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I Pray That Today’s Pain Will Become Tomorrow’s Blessing
I don’t know what will happen next. I don’t know what’s waiting for me ahead. The pain of the present tries to whisper that tomorrow will be the same. The wounds would try to tempt me to think that there’s no hope left. But for sure, this is only temporary. The time will come when things will be better. But until then, my Lord, this is the cry of my heart: Please give me the reason to believe in your promises. Please teach me how to hold on to my faith. There are just times when I feel so tired and exhausted. I want to quit. And I wanted to…
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Doing The Will Of God
When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” Acts 21: 12-14, NIV The Holy Spirit already revealed to Paul that he will experience suffering in Jerusalem. This is the reason why the other disciples pleaded him not to go there. But even though it breaks Paul’s heart to see them weep, still…
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The Life Of Those Who Do Wrong Were Like The Grass That Will Soon Wither
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Psalm 37: 1-2, NIV There are instances in life when we envy those who do wrong. We wonder why they receive so many blessings while we are trying to do the right thing and end up receiving little. This kind of feeling is so common nowadays. People focus on the ill-gotten wealth that others acquire, and it seems like there’s no justice for those affected. We can’t help but wonder if God is still moving in the…
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Loving Father, Please Remind Me That I Am Not Alone
Lately, I’ve been going through a series of pains that greatly challenged my faith. I don’t know where to start, and I don’t have any clue what’s really going on. I just knew that I was not okay, and something inside was bothering me. Every time I try to face all these uncertainties on my own, I can’t help but wonder why I feel like I am the only human being in this world. The people around me looked so happy and successful. They put smiles on their faces, and it seems like they don’t have any problems at all. But here I am, struggling for something that I don’t…
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Worship In The Midst Of Suffering
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. Acts 16: 25:26, NIV Paul and Silas were suffering in prison when they experienced a supernatural move from God. In the midst of discomfort and darkness, they chose to pray and worship God. They didn’t focus on the negative things that they went through. Instead, they set their eyes on Him and chose to praise Him. What they did became a source…
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He Chose To Pray And Kept His Faith Despite What He Experienced
To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Psalms 28:1-2, NIV Every time David was in despair, he would call upon the name of the Lord and remind himself that He was his rock. He believed with all his heart that God would be his source of strength, stability, and foundation. Even though he went through difficulties in life, he knew that he could count on God. He chose to pray and kept his faith despite what he experienced. His life may not have been…
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Better Is Open Rebuke Than Hidden Love
Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Proverbs 27:5, NIV Not everyone wants to be rebuked. It’s painful, and it kills our pride. But thank God because He openly rebukes us through His words and the things that He allows us to experience. This only means that His love is not hidden. When we receive corrections from Him or from other people, it means that we are loved beyond what we can imagine. So whenever God painfully corrects your actions, just humbly accept it and choose to thank Him. Sometimes, that’s what we need. We may think we are doing the right thing according to our understanding, but He needs…
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When God Instructs Us To Take One Step At A Time
“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:6, NIV As Saul was on a journey going to Damascus, he personally encountered Jesus. After that, He gave him a simple instruction about what to do next. He didn’t explain or gave him the assurance that we usually wanted to hear. Instead, he provided a simple step that he could follow. Sometimes, Jesus doesn’t give us the exact details about what’s going on in our lives. He doesn’t explain things to us simply because He knows what we need. We may think that we need to understand and comprehend everything before…
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Let’s Pray That God Will Teach Us How To Let Go Of The Grudges Inside
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7: 59-60, NIV Stephen died with faith in his heart. He chose to pray even when he was in pain and suffering. In fact, he didn’t hold grudges. With a humble heart, he asked God to forgive those people who stoned him. If I experienced the same pain, most probably I would complain and ask God for questions. But Stephen did the exact opposite. His life is a great reminder for me…
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Faith Is The Assurance That What God Said Will Come To Pass
He gave him no inheritance here, not even enough ground to set his foot on. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child. Acts 7:5, NIV When Stephen gave a speech to the Sanhedrin, he shared the story of Abraham. He emphasized those moments when God gave Abraham a promise despite having no child. He said that Abraham’s descendant would possess the land that God showed him. This is a beautiful reminder for all of us. We have certain aspects in life wherein just like Abraham, it seems like we have nothing. We would…
