Finishing the Course
So many start the Christian life like a lightning flash—hot, fast and dazzling. But how many people (aged 65 and over) can you name who are finishing the course with sustained enthusiasm and vigour?
So many start the Christian life like a lightning flash—hot, fast and dazzling. But how many people (aged 65 and over) can you name who are finishing the course with sustained enthusiasm and vigour?
How few are those who see beyond the danger...who say to those on the edge of some venture, “Go for it!” I suppose it's related to one's inner ability to imagine, to envision, to be enraptured by the unseen, all the hazards and hardships notwithstanding.
There was a process during which Peter wallowed in remorse, wishing he could, if possible, correct his error...but he couldn’t. And somewhere in the midst of it he heard the Lord say to him, “Peter, I forgive you. I understand.”
Christian leaders with character continue to be in demand. Ezekiel recorded God’s plea for leaders who would “stand in the gap before Me for the land,” but, tragically, He “found no one” (Ezekiel 22:30).
As believers, many of us understand intellectually what it means to be forgiven. We know that Christ’s death atones for our sins. By placing our faith in Him, we are saved into an eternal relationship with our Lord that never changes.
Hope for our great nation rests upon independent thinking and individual effort. The revival of discipline, integrity, work, determination, and healthy pride is not a national matter but a personal one. Frankly—it boils down to one person, you.
Jesus is the central piece of suffering’s puzzle. Only by fitting Him into place can the puzzle begin to make sense. Your gift might very well lead one suffering person to realize that truth, look up, and smile for the first time in a long time.
My friend, if your days have been difficult and nights have been like a tunnel, dark and long, find your comfort in God’s sovereign control and everlasting love. Your Saviour knows your breaking point.
If tears were indelible ink instead of clear fluid, all of us would be stained for life. The heartbreaking circumstances, the sudden loss of someone we simply adored, riding out the consequences of a stupid decision—ah! Such is the groan and grind of life.
As Christians, most of us know that we fight on the frontlines of an invisible war. Unfortunately, there are many who do not realize that. They could be wounded, but nobody notices because they don’t actually bleed.