Along
the way in the journey of life, I have encountered individuals who have
extraordinary peace, contentment, and happiness from the inside-out . . . even
in the worst of times.
The thing is . . . these also are the individuals who have experienced a spiritual drought . . . or something
so challenging . . .
so difficult . . . that nothing and nobody could help them find a portion of peace, contentment or happiness . . .
so they turned to God and received a strength that was beyond their trial.
What did they do?
They learned to devote their attention to God rather than to the circumstance.
The early church portrayed an intimate devotion to God. Acts 2:37-47 paints the picture of a community of devoted followers to Christ.
How did they do it? How did they stay devoted when life got tough . . . during trials . . . hardships . . . opposition . . . and even persecution?
The thing is . . . these also are the individuals who have experienced a spiritual drought . . . or something
so challenging . . .
so difficult . . . that nothing and nobody could help them find a portion of peace, contentment or happiness . . .
so they turned to God and received a strength that was beyond their trial.
What did they do?
They learned to devote their attention to God rather than to the circumstance.
The early church portrayed an intimate devotion to God. Acts 2:37-47 paints the picture of a community of devoted followers to Christ.
How did they do it? How did they stay devoted when life got tough . . . during trials . . . hardships . . . opposition . . . and even persecution?
The Apostle Paul said :
Keep alert,
stand firm in your
faith,
Meditate
on these components of managing difficult times . . . the relentless daily
decision to live devoted to God:
Keep alert: Be on the alert for things that distract and take our focus from God.
Keep alert: Be on the alert for things that distract and take our focus from God.
Stand
firm in your faith: Keep the stance of faith regardless of
difficulties, disappointments, and challenges of life.
Be
courageous: Face circumstances with the firm
conviction that God will never leave or forsake you . . . empowered through the
Spirit.
Be
strong: Respond by surrendering the situation,
worries, wants and needs to the guidance and direction of the Spirit.
Strength comes through total reliance on God.
Let
all that you do be done in love: Allow the love of God
to flow through you . . . even when someone is difficult to get along with . .
. it is an incredible experience to love through the love of God.
Intentionally
follow Christ. . . as a fully devoted follower.
Learning
with you to KICK START the day . . . devoted to Christ.
Pastor Kerrie
(written by
Kerrie Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)
interactstudies/ ~ kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnv,lle, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/
interactstudies/ ~ kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnv,lle, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/