Thursday, August 30, 2018
A Craving for Stillness
Every once in a while I find myself in need of a little down time, even within my time with God. I find that I just need to sit still, not think anything in particular, not seek any specific information, not read my Bible, not pray, just meditate on Him. I enjoy sitting in His Presence and letting my mind be completely still. There are times that this stillness is not even possible because my mind is so distracted by everything going on in it and around me. But there are times when I am so overloaded that the stillness with God is what I crave. Whatever it is you are dealing with right now, whether it be joyful or sorrowful, uncertain or assured, take time to let your mind go blank before God and see what He fills in. I've had both distracted days this week and stillness days this week with God. That's the way the journey works, my friends. Hang in there and keep seeking Him!
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Willingly Give Up
Job 17:9 My days have passed, my plans are shattered, and so are the desires of my heart.
Have you been there, done that with Job? Do you feel like God has led you down a path that seems to be completely opposite of what you had been hoping? I would say that was me not that long ago. There are certain places I have decided to sacrifice my own desires for that which God has called me. It's interesting, but since I made that decision and I willingly gave up my desires for God's, I feel a certain freedom I haven't felt before. I'm experiencing grace in a whole new way. I am walking down a path that is completely new to me, uncertain is my way and unknown is the outcome. But still I walk knowing that as God is faithful to His promises and Jesus always has me by the hand. I'm experiencing a shift in my desires and I'm seeing plans form that are exciting and not my own. Life is not what I thought it was going to be, but with God the possibilities are endless. His ways are not my ways...Praise Him for that! My advice...hold tight to Jesus and wait with expectancy.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Monday, August 27, 2018
It's Simply Presence
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
I don't know about you, but in my life things seem to change and move so quickly and suddenly at times. Of course, there are other things that don't seem to ever change even though I might like them to be different. There are no guarantees, even when we think there might be. This verse is a great place to rest my ever-changing and never-changing concerns about life. Jesus is who He is. There is no change in Him. I can come to Him everyday and He is the same. He is a constant calm in the storm. He is the peace in the chaos. He is the hope in the distress. There are so many more little phrases like that I could write, but the reality is simply that Jesus is present. Jesus is with me always, whether I feel Him or not. He does not leave me. He does not take a break. Jesus' presence is the one thing I can always count on, whether life is changing too quickly or is stagnant and slow. Jesus' presence is the only place I can feel complete rest and comfort when all else fails. I encourage you to try that for a several days in a row. Seek time with Jesus. Ask Him to come and sit alone with you, even if it's only for a few minutes. You will find something extraordinary happens in your soul when you spend time with the Creator and Savior of the world.
I don't know about you, but in my life things seem to change and move so quickly and suddenly at times. Of course, there are other things that don't seem to ever change even though I might like them to be different. There are no guarantees, even when we think there might be. This verse is a great place to rest my ever-changing and never-changing concerns about life. Jesus is who He is. There is no change in Him. I can come to Him everyday and He is the same. He is a constant calm in the storm. He is the peace in the chaos. He is the hope in the distress. There are so many more little phrases like that I could write, but the reality is simply that Jesus is present. Jesus is with me always, whether I feel Him or not. He does not leave me. He does not take a break. Jesus' presence is the one thing I can always count on, whether life is changing too quickly or is stagnant and slow. Jesus' presence is the only place I can feel complete rest and comfort when all else fails. I encourage you to try that for a several days in a row. Seek time with Jesus. Ask Him to come and sit alone with you, even if it's only for a few minutes. You will find something extraordinary happens in your soul when you spend time with the Creator and Savior of the world.
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Get Off Your Throne
1 Corinthians 16:14 Do everything in love.
The greek word Paul used here is agape, the selfless, sacrificial love. I'm pretty sure I don't do everything with that kind of intention. This is a high calling, only to be done with the help of Jesus. Jesus was agape. His entire life was lived for others, even in his death. What would it look like if every person removed himself/herself from the throne and exalted God as God? Ah, would we then see "on earth as it is in Heaven" and agape being lived out fully? Even if just a majority of us could act selflessly through Jesus, what would that look like? But to put God on the throne, we have to make room for Him there. And this isn't only in our "religious" life; it's demolishing the multiple throne rooms we've built for ourselves and building a single throne room for Jesus. He is a personal King. This will begin our journey to living out today's verse. I don't know about you, but I've got a ways to go on this journey. Praise be to God for being God!
The greek word Paul used here is agape, the selfless, sacrificial love. I'm pretty sure I don't do everything with that kind of intention. This is a high calling, only to be done with the help of Jesus. Jesus was agape. His entire life was lived for others, even in his death. What would it look like if every person removed himself/herself from the throne and exalted God as God? Ah, would we then see "on earth as it is in Heaven" and agape being lived out fully? Even if just a majority of us could act selflessly through Jesus, what would that look like? But to put God on the throne, we have to make room for Him there. And this isn't only in our "religious" life; it's demolishing the multiple throne rooms we've built for ourselves and building a single throne room for Jesus. He is a personal King. This will begin our journey to living out today's verse. I don't know about you, but I've got a ways to go on this journey. Praise be to God for being God!
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Seek God
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
When we attempt to control our lives, we find ourselves completely at the mercy of the world around us. We can actually control very little of what really happens to us. We become reactionary and hopeless and have very little peace. The only way to get inner peace is to relinquish control to God. We must surrender ourselves and seek God. Once we see God in His omnipotence and sovereignty, we can feel his compassion and care. It is a journey that requires a continual effort on our part to let go of what we cannot control anyway and experience freedom in Christ. That is peace.
When we attempt to control our lives, we find ourselves completely at the mercy of the world around us. We can actually control very little of what really happens to us. We become reactionary and hopeless and have very little peace. The only way to get inner peace is to relinquish control to God. We must surrender ourselves and seek God. Once we see God in His omnipotence and sovereignty, we can feel his compassion and care. It is a journey that requires a continual effort on our part to let go of what we cannot control anyway and experience freedom in Christ. That is peace.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Rest.
Exodus 35:2 For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord. Whoever does any work on it must be put to death.
Sabbath is something that I have recently been studying and practicing. I guess it's important, when you consider what God told Moses to do with those who did not do it. ;-) Sabbath seems so foreign to our busy western culture. Many of us are workaholics and don't really like the feeling of being still. We don't always like where our minds take us when we actually have time to think. Even consider how difficult it is to be still for an extended amount of time. Even our vacations are full of places and people. We often feel the need for a vacation when we get home from our vacation. I think part of the issue is that we feel guilty for taking true Sabbath rest. It seems lazy. Well that's a great lie Satan has convinced us is true, which keeps us from taking time to be still and be with God. Rest is so important and rest with God is even more important. My challenge has been to take a full day of rest each week. I attempt to not do laundry or vacuum, meet with people, bake, write, among the many other things I find myself filling my time with. I try to take time and be still. When I do, I seem to get more accomplished during the rest of my days and I feel refreshed and ready for whatever the week brings. That's my challenge to our busy culture. Rest.
Sabbath is something that I have recently been studying and practicing. I guess it's important, when you consider what God told Moses to do with those who did not do it. ;-) Sabbath seems so foreign to our busy western culture. Many of us are workaholics and don't really like the feeling of being still. We don't always like where our minds take us when we actually have time to think. Even consider how difficult it is to be still for an extended amount of time. Even our vacations are full of places and people. We often feel the need for a vacation when we get home from our vacation. I think part of the issue is that we feel guilty for taking true Sabbath rest. It seems lazy. Well that's a great lie Satan has convinced us is true, which keeps us from taking time to be still and be with God. Rest is so important and rest with God is even more important. My challenge has been to take a full day of rest each week. I attempt to not do laundry or vacuum, meet with people, bake, write, among the many other things I find myself filling my time with. I try to take time and be still. When I do, I seem to get more accomplished during the rest of my days and I feel refreshed and ready for whatever the week brings. That's my challenge to our busy culture. Rest.
Monday, August 20, 2018
So Stinkin' Hard
3 John 5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you.
This is the true test of our depth of love for Jesus, how we treat strangers. Our job is to love others. I have been thinking about this often as of late. We get so caught up in keeping others in check and/or reaching a particular standard for ourselves that we forget what Jesus asked us to do. He simply said to love each other. It wasn't about keeping rules or following a certain morality code. Actually, I think if He would have just given us a list of dos and don'ts, that would have been easier. So, why is it so stinkin' hard to do what He said? Why is it so hard to love people? Satan likes to get his little finger in there and work it around a bit. He likes it when we point out the faults of others or strain ourselves so hard to make ourselves "good" because then we lose sight of Jesus. We completely leave Jesus out of our lives when we do these things because our focus becomes the worldly attributes in ourselves and in others. When we love people, we have to see them with Heavenly eyes. We have to look on them with eternity in mind. That's why it's so hard. We fall prey to being of the world, rather than recognizing that this is temporary. Our eyes are to be fixed on Heaven, the eternal. As Paul said, "I fix my eyes on the prize for that which God has called me heavenward." That's how you love people, whether strangers, friends, or foes.
This is the true test of our depth of love for Jesus, how we treat strangers. Our job is to love others. I have been thinking about this often as of late. We get so caught up in keeping others in check and/or reaching a particular standard for ourselves that we forget what Jesus asked us to do. He simply said to love each other. It wasn't about keeping rules or following a certain morality code. Actually, I think if He would have just given us a list of dos and don'ts, that would have been easier. So, why is it so stinkin' hard to do what He said? Why is it so hard to love people? Satan likes to get his little finger in there and work it around a bit. He likes it when we point out the faults of others or strain ourselves so hard to make ourselves "good" because then we lose sight of Jesus. We completely leave Jesus out of our lives when we do these things because our focus becomes the worldly attributes in ourselves and in others. When we love people, we have to see them with Heavenly eyes. We have to look on them with eternity in mind. That's why it's so hard. We fall prey to being of the world, rather than recognizing that this is temporary. Our eyes are to be fixed on Heaven, the eternal. As Paul said, "I fix my eyes on the prize for that which God has called me heavenward." That's how you love people, whether strangers, friends, or foes.
Friday, August 17, 2018
You're Worth It
I know I said I would have a little something for today, but I am honestly struggling to write anything worth anything. As fall approaches, and all sorts of activities start, please be sure to make time for yourself and make time for God. Each day needs to have a little time set aside for self care that includes time with Jesus. I'm speaking from my personal experiences over the last year with a change in the way I spend time with Jesus. It's intentional. It's personal. It's daily. You're worth it. Jesus knows it and He wants you to know it too. Much love to you all!
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
What Justice?
Jonah 4:1 But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry.
Have you been in Jonah's shoes? Have you ever hoped that someone would get exactly what they deserved and then the complete opposite occurs? Jonah wanted Ninevah to be destroyed, but God had compassion on them because of their repentance. Jonah didn't care. He was just mad and told God he knew that's what God would do, which was why he didn't want to go in the first place. I know I've been in this spot before. I've had moments where I really wanted someone to get justice and then grace was shown instead. I struggle to remember that justice in the world is not justice to God. The world's sense of justice is sometimes really messed up. People make horrible decisions, yet good things happen to them. People are lovely and amazing, yet bad things happen to them. There seems to be no rhyme or reason. But with God, there is one assurance, among many. We can be sure that if we are truly repentant of our sins and come to Him with a contrite heart, He will have compassion on us and bestow His grace upon us. This is consistent throughout the Bible. And to give it a different perspective, think on it from the receiving end. If you deserve death and are given life, what kind of love, gratefulness, and hope must that bring. That's the message of the gospel. It is hope in despair. It is love in affliction. It is compassion in pain. We can walk in Jonah's steps, but we will not see the truth in those footprints. We see truth in the nail-scarred feet of Jesus. We experience truth when we receive the grace of God and the gift of life when death is what we deserve.
Have you been in Jonah's shoes? Have you ever hoped that someone would get exactly what they deserved and then the complete opposite occurs? Jonah wanted Ninevah to be destroyed, but God had compassion on them because of their repentance. Jonah didn't care. He was just mad and told God he knew that's what God would do, which was why he didn't want to go in the first place. I know I've been in this spot before. I've had moments where I really wanted someone to get justice and then grace was shown instead. I struggle to remember that justice in the world is not justice to God. The world's sense of justice is sometimes really messed up. People make horrible decisions, yet good things happen to them. People are lovely and amazing, yet bad things happen to them. There seems to be no rhyme or reason. But with God, there is one assurance, among many. We can be sure that if we are truly repentant of our sins and come to Him with a contrite heart, He will have compassion on us and bestow His grace upon us. This is consistent throughout the Bible. And to give it a different perspective, think on it from the receiving end. If you deserve death and are given life, what kind of love, gratefulness, and hope must that bring. That's the message of the gospel. It is hope in despair. It is love in affliction. It is compassion in pain. We can walk in Jonah's steps, but we will not see the truth in those footprints. We see truth in the nail-scarred feet of Jesus. We experience truth when we receive the grace of God and the gift of life when death is what we deserve.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Oh, What Love! What Joy!
Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Every time I read this verse, I am caught by the phrase "who for the joy set before him endured the cross". What joy could possibly make Jesus endure the barbaric beating and the accompanying suffering on the cross? The salvation of mankind. I can't even wrap my brain around that. I have no concept of what type of pain and agony such a death entails, and still I can't grasp the love that it took to keep Jesus on the cross. He was able to see past his horrific circumstance that my sin put him in so that God's joy could be made complete in us through Jesus. This isn't something to take lightly, obviously. The least I can do then is to fix my eyes Him, for there is nothing in this life that can possibly equal the suffering Christ endured. Even if I had to bear the weight of my own sin and seek my own atonement, that would not come close to the weight of the sin of the world, which is what Jesus carried. Some days there are no words for the immense gratitude and love I feel toward my Savior. I have been offered a gift that is more than priceless; it is my very life. We, my friends, are Jesus' joy. Eternity with us is God's joy. Oh, what love! What joy!
Every time I read this verse, I am caught by the phrase "who for the joy set before him endured the cross". What joy could possibly make Jesus endure the barbaric beating and the accompanying suffering on the cross? The salvation of mankind. I can't even wrap my brain around that. I have no concept of what type of pain and agony such a death entails, and still I can't grasp the love that it took to keep Jesus on the cross. He was able to see past his horrific circumstance that my sin put him in so that God's joy could be made complete in us through Jesus. This isn't something to take lightly, obviously. The least I can do then is to fix my eyes Him, for there is nothing in this life that can possibly equal the suffering Christ endured. Even if I had to bear the weight of my own sin and seek my own atonement, that would not come close to the weight of the sin of the world, which is what Jesus carried. Some days there are no words for the immense gratitude and love I feel toward my Savior. I have been offered a gift that is more than priceless; it is my very life. We, my friends, are Jesus' joy. Eternity with us is God's joy. Oh, what love! What joy!
Friday, August 10, 2018
Eternal Point of View
Philippians 3:15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
Our view is heavenward. We are to press on toward the prize looking ahead, and forgetting what is behind. This isn’t always easy to do. We like to wallow in the past or even just reminisce on it. Memories are not bad and they definitely can bring hope, but our goal is always to be looking to what God has planned for us in eternity. We are not finite beings, even though we are in finite bodies. We are eternal and we are called to think eternal thoughts. Not easy. This verse reminds me of whose job it is to change the thinking of others. It is God’s job. God changes hearts, and therefore renews minds. When we are faced with a different point of view, our first reaction is to consider eternity in relation to the point of view and then love one another. Notice I didn’t say, “then share your argument”. Nope, just love each other and let God take care of the earthly points of view. Our eternal point of view is really all that matters in the end anyway. Have a great weekend!
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Opinionated Is Not Becoming
Psalm 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.
This is something I have been asking God to do for me. The transformation of my heart is something that is always before me and my lips are what keep me informed that I have not turned over my entire heart to God. I am quick to have an opinion about things that I have been given the opportunity and TIME to master. I'm not referring to God things here, I'm referring to my earthly skills. I struggle with holding others to a particular standard, and that really isn't my job. It is God's job. All I need to worry about is me. All I need to concern myself with is following Jesus and seeking His Kingdom and the rest of life will fall into place. Will people do everything the way I would do it or to the level at which I would like it done? Nope. I need to get over it. Oh wait, I need God to transform my heart so that I don't worry about those things anymore. I need God to transform my heart to be about the heart of the others and not about the actions of others. My mouth is how I know God is changing me inside, so it is about my lips, but it's more about my heart. ;-)
This is something I have been asking God to do for me. The transformation of my heart is something that is always before me and my lips are what keep me informed that I have not turned over my entire heart to God. I am quick to have an opinion about things that I have been given the opportunity and TIME to master. I'm not referring to God things here, I'm referring to my earthly skills. I struggle with holding others to a particular standard, and that really isn't my job. It is God's job. All I need to worry about is me. All I need to concern myself with is following Jesus and seeking His Kingdom and the rest of life will fall into place. Will people do everything the way I would do it or to the level at which I would like it done? Nope. I need to get over it. Oh wait, I need God to transform my heart so that I don't worry about those things anymore. I need God to transform my heart to be about the heart of the others and not about the actions of others. My mouth is how I know God is changing me inside, so it is about my lips, but it's more about my heart. ;-)
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Move Forward Confidently
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
This is a verse that I have held on to many times over the last year and a half. There have been so many moments of uncertainty and questioning, yet God has been ever-present. I'm not going to lie, there have been days of discouragement and days where I just wanted to cower in the corner instead of doing what God has asked. But as Joshua was commanded to be strong and courageous as he was called to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, we also are to be strong and courageous in our calling. God has gone ahead of us, as He did for the Israelites, and prepared the way for us so we can move forward confidently in the Spirit. It's not easy to answer some callings, and it definitely isn't going to be all unicorns and rainbows when we do, but when we walk with Jesus and have Him in us, we don't need unicorns and rainbows. We have someone greater within through whom we can be strong and courageous in any circumstance as we answer God's calling.
This is a verse that I have held on to many times over the last year and a half. There have been so many moments of uncertainty and questioning, yet God has been ever-present. I'm not going to lie, there have been days of discouragement and days where I just wanted to cower in the corner instead of doing what God has asked. But as Joshua was commanded to be strong and courageous as he was called to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, we also are to be strong and courageous in our calling. God has gone ahead of us, as He did for the Israelites, and prepared the way for us so we can move forward confidently in the Spirit. It's not easy to answer some callings, and it definitely isn't going to be all unicorns and rainbows when we do, but when we walk with Jesus and have Him in us, we don't need unicorns and rainbows. We have someone greater within through whom we can be strong and courageous in any circumstance as we answer God's calling.
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Preparing the Way
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
I have a pencil written note beside this underlined verse in my Bible. I wrote, "Where I am in/on my journey is not news to God. :-)" I just smiled at this little reminder to myself today as I read this text. I always find it encouraging when I read past tense in scripture especially when it is in regard to something current or future. There is peace that comes from understanding that God is not on a linear timeline like we are. For God, time is not an issue. He takes care of what needs care when He sees fit. So things that need care in the our future have already been dealt with are are being worked for our good before we even get there. I feel the need here to make the distinction, as Dad did in church not that long ago, that God is in control, but He is not controlling. That is where the peace comes from, knowing that God is in control and He is working on my behalf. He is not controlling my steps and making me take a particular path. He is ahead of me making the way passable, not perfect or easy, but doable through Christ Jesus. My journey is not news to God. He is preparing the way, not reacting to my steps after they happen. What work does He have for me to do next, I wonder?
Monday, August 6, 2018
The Extravagant Show
Genesis 17:17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, "Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?"
Have you ever had a moment like this after talking with God? You get a word from Him that seems ridiculous, beyond logic. Or maybe it's that something extraordinary happens which can only be explained as a "God thing" and you shake your head at the unbelievable way circumstances seemed to fall into place. Or it might be something that comes along at what appears to be the worst possible time, but you find you are completely at peace and the timing was impeccable. (past tense there to show that we only understand God's timing after it has passed) Abraham was in that moment. I am sure he was hoping God was going to do what He had promised, but also had that thought of "Well, if that's what you think is best." These are the moments when hope in God is very different than just a wishing for something to happen. This kind of hope is more in line with believing God is going to do something, and knowing that that something will only happen if God does it. It's a particular type of faith that rests in the hope of a promise fulfilled. It is rejoicing with laughter at God's extravagant showing of His almighty power with an anticipation of His faithfulness to His word. We can be assured that God does what He says He will do, even when, and maybe especially when, it has the look of impossibility. I'm starting to wonder if that's God's favorite way to work.
Have you ever had a moment like this after talking with God? You get a word from Him that seems ridiculous, beyond logic. Or maybe it's that something extraordinary happens which can only be explained as a "God thing" and you shake your head at the unbelievable way circumstances seemed to fall into place. Or it might be something that comes along at what appears to be the worst possible time, but you find you are completely at peace and the timing was impeccable. (past tense there to show that we only understand God's timing after it has passed) Abraham was in that moment. I am sure he was hoping God was going to do what He had promised, but also had that thought of "Well, if that's what you think is best." These are the moments when hope in God is very different than just a wishing for something to happen. This kind of hope is more in line with believing God is going to do something, and knowing that that something will only happen if God does it. It's a particular type of faith that rests in the hope of a promise fulfilled. It is rejoicing with laughter at God's extravagant showing of His almighty power with an anticipation of His faithfulness to His word. We can be assured that God does what He says He will do, even when, and maybe especially when, it has the look of impossibility. I'm starting to wonder if that's God's favorite way to work.
Friday, August 3, 2018
Salvation Secured
Tried something a little different today. Please forgive the hat. It's a Friday. ;-)
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Trust
Psalm 116:7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
This is a psalm of praise, but I don't really have a full list of praise right now. I needed this teeny verse in the middle of 116. I needed to remind my soul that I can rest in the Lord because He has done great things. There are times when I can see the great things God is doing, and then there are times, like now, when I have to rest in the fact that God is doing great things even though I cannot see them. When waiting for anything, it is easy to get impatient and attempt to move everything at a more desirable pace. The truth is, God has set the pace and our trust in His wisdom is a necessity if we want His best. I have a hard time leaving things alone when I know something is inevitable. I want to jump in and do what I can to help a situation along. But in the last year and a half, God has challenged me to leave my skills behind and trust in His perfect timing, providence, knowledge, and wisdom. He has been faithful so far, so I will trust Him longer still.
This is a psalm of praise, but I don't really have a full list of praise right now. I needed this teeny verse in the middle of 116. I needed to remind my soul that I can rest in the Lord because He has done great things. There are times when I can see the great things God is doing, and then there are times, like now, when I have to rest in the fact that God is doing great things even though I cannot see them. When waiting for anything, it is easy to get impatient and attempt to move everything at a more desirable pace. The truth is, God has set the pace and our trust in His wisdom is a necessity if we want His best. I have a hard time leaving things alone when I know something is inevitable. I want to jump in and do what I can to help a situation along. But in the last year and a half, God has challenged me to leave my skills behind and trust in His perfect timing, providence, knowledge, and wisdom. He has been faithful so far, so I will trust Him longer still.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Made Perfect Through Suffering
Hebrew 2:10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
Hmm...made perfect through suffering. I've never read that verse quite like I did today. The suffering Jesus is always hard for me, and yet, that is why we can go to him with everything. Jesus experienced life in the real world. I don't know that I have much to say about that at this point because my mind is circling this idea of perfection through suffering. It is the refiner's fire. There is much to be gained in the midst of a difficult journey, and God knows that better than we do.
Hmm...made perfect through suffering. I've never read that verse quite like I did today. The suffering Jesus is always hard for me, and yet, that is why we can go to him with everything. Jesus experienced life in the real world. I don't know that I have much to say about that at this point because my mind is circling this idea of perfection through suffering. It is the refiner's fire. There is much to be gained in the midst of a difficult journey, and God knows that better than we do.
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