Choosing the Pathway of Truth

Because we have spent time in our books and Bibles during the last several months, we have been reminded weekly that Satan is the author of all lies. He doesn't care what we believe as long as we do not believe the Truth. We have learned how to recognize his lies, and then how to immediately refute each one with the Truth of God's Word. If we find ourselves repeating a sin again and again, we must remember that we have power over it when we embrace the Truth and act upon it instead of the lie.

We will spin our wheels if we attempt to find the power to overcome sin anywhere except through Jesus Christ. He tells us, "I am the way the truth and the life..." Our own human reasoning cannot free us from the bondage of Satan's lies and our sin. We must not delay, but go quickly to the Word of God, which has the power to set us free. The Lord is faithful and will not hide His ways from us.

Isaiah 55:8-9, "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'"

Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

Satan does not grow weary of lying, and he roams his domain "like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). His goal is to destroy Christians, so we must always stand ready and remain alert. The best way to prepare for battle is to know your Sword and how to to use it. Your Sword is your Bible.

Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day."

As we remain commited to always choosing the pathway of truth, may we also remain commited to always cry out to our Lord for His unending love and mercy as we take the next step. He will never leave or forsake us.

Love, Karen

Our Ultimate Goal

Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

2 Corinthians, "For our light affliction which is but for a moment is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Our troubles must not diminish our faith or disillusion us. There is a purpose for our suffering; however, as we experience the problems, we are tempted to focus on the pain rather than on our ultimate goal.

When we are faced with terrible illness, persecution, or pain of any kind, we have a steadfast hope in the Truth of God's Word. Namely, the realization that this life is not all there is -- there is life after death! Knowing that we will live forever in Heaven with God where there is no sin and suffering can help us live above the pain that we face in this life.

Meanwhile, we have a comforting promise as we live in this world:

Psalm 34:17-18, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."

The Lord is near, and that knowledge brings us profound comfort.

Love, Karen

Responding to Persecution

While we realize that much of the suffering we endure comes from sickness, accidents, loss, and death, we would be wise to examine other forms that result from what the Bible calls persecution.

Matthew 5:11, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake."

It is not within our carnal nature to respond correctly when we are reviled, mocked, harrassed, or slandered. Our first response may very well be to shout back, to defend ourselves, or even to take revenge. That is why it is vital that we know the instructions of God's Word, and in the following instances, the Lord teaches us from the example of the life of Jesus.

Hebrews 5:8, "Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered."

1 Peter 2:20b-21, "But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps."

The twelve disciples all experienced great persecution, and yet Peter exhorts us in his epistle how to respond with a blessing when persecution comes, and then refers to Psalm 34.

I Peter 3:8-12, "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling or reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For 'He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous; and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Neither was it in the carnal nature of Peter to respond to persecution in a Godly manner, and yet "he learned obedience by the things he suffered" and he developed the qualities of compassion, love, and courtesy along the way.

We are learning that it is indeed necessary for us to experience suffering. Our author tells us that suffering is a pathway to sanctification, a doorway into greater intimacy with God.

May we embrace this Truth, and may we obtain mercy and grace from our Heavenly Father as we meditate on its significance.

Love, Karen

Thoughts on Suffering

Acts 14:21-22, "And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, 'We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.'"

Paul and Barnabas returned to visit the believers in all the cities where they had recently been threatened and physically attacked. They understood the meaning of tribulation and received it as a necessary plight of their Christian experience. Their calling from God was to encourage the new believers throughout the region. On their first trip, they endured physical violence, and now they faced a second tour of the same area.

I Peter 4:12-14a, "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."

The Lie that causes many Christians to fall away: "I Shouldn't Have to Suffer."

Many women dream of living a trouble-free, serene life void of contentions and conflict. What a wonderful picture! One day, for Christians, this dream will come true -- but not this side of heaven. Meanwhile, until that time, we live in a world that is not comparable to paradise, and we are surrounded by people who are not angel-like. Now what?

The answer is to draw near to your Heavenly Father, the One Who guides you, nurtures you, and loves you. He is with you in the suffering, teaching and instructing you how to endure, how to be patient, and how to cry out for deliverance. I Peter 5:10, "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."

Heavenly Father, thank You that I never suffer alone. You understand my weakness and stand ready to walk along side of me, comfort me, and rejoice with me as I rejoice in You! Thank You for counting me worthy. I love You. Amen.

Love, Karen