When we see that humility is something infinitely deeper than contrition and accept it as our participation in the life of Jesus, we begin to learn that it is our true nobility. Here on earth, Jesus humbled himself and was obedient and was obedient unto death. His humility gave his death its value and so became our redemption. It was our pride that made this redemption needful; it if from this pride that we need above everything else to be…..
Despair can be devastating. When you are in a situation that is hard to bear, and you don’t see the situation changing, that to me is the definition of despair. I have some dear friends who have had financial difficulties for years, even decades. They don’t see how they can possibly get out of their financial hole, and because they can’t see how, they often despair. So why does God let us despair? Let’s look at 2 Corinthians 1:8-98: “We do…..
As Christians, we understand that the way out of despair is not necessarily going to be for our situation to change, but for us to let God turn our despair to hope. Hope in the fact that God is who he promises he is. Hope that while money comes in handy on earth, our true inheritance is in heaven. Hope that God loves you anyway, even if family and friends can disappoint us. So what exactly is God’s promise? Let’s…..
The Bible instructs us, time and time again, to turn our energies and our focus toward the Lord, not toward worldly, envious yearnings for fame, fortune, outward beauty – you pick the poison. Remember Corinthians 13:4? “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” This means turning to “love thy neighbor” and wishing well for them. Just practicing this can change your heart if you work on it. After all,…..
If you are blessed enough to have a Christian friend who strives to be content, even when times are bad, hold onto them like a life preserver That friend is a true source of peace and strength, and he or she can help keep you focused on what really matters – our relationship with God and our spiritual growth and living testament each and every day. That is where true contentment comes from. Being a worry wart will never bring…..