Tuesday, February 27, 2024

February 27th - Keep Climbing

"Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:32-33)

The Greek word for "tribulation" is “thlipsis” and carries the idea of using or feeling pressure. Life is designed by God so the pressure we feel is part of God's plan for humanity.  Sometimes we put pressure on others and sometimes we are pressured. 

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven...” (Matthew 5:11-12)

When under pressure I imagine myself going up a hill against a cold high wind. The easy thing to do would be to turn around and let the wind push me swiftly back down into the valley.

To heck with that…

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor messengers, nor sovereignties, nor the present, nor what is impending, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord." (Romans 11:38-39) 

"...be racing with endurance the contest lying before us, looking off to the Inaugurator and Perfecter of faith, Jesus, Who, for the joy lying before Him, endures a cross, despising the shame, besides is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

"...toward the goal am I pursuing for the prize of God's calling above in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)

I am going to keep my nose into the wind as I climb out of the valley of the shadow of death toward the summit where I will finally and eternally be conformed to the image of His Son.

 "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." (Romans 8:29)

December 23rd - Merry Christmas Israel!

"For a Boy, He is born to us; a Son, He is given to us, and the Chieftainship shall come to be on His shoulder, and one shall call His ...