What about sickness or pain? March 29

Are we to handle sickness or pain any differently as people of faith, as Becomers?

Yes, we will still hurt like others. Yes, we may not avoid the trials of pain in this world. Yes, we will ache like everyone else. But wait!

Jesus said in Mt. 8:17 he has fulfilled Isaiah 53:4 which says, “he has carried our infirmities and sicknesses.”

There is a path of endurance for the believer. Our partnership with Christ helps us “go beyond” in ways the world does not accept. We build upon faith, trust, endurance given by God himself as a buffer for pain.

There is a huge difference between hurt which offers NO relief and hurt laced with spiritual and eternal hope.

Even when you vomit, Christ holds your hand. Hold on!

What Difference? March 28

 

Some have asked, what difference does it make to have the extra strength of God’s Spirit to help us go beyond our circumstances? For instance, what difference does it make when you are angry?

There is some truth to the idea that our imagination sometimes outranks our ability. But we have a working suggestion in Romans 12: 17-21 and Eph. 4:26. The effort falls within the “conquer evil with good…”

With the generous power and indwelling of the Holy Spirit we can “go beyond” by practicing a new approach to living.

And here it is. . . we have the opportunity to trade for better emotions. Through forgiving yourself and others, the Spirit can help move anger away from fear and into forgiveness.

Another BEYOND March 27

 

    Since we are to seek first the kingdom of God, then this means he will clear the way. Nothing gets zapped for us, necessarily. Sometimes hours must flow.

Yet, struggling through any trial, remains a promise,” …And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” [Mt.28:20]. Whoa! He is with us always!

    If you feel alone, if loneliness attacks, stop, and say, “I am never alone.” Because we are not. Christ is always there, holding up our shield of faith so we become more like him.

We are to practice His presence because we are still becoming the new kind of people Jehovah intends.

Say: ABBA, FATHER.

What Meaning of Faith? March 26

 

    For the true believer and follower of Jehovah God, one foundational meaning of faith remains; God is answering any prayer. The result may not be what we thought because we do not understand all the connections in the universe that are time linked. But God is always hearing prayer because he is ever present.

So, we look to another beyond measure in Mt. 6:33.

We ask God to clear the way. Give us the right guidance as we try to seek first his established kingdom. He will show the best way through any troubling condition.

Live as if the best is already true.

Today. . . go beyond. March 25

                                      

Because we can now “do all things in Christ” as we look forward instead of backward? [Phil 3:13], what is our beginning energy? Are we left on our own? What quality of life must we exercise?

When crisis comes, Jesus gave a story and example of the kind of energy needed. It jumps at us in Lk. 8:22-25. And the main question is in verse 25.

For those of us who believe, the start of beyondedness gets displayed in this story.

Think about the one word.

A Promise for Becomers March 23

 

Are the Psalms good today? We would say YES.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” [ Ps.34:17-18, NIV]

So, a guide for going beyond. “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” [Mt. 5:4]

 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes…” [Rev. 21:4].

No believer has to be alone through anything, especially those who hurt deeply.

What Next? March 22

 

Since we are true believers in Christ and answered prayer, what challenge comes next?

We are given other scripture and knowledge that we are becoming a new race of people in Christ. “I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” [Philippians 4:13]

Earlier the Apostle had said” …forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…” [Phil.3:13]

What is that new race of people? We are growing as BECOMERS. We now possess the Holy Spirit energy to “go beyond.”

In the days ahead, watch for topics to “go beyond.”