The darkness has always been present and will always be present in this world. So, how do we go at life though surrounded by darkness? Do we enter the realm of politics? Do we build bunkers deep below the surface of the earth and move in our families along with tons of supplies? So, how do we go at life though surrounded by darkness? The Psalmist answered that question, and the answer is as much needed today as, perhaps, any point in our lifetimes.
In James 2:24, does James contradict the core Christian doctrine of salvation by faith alone? Have we gotten the Gospel all wrong and are actually we saved by our own works and good deeds?
God will actually give you the desire or the inclination to put into action the things that please Him. In addition, God will actually give you the power to carry out or put into action the things that please Him. That is, God not only gives the inclination, He also gives the ability. Whatever God asks a person to do, He will also give the wherewithal to get it done. It doesn’t matter that it seems impossible or unreasonable, God supplies what He requires, and He does so without fail.
Giving up one’s rights is essential to unity within a congregation, peaceful relationships at home, and freedom from contention and squabbling and pettiness. Most every argument, quarrel and/or dispute that takes place in and around our lives is due to someone claiming a right. Jesus gave us the solution when He set aside His rights. If you miss this, then prepare yourself for a lifetime of wrangling and wrestling with others. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Life can actually become a joy.
Genesis 26 reveals an amazing, incredible picture of God’s grace in that God continued
to bless Isaac though Isaac had chosen a path of disobedience to the will of God.
Genesis 26 also shows us that God’s lordship demands disciplinary measures in spite
of the blessings, and in this case, the immensity of the discipline is measured by the
abundance of blessings. Isaac eventually found his way home, and so can you. When
you finally arrive, you will discover that that God holds no grudges, but instead,
welcomes you home.
Christianity will almost always be at variance with the culture that surrounds it.
However, the dangers posed by our differences with society may not be nearly as
threatening to the life of the church as the dangers posed by the differences that can
and do arise between members of the church. Actually, Paul taught the believers at
Philippi how to find release from the squabbles and clashes that weighted them down
as a congregation. Your church can find relief as well.