"Somehow I can't believe that there are any heights that can't be scaled by a man who knows the secrets of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four Cs. They are curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy, and the greatest of all is confidence. When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.”
6He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: 7“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. (32:6-8)
JOHN 18:24-40
33Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
35“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”
36Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
37“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
JOURNAL
The blindness and hatred of the Pharisees seem so twisted and extreme. I think it is because I don't want to believe that I could do the same thing. Yet my DNA will confirm otherwise...for every saint that is in my ancestry so exists an evil murderer. None of us can ever escape that reality. It is precisely why Jesus commands us to take the plank out of our own eye before we remove the speck from another's.
Reading through the old testament it is almost comical the flip-flop of devotion from one king to the next. Great Father's end up sometimes producing terrible sons and likewise terrible father's end up sometimes producing great sons. The only consistent pattern is that those that were obedient to God, were blessed by God, not always in wealth or position or even in long life, but I assume in the peace that they have in serving God. With this also comes the peace of conviction and knowing that they have worked their heart out in obedience and service to the creator.
I think that on this earth that and that alone is my only safe hope. Be content in God's love for me, be passionate in my obedience and seek to find joy and goodness in whatever circumstances I find myself. It's not the circumstances or the rewards but the peace of mind and heart. I do believe this peace is what can transcend to others. In doing so my life becomes an outpost of the kingdom. Yet it happens as a result of obedience and acting in that obedience. Work my heart out in whatever capacity God allows me to work. Find joy in the small blessings and love fully without reservation, this is the prescription for a great life...no matter whether rich or poor, in sickness or health, in good times and bad.
COLOSSIANS 3:22-23
Reading through the old testament it is almost comical the flip-flop of devotion from one king to the next. Great Father's end up sometimes producing terrible sons and likewise terrible father's end up sometimes producing great sons. The only consistent pattern is that those that were obedient to God, were blessed by God, not always in wealth or position or even in long life, but I assume in the peace that they have in serving God. With this also comes the peace of conviction and knowing that they have worked their heart out in obedience and service to the creator.
I think that on this earth that and that alone is my only safe hope. Be content in God's love for me, be passionate in my obedience and seek to find joy and goodness in whatever circumstances I find myself. It's not the circumstances or the rewards but the peace of mind and heart. I do believe this peace is what can transcend to others. In doing so my life becomes an outpost of the kingdom. Yet it happens as a result of obedience and acting in that obedience. Work my heart out in whatever capacity God allows me to work. Find joy in the small blessings and love fully without reservation, this is the prescription for a great life...no matter whether rich or poor, in sickness or health, in good times and bad.
22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
COLOSSIANS 3:22-23
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