A Well-Lived Life

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Throughout the ages people have asked how a loving God could allow suffering in the world. And in the depths of my despair I too have asked that same question. How could my Father let me, His child, become broken, in pain, and filled with sorrow? But time, hindsight, and prayer have taught me that instead of asking why, I simply need to trust. Trust that no matter the suffering I endure, God always has a purpose for my pain. As long as there is sin, there will be suffering. And whether or not we know the reason behind God letting it in our lives, of this we can be certain. He will never make us suffer alone. For, “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart” (Ps. 34:18) Not a single tear we cry goes unnoticed by our Father in heaven, who collects each and every one in His bottle. (Ps. 56:8) And if we let Him, He will be there each step of the way. Lovingly God will see us through the pain, ready, willing, and able to fill our aching hearts with peace and gladness.

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Psalm 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
“Father, enable my heart to trust You. May fears subside as I look to You to be my shelter, my strength, my shield.”

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"But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me." -Psalm 13:5 NLT

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“Nothing has really changed for us since these words from Hebrews were written - same God, same promises, same hope of glory. So breathe deeply, think rationally and biblically, and remember this: The One True Expert, who is never mistaken, is getting all this correct as He sits on the heavenly throne. And the Bible has already instructed you how to respond to difficult situations, and that is with joy; yes, with joy! So do not throw away your confidence; it will richly be rewarded.”
-Pastor Todd Bordow

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"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." -James 1:19 NLT

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In times of old, watchmen were placed on city walls and in towers overlooking fields. Always at their post, these watchmen were ready to sound the warning bell when danger was near. God called the prophet Ezekiel to be a watchman for the unrepentant house of Israel. A call He gives to us as well. We are to be on constant guard, blowing the trumpet of warning to an unrepentant world. Cautioning all about the danger of rejecting God’s gift of salvation, choosing instead to live in rebellion and disobedience. Not a popular message in today’s society of “if it feels good, do it!” But a message desperately needed all the same. God gave Ezekiel strength harder than flint to see His will done, and the courage to deliver His message. And when we walk in obedience, God will do the same for us. Because the Lord never asks anything of anyone without providing the means to accomplish the task at hand!

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"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you." -Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT

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Many Christians struggle with forgiveness. We understand the concept in our heads, but fail to receive it in our hearts. And often times, we are far more willing to extend forgiveness to others then we are to ourselves. Needlessly we carry around the burden of guilt, shame, and pain. We fear our sin is too great for God to forgive. And why would He forgive us anyway when we fail him daily? But those feelings and thoughts are lies from Satan who wants nothing more then to keep us from experiencing victory and God's sweet presence in our lives. The truth is, when we confess and repent God promises to remove our sin from us as far as the "east is from the west." (Ps. 103:12). So when you falter, talk to God. Draw near to the Lord, telling Him what you've done. Then forgive yourself as God forgives you. And most importantly, don't get discouraged. Because even when we stumble, God is faithful to forgive!

Our nation was forever changed 21 years ago today. We the nearly 3,000 people killed at the hands of Islamic terrorists, the heroes who ran into the fire to try to rescue the injured or trapped, and the families who suffered the tragic loss of loved ones on that day. We also remember afterward, how our churches were packed as we cried out to God for help and protection. Our need for Him is no less today. “God is our refuge and strength…” (Psalm 46:1). I hope you will join me in lifting this country and our leaders up in prayer.

(Photograph by Thomas E. Franklin)

Always choose faith! 🙏🏻❤️

"But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble." -1 Corinthians 8:9 NLT

What is you favorite song to sing to God?

God’s gift of emotions is a double edged sword. For with one side we experience love, joy, and gratitude. Yet with the other, pain, fear, and doubt. And make no mistake. Satan wields the bitter side of that blade ferociously and without mercy. But get this. He can only attack if we let him. You heard me. The Enemy can only strike when we allow him a foothold into our hearts and minds. Paul makes it very clear in his letter to Timothy, that God fills our spirits with His strength, power and love. (2 Timothy) The very same power flowing through Jesus as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and walked on water, resides in us! And that power of God waits with an extended hand for us to grab hold. Because overcoming fear is a two person operation. God gives us the power, but we have to use our sound minds to practice self control. Meaning we are to actively and intentionally take ahold of our thoughts. And filter those thoughts through the sieve of God’s truth instead of Satan’s lies.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28 NLT

Bible prophecy is being fulfilled at record speed before our very eyes. And many Bible scholars believe we are indeed living in the last days. Everyone can feel a shift happening. Christians are keeping their eyes on the skies, for they know their redemption draws near. Believers who may have put God on the back burner are now seeking Him with renewed interest. Even the secular world has become fascinated with what the Bible says about Armageddon. And as the return of the Lord grows closer, times will grow more evil. The fiery darts of the Enemy will fly fast and furious. For Satan knows he is living on borrowed time, and wants to inflict as much damage as he can. But like Paul, no matter how dark the world grows before the glorious dawn, we needn’t fear. Because the Lord is faithful. And until the time He calls us home, He will protect, provide, and bring good from bad.

If God has called you to do something, he'll provide what you need through it. It's a promise! 🙌

Loving others isn’t an easy thing to do. Yet that’s just the call God gives to us. And although no one can love unconditionally and perfectly like Jesus, we do need to show each other that same Christlike love. That means practicing patience and kindness even when we are frustrated with those around us. And finding joy instead of envy at another’s blessings. Christlike love isn’t based in arrogance or pride. It doesn’t intentionally provoke others nor keep a record of wrongs committed against us. It’s a selfless love, that is demonstrated through action. And is perfectly exampled by Jesus on the Cross. When describing love, St. Augustine said, “Love has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.” Such a love is impossible in our own strength, but through God all things are possible, including loving the unlovable.