Give Thanks for the Bad Days!

November 24, 2020 No Comments

Give Thanks in All Circumstances

Here is a novel idea! Give thanks for the bad days. Yes, you heard me right. According to the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are to give thanks in all circumstances.

It is easy to give thanks when I am well-rested, and everything seems to be going my way. Don’t get me wrong; I am thankful for my good days too. I fair better when everything is going right; yet, I often become self-reliant when all is rosy.

One reason, I can give thanks for the hard times is because they point out my need for God. Yet, He is able to give me the strength I need to serve others even when I am at my worst. He never fails to supply all my needs. All I need to do is ask for His help and strength.

Another reason to be thankful for the tough times is to remember God’s many blessings in my life. God uses my bumps in the road to cause my faith to grow. Sure it is nice to want to be on the mountaintop with Him, but it is in the valleys that my faith is strengthened. When I am having a bad day, I can reflect on His blessings to provide me the hope to carry on.

Last but not least, if I reflect on what Jesus went through to set me free, my bad days don’t seem so bad. The joy of knowing Him becomes my strength. So the next time you find yourself having a bad day, give thanks to God, for He is good and will bring you through it all.

I pray: Lord God, Heavenly Father, help me to stop when I am having a bad day and give You thanks for You are good. I know that You will bring me through it. Amen.

Need more on giving thanks? Click here 3 Reasons to Be Thankful

Give thanks for your bad days, too.

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Mining 4 Silver

Real Assurance is Found In Jesus Christ!

September 24, 2020 5 Comments

Assurance in Man or God?

The world around us calls for us to place our assurance in ourselves or even in our government. Neither of these makes for a confident anchor because they are weak and faulty. God’s word says that “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” (Proverbs 29:25) Jesus Christ is where our real assurance is found.

In the Amplified version, you can find hope defined as a confident assurance. So what does this mean? Confidence is a firm trust or state of feeling certain about the truth of something. Therefore, we have a firm trust and we can be sure about the truth of what Jesus has done for us. We can say without hesitation that our hope in Jesus, our one true anchor.

“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV, emphasis added)

Where is Your Assurance Found?

For me, Christ is my sure foundation. His love sustains me when times are tough. My faith rests on His amazing love.

Where do you place your confidence in man or self? How has that worked for you? Confess this before God and seek to place your trust in Him for He will not fail you.

What is this world to me? With all its vaunted pleasure

When You and You alone, Lord Jesus, are my treasure!

You only, dearest Lord, My soul’s delight be;

You are my peace, my rest. What is this world to me?

What Is This World To Me; Verse 1 LSB #730

Prayer: Lord God, Heavenly Father, forgive me for placing my trust in man and myself. Give me the desire to place my confidence in Jesus, Your only son, and my savior. Thank You, Lord, for paying the price for my sins. Amen.

Link to Jesus is Our Anchor!

Blessed assurance is found in Jesus Christ!
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Mining 4 Silver

We Have an Obligation, as Believers in Christ.

July 27, 2018 2 Comments

An Obligation to Live according the Spirit of Christ.

An Obligation, What Does That Mean?

There are a few definitions for the word obligation taken from Dicitionary.com,

Something by which a person is bound or obliged to do certain things, and which arise out of a sense of duty or results from custom, law, etc.
Something that is done or is to be done for such reasons: to fulfill one’s obligation.
A binding promise, contract, sense of duty, etc.

So where does this sense of duty or obligation stem from? It comes from Jesus who gave His spirit to live within us. But the obligation is not to our flesh, to live according to our sinful impulses, but to live according to the Spirit within us. (Romans 8:12 AMP)

How Are We to Fulfill This Obligation?

We do so by living by the power of the Holy Spirit and habitually putting to death the sinful deeds of the body. As we ourselves are led by the Spirit, we are called God’s children. Thus we have received the Spirit of adoption and can call or cry out, “Abba, Father.”

Therefore, we can call unto our Heavenly Father to cause us to follow His Spirit and live accordingly. The mind of the Spirit is life and peace. This peace is a spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God – both now and forever. Our following His Spirit will bring Him glory and draw others to know Him through us.

For you see, if we live by the flesh, living a life that caters to sinful impulses, we cannot please God.

To Whom Are You Obligated?

Now, comes the question, are you obligated to the Spirit or to your sinful nature? For me, my obligation is to live according to the Spirit that Christ has given me. I may not always get it right but I know that He will forgive me and set me straight if I confess and seek His face. All glory is His.

Here is a related link: Adoption: Earthly Compared to Heavenly

As a believer in Christ, where do your obligations lie?

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Seasons of the Church

Jesus is the Greatest Valentine’s Ever!

February 19, 2018 2 Comments

This Easter season is unique because Ash Wednesday fell on Valentine’s Day and Easter will be on April fool’s day. So here is some food for thought on this. See why Jesus is the God’s greatest valentine to us!

Valentine’s Day/Ash Wednesday

What an excellent way to the beginning of the Lenten season! On Valentine’s Day, we give our loved ones a gift to show our love. Yet, the greatest expression of love is that God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to show us how great His love is for us. Our sins came between us and God. Therefore, Jesus paid the ultimate price in order that we would be reconciled to God. As my sister once said, “God would rather die than live without us.” Can you think of a greater act of love?

April Fool’s Day/Easter

Furthermore, I can’t think of a better day for Easter to fall on. For Jesus fooled the devil into thinking that he had won when Jesus was crucified. Yet again, God pulled the wool over the devil’s eyes on the third day when Jesus rose from the dead. Yes, you can’t keep a good man down. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow.

Easter Triumph

Do you want more food for thought? Then I suggest that you mark your calendar for March 24^th 3 pm or 6 pm and go see The Easter Triumph. This is the 60^th year of this live-action Passion Play. They also have a Facebook page The Easter Triumph Passion Play. I have been blessed to have been a part of this a couple of years ago and I have family members who are actively involved in it this year.

Don’t take my word for it. Go see it for yourself and experience the greatest Valentine ever given! My Redeemer lives!

Mining 4 Silver

Beloved; What Does This Mean?

January 28, 2018 6 Comments

Beloved as defined by dictionary .com as 1. Adj.- greatly loved; dear to the heart and 2. Noun – a person who is greatly loved. Paul, Peter, John, and Jude all referred to believers as beloved. In 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul told the Thessalonians that they were greatly loved by the Lord. We are, too, greatly loved by God for He sent His one and only Son to die for us. Therefore,

You are Beloved.

As beloved children of God, we are commanded to teach the ways of Christ to others. We are to flee from idolatry. Be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. We are called to be imitators of God. (1 Corinthians 4:17; 10:14; 15:58 ESV)

Paul’s Wisdom

I particularly like the instructions that Paul gave to the Colossians 3:12-13,

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (ESV)

Peter’s Instructions

Peter also used this reference to those he loved. In 1 Peter, he encouraged those he greatly loved to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which waged war on the soul. Furthermore, he told them not be become discouraged when fiery trials came upon them to test them. (1 Peter 2:11; 4:12 ESV)

John’s Insight

In the first and third book of John, John told those he loved to love one another as God loved them. Thus, he went on to say that they should not be imitators of evil but imitate good. This goes for us as well. (1 John4:7; 4:11; 3 John 1:11 ESV)

Jude’s Directions

Let us not forget Jude. He told those he loved to contend for the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints. Have you ever had to contend for your faith? (Jude 1:3 ESV)

Later, he told them what would cause division and then said,

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” Jude 20-21 ESV

Therefore, dearly loved by God, go and contend for your faith, love one another as Christ loved you, and do not give into the passions of the flesh. Teach others the ways of Christ. Do the work of the Lord knowing that your labor is not in vain.

Do you know that you are greatly loved by God? As a dearly loved child, there are instructions for you.

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Mining 4 Silver

Are You Ready to Contend for the Faith?

August 4, 2017 2 Comments

Have you ever had to contend for your faith in Christ Jesus? In Jude 3-4, the author appealed to believers to contend for the faith against certain people who are ungodly and perverted the grace of our God and denied the Lord Jesus.

So what does it mean to contend? When used with a subject it means to assert or maintain earnestly. Therefore, one is to be ready to assert and maintain the reason for the hope that is in them.

Why? You Ask.

Because times are upon us that our faith will be challenged. There are several places in the Bible that we are urged to stand firm in our faith. I particularly like where the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians to be “watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV.”

The Apostle Paul was very good at exhorting believers to stand firm in the faith. One fine example of this is in Philippians 3:17-4:1. He told those in Philippi to imitate him and keep their eyes on those who walked according to the example that he had set. Times were tough because there were enemies of the cross, however, Paul reminded the believers of their citizenship in heaven. Therefore, they were encouraged to stand firm in the Lord.

Likewise, there are enemies of the cross still today and we, too, are to stand firm.

Count It as Joy to Contend for the Faith.

In James 1:2-4, we are to count it joy when we meet various trails. Contending for our faith is definitely a trail. This is a testing of our faith which produces steadfastness. In turn, if we let the steadfastness have its full effect in us we will be complete and lack nothing.

Another thing to consider is that we are not left helpless. According to Luke 12:11-13, we don’t need to be anxious in defending ourselves or worry about what to say for the Holy Spirit will teach us what we ought to say.

Nor are we to turn away for Jesus said that if we deny Him He will deny us before the Father. Turning away can be seen as denying Him because one is not standing firm in the faith and acknowledging Jesus before others.

How We Ought to Answer.

Just tell your story! No one can refute it because it is your testimony. In gentleness, love, and truth, give the reason for the hope that is in you. For greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. You have an opportunity to plant a seed in someone else’s heart that only the Holy Spirit can cause to grow and hopefully take root.

Therefore, do not be afraid to speak, for God is with you wherever you go!

How have you had to contend for your faith? Please leave me a comment.

The Greatest Gift Ever Given!

June 9, 2017 2 Comments

What is the greatest gift you ever received?

If you were asked what is the greatest gift that you ever received, what would be your answer? I am sure that there are a number of things that come to mind. Such as a car or maybe a baby would be your answer. How did you respond to the person who gave you that special present?

Well, we have been given the greatest gift ever given. It is a freely given. There are no strings attached. You can’t earn nor can you pay for it. Once received you cannot lose it. This special freely given treasure is referenced several times in the New Testament.

What is it? You Ask.

It is the gift of faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

How do I know that it is Freely Given?

I find that answer in Romans.

Romans 3:23-25 ESV, ^{23 “}for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.”

Romans 5:15 ESV, “But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.”

Don’t you appreciate a free gift? We all do. But yet, this one is often rejected. This is sad but true.

Nevertheless, when someone receives something of great value as a present there is much excitement and they want to tell everyone about it.

So What are We to do About the Gift that We have Received?

We are to go tell others about it. After all, if you were forgiven a large debt, would you not want to shout it out from the mountaintop? This is what has been done for us through Jesus Christ. Therefore, we should respond as the Apostle Paul did.

2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV, “Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!”[i]

What is the best present you ever received? How did you respond? Faith in Christ is freely given.

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[i] Scripture references: English Standard Version (ESV)

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Mining 4 Silver

Three Scriptures to Pray When in Need of Peace

June 3, 2017 1 Comment

My Go to Scriptures on Peace.

Isaiah 26:3 ESV You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts inYou.

There have been many times that I have used this verse to get me through turmoil. God will and has kept me in perfect peace when my mind is/was focused on Him and I trusted Him. I often prayed to God that He would help me to keep my mind on Him. He was always faithful. It is not easy to keep one’s mind on God when in the midst of trouble. However, it is the only way to get to the other side. God is greater than any problem that I ever face.

Romans 12:18 ESV If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

This verse speaks to me about my responsibility to others. I am to strive to live at peace with everyone and recognize when it is not possible. There will be times when I have to walk away and leave it in God’s hands. Again, I am responsible for my part in any relationship.

Philippians 4:6-8 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In order to achieve the peace that passes all understanding, I am to pray to God when I am anxious. I am to make everything known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard my heart and mind. Therefore, when I am facing any hardship all I need to do is turn to God in prayer and give Him thanks for the answers. God will give me His peace that only He can give.

Final Thoughts

These scriptures are just a few of my go-to verses that have given me strength. God is the true source of everlasting peace. I pray that these will encourage you also. What verses do you use?

There is More Meaning to the Word Believe.

June 2, 2017 4 Comments

When I Say that I Believe in Jesus What am I Really Saying?

This is one of my favorite word studies, because there is so much more meaning to the word, believe. In the dictionary, it is defined as “to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so.” Yet, in the Greek word, pisteuo, to believe, has more meaning to it than this.

We can all have confidence in something like our jobs, our families and even our cars. However, believing in Jesus is more than mere confidence. Pisteuo means to be persuaded of, to place confidence in, to trust, and reliance upon. I like to think of it this way. Picture yourself hanging on a rope. There is a knot tied at the end and you are hanging on for dear life. Jesus is that knot in the rope.

Furthermore, when I say that I believe in what Jesus did for me, I am saying that I am relying on Him, trusting in Him, adhering to Him and clinging to Him. Yes, I have confidence to but I am sold out and I know that He has me in His right hand. Therefore, I have assurance of eternal life and I can be reasonably happy in this life.

How do I know that I am right in believing? Good question. God’s Word tells me so. John chapter 3 clearly states it many times that whoever believes in Jesus will be saved and whoever does not believe is condemned (John 3:18, 36 ESV).

For Your Information.

The word believe/r/d/s is found 84 times in the book of John and 39 times in the book of Acts. The Apostle Paul made it quite clear to people in Antioch. He told them everyone who believes in Jesus is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the Law of Moses (Acts 13:39 ESV). So my question to you is “In whom do you rely upon, trust in and cling to?”

If you like word studies, check out this related link: Redeemed, Defined and Explained.

Another word study to realize that there is more to the believing than mere confidence.

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Mining 4 Silver

Redeemed, Defined and Explained!

May 30, 2017 14 Comments

Oh Joy! I am Redeemed!

This blog is inspired by another blog, “Don’t Be Perfect, Be Redeemed.” The word redeem/redeemed is found several times throughout the Bible. However, I want to focus on a couple of passages in the New Testament; Galatians 3:12-14 and Titus 2:13-15.

First let’s look at the meaning of the word redeem. According to Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, The Greek word for redeem in Galatians 3:13 is exagorazo, a strengthened form of agorazo denoting “to buy.” It is used metaphorically. Jesus has delivered us from the Law and its curse. He did so with giving His life on the cross. Doesn’t that sound like He wanted us because He willingly paid the price?

Second, the Greek word for redeem in Titus 2:14 is lutroo. Here it means “to release on receipt of ransom.” It is used in a spiritual sense. Jesus gave Himself to ransom us from all lawlessness. Not only did He set us free but He also did so to purify for Himself a people for His own possession. He desires for us to zealous for good works.

In summary, to be redeemed means that Jesus bought and/or ransomed me from the Law and its curse and all iniquity. He did not have to but did so out of love for me. Therefore, I am His and bought with a price. I am no longer slave to sin nor am I destined to pay the price for my sins. Yet, while we were sinners Christ paid your debts as well as mine.

Be Sure to Check Out Allie’s Blog

In the aforementioned blog, Allie reminds us that Jesus doesn’t want our perfect. He desires us and we are to remain open and vulnerable to Him. Thus rejoice! And shout I am redeemed! To God be the glory!

Oh Joy! I was bought with a price! Jesus did it all for me.

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Give Thanks in All Circumstances

Assurance in Man or God?

Where is Your Assurance Found?

Blessed assurance is found in Jesus Christ! Powered By the Tweet This PluginTweet This

An Obligation, What Does That Mean?

How Are We to Fulfill This Obligation?

To Whom Are You Obligated?

Valentine’s Day/Ash Wednesday

April Fool’s Day/Easter

Easter Triumph

You are Beloved.

Paul’s Wisdom

Peter’s Instructions

John’s Insight

Jude’s Directions

Why? You Ask.

Count It as Joy to Contend for the Faith.

How We Ought to Answer.

What is the greatest gift you ever received?

What is it? You Ask.

How do I know that it is Freely Given?

So What are We to do About the Gift that We have Received?

My Go to Scriptures on Peace.

Final Thoughts

When I Say that I Believe in Jesus What am I Really Saying?

For Your Information.

Oh Joy! I am Redeemed!

Be Sure to Check Out Allie’s Blog

Blessed assurance is found in Jesus Christ!
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