Suffering Yields Restoration

1 Peter 5:10 -- "In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation."

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No one likes to suffer. However, everything happens for a reason and we can learn through our suffering in ways we can otherwise not imagine. Our suffering is never in vain. Through our trials, obstacles and even our discipline we can be a shinning witness for Christ.

Through our trials we can reach people who we would otherwise not come into contact with. God can work through us at our lowest to bring someone covered in darkness into the light. We can call on past experiences to comfort and encourage others struggling around us. God uses all circumstances and all people to work in this world.

There is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). We all suffer, but your struggles are temporary. After you suffer for a little while, God will restore you and make you strong, firm in your faith and steadfast. By learning and growing with God, by having faith and relying on him through your struggles, you give Him the ability to affect the world in a great way by shinning brightly for the Lord.

And when your struggle on the earth is finished for good, we will join the Father in heaven thanks to Jesus Christ. Remain steadfast and stay with God through all the struggles until the end and He will restore you to your full eternal glory forever with God.

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Acts (Bible in 90 Days)

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Acts was written by Luke, the gentile physician, who spent great care to provide a detailed, accurate account of Christ and the organization of the Christian Church.

The book of Acts begins just after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Theologists suspect Luke may have intended to write a third book to continue the story due to the abrupt way Acts ends. I serves as a sequel to the gospels, providing the link between Jesus’ life and Paul’s letters to the churches.

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Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus to heaven (after 40 days of periodically appearing to the apostles) and the coming of the holy spirit (supernatural guide sent to remain on earth once Jesus went to heaven.)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

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Luke follows Peter’s ministry and the establishment of the church. With the help of the Holy Spirit and peter’s leadership the church quickly grows. In only one day, with a majestic sermon from Peter, about 3,000 people became believers and were baptized and added to the church.

The second part of Acts focuses on Paul’s ministry as he and his companions travel on missionary journeys to spread the Good News across the nations.

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Luke provides a historically accurate account of the church’s establishment and growth, but he also provides theologically sound proof of the work of the Holy Spirit and Jesus’ claims and promises.

One of my favorite verses is found in Acts: “And now I go to Jerusalem not knowing what will happen to me there.” Acts 20:22. Paul walked in faith, trusting that God was watching over him even though he knew tough times were ahead.

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Let God Lead

Proverbs 16:9 -- "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."

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It is important to look to and plan the future, but don't get stuck there or assume it is going to be exactly the way you imagine.

When I was in college I wanted to be a journalist. I had the degree, I did the internship and I was an editor for the school paper. I was sure my life was set. However God had other plans for me, and He established my steps well.

After I graduated I could not get a job in the industry -- I was heartbroken. I remember one night during one of my lows hearing God speak to me in the Spirit. He told me that I needed to be patient, and "I have greater plans for you." It made me confused and comforted at the same time. I never became a true journalist, but I did get a job and met some really great people -- ones that helped me learn the power of loving each other just for being who you are. Soon after that we had Zoey and God put on my heart to focus on being a mother. Looking back on it all I realize all I really wanted was a family and God was leading me to my true desire all along.

It is good to make plans and prepare for the future, but sometimes God has a better plan for you. If you obey His calling and let Him determine your steps you will know the best God has for you.

Dear Lord,
Help me to listen and obey Your calling.

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God Blesses Those Who Are Persecuted

Matthew 5:10 -- "God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."

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We who live in America are very spoiled. We complain about this and that and some of it contains valid concerns. But ultimately, we are free.

We have freedom of speech and we can practice whatever religion we choose. We live in a society that celebrates individualism and thrives on our differences. In many places, there is no such option.

There are many nations where it is illegal to be a Christian. The persecutions they face is not being made fun of, excluded or ignored. They face imprisonment  beatings, rape and death. To them, being a Christian is not just going to church every Sunday or participating in various programs, it is a way of life. They live, breathe and rely on God's Word and His promise of salvation every moment.

This is not meant to scare you, it is meant to wake you up from your comfortable Christian slumber. It is to gain perspective that God's Word is more than mere words, it is hope, it is life and it is a freedom that only God's people possess.

John 14:6 -- "Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

Dear Lord,
I praise You for the freedom that you grant to your people. I pray for those who live in persecution everyday. I ask that you help us all to remember to never take your grace for granted.

To find out more about Christian persecution around the world visit: Voice of the Martyrs

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God's Purpose

Romans 8:28 -- "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

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We all have purpose in this world -- a greater purpose driven by God to better His Kingdom. We are called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and be a shinning light, a beacon, to the world. That is our purpose. God uses all of us in all walks of life to fulfill that purpose.

However, in our eyes the plans we make to fulfill our purpose don't always go the way we plan. In fact, in many little and big ways our lives often don't go as planned.

God has a greater plan. Romans 8:28 tells us that God causes everything to work together for good. God's plans trump our plans every time  He sees all and knows all and can see how every little or big detail affects our life in significant ways.

God looks out for us. Not every moment can be good, but every moment works for the good of those who love God. Many times our inconveniences unknowingly better someone else or save us from a greater pain. God gives us life changing moments that have a purpose in God's Kingdom that work together for good.

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