Turbulent Time! 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

3. All praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  he is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. (4) He comforts us in all of our troubles so that we can comfort others.  When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

• Having trouble, obstacles or trials in life is part of its experience.  However, it is a must to grow a dependence on God. 
• Just because we turn to God however, does not make our problems go away. That can't happen as people would then only turn to God when they were struggling and desperate and not have a true unconditional love as they should.  

Examples of God conforming to us:

1. Strength to deal with trials and obstacles
2. Encouragement
3. Hope

Loving God unconditionally and trusting God during all moments (Good or Bad) is showing true Love of God.

Additional Scripture: 

"You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ" (2 Corinthians 1:5). 

• Keep in mind the more we suffer or struggle, the more God will comfort us. 
• When you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to have control of your life, the situation and let him comfort you. 

When you have a life obstacle, take note on how God comforts you.  Then, be willing to comfort others the same when you see others with similiar struggles.  

Paul, in his ministry, suffered in many different ways.  However, he kept grinding because he knew he was fulfilling Gods plan for him. 

• These type of trials are a check and balance to us.  This helps us to keep our pride down and allows us to instead, "RELY ON GOD".  

Remember to Keep a Game Plan:  Gods Plan

"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord "Plans for good, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).  

• We all come up with this great plan for our lives. However, at times it seems we have forgotten God in the plan.  Life will give us its own twist.  It is at these times, we have to be willing to trust God and give him the controls of our lives.  

To love Christ and follow Christ we can achieve victory that no personal game plan can achieve.  

1. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know (Psalm 139:6)
2. Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the price.  You also must run in such a way that you will win.  All athletes practice strict self-control.  They do it to win a price that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.  So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.  I am not like a boxer who misses  his punches.  I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.  Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others, I myself might be disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).  

Listening to God: Hebrews 12:14-17

Studied and Written in April 2010:
Hebrews 12:14: Try to live in peace with everyone, ans seek to live a clean and holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.

• We should work very hard to not let sin block our vision of God. 
• Obey God and live in peace with others
• We might no always like other believers.  However, we must pursue being more Christ like. 

15:  Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special favor of God.  Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by it poison.

• Bitterness - has the ability to show its evil face and cast a dark cloud over the deepest Christian relationship.  
• Allowing grudges to fester can severely damage our Christian foundation and cause a multitude of immorality to be exhibited. 
• BRING CHRIST INTO OUR LIVES TO HEAL THIS BITTERNESS.  

16-17:  Make sure that nobody is immoral or Godless like Esau (Genesis 25:29-34 & 27:36).  He traded is birth right as the oldest son for a meal. And afterward, when he wanted his fathers blessing he was rejected.  It was too late for repentance, even though he wept better tears.  

• Mistakes (Sins) even when repented, can still cause harm to us.  
• We should make choices based on what our vision for life (long run vision) and not what we desire now.   
• As Christians, make sure to evaluate long range effects of decisions to assure that our morals as Christians are not put in jeopardy.  

Lord, as I make this daily walk with you, I pray that I make choices that would reflect my faith in you and my beliefs as a Christian.  While I know my walk with not be perfect, I pray that as I attempt to walk a Christian path, I also model for believers and non believers, how you expect me to be.  And as I make mistakes, I ask that you give me the vision to see that mistake, learn from it, and grow as a Christ follower.  Thank you for the  sacrifice of your son Jesus Christ, who made this all possible!  In his name I pray this prayer for all of us...AMEN!

Spreading Gods Word (John 20:19-20)

Studied and Written 4/10/10 (Posted later)
The disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because of their fear of Jews.  Then Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, "Peace to you!" Having said this, he showed them his hands and side. So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the father has sent Me, I send you." (John 20: 19-21)

• Here Jesus is telling us to go out and spread the word of God... "The Good News", that through the death and resurrection of Christ we are now saved from our sin.  In spreading this, we must remember:
1. The Authority to go out and spread the Gospel of Jesus comes from God.  Through your own decision to follow God's plan for you, it should now become a desire for you to let others know what you know and allow others the opportunity to make the great decision you have made.  
2. Jesus laid the foundation and instruction manual (through the way he lived his life) on how to do this.
• God sent Jesus....Jesus now sends followers and US!!!! 

Father, as I sit here and read your instruction manual on how you want our lives to be lived, I ask that you give me the insight to not only live that life according to your plan and will, but also be able to share correctly with others your word as well.  With that I also know I am a sinner who will sin until the day I die.  However, I ask that you help me improve on how I live my life and to use my actions and words to reflect you more and more as I grow in this walk with you!  Thank you again for you magnificent son Jesus Christ... AMEN!