Perseverance

November 28th – 1 Corinthians 9:24

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1 Corinthians 9:24

I’ve always admired those who run marathons. The dedication, training, and sacrifice it takes to finish the race is impressive. All done with the goal of taking home the victory. The Christian life is like training for a marathon. It requires steadfast endurance and an unwavering hope in the ultimate prize. That prize being eternal life with God. The call to “run that you may obtain” emphasizes the need for perseverance in the face of obstacles. Meaning that the journey of faith is not without challenges. But by anchoring our hope in the promises of God and enduring through life’s trials, we not only run the race but also attain the reward of a deeper, more meaningful connection with our faith. Hope becomes the driving force that sustains us, while endurance becomes the steady rhythm that propels us forward on our spiritual journey. Both working together to push us towards our goal. The goal being not only to win the prize, but to run the race with endurance, strength, character, faith and grace.

 

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November 12th – 1 Peter 1:6-7

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1 Peter 1:6-7

An Indian guru once said, “The stones of a river start out rough, but with the current continually bumping and polishing them, they end up being beautiful.” I couldn’t think of a more perfect description of the Christian life. Each of us are as river stones. Rough and jagged around the edges, tossed and turned in the raging current of life. Yet we can find joy in the difficulties no matter how strong the river rages. Because the outcome isn’t just endurance, but a beautiful testimony that glorifies and honors the Lord. And as our faith is deepened, so is the hope we find knowing our suffering is only temporary. We perseverance knowing it will lead to a great honor. That honor being when Christ is revealed, we who have steadfastly held onto our faith, enduring through the trials of life, will receive honor and glory from the Lord as a reward for our commitment. No wonder our faith is called more precious than gold. For I can think of nothing more valuable than hearing the praises of my Savior.

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November 4th – James 1:12

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James 1:12

Society today puts great value in things. Always trying to, “keep up with the Joneses”, people strive for material wealth and riches. Christians too yearn for treasure. But ours is a perfect, eternal, imperishable inheritance. (1 Peter 1:4) A glorious one bestowed by God the Father to His children. All made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ. Many are the rewards that will be given in heaven, and one is the crown of life. An eternal crown given to all who persevered in their faith no matter what. Through suffering, testing, and trials, they endured, never giving up hope. Not counting the cost. We too, by enduring through challenges with faith and perseverance, can look forward to receiving the crown of life. This gives us hope, empowering us to withstand life’s tests, knowing that our endurance is a testament to our love for God and our unwavering faith in His promises. And one day, standing before His majestic, mighty throne, we’ll cast our crowns at His feet. Giving the Lord all of the glory and honor. (Rev. 4:10-11)

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May 19th – Hebrews 4:16

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Hebrews 4:16

When it comes to prayer, God isn’t looking for mealymouthed, wish washy, timid followers. He’s looking for strong, bold, prayer warriors. Those who know that because we are loved and accepted by God, we can come before Him anytime, anywhere, asking for anything, without fear or hesitation. But boldly coming before the Lord requires confidence, honesty, surrender, and persistence. Confidence means having unshakable faith and trust in God’s character and promises. Honesty means bringing our true selves before Him, without pretense or hiding. Surrender means knowing the Lord always knows best, seeking His guidance and direction above our own. And persistence means not giving up or being discouraged when we don’t see immediate answers or solutions. Being bold before God isn’t about being disrespectful or demanding. But reverence and humility, combined with confidence and trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness. And an invitation to approach Him with freedom, faith, and love.

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March 30th – Psalm 126:5

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Psalm126:5

Easter is one of my favorite times of year. Because it’s a season of reflection, renewal, and rebirth. Christians around the world celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While equally joyous Jews, celebrate the wonderful feast of Passover, thanking God for their freedom from Egypt. Both celebrations are rooted in joy and gratitude. Psalm 126 is also rooted in joy and gratitude. And contains some lessons we can reflect on as we commemorate this most holy holiday. First, is gratitude for all of God’s blessings, and how He has delivered us from past troubles. Next is perseverance in difficult times. For if we remain steadfast and persevere, God will take the seeds of our tears and make them blossom into enormous joy. Finally, trusting in God’s promises. God never goes back on His Word. So we can have faith that as our heavenly Father, God will always provide for the needs of His children.

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March 17th – James 1:2

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James 1:2

An Indian guru once said, “The stones of a river start out rough, but with the current continually bumping and polishing them, they end up being beautiful.” A perfect description of the Christian life. Each of us are as river stones. Rough and jagged around the edges, tossed and turned in the raging current of life. And although no one looks forward to the grating friction brought on by tribulations, we are to think of  troubles as a joyful blessing. Why? Because as James tells us, “the testing of your faith produces perseverance”. (James 1:3) Spiritual perseverance is never giving up no matter how hard our circumstance may be. It’s trusting that God is using our situation to grow our faith, and working all things together for our good. (Rom. 8:28) And what great joy there is in knowing that our Father does so in love, with the purpose of making us “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:4)

 

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August 15th – James 1:12

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James 1:12

It’s often our darkest times, that reveal our true feelings toward God. When trouble hits do we run to His open arms to receive His grace, love, and strength? Or do we let the Enemy plant seeds of discouragement, despair, and doubt in God’s goodness? For those who persevere in trials, who never give upon God no matter how bad the circumstance, He promises to give the crown of life. Five eternal crowns God offers. Rewards for His children who have been faithful throughout their lives. The crown of life is bestowed to those who love God. Those who believe in Him for eternal life, and who, in faithful obedience, keep His commandments; especially during suffering. So when the storms of life surround us, we can rejoice knowing the crown awaiting us. A crown that we will proudly lay at the feet of our Savior Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2)

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