2 Corinthians 4:8-9

When we experience abuse, it is natural to lash out at someone – whether the abuser, another person, or God. Here are some suggestions for surviving an abusive situation and finding wholeness.

Do not blame God . God never instigates any kind of abuse. To do so would be totally opposite of everything He says. God tells us to love, serve, and encourage each other. (John 13:34; Galatians 5:13; Thessalonian 5:11)  If you are going to blame somebody, blame the Devil because ultimately, he is the one behind all abuse. (Ephesians 6:12)

Forgive the abuser and anyone who allowed the abuse. This is difficult, and
Read More: GLEANINGS:When we are Abused

Hebrews 5:12-14

If we desire to survive our present culture, the inspired, infallible Word of God must have a central place in our daily life. Through the Bible, God speaks to us about His truths and the world’s lies.

To know if we have become immersed in the world’s lies, we must take an honest look at whether we are committed Christ-followers or worldly believers. Worldly Christians may have strong convictions about following Christ but often find themselves compromising those convictions. A weak understanding of God’s character and commands will culture’s influences. (Ephesians 4:14) Worldliness is revealed in long-term inconsistency of the Christian walk
Read More: GLEANINGS: Surviving our Present Culture

James 4:13-17

The advertising firm of J. Walter Thompson often presents a truth in a way that causes readers to stop and think. For example, one message was designed to shock people into realizing the priceless value of time. The ad stated in bold letters: YOU HAVE 24 HOURS TO LIVE! But underneath in a very fine print appeared these words: Today, that is. The sign served as a catchy reminder that we should live each day as if it were our last – for it might be.

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we are once again made aware of
Read More: GLEANINGS: 24 Hours to Live

Hebrews 11:23-20

Tough times are inescapable. “For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7).  Every one of us will experience periods in our lives when living is hard.  Financial pressure, family trouble, health issues, business difficulties,  opposition within the church – the list of potential problems we could face is endless.  It is, therefore, essential that we learn to respond God’s way.

Tough times can either develop or destroy us. Have you ever noticed how people respond differently to the same difficult situation?  Some grow more focused while others fall apart or are even destroyed by the trial. 
Read More: GLEANINGS:THE KEY TO SURVIVING TOUGH TIMES

Proverbs 8:13

People are oftentimes confused by talk that has to do with fearing God.  On the one hand, the Scriptures admonish us to fear the Lord, but at the same time, we are told that God has not given us a spirit of fear.  So how are we to understand this phrase?

Fearing God does not mean always looking over your shoulder in anxiety to see what He will do next.  The fear of the Lord is something positive and healthy that is clearly defined in several different scriptures.  A particular helpful one is Proverbs 8:13, where we are told that “the
Read More: GLEANINGS:THE FEAR OF THE LORD II

Psalm 112:1-9

The fear of the Lord does not have to do with terror or trepidation, but rather refers to appropriate awe and reverence for who God is.  It is a quality that we as Christians  should seek and nurture.  Though we don’t hear the expression often enough today, it should still be a great compliment to be known as a God-fearing man or woman.

Proper fear of the Lord produces all manner of fruit in the Christian’s life.  It leads to our hating evil as God does, and it is also the beginning of wisdom. (Psalm 111:10)  The more we acquire divine
Read More: GLEANINGS: THE FEAR OF THE LORD

John 14:16-18

One of the greatest hindrances to our prayer life is a lack of perseverance.  Oftentimes people quit praying too soon.  We feel that since we have asked, our answer should immediately be forthcoming or our need should quickly be met. God is not a bellhop, waiting to give us just what we want the moment we ask.  We often have to exercise  patience and continue praying.

All Christians are given the Holy Spirit to seal their relationship to God, and it is He who counsels believers how to pray.  (Romans 8:26)  We have the idea that we need to come to
Read More: GLEANINGS:Our Helper in Prayer

John 3:15-17

Many people assume that since God is loving, He will make a place for everyone in heaven.  They do not comprehend the basic truths about “lost” and “saved.”

All human beings start life as “lost” people.  Since he was the first man, Adam served as representative of the human race.  When he sinned against God (Genesis 3), his spirit became one of rebellion and sinfulness. (Romans 5:12)  That “sin nature,” which is passed along to each generation, results in our being
Read More: GLEANINGS:Loved but Lost

John 12:20-29

The world is constantly vying for our attention.On the left, on the right – its relentless assault can cause us to lose our way quickly if we are not careful. But clinging to God no matter how good or bad our circumstances are, keep us walking closely with Him.

God is the guiding light in our lives, leading us by the voice of His Holy Spirit to a place of life. However, what we forget in our relationship with Him is that we are followers – He is the one leading us.

Whenever the distractions disorient us, we forget that God is our
Read More: GLEANINGS: How to Walk with God

One reason so many Christians are discontented and unsettled is that they haven’t learned what true service is. Somehow they get the idea that just coming to church is the best way to serve God. But when Jesus talks about service, it always consists of pouring your life into somebody else.

The Lord demonstrated what He meant when He washed the disciples’ feet in the upper room during the Last Supper. In so doing, He showed that the key to servanthood is humility. Unless we are willing to stoop very low and get dirty in our service, we have missed the whole point of
Read More: THE KEY TO SERVANTHOOD