Always Pray And Never Give Up

In the post Maintaining Faith Over The Long Haul, I wrote how Jesus teaches a lesson on perseverance. He teaches about the need for us to press on like the widow who continued to go to the judge and plead for justice until it was granted. The lesson is to always pray and never give up. Here’s a video to inspire us to keep going today: Building 429 – Press On.

We may not feel good at times, we may feel lonely, we may feel inferior or just physically worn out but these are the things that create resistance and ultimately make us stronger; the resistance like lifting a weights to build muscle. The resistance of water as we swim laps to burn those extra calories or the hill as you run to the top. Without resistance, the wings of a plane can’t produce lift and fly through the air. Without resistance to fear, there is no courage. Next time your day is filled with some resistance, smile at it, say thank You God, and press on.

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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 12:1-3

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God Cares For You

Even under tough times, we can look forward to brighter days ahead. What we need to do is continue to get prepared, be confident, and have inner peace because the kingdom of God is within our hearts.

No one is too young or old; too weak or strong; Start now to do the thing that you are really good at and don’t believe the lie when others want to discourage. Every day has a lesson or a piece of history that can be used to learn and share with others.

Gain your edge for the day by getting your thinking toward the things of God. Think of what good things are going your way, build momentum, and focus on one task at a time. Most of all as the video All the People Said Amen – Matt Maher explains, give thanks to the Lord! Amen.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

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Adding Quality to Faith

Jesus talks about adding quality to faith and the power of faith when he says in Luke 17:6, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea, ‘and it will obey you.”

A mustard seed is very small but grows into a large plant. Faith is the same. Sharing about faith gives a great purpose because what we share today may pull someone through to meet the challenges of tomorrow and step ahead throughout the week.

God knows what He is doing and we can trust Him just like this video highlights: He is With US – Love & The Outcome.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. - Colossians 2:6-7

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Focus on the Lessons Taught by Jesus

The lessons taught by Jesus never change and are applicable today just as they were during the time He walked in the flesh on earth. The way to get to heaven is to accept Jesus as Savior; to be connected to and internalize these guiding principles taught by Christ. Then noticing those in need; being the hands and feet of God to assist with their needs. Here’s a video that inspires these qualities: Fix My Eyes – King & Country.

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. – Hebrew 12:1-2

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Look Forward To Time Spent With Him

From the depression of the 1930’s and to a smaller degree with the stock market crash in 2008, there is a lesson to be learned. Bad loans build up a bubble that eventually will burst. As written about in the post Heaven’s Riches Are Far More Valuable Than Earthly Wealth, a manager was accused of wasting a rich man’s possessions. We are not told what possessions the manager was wasting but we have to speculate that the manger’s greed caused him to take risk with the rich man’s money.

It could also have been that he just couldn’t say “no” to those who bought things from his master on loan without the ability to pay back the loan. We see the same things happening with many money managers of today. There is this push to sale things or give out loans to people that can’t pay it off.  

When we serve God, the emphasis is not so much on short term gain but on doing the right things that result in long term success. There are right attitudes, motives, and actions to take. If we are focused on serving Him only; to being a good steward for what He gives and look forward to the time we get to spend with Him each day, then we have a tendency to think things through and make better decisions.

I found this video that inspires this desire to hear God’s voice and help make good decisions: Word of God Speak – MercyMe. As we go to God each day in prayer, it’s important to listen for the instructions and take the proper steps.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

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Sing for the Glory of the Risen King

Written about in the post Celebrate When the Lost are Found are three parables told by Jesus in Luke 15. In each parable, there is a celebration when the lost are found. There is a difference between daily victories and new victories. Celebrate outwardly when there have been those who have been saved which are the new victories. For those that have already been saved, the reward is a daily inner celebration of the soul.

When we accept Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit is our companion and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds. With God, we can get through anything, we can patiently grind it out during difficulties or give Him credit when the impossible is made possible. Beyond that, we can celebrate because of the victory we will always have with Him.

Today’s video for worship and praise is Mighty to Save by Hillsong. Have a wonderful day with God!

In a loud voice they sang: Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise. – Revelation 5:12

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Seal the Deal by Obeying His Way

There is a cost to being a Disciple as I explained in the post Being Disciplined to Follow. The key is to determine if you’re willing to pay the price. Remember, there is freedom in obeying God’s way because He cares for us and understands our needs.

Stay focused on the ultimate victory. Taking action will seal the deal by using the high quality principles of faith, hope, and love.  Ultimately, our life will be lost unless we surrender all to Jesus which brings the ultimate victory of eternal life. Here’s a video that highlights this plan God has for us: I Surrender All – Oslo Gospel Choir.

 

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. – Job 23:10

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Invite Everyone to Feast in His Kingdom

Several lessons are taught in Luke 14:1-24 of which I wrote some thoughts in the post Being Inclusive. One of these lessons is that we should include everyone to feast in the kingdom of God. Some will let us down and not come but others will surprise us and come. Here’s an inspirational video that also expresses this thought: Jesus Friend of Sinners – Casting Crowns.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. - Romans 15:7

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