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Do Not Depart

Encouragement and Tools to Abide in God's Word

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Is your faith on firm ground?

February 28, 2011 by ScriptureDig 4 Comments

Does what we believe about God, who He is, and how He works really matter in our lives? Not just yes, but absolutely yes! What we believe about God shapes our attitudes, determines our behavior, and fosters our motivations. For instance, if I believe that God is sovereign – that He has control over everything in this world – then I don’t have to fear the outcome of world events or events in my own life because I know that He is working in and through it all for His purposes.

All month long here at Scripture Dig we’ve been digging into doctrine. We examined Scripture to see what we should believe about God. Today, I want to share a resource with you that can help you use doctrine to build a faith strong enough to weather every storm of life. Unshakeable Faith is an 8-session Bible study that examines the life and teachings of Peter. God grew Peter from a fearful believer that denied Christ to a bold, fearless believer who was willing to die for his faith.

Unshakeable Faith discovers those faith characteristics God built into Peter’s life that helped him stand firm even in the face of martyrdom.

Over the last few years, many Christian women I love and admire have endured difficult circumstances such as life-threatening illness, divorce, death of a child, and financial hardship. The quality of their faith significantly affected how they endured these trials and how God worked in them for His glory. God strengthened and guided them through their close relationship with Jesus. This book includes some of their stories. Readers get to see how their faith keeps them standing firm.

A strong faith in Jesus Christ does work in real life!

This study also focuses on personal application. Learning about God, His ways, and what He desires for us is wonderful. But if we don’t apply what He teaches us, let it shape our lives, we fall short of the full purpose of study. Unshakeable Faith not only leads readers into learning God’s Word, but it also purposefully helps readers apply it. Doctrine – what we believe about God – does matter in our daily lives.

Is your faith strong enough to stand firm in trials? Do you want a faith that is truly unshakeable?

The study is available at most online bookstores and many Christian bookstores. If your local bookstore does not carry it more than likely they can order it for you. You can read a little more about the study on my website. Here are a few links to online stores.

Amazon

Christian Book

Barnes & Noble

New Hope Publishers

Thankful in all things?

November 11, 2010 by ScriptureDig 1 Comment

We’ve all heard the old saying, “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” But for Christians, both desperate and delightful times call for thanksgiving. Monday and Tuesday we saw examples from Hannah’s and Job’s lives and yesterday Kristi shared from a difficult season of her own. Today I want to sum it all up and give us a bit of a “how to.”

If you are anything like me, you may find it relatively easy to thank God when your life is filled with good things and easy circumstances. But according to God’s Word, Christians should be thankful in all circumstances. Not just when we are healthy, all the bills are paid, and there are no rebellious children under our roofs, but all the time, in every circumstance – good and bad.

Humanly speaking, this does not make sense. When things are tough, we humans naturally moan and complain, not offer words of gratitude. But God’s ways are often contrary to our faulty human logic. So, I turned to Scripture to find His answers to the following questions:

  • What does God want me to do in difficult circumstances?
  • Why should I give thanks in difficult circumstances?
  • How can I be thankful in difficult circumstances?

What does God want me to do in difficult circumstances?

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:16-18.

Joy in the midst of difficult circumstances is unique to the Christian life. So is thanksgiving in all circumstances. Yet, God calls His children to this very thing. In fact, according to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, it is His will for us. Joy and thanksgiving in trial are possible because Christ is also unique to the Christian life. Jesus is present even in the hard times.

Why should I give thanks in difficult circumstances?

When we suffer trials and difficulties our faith is tested. This testing strengthens our endurance and refines and purifies our faith, moving us toward spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4). Faith that has been refined and proven genuine then brings praise, glory, and honor to Jesus (1 Peter 1:6-7).

We can also trust that God is using every circumstance He allows into our lives for our good. When we love Him and are living for Him, He uses every aggravation, frustration, grief, and pain to work out His greater plan for our lives. He weaves each tear we cry into the intricate pattern of His perfect will.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, and have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

How can I be thankful in difficult circumstances?

The quick answer is “rest” and “pray.” Rest in God’s sure presence and continually lift up your concerns to God in prayer. Read Psalm 46:1-3 and rejoice in God’s promise! Although the mountains break apart and fall into the sea, God promises to be our strength and our “ever-present help.” Hallelujah! No matter what tragedy may come your way, you can take refuge in the safe arms of God.

While you’re running into God’s arms start praying and don’t stop. Give Him every worry, every doubt, every fear. Thank Him for how He will use your circumstances to ultimately bring Him glory and ask Him for the strength to endure. Then His peace – which transcends all human logic and understanding – will flood your heart and mind (Phil 4:6-7). Amen and amen.

Do you have a testimony to share with us? A time that God held you through a difficult circumstance and you were able to offer Him thanksgiving in the midst of it?

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