THE IMITATION OF CHRIST: FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS
October 29, 2023
THE BENEFIT OF SELF-AWARENESS IN A CHRISTIAN’S LIFE
November 5, 2023

1st  NOVEMBER 2023

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit“- Psalm 34:18

The Bible affirms that God is good and faithful, that all good gifts come from Him, that He is a refuge in times of trouble, that those who trust in Him are blessed, and that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him. But all that has not removed the fact that people still suffer pain. Still, we must not lose hope in God.

Losing hope and faith in God is a common experience that many people face at some point in their lives. Life’s challenges can make us feel overwhelmed, disappointed, and even angry at God. It is important to understand that such feelings are natural, but it is also crucial to remember that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments.

The Bible verse of today reminds us in Psalm 34:18 that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This verse assures us that God is always there for us, especially in our times of greatest need. Therefore, it is essential to turn to God in prayer during these difficult times and seek comfort and guidance from Him.

Another helpful scripture is Philippians 4:6-7, which reminds us to “be anxious for nothing, 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.” Through prayer and thanksgiving, we can find peace in God’s love and provision.

Finally, we can find encouragement in Hebrews 12:1-2, which reminds us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith.” This verse encourages us to keep our focus on Jesus, who is the source of our strength and hope. We must trust in His plan for our lives, even when we cannot see the way forward.

Suffering is an inevitable part of life. Despite our best efforts to avoid it, we cannot escape it. The Bible acknowledges this fact and provides us with guidance on how to navigate through suffering.

One of the most well-known Bible verses on this topic is found in James 1:2-4, which states, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This verse reminds us that suffering can have a purpose in our lives – it can help us grow and become stronger.

Another important passage is found in Romans 5:3-5, which says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” This verse teaches us that suffering can lead to hope, and that hope is ultimately what sustains us through difficult times.

Finally, we have the words of Jesus himself in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus acknowledges that we will face suffering in this life, but he also reminds us that he has overcome the world, and through him, we can find peace even in the midst of our trials.

Therefore, even in our daily lives, we can experience the goodness of God. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” God blesses us with gifts and blessings every day, whether it be a beautiful sunset or a loving relationship.

In conclusion, while we cannot avoid suffering, the Bible offers us hope, encouragement, and guidance as we navigate through difficult times. Therefore, as Christians, it is important to remember that God is good all the time. Even when we face challenges and difficulties, we can trust that He has a plan for our lives and that His goodness will prevail.

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I thank you for the word of faith this morning. Grant that your holy word will find a fertile ground to grow in my heart. AMEN

FURTHER READING: 2 Corinthians 9:8; 1 Chronicles 16:34

GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME

1st  NOVEMBER 2023

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit“- Psalm 34:18

The Bible affirms that God is good and faithful, that all good gifts come from Him, that He is a refuge in times of trouble, that those who trust in Him are blessed, and that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him. But all that has not removed the fact that people still suffer pain. Still, we must not lose hope in God.

Losing hope and faith in God is a common experience that many people face at some point in their lives. Life’s challenges can make us feel overwhelmed, disappointed, and even angry at God. It is important to understand that such feelings are natural, but it is also crucial to remember that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments.

The Bible verse of today reminds us in Psalm 34:18 that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This verse assures us that God is always there for us, especially in our times of greatest need. Therefore, it is essential to turn to God in prayer during these difficult times and seek comfort and guidance from Him.

Another helpful scripture is Philippians 4:6-7, which reminds us to “be anxious for nothing, 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.” Through prayer and thanksgiving, we can find peace in God’s love and provision.

Finally, we can find encouragement in Hebrews 12:1-2, which reminds us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith.” This verse encourages us to keep our focus on Jesus, who is the source of our strength and hope. We must trust in His plan for our lives, even when we cannot see the way forward.

Suffering is an inevitable part of life. Despite our best efforts to avoid it, we cannot escape it. The Bible acknowledges this fact and provides us with guidance on how to navigate through suffering.

One of the most well-known Bible verses on this topic is found in James 1:2-4, which states, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This verse reminds us that suffering can have a purpose in our lives – it can help us grow and become stronger.

Another important passage is found in Romans 5:3-5, which says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” This verse teaches us that suffering can lead to hope, and that hope is ultimately what sustains us through difficult times.

Finally, we have the words of Jesus himself in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus acknowledges that we will face suffering in this life, but he also reminds us that he has overcome the world, and through him, we can find peace even in the midst of our trials.

Therefore, even in our daily lives, we can experience the goodness of God. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” God blesses us with gifts and blessings every day, whether it be a beautiful sunset or a loving relationship.

In conclusion, while we cannot avoid suffering, the Bible offers us hope, encouragement, and guidance as we navigate through difficult times. Therefore, as Christians, it is important to remember that God is good all the time. Even when we face challenges and difficulties, we can trust that He has a plan for our lives and that His goodness will prevail.

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I thank you for the word of faith this morning. Grant that your holy word will find a fertile ground to grow in my heart. AMEN

FURTHER READING: 2 Corinthians 9:8; 1 Chronicles 16:34

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi
Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi
Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi was born in Nigeria to Patrick Abuda Obeakemhe and Juliana Fatimatu Obeakemhe, both from Ogbona Town. With a master’s degree in law, she was called to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and she is currently the principle partner of the law firm Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi & Associates. She is also the founder of two philanthropic organizations: the Living Waters Mission and the Rose Croix Foundation. In addition to law, Lawrence-Dokpesi was drawn to spiritual pursuits at an early age, having begun studying philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, and spirit therapy by the age of eighteen. Inspired by her spiritual calling, she has produced ten intensively researched manuscripts on spiritual matters. Although Understanding the Spiritual was the last to be written, it is the first to be published. Lawrence-Dokpesi is a mother and a wife living in the city of Abuja, Nigeria.

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