Sorry, I had an early morning travel day today, so here’s a little something that has been floating around me head.
11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. James 5:11 (NASB)
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.
—Philippians 1:29
Count those trials as blessings!
Its Friday! Yeah! As we head into the weekend, here’s a quick reminder that no matter what burden you may be carrying today it pales in comparison of the glory that awaits.
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
It’s sort of interesting that I now understand those prayers that I heard when I was young describing the greatness of the hope that we have.
Here’s a follow-up to my post last week about how we should pay attention to this whole ISIS thing. The interest is not from a war mongering perspective, but from a “wow, people are hurting, and as a follower of Christ that interests me” perspective. Take some time to listen to this conversation with Jeremy Courtney of Preemptive Love in a recent Relevant Podcast. This guy lives in Iraq, reaching out to people there, sharing and helping them with their needs. He talks a lot about the reality of ISIS and what it means to Christians and non Christians in the region. He also makes some great points about how we can live our lives here in a way that can help with things going on there and how that helps with things here.
Really, take the time and listen, and hear some Lecrae as well.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 (NASB)
Did y’all see this story about the couple in Iowa who gave a large tip to an overworked waiter? That’s pretty cool. I don’t know anything about this couple, except that they have just provided a great example about how to put others in front of yourself and how to consider those around you as more important than yourself. But seriously, we’ve all been there, and it is so easy to look inward and wonder why we are not getting good service. Sure, you are going out, so you deserve it right? Well, spend a little time thinking about the impact that a gesture like this makes on those around you.
And think about how the Christ sort of said that he expects those who follow him to act that way. What would it be like if this story was not extraordinary, but ordinary, because those who wear his name realize that this was what we were put here to do!
yeah.. Let’s be Awesome
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NASB)