The Story
How my soul longs for you, Jesus, But all the world distracts.
Steadfast Perseverance
“Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” – James 5:10-11 (NIV)
Hearts Will Be Revealed
Luke 2:34-35 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Realize Our Commitment With Our Participation
It is one thing to say we believe in God’s vision; it is quite another to participate in the vision that God is giving us. In my years of ministry, the people with the most complaints were invariably the people who were the least involved in the church's work. Do you know why that is? Those who sit on the sidelines and don’t roll up their sleeves and help to fulfill the vision cannot focus on what God is doing in our midst.
WE NEED TO SEE OURSELVES AS GOD SEES US
We have heard what God says to us; now, we need to see ourselves as God sees us after we have become Christians and He has become our Father. Psychologists tell us that a child’s belief in themselves is deeply influenced by their interpretation of how their parents view them, for example - Self-Worth and Confidence. Positive reinforcement, love, and encouragement from parents help build a child’s self-worth and confidence. Children who believe their parents see them as capable and valuable are likelier to develop healthy self-esteem.