Tag: trials
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The Gift of Hope
1 Thessalonians 4:13 “. . . others . . . who have no hope.” As I’ve been thinking about all the sickness that has affected my family and friends of late, the verse above has come to my mind. Cancer: no one wants to hear that word, especially as it applies to themselves or a…
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Even This?
Philippians 4:11 “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” As you read the verse above penned by the apostle Paul from a stinking Roman prison, and then as you attempt to apply them to your own life, is your reaction, “Amen,” or is it “Are you kidding me?!!” Your answer and…
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All Things?
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” As with any other form of written communication, when reading the Bible and individual statements within it, it is always wise to consider the context. In an extreme example of this, the Bible says this about Judas: “He went and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5). …
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Of Fires and Floods
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” One of the things to keep in mind as we read God’s Word is that it is…
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The Source of Fear
Matthew 8:26 “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” One of the commands Jesus gives His followers over and over again in Scripture is this one: “Fear not!” What wonderful words these are, if we will just believe and obey them. It’s one of the truest tests of our faith. In the verse…
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Knowing God
Philippians 3:7-11 “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain…
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Enduring Suffering
2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 “Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.” Suffering: a recent…
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In All Circumstances, Thankful
2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions…
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Joy in the Trials of Life
Isaiah 49:13 “Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.” Joy: it’s one of the most wonderful aspects of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5). If we are God’s children, we have joy because God…
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An Enduring Faith
James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” The Christian life is a journey. It begins for everyone at the moment of the new birth when the…
To Encourage You 