Joy in Adversity

 

Christianity

 

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me, have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become more confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:12-14 (NKJV)

 

The Apostle Paul writes words to the believers at Philippi that we all might want to meditate on.

 

He tells them and us his chains are ‘in the Lord’. My study Bible has a study note that gives me pause. “Paul saw everything through the lens of his service to Christ. All the things that happened to Paul-imprisonments, trials, hardships-served to further the gospel^{. (1)}

 

We very quickly learn that, as believers, each of us will have times of hardship. We know we have choices about how we can react to those difficulties. People who are in different stages of their Christian walk watch how we react to our problems.

 

The way we respond to those issues that present themselves to us influence those watching.

 

We can learn from Paul how to respond to our circumstance. As I sit here writing these words, I realize the number of times I have said “that’s in God’s hands”, or “God has His hands on this.”

 

Prayer: Father God; We thank You for allowing us to know that you are in control of all that happens in our lives. We ask that we always look at those events through Your eyes.  We give You praise. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. AMEN

 

(1)   Jeremiah Study Bible © 2013 Worthy Publishing Co. Hachette Book Group, New York p.1657

 

NEW

 

Quiet Spirit Writing Ministry

Happy New Year!

I thought I would get started with January's Theme a bit early this year.

 

Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.” John 13:33-35 (NKJV)

 

A NEW COMMANDMENT I give to you, that you love one another

 Jesus doesn’t say “You can do this if you want to.  He tells us this is what He expects us to do.

 as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

How does Jesus love us? Does he remember what we did that was wrong when we were growing up?  Of course not!  When we ask Him into our hearts, He forgives us of ALL our sin.

 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION ; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become NEW. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

 

These are the words of Paul. He is the example of the power Jesus has to change people. Jesus gives each person who comes to him, In the Old Testament, Ezekiel tells us: “God says ‘Then I will give them one heart, and I will put  a NEW spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh.’’ ’Ezekiel 11:9 (NKJV)

 

As we enter the new year of 2022, none of us knows what lay ahead for us, as individuals, as a church, as a society, or as a nation, or as a world. Let us, each one stay as close to the Lord as we can during the new year.

Showers of Blessings

 

I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26 (NIV)

The LORD God here talks about blessing his people. He tells Ezekiel He will look favorably on those who love Him. He further tells the prophet that He will bless those who follow Him. He says He will shower them with blessings as they need them.

 

God still gives us showers of blessings, even during this pandemic. Though we might not like the idea of staying in away from crowds, it has helped keep us safe. When we see people, we have not seen for a lengthy time, we rejoice and are happy to see them.

 

A phone call from a friend is a blessing. It tells us that someone cares about us.

 

Here are some of the blessings I received just last week:

 

I sent emails to three of my writing/blogging friends and asked for their prayers. Each of them replied with compassionate thoughts that helped me deal with a tender area I feel the need to deal with.

 

My husband surprised me with a bag of my favorite candy-White Chocolate Truffles.

 

I felt blessed when I could make our appointments for our booster shots easily. (Earlier, we had a difficult time when one place cancelled our appointments. The place was closed when we arrived.) 

 

I felt blessed when a Facebook friend messaged me and asked how I was doing. As I later listed the things I had done that day, I realized I had been very blessed.

Here is a hymn that came to mind when I was preparing this post.

                

                                                Sue Dodge singing at Gaither Homecoming