Post by mommadee48 on Aug 3, 2022 15:54:37 GMT -5
IN TOUCH with C. STANLEY: (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23-24).
GOD's TOOLS for MAKING US HOLY;
THE PROPHET ISAIAH says of the LORD, "We are the clay and You, our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand" (64:8). Comparing God to a skilled craftsman, Isaiah describes ow He shapes believers, so they increasingly resemble the Savior. Some of the tools our Father uses to mold and perfect His creations are...
THE BIBLE. Jesus prayed for us, saying, "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth" (JOHN17:17). As the HOLY SPIRIT illuminates what we read, we're slowly transformed.
THE CHURCH. As part of Christ's body, we learn of God's ways from the pastor and teachers who have been called to minister. Fellowship with one another is also a method the Lord uses in our sanctification as we encourage and hold each other accountable.
SUFFERING. Painful circumstances teach us submission, humility, and dependence on God so we can emerge from the difficulty with deeper faith, greater spiritual maturity, and refined character.
The Lord is forming us into vessels that honor and reflect HIM.
Are you yielding to His shaping tools?
IN TOUCH: (1PETER 1:3-9).
THE TRIALS of LIFE:
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY God lets bad things happen to you or your loved ones?
Hardships and suffering are a consequence of sin and the fallen condition of the world, but why is HE allowing distress in your life?
Though trials are painful, understanding the Lord's purpose can bring joy and hope.
When a person is saved, he or she begins the lifelong process of becoming holy. And few things build character like sorrow. Unfortunately, our spiritual growth may be slow during pleasant times, but pain brings us to our knees in dependence upon God as we seek His help, strength, comfort, and grace.
Another reason the Father allows trials is to test and refine our faith. When we go through the fire of affliction and remain true to the Lord, we'll come out surer of our salvation. Not only that, but we will have greater trust in God's character and dealings with us. Then when the next difficulty arises, we will remember His faithfulness during the previous trial and be able to rest confidently in Him. If we submit to the Lord, He'll use our hardships to mature us, and that's reason to rejoice.
NO LETTER FROM TODD LEVIN, STORM WIPED IT OUT
GOD's TOOLS for MAKING US HOLY;
THE PROPHET ISAIAH says of the LORD, "We are the clay and You, our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand" (64:8). Comparing God to a skilled craftsman, Isaiah describes ow He shapes believers, so they increasingly resemble the Savior. Some of the tools our Father uses to mold and perfect His creations are...
THE BIBLE. Jesus prayed for us, saying, "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth" (JOHN17:17). As the HOLY SPIRIT illuminates what we read, we're slowly transformed.
THE CHURCH. As part of Christ's body, we learn of God's ways from the pastor and teachers who have been called to minister. Fellowship with one another is also a method the Lord uses in our sanctification as we encourage and hold each other accountable.
SUFFERING. Painful circumstances teach us submission, humility, and dependence on God so we can emerge from the difficulty with deeper faith, greater spiritual maturity, and refined character.
The Lord is forming us into vessels that honor and reflect HIM.
Are you yielding to His shaping tools?
IN TOUCH: (1PETER 1:3-9).
THE TRIALS of LIFE:
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHY God lets bad things happen to you or your loved ones?
Hardships and suffering are a consequence of sin and the fallen condition of the world, but why is HE allowing distress in your life?
Though trials are painful, understanding the Lord's purpose can bring joy and hope.
When a person is saved, he or she begins the lifelong process of becoming holy. And few things build character like sorrow. Unfortunately, our spiritual growth may be slow during pleasant times, but pain brings us to our knees in dependence upon God as we seek His help, strength, comfort, and grace.
Another reason the Father allows trials is to test and refine our faith. When we go through the fire of affliction and remain true to the Lord, we'll come out surer of our salvation. Not only that, but we will have greater trust in God's character and dealings with us. Then when the next difficulty arises, we will remember His faithfulness during the previous trial and be able to rest confidently in Him. If we submit to the Lord, He'll use our hardships to mature us, and that's reason to rejoice.
NO LETTER FROM TODD LEVIN, STORM WIPED IT OUT
