What a way to begin this chapter: "a humble Christian in the most impoverished or limited circumstances can experience more divine blessing than a brilliant theologian surrounded by a vast library of religious books. It's the simple devotion of the heart, not complicated concepts, that opens up the windows of heaven's blessing upon our souls". How true! The Apostle Paul said himself he learned to be content in all circumstances. This doesn't come from reading and studying as much as it comes from humility and servanthood. Jesus didn't die so I could have knowledge: He died so I could have a relationship with God. Imagine that; the King of all creation, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, longs to have a relationship with a sinner like me. Folks, I'm still in awe each and every day that He loves me like He does.
On page 138, Cymbala says: "Let us remember that experiencing God's blessing doesn't make us less of a target for the devil. In fact, it draws his special attention". That is such a true statement, and a prime example of why we need each other in the Faith Race. In the next stamentent in the book, Cymbala reminds us that, "God is able to give us the victory over every satanic assault". We walk around defeated way too much. Upset at this or that, and Satan just sits back and smiles, knowing he has neutralized our impact. I need to practice something I preached not too long ago, and that being to allow the Lord to turn my tragedies into triumph, for His glory. So men, let's keep up the prayers and hold each other accountable.
First sentence of this chapter, “The blessing of God always depends on the simple essentials of a spiritual life.”
What are the simple essentials? Obviously salvation. Prayer. Bible Study. Commitment. Wow, those things are simple but certainly not always easy. Especially in light of the comments that Brad made regarding Satan coming after us when we are blessed.
We have had alot of discussions and various views. Iron is sharpening iron. This last chapter trully speaks to all the previous comments. It's the simple devotion of the heart, not complicated concepts, that opens up the windows of heaven's blessing upon our souls. We must take David's example to heart, although something seems to be the correct path, God's plan may be to go around the side and wait for his army to prepare the way. I pray for each of you as I do myself that we will yield ourselves to his tender hands. Then we can rest in God and wait patiently for him to "break out" against our enemies.
I find it truly interesting and completely agreeable that Cymbala mentions that Satan decided to attacks us especially when we seem to be at our highest and fully experiencing the blessings of God. In my life, it seems that every blessing I receive can be followed by an attack by Satan. To the point where I get pessimistic after experiencing a blessing and continually look for Satan to bring me back down. It is amazing to me that just the thought of Satan and his tricks can keep me from letting God truly work in my life. Also, Brad wrote about letting God turn the tragedies into triumph in his life for his glory. Not that I disagree, but I hear that all the time from many people in my life. “Give God the glory in everything.” Sure, easy to say, hard to do. How do you give God the glory in a time when you are truly at your lowest? In times of pain when the simple act of prayer is difficult, how does a person glorify God? Is it by simply having blind faith and believing that God will take away the pain? Is it by not blaming God for events that have occurred? My life experiences have taught me that giving “giving God the glory” is much easier said than done. I know I need to do it, but sometimes I am confused how. Sometimes it seems that just continuing to believe He has me in his hands is the best I can muster. Just a thought..
Brandon, I have no words to answer your questions. Knowing the events you are speaking of, I would never insult you by even pretending to have any insight or answers. However, without any question, I can tell you exactly what “giving God the glory” looks like. It looks like you and Marissa. Your life has and continues to glorify God. Your ability to fight the fight in the way that you do glorifies God. How you deal with the depths of pain glorifies God. What you don’t do in the face of one of the most difficult situations glorifies God. Your investment in the lives of young people glorifies God. Your work ethic glorifies God. Be encouraged brother. You are glorifying God.
In chapter 12 the writer of Hebrews issues Christians a challenge to run the race of faith. In order to do so we must lay aside every encumbrance and sin that so easily entangles us. We have to learn to run with endurance and keep our eyes fixed on our example, Jesus Christ. How do we accomplish this in our society? We lock arms with other men of faith and run the race.
This blog is dedicated to a “technical” approach to locking arms. This blog is dedicated to online book studies for men. We will read certain chapters from chosen books. Then we will post comments to encourage, inspire, and in some cases stir up other men. So, you are invited to join our online discussion. More importantly, will you accept the challenge to run the race of faith?
8 comments:
What a way to begin this chapter: "a humble Christian in the most impoverished or limited circumstances can experience more divine blessing than a brilliant theologian surrounded by a vast library of religious books. It's the simple devotion of the heart, not complicated concepts, that opens up the windows of heaven's blessing upon our souls". How true! The Apostle Paul said himself he learned to be content in all circumstances. This doesn't come from reading and studying as much as it comes from humility and servanthood. Jesus didn't die so I could have knowledge: He died so I could have a relationship with God. Imagine that; the King of all creation, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, longs to have a relationship with a sinner like me. Folks, I'm still in awe each and every day that He loves me like He does.
Brad
On page 138, Cymbala says: "Let us remember that experiencing God's blessing doesn't make us less of a target for the devil. In fact, it draws his special attention". That is such a true statement, and a prime example of why we need each other in the Faith Race. In the next stamentent in the book, Cymbala reminds us that, "God is able to give us the victory over every satanic assault". We walk around defeated way too much. Upset at this or that, and Satan just sits back and smiles, knowing he has neutralized our impact. I need to practice something I preached not too long ago, and that being to allow the Lord to turn my tragedies into triumph, for His glory. So men, let's keep up the prayers and hold each other accountable.
Brad
Brad,
I removed one of your posts. For some reason one came through twice. Don't think I'm censoring your stuff.
Keep bringing it.
First sentence of this chapter, “The blessing of God always depends on the simple essentials of a spiritual life.”
What are the simple essentials? Obviously salvation. Prayer. Bible Study. Commitment. Wow, those things are simple but certainly not always easy. Especially in light of the comments that Brad made regarding Satan coming after us when we are blessed.
Guys,
We have had alot of discussions and various views. Iron is sharpening iron. This last chapter trully speaks to all the previous comments. It's the simple devotion of the heart, not complicated concepts, that opens up the windows of heaven's blessing upon our souls. We must take David's example to heart, although something seems to be the correct path, God's plan may be to go around the side and wait for his army to prepare the way. I pray for each of you as I do myself that we will yield ourselves to his tender hands. Then we can rest in God and wait patiently for him to "break out" against our enemies.
God bless all
Paul
I haven’t posted in a few chapters but………
I find it truly interesting and completely agreeable that Cymbala mentions that Satan decided to attacks us especially when we seem to be at our highest and fully experiencing the blessings of God. In my life, it seems that every blessing I receive can be followed by an attack by Satan. To the point where I get pessimistic after experiencing a blessing and continually look for Satan to bring me back down. It is amazing to me that just the thought of Satan and his tricks can keep me from letting God truly work in my life.
Also, Brad wrote about letting God turn the tragedies into triumph in his life for his glory. Not that I disagree, but I hear that all the time from many people in my life. “Give God the glory in everything.” Sure, easy to say, hard to do. How do you give God the glory in a time when you are truly at your lowest? In times of pain when the simple act of prayer is difficult, how does a person glorify God? Is it by simply having blind faith and believing that God will take away the pain? Is it by not blaming God for events that have occurred?
My life experiences have taught me that giving “giving God the glory” is much easier said than done. I know I need to do it, but sometimes I am confused how. Sometimes it seems that just continuing to believe He has me in his hands is the best I can muster.
Just a thought..
Brandon,
I have no words to answer your questions. Knowing the events you are speaking of, I would never insult you by even pretending to have any insight or answers. However, without any question, I can tell you exactly what “giving God the glory” looks like. It looks like you and Marissa. Your life has and continues to glorify God. Your ability to fight the fight in the way that you do glorifies God. How you deal with the depths of pain glorifies God. What you don’t do in the face of one of the most difficult situations glorifies God. Your investment in the lives of young people glorifies God. Your work ethic glorifies God. Be encouraged brother. You are glorifying God.
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