Keep Your Eyes On Him

     "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly (Philippians 1:12-14)."      Paul's situation was not good. He was in a prison in Rome. He could have complained and asked the question, 'Is this fair?' but instead of complaining he in essence asked the question, 'Is this prison I am in accomplishing something for God?' Our perspective is extremely important as we go through adversity-and we will all go through adversity in our lives. The key when going through difficult seasons is remembering who is in control-God. He is in control at all times and He wants to work in and through you in the midst of your pain. Your suffering is never wasted in t...

     "To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Yet the Lord set His affection on your forefathers and loved them, and He chose you , their descendants, above all the nations as it is today. Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes (Deuteronomy 10:14-17)."      Think about those verses for a moment...The King of Glory, the One who made the heavens, the earth and everything in it set His affection on you . He seeks after you; He pursues you; He draws you to Himself. This is all out of His great love. He loves though we don't deserve it. Apart from Christ, we are all wretched. There is none who are righteous-not one (Romans 3:10). And yet, God invades our darkness and calls us into His marvelous light. It is simply amazing to me, that...