While watching the Australian Open on television yesterday, several times an ad to promote the new season of "The Biggest Loser" (Australia edition) was shown. A woman spoke of how she needed to love herself and be self-confident before she could be a contributor to a loving relationship. After the woman tipped the scales at over 150 kilos, shame was evident on her face when she saw her weight revealed in large digital numbers for all to see. "Sorry Mum," she said sadly, embarrassed for her mum as much as herself.
I have started working through the Biblical Counseling Foundation's Self-Confrontation manual of late. Part of the role of the manual is to lay the foundation for a biblical world view through scripture. One of the rhetorical questions asked in the preface is, "Don't I have to learn to love myself before I can love others?" The conclusion is terse and shocking for those who would answer in the affirmative: "Questions like these reflect the fact that many people are following false teaching that has been present since the beginning of time but is gaining unprecedented popularity in the church today. It is the "doctrine" of self-exaltation and self-gratification. This preoccupation with self is based on a misunderstanding of one's relationship with God, is unbiblical, and deters spiritual growth." (1991 edition, pg. 11)
The problem which the Bible exposes in all people is not our lack of love for ourselves, but our lack of love for God. Ephesians 5:29 says, "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church." Some of us nourish and cherish our bodies too much. We can all fall into the trap of making a god of our belly, eating and drinking to excess. Whether or not weight is something you struggle with, everyone struggles with something. Maybe we have even moved past the point of struggle, having given up all hope of change, and choose instead to embrace and make part of our identity the very thing which holds us captive. I remember a conversation with a man who had embraced his alcoholism: "Yeah, I like to drink beer! I think of myself as a happy Friar Tuck." This man embraced his love for beer, the very thing which was ruling his life. He was confident in himself because in his mind, being a happy, heavyset, beer-loving man like the fictitious Friar Tuck wasn't a bad thing at all. He earned his belly and esteemed himself very highly - despite his physique and drinking habits.
If a man places confidence in himself, he places his confidence in what will certainly fail. Beauty, fitness, health, physical ability, careers, family, quick wit, strength, and skills will all pass away. Speaking for myself (and I'm sure you can relate!), our bodies and abilities which we could once count on are beginning to deteriorate. There are things I used to be able to do I no longer can do because of the erosion of my skills or certain injury. I don't ride skateboards or play tackle football any more. I no longer jump out of trees, run a 5 minute mile, or drink 2 liters of soft drink a day. Proverbs 31:30 states, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised." The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The world tells us that we need to love ourselves and pursue happiness through gratifying the flesh. The Bible teaches us our greatest need is to love the God who already loves us, no matter how we look or feel. Instead of looking at ourselves as being naturally good, we are wise to take the scriptural view: Romans 7:18 says, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find." When we turn our eyes upon the righteous perfection of God, we see in His light that we are completely bankrupt of all goodness. Then we can begin to appreciate the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ towards us, that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. This does not mean we hate ourselves. Because of the value and love that Christ has graciously bestowed on us, we can place our confidence in God alone. We can say with Paul, "By the grace of God I am what I am."
Being happy does not mean I must turn a blind eye to my many faults. True joy comes from the fact that God knows my faults and still loves me. Christians no longer need to ride the roller coaster of self-esteem which changes on the conditions in our lives or the numbers on the bathroom scale. We can rest upon the rock solid truth of God's love, acceptance, and forgiveness. My confidence is fixed upon the unshakable truth and unalterable character of God. It is from receiving the love of God, not my own fickle love, which empowers me to love others. Jesus says in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Jesus has loved us with an everlasting love and accepted us, so we not need fear rejection. Receive God's love today. Only then can we love one another as Christ has loved us.
22 January 2012
21 January 2012
Jesus: the Good Shepherd
I've been thinking about the mutually beneficial relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. A shepherd is not motivated about what is best for himself, but what is best for the sheep. It is in his best interest to provide safe pasture, free from noxious weeds and potential predators. The shepherd will seek clean, slow moving water for the sheep to drink. He will apply medicine to infections, rising up early and staying out late. A good shepherd puts the needs of the sheep over his own. He does not labour to manage the flock because it is convenient. If he tends the sheep with care for their safety and health in mind, they will yield valuable wool in good time.
Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and Christians are sheep of His flock. All things the Good Shepherd allows in our lives will work together for our good. The salve may sting when first applied, but it will promote healing. The Shepherd and Overseer of our souls already owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so we don't have to worry about Him fattening us for butchering. He has provided for us all things that pertain to life and godliness. What He asks of us is that we would trust Him completely, whether it means to lie still when He shaves our wool or needs to draw blood for testing. Jesus would have us look into His eyes, knowing that our present suffering is nothing to be compared with our future glory freely given us by Him. Even when following Jesus brings physical death, it only ushers us more promptly into eternal life.
In Pink Floyd's song "Sheep," we see the world's perverse and woeful perspective of the Christian life. A portion of the song goes:
Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and Christians are sheep of His flock. All things the Good Shepherd allows in our lives will work together for our good. The salve may sting when first applied, but it will promote healing. The Shepherd and Overseer of our souls already owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so we don't have to worry about Him fattening us for butchering. He has provided for us all things that pertain to life and godliness. What He asks of us is that we would trust Him completely, whether it means to lie still when He shaves our wool or needs to draw blood for testing. Jesus would have us look into His eyes, knowing that our present suffering is nothing to be compared with our future glory freely given us by Him. Even when following Jesus brings physical death, it only ushers us more promptly into eternal life.
In Pink Floyd's song "Sheep," we see the world's perverse and woeful perspective of the Christian life. A portion of the song goes:
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
He makes me down to die
Through pastures green He leadeth me the silent waters by.
With bright knives He releaseth my soul.
He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places.
He converteth me to lamb cutlets,
For lo, He hath great power, and great hunger.
He makes me down to die
Through pastures green He leadeth me the silent waters by.
With bright knives He releaseth my soul.
He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places.
He converteth me to lamb cutlets,
For lo, He hath great power, and great hunger.
Though Pink Floyd might be rock-n-roll gods to some, this twisted view of God comes only from the father of lies, the devil. God speaks in Psalm 50:11-15: "I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. 12 "If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and all its fullness. 13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? 14 Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. 15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." God is not a bloodthirsty sadist who requires the slaughter of His people to satiate His lust for power. Jesus died and rose again to defeat death! He is the Lamb who willingly went to the slaughter! All who repent and trust in Christ will never need to sip from the bitter cup of death but experience life eternal. Jesus said in John 11:25-26, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
Hebrews 9:27-28 reads, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation." For those who have repented and trusted in Christ, He is a Good Shepherd and Saviour. But for those who deny and reject Christ, all are headed as goats to the slaughter. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Broad is the way that leads to destruction, but Jesus is the narrow way that leads to eternal life. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one goes to heaven except through Him. Jesus says in John 10:9-11, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."
19 January 2012
Snail or Stomper?
Today I mowed the lawn front and back. As I wheeled the bin over to the middle of the front yard, I noticed a snail in the driveway with a freshly cracked shell. Feeling bad for the little guy struggling for life, I moved him off to the side. I must have accidentally damaged the shell as I focused on filling the tank with petrol, priming and starting the mower, and cutting the grass. After the job was done I walked by the area where I placed the snail. Some ants found him and were very excited. I was actually sad.
This kind of thing can happen all the time, and not only with snails. We can hurt other people without intending to be malicious. We can be so focused on the job at hand that we don't notice when we trample on feelings with harsh or careless words. Damage can be done that we never even see. When feelings are hurt, there are often two parties involved. Early in my Christian walk, I was more on the stomping end. Now I do my best to tread softly and slowly. Despite my best efforts, I'm sure I'll accidentally step on a few more snails and unfortunately on some feelings before my time on earth is done.
People are different than snails, in that they have God-given responsibilities if they are either a snail or a stomper in the case of offense. Jesus says in Matthew 18:15, "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother." Unlike a snail that cannot speak, a person who has been hurt or offended has the responsibility to go to the one who has caused the offense and bring it to his attention. For clumsy footed people such as myself, this verse is very appreciated. It brings things to our attention we could not see before and fosters reconciliation, humility, forgiveness, and unity. It also frees me when I am offended to reveal hurt in which a brother had a role and see Jesus do an amazing restorative work.
Everyone who walks the earth will fulfill both roles of being snail and stomper. No matter how careful we are, sometimes we take a bad step. No matter how tough a shell's exterior might be, deep inside people are all very tender and soft. Jesus is the one who gives us wisdom to approach our interpersonal relationships with humility, love, and grace. He is the one who makes us to dwell in unity!
This kind of thing can happen all the time, and not only with snails. We can hurt other people without intending to be malicious. We can be so focused on the job at hand that we don't notice when we trample on feelings with harsh or careless words. Damage can be done that we never even see. When feelings are hurt, there are often two parties involved. Early in my Christian walk, I was more on the stomping end. Now I do my best to tread softly and slowly. Despite my best efforts, I'm sure I'll accidentally step on a few more snails and unfortunately on some feelings before my time on earth is done.
People are different than snails, in that they have God-given responsibilities if they are either a snail or a stomper in the case of offense. Jesus says in Matthew 18:15, "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother." Unlike a snail that cannot speak, a person who has been hurt or offended has the responsibility to go to the one who has caused the offense and bring it to his attention. For clumsy footed people such as myself, this verse is very appreciated. It brings things to our attention we could not see before and fosters reconciliation, humility, forgiveness, and unity. It also frees me when I am offended to reveal hurt in which a brother had a role and see Jesus do an amazing restorative work.
Everyone who walks the earth will fulfill both roles of being snail and stomper. No matter how careful we are, sometimes we take a bad step. No matter how tough a shell's exterior might be, deep inside people are all very tender and soft. Jesus is the one who gives us wisdom to approach our interpersonal relationships with humility, love, and grace. He is the one who makes us to dwell in unity!
17 January 2012
The Jesus I Never Knew
It is amazing how God reveals more of Himself to us every day by His grace. This week the Holy Spirit has opened my eyes to the life of Jesus as never before. On Sunday mornings at Calvary Chapel Sydney, we have been studying the Gospel of Mark. For weeks we have been building up to the crucifixion of Jesus. If last week you were to ask me what passages I associate with the grief and suffering of Christ, several portions of scripture come to mind. I would have considered the moment when Jesus wept over Jerusalem, grieved that His chosen people were unwilling to be loved by Him. I would have cited the moment when Jesus laid down His will in Gethsemane, and when He experienced betrayal, torture, and suffered at the hands of merciless, hateful men. I would have thought about Christ being separated from God on the cross by the sins of the world when He cried out in a loud voice, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
This week God has shown me clearly that Jesus, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, experienced sorrow, heartache, and deep hurt long before His public ministry. Did you know that Jesus had it rough growing up? He was tempted to despair and embrace depression. He was even tempted to commit suicide! Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." Jesus was tempted in every single way that a man can be tempted, yet He did not sin. Sometimes our focus on the deity of Christ can shroud our eyes from His humanity. Jesus had feelings, greater depth and breadth of feeling than any other person who has walked the earth.
There is little spoken about the life of Christ in the Bible before His visit with His family to Jerusalem, and nothing more until John the Baptist points Him out at the Lamb of God around the age of 30. There are 30 years that are not described for us in narrative form in the Gospels. But God gave me some insight this week as I was reading into the Christ's childhood and what marked His life before His ministry. Jesus did not begin honouring and glorifying God only after His public ministry began. Long before, even as a child, Jesus consecrated His life wholly unto God. He always did what pleased the Father, even before He was a household name in Israel. From this we know that Jesus obeyed the Law perfectly. How did He learn to obey? Not through the correction of His parents (for He did no wrong), but by the things He suffered. Hebrews 5:7-8 says this of Christ: "...who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered." In the days of His flesh, throughout His time on earth, even as a child and young man, Jesus cried many tears to God as He suffered. He did not begin interceding for men only after His ascension to the right hand of the Father. Even as a youth, Jesus interceded for those who hated Him. Did He not say, "Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you?" God heard and answered His prayers.
When Jesus cleansed the temple the first time, the disciples hearkened back to a Psalm which spoke of Christ: John 2:17 says, "Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up." Since this is a clear reference to Jesus, let us read the rest of the sentence in Psalm 69 with this in mind. It gives us amazing, prophetic insight into the life of Jesus with His earthly family. Psalm 69:7-12 says, "Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; shame has covered my face. 8 I have become a stranger to my brothers, and an alien to my mother's children; 9 because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me. 10 When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting, that became my reproach. 11 I also made sackcloth my garment; I became a byword to them. 12 Those who sit in the gate speak against me, and I am the song of the drunkards."
Jesus was no stranger to reproach or shame for God's sake, long before He grew to be a man. The Bible tells us that Jesus had half-brothers born of Mary. Jesus had been conceived by the Holy Spirit. To many people outside His family, Jesus was thought to be an illegitimate Son born out of wedlock. Yet notice that the Bible says that He was "an alien to my mother's children." David is writing these words empowered by the Holy Spirit, and how suggestive this is of Christ's relationship with His mother's children! The piety of Jesus caused them to think, "What is with Jesus? Is He from another planet? What is with His weeping, fasting, and wearing sackcloth? Why does He rise early and stay up late praying? That guy is just not normal! I don't think He's really our brother at all." Jesus was a byword among His own brothers because of His zeal for the Father's glory. This reproach for the Father's sake was borne by Christ even to Calvary. As He collapsed under the cross, people in the gate mocked and ridiculed Him. Even the drunks made up songs to scoff at Him. Jesus knew that people were against Him because they reproached His Father. But He felt the pain just the same.
When Jesus hung upon the cross He said "I thirst," knowing the scripture must be fulfilled (John 19:28-29). This scripture to which this refers is found in Psalm 69. This passage reveals a depth of suffering beyond our experience. Psalm 69:18-21 reads, "Draw near to my soul, and redeem it; deliver me because of my enemies. 19 You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor; My adversaries are all before You. 20 Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness; I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. 21 They also gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." Only the Father could have known Christ's reproach, shame, and dishonour. Only the Father could comprehend how the reproaches of those Christ loved broke His heart and weighed Him down. He looked for comfort, for one person to show compassion, but there was none. This is a description of Christ's life that culminated on the cross. The reproach Christ endured did not begin or end there. We do Christ a grave injustice to assume His suffering was reserved to His hours on the cross.
When we magnify the suffering of Christ, His grace to us shines brighter. He was given gall for food and vinegar to drink, but He joyfully gives to us His broken body and shed blood. Whoever repents and partakes of Christ by grace through faith will live forever. Jesus is the One who makes our hearts a living spring of water, a fountain of the Holy Spirit. When we face trials, are reproached, and suffer, may we understand that Jesus knows our suffering and experienced greater still. He is able to bear our burdens, and has entreated us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us. Hebrews 12:1-3 reads, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."
When we focus on our pain or struggles, our eyes have drifted from Christ. Look upon the face of Jesus today! Look upon Him stricken upon the cross, struggling for breath. See His sweat as great drops of blood in Gethsemane as He agonized. Look upon Christ weeping over Jerusalem! Look on Christ as He wore sackcloth and fasted as a young man and was greatly reproached. Think of His heart broken by His brothers and countrymen alike, completely misunderstood and hated. "Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." Jesus has not left us without comfort, but has provided the Holy Spirit to indwell and strengthen us as we live out our days for God's glory. How good is it to have a God who was in all points tempted and remained without sin! Not only that, but He has loved us with an everlasting love.
God knows your struggles, heartache, and pain. Turn your eyes upon Christ in trust. He treasures you above His own life and will never leave or forsake you. You are not alone!
This week God has shown me clearly that Jesus, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, experienced sorrow, heartache, and deep hurt long before His public ministry. Did you know that Jesus had it rough growing up? He was tempted to despair and embrace depression. He was even tempted to commit suicide! Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." Jesus was tempted in every single way that a man can be tempted, yet He did not sin. Sometimes our focus on the deity of Christ can shroud our eyes from His humanity. Jesus had feelings, greater depth and breadth of feeling than any other person who has walked the earth.
There is little spoken about the life of Christ in the Bible before His visit with His family to Jerusalem, and nothing more until John the Baptist points Him out at the Lamb of God around the age of 30. There are 30 years that are not described for us in narrative form in the Gospels. But God gave me some insight this week as I was reading into the Christ's childhood and what marked His life before His ministry. Jesus did not begin honouring and glorifying God only after His public ministry began. Long before, even as a child, Jesus consecrated His life wholly unto God. He always did what pleased the Father, even before He was a household name in Israel. From this we know that Jesus obeyed the Law perfectly. How did He learn to obey? Not through the correction of His parents (for He did no wrong), but by the things He suffered. Hebrews 5:7-8 says this of Christ: "...who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered." In the days of His flesh, throughout His time on earth, even as a child and young man, Jesus cried many tears to God as He suffered. He did not begin interceding for men only after His ascension to the right hand of the Father. Even as a youth, Jesus interceded for those who hated Him. Did He not say, "Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you?" God heard and answered His prayers.
When Jesus cleansed the temple the first time, the disciples hearkened back to a Psalm which spoke of Christ: John 2:17 says, "Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up." Since this is a clear reference to Jesus, let us read the rest of the sentence in Psalm 69 with this in mind. It gives us amazing, prophetic insight into the life of Jesus with His earthly family. Psalm 69:7-12 says, "Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; shame has covered my face. 8 I have become a stranger to my brothers, and an alien to my mother's children; 9 because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me. 10 When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting, that became my reproach. 11 I also made sackcloth my garment; I became a byword to them. 12 Those who sit in the gate speak against me, and I am the song of the drunkards."
Jesus was no stranger to reproach or shame for God's sake, long before He grew to be a man. The Bible tells us that Jesus had half-brothers born of Mary. Jesus had been conceived by the Holy Spirit. To many people outside His family, Jesus was thought to be an illegitimate Son born out of wedlock. Yet notice that the Bible says that He was "an alien to my mother's children." David is writing these words empowered by the Holy Spirit, and how suggestive this is of Christ's relationship with His mother's children! The piety of Jesus caused them to think, "What is with Jesus? Is He from another planet? What is with His weeping, fasting, and wearing sackcloth? Why does He rise early and stay up late praying? That guy is just not normal! I don't think He's really our brother at all." Jesus was a byword among His own brothers because of His zeal for the Father's glory. This reproach for the Father's sake was borne by Christ even to Calvary. As He collapsed under the cross, people in the gate mocked and ridiculed Him. Even the drunks made up songs to scoff at Him. Jesus knew that people were against Him because they reproached His Father. But He felt the pain just the same.
When Jesus hung upon the cross He said "I thirst," knowing the scripture must be fulfilled (John 19:28-29). This scripture to which this refers is found in Psalm 69. This passage reveals a depth of suffering beyond our experience. Psalm 69:18-21 reads, "Draw near to my soul, and redeem it; deliver me because of my enemies. 19 You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor; My adversaries are all before You. 20 Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness; I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. 21 They also gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." Only the Father could have known Christ's reproach, shame, and dishonour. Only the Father could comprehend how the reproaches of those Christ loved broke His heart and weighed Him down. He looked for comfort, for one person to show compassion, but there was none. This is a description of Christ's life that culminated on the cross. The reproach Christ endured did not begin or end there. We do Christ a grave injustice to assume His suffering was reserved to His hours on the cross.
When we magnify the suffering of Christ, His grace to us shines brighter. He was given gall for food and vinegar to drink, but He joyfully gives to us His broken body and shed blood. Whoever repents and partakes of Christ by grace through faith will live forever. Jesus is the One who makes our hearts a living spring of water, a fountain of the Holy Spirit. When we face trials, are reproached, and suffer, may we understand that Jesus knows our suffering and experienced greater still. He is able to bear our burdens, and has entreated us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us. Hebrews 12:1-3 reads, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."
When we focus on our pain or struggles, our eyes have drifted from Christ. Look upon the face of Jesus today! Look upon Him stricken upon the cross, struggling for breath. See His sweat as great drops of blood in Gethsemane as He agonized. Look upon Christ weeping over Jerusalem! Look on Christ as He wore sackcloth and fasted as a young man and was greatly reproached. Think of His heart broken by His brothers and countrymen alike, completely misunderstood and hated. "Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." Jesus has not left us without comfort, but has provided the Holy Spirit to indwell and strengthen us as we live out our days for God's glory. How good is it to have a God who was in all points tempted and remained without sin! Not only that, but He has loved us with an everlasting love.
God knows your struggles, heartache, and pain. Turn your eyes upon Christ in trust. He treasures you above His own life and will never leave or forsake you. You are not alone!
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