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Let’s Choose To Strengthen Others
After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Acts 18: 23, NIV Paul’s mission wasn’t just to plant churches outside Jerusalem and make converts. But it was also his goal to strengthen the disciples. This gives us two important reminders. First, for those who already started making disciples, we are reminded to continuously serve those whom God entrusted us. It’s not enough that they know Jesus; we are also called to help them know Him deeper. That they may be strengthened, and they may also be empowered to disciple others.…
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Paul Patiently Dealt With The Disciples According To God’s Ways
When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. Acts 9:26, NIV When Saul went to Jerusalem years after encountering Jesus in Damascus, the disciples were hesitant to welcome him. Before Saul met Jesus, he persecuted Christians and threatened their lives. He put them in prison, and many of them suffered because of him. This must’ve been why the disciples in Jerusalem found it hard to accept him. I would have probably felt the same way if I had worn their shoes. Fear would possibly dominate my heart, especially when I recall the…
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What If What’s Waiting For You On The Other Side Is Not Death But Resurrection?
Have you ever felt that kind of fear that paralyzes you to take another step? Because of the negative things you experience and the pain you are carrying, you tend to withdraw and step back from what God commanded. There are questions in your head. You are doubting God’s presence and grace. You are wondering if what’s waiting for you is death or life. If you feel this way right now, this reminder is for you. Jesus’ disciples also felt scared when their Master wanted to return to where He was stoned and persecuted. In John 11:4-8, it says there: When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not…
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Choosing Jesus is not always that easy, but it’s worth it
Walking with Jesus is like going through a narrow road. You will experience hardships. Many times, you will find it difficult to choose Him over the temporary pleasures that this world could offer. You are like in a middle of a war wherein you need to fight against your own desires. Because many times, God’s will is so different from what our flesh wants. This is the reason why Jesus told His disciples that to follow Him somehow means carrying your own cross. You need to constantly give up the temporary things that you want so that you will receive eternal gifts from God. It’s a hard choice because it…
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Faith comes first before the Act of Surrender
You can never fully lay down the burdens to God if you don’t have enough faith to believe that He will take good care of you. You will find it hard to surrender if, all this time, you keep on telling yourself that you are all alone. You need faith first before you learn to let go of certain things. Trust in His ways and know that He loves you so much. His love will cast out all your fears. It will give you the strength to keep going despite of worries and doubts. Believe that better days are coming. Receive the hope that He wants to give you. Let…
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Remember the Miracles that God did and your Faith will be Strengthened
During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” - Mark 8: 1-4 This story happened after Jesus multiplied food for five thousand people. The disciples already experienced a very big miracle that our Savior performed, but at this moment, they…
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3 things to Remember when you Feel so Afraid
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his…
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Offer what you have to Jesus, and you will receive more than enough
As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and…
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Jesus went through Suffering Alone
And His disciples all left Him and fled. Mark 14:50, NASB When Jesus was arrested, His disciples fled and left Him all alone. This happened before He was crucified. He went to the trial courts, was mocked by people, and was nailed on the cross without His disciples. He suffered and felt all sorts of pain, emotionally and physically. Jesus experienced everything. That’s why, when you feel so alone in the most heartbreaking season of your life, just come to Jesus because He understands you. He’s been there, and He knows what you truly feel. He sees your wounded heart, and He knows how to heal you. Just humble yourself…
