The Purpose of Sorrow

When sorrow comes under the power of divine grace, it works out a manifold ministry in our lives. Sorrow reveals unknown depths in the soul and unknown capabilities of experience and service. Gay, trifling people are always shallow, and never suspect the little meanness in their nature. Sorrow is God's plowshare that turns up and subsoils the depths of the soul, that it may yield richer harvests.

Streams in the Desert, January 20

Growing in grace through Christ centeredness

There are several external signals that indicate a believer is growing in his relationship with God. A greater faith, deeper humility, and a willingness to accept insecurity are all indicators a Christian is walking with God. But one other important indicator is the Christ centeredness found in a believer's life.

While the term "Christ centeredness" can refer to a variety of characteristics in a believer's life, it is a desire for the Savior that best defines Christ centeredness. A Christ centered believer desires to...

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When Jesus Is Near

When Jesus is near, all is well and nothing seems difficult. When he is absent, all is hard. When Jesus does not speak within, all other comfort is empty, but if he says only a word, it brings great consolation.

The Imitation of Christ, Thomas A Kempis

Taking Risks For God

Although the Holy Spirit is the great agent of change in a believer's life, a follower of Christ is partly responsible for making sure that he is maturing and growing in grace. There are several exterior indicators in a believer's life which signify he is growing in his walk with Christ. 

One indicator is a person's faith in God. All of God's followers begin their journey with him by taking a step of faith and believing in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and trusting him as Savior. But over time, as a believer grows in his relationship with Christ, his faith in God should be increasing as well. This can be seen in a believer's willingness to...

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God's Promises

Every one of God's promises is backed by the golden reserves of the bank of heaven, with God watching over His word to perform it. If we stand before the 'plenty' of God's great riches, our amazement is more at the grace of God which enables us to be channels of all His love and goodness.

Plenty For Everyone, Corrie Ten Boom 

A Steadfast Spirit

The more recollected a man is, and the more simple of heart he becomes, the easier he understands sublime things, for he receives the light of knowledge from above. The pure, simple, and steadfast spirit is not distracted by many labors, for he does them all for the honor of God. And since he enjoys interior peace, he seeks no selfish end in anything. What, indeed, gives more trouble and affliction than uncontrolled desires of the heart?

The Imitation of Christ, Thomas A Kempis

Growing In Grace

As children of God, believers are called to grow and mature in their faith. It is a life long journey often consisting of three steps forward followed by two steps back. Nonetheless, a believer's walk with God should be marked by gradual forward motion. 

While only God knows each man's heart, there are exterior indicators that reveal if a believer is growing in God and in his grace. One test is...

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Peace With Others

Once a person knows that God has forgiven and accepted him and will keep him right to the end of his life and then receive him into heaven to be with his Lord forever, he can enjoy peace with himself (if God has forgiven you, you have to forgive yourself!), and he can also be at peace with his situation. This will lead to peace with his fellow men. The deepest cause of tension between people is their own inner lack of peace. We denigrate and crush others because we feel insecure and discontented ourselves. When Jesus gives peace within, our attitude to others changes completely.

In His Presence, JI Packer