Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 50
March 10, 2016
The Roman Road to Salvation
Are you comfortable in sharing the Gospel, the Good News of salvation through Jesus? Every Christian should be equipped and always prepared to share the reason for the eternal hope we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15).
It doesn’t take a seminary degree or a weekend course or a special “calling.” All you need to share the truth is a handful of Scripture verses and a desire to see the lost come to know Jesus.
Of course the salvation message is all over the Bible. We could spend eternity talking about all Jesus has done for us and never reach the end of His mercy and grace. However, when God gives us the opportunity to tell someone about Jesus, we often only have a moment, a small window of time.
Are you prepared to share the #Gospel message?
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I love how the Apostle Paul summarized the Gospel in his first letter to the Corinthian believers:
Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, NLT
That’s it! That’s the Gospel! Christ died for our sins and rose again. Just like God said He would!
But how do we share that in a way that people will recognize their need and respond to Jesus? One very simple way is what Christians call the “Roman Road.” It’s a short list of verses from the book of Romans that show our need for salvation and how Jesus fills that need. I have seen variations of this list that includes 4 to 8 verses. My list below includes 5, very easy to memorize verses.
Romans 3:23 – Every person has sinned, has done things contrary to God’s holy perfection.
Romans 6:23 – Our sin has a cost. That cost is spiritual death or eternal separation from God.
Romans 5:8 – Because God loves us, He paid our sin debt Himself. Sinless, perfect Jesus died in our place.
Romans 10:13 – Anyone and everyone who accepts Jesus’ gift, or “calls on His name,” will receive God’s salvation.
Romans 10:9-10 – Anyone who believes and confesses that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead will be saved!
Learn the #RomanRoad and be ready to share the #Gospel
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You can use the Roman Road anytime or anywhere. Here are 3 ways you can use and share:
Mark the verses in your Bible.
Print this “printable” version of the verses and put in your purse or wallet.
Memorize the verses so you are always prepared!
Do you feel ready to share the Good News of Jesus anytime, anywhere? If not, why not?
Here are a few other resources you may find helpful:
Salvation Basics Scripture Verses
The post The Roman Road to Salvation appeared first on Kathy Howard.
March 7, 2016
A Sad and Joyful Goodbye
We spent the weekend celebrating the life of my father-in-law John Howard. Born May 27, 1927, he passed from this earthly shadow life into the reality of eternity on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. (See obituary.)
Four generations of our family gathered to remember and say goodbye. Yet even while we grieved our loss, we rejoiced because of what Pappaw had gained.
The death of a Christian brings an odd mix of emotions. Grief because our loved one is no longer here with us, but joy because he is now in the presence of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:8). When a child of God dies, he fully realizes the promises of God. The hope of life eternal.
My father-in-law suffered for years with a frail, ailing body. He groaned with the burden of it and looked forward to the day when he would receive his new, heavenly body. He has been freed from that burden and now enjoys the perfect, whole body God prepared for him.
The apostle Paul wrote about this great promise for believers:
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 2 Corinthians 5:1-9, NIV
We grieve and we rejoice. We will miss him, yet we are thankful for the legacy of faith he left our family. His hope was in Christ and that hope is sure.
Do you have the hope of eternal life through a saving relationship with Jesus? If not, or you aren’t sure, find out more about what it means to have a relationship with Him.
The post A Sad and Joyful Goodbye appeared first on Kathy Howard.
February 25, 2016
Sharing Jesus Prayer Guide
Want to share Jesus with those who don’t know Him but you aren’t sure how to get started? The best place to begin is with prayer. This prayer guide is for you!
The following 20 prayer prompts are practical and straight from Scripture. The first 10 are for yourself as you prepare to share and look for opportunities. The second 10 are for those with whom you will share God’s great message of salvation. (Feel free to download this printable version to stick in your Bible!)
10 Scripture Prayers for Yourself
Ask God to open your eyes to see the harvest around you. John 4:35
Ask God to break your heart over the condition of the lost. Romans 10:1
Ask God to make you a “fragrant aroma” to those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15
Ask God to help you be a competent minister of the Gospel. 2 Corinthians 3:6
Pray that you will reveal Christ’s light in the darkness. Ephesians 5:8-10
Ask God to help you fearlessly share the Gospel message. Ephesians 6:19-20
Ask to live a life worthy of the Gospel and to stand firm in opposition. Philippians 1:27-28
Ask for opportunities and help to proclaim Christ clearly and graciously. Colossians 4:2-6
Ask the Spirit to infuse your testimony with His power. 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Pray that you will always be prepared to answer those who ask you about your faith. 1 Peter 3:15
10 #ScripturePrayers to #pray for yourself as you share #Jesus
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10 Scripture Prayers for Others
Ask God to make them hungry & thirsty for righteousness. John 6:35
Ask the Father to draw them to Jesus. John 6:44
Pray they would listen to Jesus’ voice and follow Him. John 10:27
Ask the Spirit to convict them of sin and righteousness. John 16:8
Ask the Holy Spirit to give them understanding of spiritual things. 1 Corinthians 2:11-12
Ask God to remove the “veil” from their hearts and minds to see Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:15-16
Ask God to “reconcile” them to Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:20
Pray they’ll respond to the Spirit’s conviction and receive God’s message. 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6
Pray they will receive God’s Word and it would do its work. 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Pray they will recognize they’re sinners, confess their sin, and turn to God. 1 John 1:8-10
10 #ScripturePrayers to #pray for others as you share #Jesus w/ them
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I’d love for us to pray right here today! Feel free to share a prayer or ask for prayer!
#Printable #SharingJesus #PrayerGuide
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The post Sharing Jesus Prayer Guide appeared first on Kathy Howard.
February 22, 2016
8 Characteristics of Godly Wisdom
I’ve been watching the presidential campaign with interest and, quite frankly, concern. Will we be able to see through all the political junk and elect the person who has the ability and wisdom to best lead America?
Last week, I prepared a Bible study lesson on the wisdom of God for our small group. I thought about these candidates. Which of them possess the wisdom that comes from God?
Whether we are deciding how to vote or seeking to live our own lives with God’s wisdom, it’s important to know what His wisdom looks like so we can recognize it, live by it.
8 characteristics of #GodlyWisdom. Evaluate the #PresidentialCandidates
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What is Godly Wisdom?
Wisdom is not the same as knowledge. We can know a lot of stuff and still be foolish. You don’t have to look far to see examples – just listen to a presidential debate. I love this description of godly wisdom from Wayne Grudem in his book “Systematic Theology.” (By the way, this is a staple for your library if you want to study God’s Word!)
“God’s wisdom means that God always chooses the best goals and the best means to those goals. This definition goes beyond the idea of God knowing all things and specifies that God’s decisions about what He will do are always wise decisions: that is, they always will bring about the best results (from God’s ultimate perspective), and they will bring about those results through the best possible means.”
Applied to us, if we want to be truly wise, we will make decisions and act in ways to move toward God’s ultimate best.
How Do We Get Godly Wisdom?
Wisdom is found in and begins with God. We find true wisdom on the basis of our relationship with Him. We find true wisdom by humbly submitting to God and obeying His commands.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding.” Psalm 111:10
Here’s the kicker – the flip side of that is also true. If we don’t yield to God and His good leadership, but instead follow our own will, way, and “wisdom,” then we are really foolish.
#Wisdom. What it is, where it comes from, what it looks like
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What does Wisdom Look Like? 8 Characteristics of Wisdom
8 characteristics of #GodlyWisdom from #James3
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We could scour the book of Proverbs and come up with a long, long list of characteristics. But there’s this great passage in James that packs a lot into just a few verses. The following characteristics are based on James 3:13-18:
Humble – Wise people don’t constantly brag, boast, or display a prideful attitude.
Good deeds – Wise people live an upright and moral life.
Gentle – Wise people treat others with care and respect.
Considerate – Wise people put the needs of others ahead of themselves whenever possible.
Peace-loving – Wise people don’t foster division. Instead they work to end strife and turmoil.
Merciful – Wise people demonstrate compassion, forgiveness, and kindness to others.
Sincere – Wise people are genuine, real, and honest; not deceitful, hypocritical, or false.
Impartial – Wise people are fair and just. They do not show partiality to others for their own benefit.
This is a serious and specific list. Do you know anyone who is wise? Do any of the presidential candidates measure up to this list? If their life demonstrates these characteristics then I would say “yes.” If not, then maybe not. I must admit, this list challenges me. I want my life to demonstrate godly wisdom. What about you?
8 characteristics of #GodlyWisdom. Any of the #candidates measure up??
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Do you know anyone that is truly, biblically wise? I’d love to hear about them.
You may also be interested in this post: “Wisdom: Why, Where, and How”
Check out Wayne Grudem’s book “Systematic Theology”
The post 8 Characteristics of Godly Wisdom appeared first on Kathy Howard.
February 18, 2016
Have you ever forsaken God?
I can see a lot of us shaking our heads and saying, “No! I have never forsaken God!” If you are a Christian, this thought probably seems shocking and unimaginable. But let’s pause for a moment to consider if we have ever left God behind or forgotten about Him for a time.
Have you forsaken God?
Have you #ForsakenGod? 4 signs
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Here are just a few ways we may have forsaken God:
Doubted God’s goodness, faithfulness, or provision during times of difficulty
Forgot that God was in control and took matters into our own hands
Failed to give God glory or recognition when He answered our prayers
Didn’t remember God’s past mighty works or intervention on our behalf
I don’t know about you, but I must admit that I have forsaken God. My friend Janet Thompson addresses this topic in her new book, “Forsaken God: Remembering the Goodness of God our Culture has Forgotten.” In Forsaken God?, Janet helps us recall our own memories of God and learn new ways to remember God’s goodness. She also shows us the power of sharing those memories with the next generation.
Today, Janet shares some thoughts from Forsaken God? to help put us on a path of remembering our great God!
Today’s culture is quickly forgetting the goodness and power of our Great God. If we don’t remember what God has already done, we won’t believe what He is capable of doing in the future. Memory builds faith.
The Bible describes the potential destruction to people who forget and forsake God. The dangers are paramount. We read the Old Testament and lament at how forgetful the Israelites were of God’s goodness. Every time he did something good for them, they started grumbling that they needed something else.
God was only as good as the next miracle or provision. A forsaken God.
We wonder at how the Israelites could be so blind and ungrateful. Why couldn’t they trust that a God who provided and protected them in the past, would do the same in the present and future? But are we any different today?
Our memories tend to be very short. God has done amazing things in our lives, but when the next crisis arises, we panic that He might not show up for us this time. Or when prayers are answered, we might take credit ourselves or offer praise to someone else instead of giving God the glory and recognition he deserves.
We would never intentionally forsake God, but if we’re honest, we do unintentionally forget Him.
We live in a world today that is quickly trying to eliminate God from the public square and even in the private domain. Christians must help a lost world remember God and that starts with remembering him ourselves.
Questions and tips to help you remember #GodsGoodness #JanetThompson
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Questions to Prompt Your Memory
Use the following four questions to get the memories flowing. Have a journal or notebook ready to record what God brings to mind:
What has God been doing in your life?
How did you become a Christian?
How does God help you through the day?
How did God answer a prayer request?
Helps to Remember the Future
Now with some past memories firmly in place, let’s be purposeful in recognizing and remembering the things God will do in the future. Here are some ways to capture them:
Take pictures
Journal
Read our Bibles
Receive Communion
Keep an ongoing “thankful list”
Join a small group
Share with others
What other ways can you think of to remember and share the goodness of God?
#ForsakenGod? #JanetThompson helps us remember #GodsGoodness
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Janet’s book is challenging and practical. If you want to cling to the goodness of God and share it with the next generation, get a copy of Forsaken God?” today! Each chapter includes questions and conversation starters for discussion in small groups, Bible study groups, book clubs, mentors and mentees, or with family and friends.
Forsaken God? is available at:
Christian bookstores
Amazon
Christianbook.com
You can also get a signed copy at Janet’s website.
The post Have you ever forsaken God? appeared first on Kathy Howard.
February 15, 2016
Special Place in Hell?
A little over a week ago at a rally for presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright made a bold declaration about hell:
“There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other.”
This is not the first time Secretary Albright has used this line. She’s recycled many times over the last ten or twelve years. It’s even appeared on the side of Starbucks cups. But the underlying message this time was specific and unique. “Women who don’t vote for Hillary for president will experience special punishment in the hereafter.”
Now, I don’t think Albright really believes that. She’s merely using the statement to shame any woman who dare not vote for the female presidential candidate. But I do think it’s foolish to speak about hell so casually. Hell is no joke. And it’s certainly no laughing matter.
I have no idea what Secretary Albright really believes about hell. But her statement last week got me thinking. I don’t think I’ve ever written a post about hell before so I’ll keep this really basic – for your sake as well as mine!
3 basic truths the #Bible teaches about #hell
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3 Primary Truths the Bible Teaches about Hell
Hell does exist – Numerous New Testament passages speak of the reality of hell (Matthew 10:28, Luke 16:19-24). Jesus Himself clearly taught about two distinct eternal destines (Matthew 13:40-43, Matthew 25:31-46).
Hell is a place of eternal punishment – In hell, God’s righteous wrath will be poured out for all eternity (Matthew 25:46, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 14:9-14). But back to Albright’s “special place” statement, are there “special places” in hell? The Bible does seem to indicate more severe punishment for those who’ve had greater opportunities to believe in Jesus (Matthew 11:20-24, Luke 12:47-48).
Hell is reserved for those without a saving relationship with Jesus – Here’s the biggest thing Secretary Albright got wrong. We won’t go to hell if we don’t vote for Hillary. We won’t go to hell if we aren’t “good enough.” No, the thing that sends us to hell is rejection of the one true Savior, Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, John 3:16-18).
But the Good News is…
I know, we need some Good News about now. The Bible says that God doesn’t want anyone to go to hell. God wants all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9). Our sins have separated us from God and earned us the death penalty (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23). Without Jesus we all stand condemned (John 3:16). But because of His great love for us, God sent His Son to take our punishment (John 3:16). Jesus’ death is sufficient to cover the sins of the world. God extends this forgiveness if we will but receive it through Jesus. Anyone who believe in Him is NOT condemned (John 3:18). Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13).
Yes, hell is real. Yes, hell is horrible. No hell is not reserved for those who don’t vote for Hillary. But it is reserved for those who don’t call on Jesus. You can know Him today!
Have you called on the name of Jesus for eternal salvation?
To learn more about what the Bible teaches about hell, an excellent resource is “Erasing Hell” by Francis Chan.
The post Special Place in Hell? appeared first on Kathy Howard.
February 11, 2016
Do you Trust Your Emotions or God’s Truth?
God tricked me. He made me believe He had fixed things. Then He pulled the rug out from under me. He didn’t see. He didn’t care. He couldn’t – or wouldn’t – intervene.
At least that was the way I felt.
But, then out of the dark, He whispered. I see you. I care. I am working.
I had to make a choice. Would I trust my feelings or God’s truth? Would I believe my temporary physical circumstances or believe the One who even raises up nations to carry out His purposes?
Eventually, I chose to trust and believe God and His truth. But not before I spent some time wallowing in the lies of my emotions.
Do #trust your #emotions or #GodsTruth?
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What about you? Have your emotions ever lied to you? Difficulties, trials, struggles, and grief can foster emotions that deceive us and lead us away from God’s truth. They tell us things like:
God can’t do anything with this.
God doesn’t see your struggle.
God doesn’t care that you’re hurting.
God is too busy to do anything for you.
Any of those things sound familiar? We cannot trust our emotions. Our feelings will mislead us, but God never will. I learned I can choose to stand on God’s truth even when my emotions are trying to drag me under. When the world is shaking around me, I can run to our unshakeable God and stand firm on His truth.
Is your life shaking right now? Choose to stand on God’s truth no matter what your circumstances or your emotions may say. The following truths rebut some of the major lies our feelings tell.
Don’t #trust your #emotions. 5 #truths for #UnshakeableFatih
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5 Truths to Stand on for an Unshakeable Faith
God Can – Our all-powerful, sovereign God is always in control and always working in every situation. Even when we can’t see Him. (Jeremiah 32:17)
God Sees – God sees and knows about every aspect of our lives and the world condition. (Psalm 139:1-4)
God Cares – God doesn’t simply see your struggles, He cares about every aspect of your life. He knows your needs and He wants to meet them. (Matthew 6:25-34)
God is Present – God is always with His children. He never leaves us. Even when we don’t sense His presence He is there. (Isaiah 43:2)
God is Working – Even when we can’t see Him, God is constantly working out His eternal purposes through events, nations, and powers to accomplish His purposes in the world. And He is constantly working through the circumstances of our lives to bring about His perfect good. (Romans 8:28)
Last weekend at a conference, I shared these truths with about 250 women. Even though these truths are clear and simple, they are hard to remember when life starts to shake. So, we connected these five truths to something that’s with us all the time. Then we created a visual to keep and put somewhere we will see it often.
We stood and claimed the five truths, counting them off on each finger of our right hand. Then they traced their hands on a large index card and wrote one truth on each finger. One of the young women turned hers into a work of art! So I asked if I could snap a photo.
Perhaps your life is shaking right now. The world will never provide us with firm footing, but we can stand unshakeable when we choose to stand on God and His truth.
“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:4
Which of these 5 truths most speaks to your situation today? Will you choose to trust the LORD, the Rock eternal?
The post Do you Trust Your Emotions or God’s Truth? appeared first on Kathy Howard.
February 8, 2016
14 Ways to Show Love to Those You Love
It’s that time of year again. People are busy deciding how they will show love to their Valentines. Sales of cards, chocolates, and flowers will go through the roof! But even for a big chocolate lover like me, those things don’t show real love.
How will you express your love? It’s easy to buy a gift and say a few words. But, the Bible’s definition of love sets the bar much higher.
The apostle John said it this way: “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18, NIV). So, if love is action, how do we love? Below are 14 ways from Scripture that you can actively show love to the people you love.
This is printable! Click to enlarge & print!
14 Biblical Ways to Show Love
Help them out of a tight spot – When Jesus attended a wedding with His mother, she asked Him to help the hosts when they ran out of wine. We may not be able to miraculously solve a problem, but God has gifted us in other ways to help. (John 2:1-11)
Get them help when you can’t help them – A paralyzed man received healing from Jesus because his friends dropped him through a roof at Jesus’ feet. They were willing to do whatever it took it to get help for their friend! (Mark 2:1-12)
Pray for them – The Bible is full of people praying for the ones they love. The church prayed for Peter in jail (Acts 12:5). Jesus prayed for the disciples (John 17:6-19). Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers (Ephesians1:15-23).
Rebuke them when needed – Sometimes the best way we can love someone is by confronting their sinful, destructive behavior (Proverbs 27:6, Matthew18:15-17).
Freely forgive offenses – Jesus eliminated the limit on forgiveness when Peter asked how many times he should forgive (Matthew 18:21-22). Some hurts seem unforgivable, but with God’s help it’s possible to “promote love” through forgiveness (Proverbs 17:9).
Humbly serve them – Jesus set the example (John 13:1-17). He calls us – His followers – to also humbly and graciously serve others (Gal 5:13).
Meet their physical needs – Scripture is clear. If we see a brother in need, have the means to help but don’t, our love for God should be questioned (1 John 3:17).
Rejoice and mourn with them – We show deep care for others when their hurts and joys are also ours. Don’t hold back. Let the tears and the cheers flow! (1 Cor 12:25-26).
Show kindness to someone they love – King David expressed his deep bond of friendship for Jonathan by caring for Jonathan’s crippled son Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13).
Intercede with others on their behalf – Could your influence help a loved one? Barnabas smoothed the way for Paul with the Jerusalem church leaders (Acts 9:27-30). Paul wrote to Philemon appealing for Onesimus the runaway slave (Philemon 8-11).
Help two loved ones work out their differences – Does strife exist between two people you love? Be a mediator and help them mend their relationship. Paul asked the believers in Philippi help two women in their church (Philippians 4:2-3).
Introduce them to Jesus – Does a loved one desperately need to know Jesus? Share the Good News! Andrew introduced his brother Peter to Jesus (John 1:35-42).
Encourage and disciple them in their relationship with Christ – The author of Hebrews tells us to “spur one another on to good works” and “encourage one another” daily (Hebrews 10:24-25).
“Lay down your life!” – Seems pretty drastic, but that’s exactly how Jesus showed His love for us (John 15:12-13). The basic principle has much broader application than actual physical death. Jesus calls us to unselfishly seek put others ahead of ourselves.
Want to show #RealLove this #Valentines? 14 ways from #Bible
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Wow! Buying a card and a box of chocolates is a lot easier. But Hallmark and Hershey doesn’t say love like real love in action. Show somebody you love them today!
Who can you show love to today? How will you show it?
The post 14 Ways to Show Love to Those You Love appeared first on Kathy Howard.
February 4, 2016
God is Eternal. So what?
Have you ever studied or mediated on an aspect of God and it totally blew your mind? Last week, in preparation to teach a Bible study class, I dug into the truth that God is eternal. My brain hurt before I was done.
What does it mean that God is “eternal?” Honestly, I can’t fully answer that question because I don’t have the capacity to understand it myself. However, I did learn some things you might find helpful too.
The Bible expresses God’s eternal nature
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible uses words and phrases to express the eternality of God. Here is a sample:
Eternal God (Genesis 21:33)
Everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 90:2)
In the beginning was the Word (John 1:1)
Without beginning of days or end of life (Hebrews 7:3)
The One who was and is and is to come (Revelation 1:4)
Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)
The First and the Last (Revelation 1:17)
Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13)
I am (used more than 5,000 times in the Old Testament)
9 words and phrases the Bible uses to express God’s #eternal nature
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“I am” or Yahweh is the name God gave to Moses from the burning bush. It expresses existence. The One who exists. God simply is.
God has no beginning and no end. He is ever-continuing and never ceasing. God’s existence is independent of anything and everything. He is totally self-sufficient. He has everything within Himself and needs nothing.
Our eternal God’s relationship to time
God exists before and outside of time. He is independent of time constraints and considerations. Therefore, God’s experience of time is qualitatively different than ours. A thousand years is like a day and a day like a thousand years to Him. Every moment in time is “present” to God. He is present in every moment of time. God can see all events in time equally vividly, yet He can also act in any moment of time.
Does your brain hurt yet?
As I studied and mediated on these truths, some implications began to come to mind. If God is eternal and exists outside of time, as we know it, then what does that mean for us in this life right now?
Here are a few key things that are applicable to all of us:
God has a different perspective than we do and thus a different set of priorities.
Though God cares deeply about our temporal, physical circumstances, eternal things are even more important.
God’s plans and purposes are already accomplished in eternity even though we may not yet see them realized in history.
God is constantly working in our individual lives and history’s stage to fulfill His eternal purposes.
#God is #eternal. 4 implications for your life today
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These truths encourage and comfort me! My perspective is so limited compared to God’s. I may see only trials, and struggles, and grief, but I can rest in the fact that God sees the end from the beginning. And I can fully trust Him to be faithful and to work out all these things for my good and for His great glory (Romans 8:28).
Are there shaky or difficult circumstances in your life now? How can the great truth that God is eternal change your perspective?
The post God is Eternal. So what? appeared first on Kathy Howard.
February 1, 2016
10 Things to Pray for Persecuted Christians
“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). These words penned by the apostle Paul in the first century still play out today on the world stage. Now, in the 21st century, Christians endure everything from minor harassment to extreme violence and murder, precisely because they follow Jesus Christ.
When I hear these stories or read another tragic account, the need to pray overwhelms me. Yet, I feel so inadequate about how and what to pray. My first thought is to pray for their physical deliverance – to pray that all believers would have the same freedom to worship Christ that we enjoy here in America.
I want to beg God to deliver them from their persecutors, to petition heaven that all persecution will end.
And I do pray that. But God has also been shifting my perspective on the persecution of believers, how He uses it, and how it fits into His overall purposes. I don’t mean to say – nor do I believe – that God causes or brings the persecution. But somehow, in His mysterious economy, He chooses to use it. (For more on a biblical perspective of Christian persecution read this post.)
Under this paradigm, praying solely for the persecution to end felt weak and powerless. So I asked God to teach me how to pray for His people enduring great suffering for the name of Christ.
The Holy Spirit led me to God’s Word for the answer. He prompted me to look up passages about sharing in the sufferings of Christ. For that is what our brothers and sisters around the world are doing – sharing in Jesus’ sufferings.
These passages gave me some direction, some catalyst for my prayers. The following 10 “prayers” come straight from Scripture. (Download the printable PDF and put it in your Bible!).
10 #ScripturePrayers for #persecuted Christians
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10 Scripture Prayers for the Persecuted
That they would experience the overflowing comfort of Christ through the very real and abundant presence of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
That their lives would produce patient endurance (2 Corinthians 1:6-8).
That they would learn to rely totally on God (2 Corinthians 1:9)
That God would help them maintain an eternal perspective, keeping Christ above all earthly things (Philippians 3:7-9).
That they would know Christ deeply and intimately (Philippians 3:10).
That Christ’s resurrection power would flood their lives (Philippians 3:10).
That their suffering for Christ would be a clear, strong testimony to Christ, bringing Him glory (1 Peter 3:15-16).
That they would experience overwhelming joy as they participate in the sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:12-14).
That their hearts would swell with praise for God (1 Peter 4:16).
And finally, for their ultimate deliverance and glory in Christ (Romans 8:17-18).
Will you join me in using these prompts to pray for these suffering believers? Let’s pray for Christians around the world who are being persecuted because of Christ. May His name be glorified!
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