst of trying times. It's one thing to know Scripture intellectually, but it's something else to live by faith. And disappointments are great opportunities to put our faith into action. Since GOD always works them for our benefit, they're actually proof that HE loves us. Our Heavenly Father actively oversees our lives, and difficulties are one way we're shaped into the likeness of Christ.
We can profit from hard circumstances by growing in faith, wisdom, character, and knowledge of the Lord. Even though GOD's best may not turn out to be what we hoped or wanted, HE has promised to work everything out for our good. It's helpful to remember that HE is more interested in the eternal value of our spiritual growth than in our temporary relief from difficulty.
LOOKING BEYOND DISAPPOINTMENT, READ; (JOHN 11:1-15).
DISAPPOINTMENT IS AN EMOTIONAL RESPONSE to dashed hopes, goals, and desires. Sometimes it's the result of circumstances beyond control, but when others are involved, it's easy to blame them for the situation. We might even lose faith in the person we think let us down.
Martha and Mary could relate. The gospel of John tells us that Jesus loved Martha, her sister Mary, and their brother Lazarus (11:5). Because of this, they expected HE would come immediately after learning that Lazarus was sick. But Jesus didn't come until after Lazarus had died.
We're often like Martha and Mary. We pray for GOD to intervene in a situation the way we desire. But if HE doesn't, we're confused and disappointed in Him. Now, maybe we don't voice these feelings, but we've all felt let down.
Today's passage reminds us that the Lord has higher purposes than we can perceive. Don't let your disappointment shape your view of GOD. Instead, rely on what you know to be true about HIM---that HIS love for you never fails, and HE orchestrates all the events in your life for HIS glory and your ultimate good. When you're feeling disappointed, the best response is simply to trust HIM.
OUR DAILY BREAD:
MAKING EVERY MOMENT COUNT; READ (MATTHEW 24:36-44).
The halted hands of a pocket watch in a library's archives at the University of North Carolina tell a harrowing tale. They mark the exact moment (8:19 and 56 seconds) the watch's owner Elisha Mitchell slipped and fell to his death at a waterfall in the Appalachian Mountains on the morning of June 27, 1857.
Mitchell, a professor at the university, was gathering data to defend his (correct) claim that the peak he was on---which now bears his name, Mount Mitchell---was the highest one east of the Mississippi. His grave is located at the mountain's summit, not far from where he fell.
As I ascended that mountain peak recently, I reflected on Mitchell's story and my own mortality and how each of us has only so much time. And I pondered Jesus' words about HIS return as HE spoke to His disciples on the Mount of Olives: "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him" (MATTHEW 24:44).
Jesus clearly indicates that none of us knows either the moment He'll return and establish HIS Kingdom forever or when He may summon us to leave this world and come to HIM. But he tell us to be prepared and "keep watch"(v.42).
Tick...Tick... The "clockwork" of our lives is still in motion---but for how long?
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, not the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son for Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day of the Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So, you must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. May we live our moments in love with our merciful Savior, waiting and working for Him.