What Doesn't Kill You...

For some reason, people often have this misconception that once you commit your life to God, everything will be perfect.

Well, let me be perfectly clear… This Christian walk is not easy. There’s hardship and struggle. Pain and persecution.

But, just like iron sharpens iron, and fire perfects gold, so too are we perfected through persecution.

That is why the Bible says that every thing works together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28). Pain and persecution is good for you.

God bless,
J.W.

“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” ~ 2 Timothy 3:10-12

To Live Is To Suffer

How ironic is it that in order to live in Christ, we must die to self?

How more ironic is it that by Christ dying for us, we must now live for Him?

Most ironic, however, is that by Christ dying for us, we must now die and suffer for Him.

It’s not a message that is very popular in today’s society (in fact, most preachers won’t even preach on the subject), but it’s true nonetheless.

To follow Christ is to suffer with Him, to bear the cross, to walk the narrow path.

It requires sacrifice, obedience, and doing things you may not want to do sometimes.

But the thing about it is that the rewards you receive for your obedience makes it worth every minute of your suffering.

God bless,
J.W.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” ~ Matthew 16:24-25


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J0Pcy2GLMg

Little Things

Sometimes, we pay so much attention to the big things that God does for us or is about to do for us that we miss some of the small things He does everyday… like making the sun rise every morning or the stars to shine at night… or something as simple as waking up in the morning or allowing your car to start everyday.

Today, take some time to appreciate the little things in life.

Enjoy the day for what it is.

Be thankful that God has blessed you with life, health, strength, or any combination of the three.

Just being alive, being able to breathe, sing, walk, or run is a blessing in and of itself.

God bless,
J.W.

“This was the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” ~ Psalm 118:23-24

A Mother of Nations

“And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.” ~ Genesis 17:16

Happy Mother’s Day!

God bless,

J.W.

Jesus Loves Me

"Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me.
For the Bible tells me so."

Remember when you used to sing that as a little child.

It was so simple, but oh so powerful.

But that’s how the Gospel is. We make it complicated but it really is a simple message:

Jesus loves you for the Bible tells you so.

Remember that as you go throughout your day… your week… your month… your year.

Jesus loves you. The Bible tells you so.

God bless,
J.W.

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Burdens

If you’re being weighed down by a problem or situation, give it over to God.

He knows what you’re going through and has the power to take your burden away.

God bless,
J.W.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” ~ Matthew 11:28-30

Friend of God (Part III)

Are you a friend of God?

Do you want to be?

He wants to be yours.

All He requires is that you open up and talk to Him.

So, who are you talking to today?

God bless,
J.W.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” ~ Revelation 3:20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty0SO7IvtXM