Friday, March 4, 2016

Spiritual not Temporal

Those who display the greatest faith are those who do not see many outward blessings, but have inner spiritual strength that takes them through persecution remaining faithful, even when there doesn't seem to be a way out. 

We are not called to live a happy fulfilled life, we are called to trust Christ through everything.

Those who live a cushy life getting what they want in earthly terms, generally have little faith while remaining materialistic and deeply connected to this world.

Hebrews 11:37-40
"37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated
38 (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect."

I feel sad for all the people who measure their spirituality by how much money they have, the latest inventions, how many adventures they experience, they will never grow in wisdom, their eyes are focused on the temporal that will pass away. These same people spend a lot of energy on judging those who do not have the wealth that they have placed their trust in.

Those who focus on Christ, deeply grateful for His sacrifice and their own salvation, are wealthy beyond measure, they enjoy the greatest wealth and blessing of all, that of joy no matter what their circumstances. Nothing intimidates them or stops them from running after Christ.

John 10:29 ""My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 40:31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 42:16 And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;

2 Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 1:6-9 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

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