Life is not an easy task. Living for the Lord is not always easy and enjoyable. But why is that? Lately I have had a difficult time in focusing on the hope in Christ and joy in the Resurrection. I go to a private, Christian University and live in the dorms. I am constantly surrounded by liked my minded people. I have a somewhat regular schedule, and tend to be so consumed with my biblical major course work that I rarely have time to think about anything other than God, the bible, or at least something spiritual. But since Friday night, I have been at my home, 3 1/2 hours away from school, surrounded by my non-christian friends, and not participating in my routine with constant submersion within the Word. And I’ll tell you what…it’s hard! It is hard to find the passion, the will, the desire to continue with this blog and to live with the joy I was living with in observance of the Resurrection. I reread my two blogs concerning hope, and was somewhat re-inspired. We need to be steadfast. We need to do what is necessary to constantly recommit our lives everyday to God, saying, “thanks God, this day’s for You!” Hopefully this may help you as it has helped, by finding another type of motivation within my salvation and the works of the Resurrection. I will leave you with these words from Paul:
I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. – 1 Corinthians 15:31-34
james 1:1-12
“Consider it pure JOY [i added that for effect:], my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:19
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says [see above].”
James 3:9-11
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water come from the same spring?”
James 5:19-20
“My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his ways will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
Sincerely,
Andrea Brooke Austin
very cool =D