All tagged Perseverance

Perseverance, Endurance, and Rejoicing in our Cross

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Perseverance, Suffering, Faithfulness

If a man seeks Jesus Christ as a means of escaping the hardship and suffering of the world then he will be sorely disappointed when at last he meets Him, because no man ever suffered as Christ did. Are we ready to continue on in faith and to seek righteousness even though we know that tribulation awaits us? Can we face life’s suffering and rejoice in it, or will we complain, mourn, and eventually, lay down our cross as we yield to our own personal comfort? A Christian’s love for Jesus exceeds his desire for selfish pleasure, and his love and desire for eternity with God endures the lessons, and responsibilities, of the cross. 

Running, Walking, and our Quest for Faith

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Giving our Life, Seeking Faith

When we are running the race of faith how much effort and enthusiasm do we apply to it? Though we are faithful, some of us will sit like spectators and watch the gifted athletes run, some will strive only for pleasure and never expect to win the race, a few will be running so that others will call them faithful, and then there are those who run as though against themselves, only desiring to do a bit better than the last time they entered the field, but Paul tells us that anything other than running to win the prize of eternal life, and God’s pleasure, is not enough. So how are we running our race of faith, and what is our event?

Tending the Fire, and Garden of our Faith in the New Year

Richard Forbes
Christian, Daily Devotion, Faithfulness, Perseverance, Growth

When we first believe we are on spiritual fire, with our faith roaring like a blazing inferno, but if we do not continue to feed the flame then ever so slowly the fire dies down until at last it is only cold ash; blown here and there by the wind, and driven once more into the earth by the rain. Where in this description are we in our faith? Are we lighting up the night, smoldering, or reduced to a pile of cold white ash?

Of Boy Scouts, Faith, and being prepared to live for God

Richard Forbes
Salvation, Daily Devotion, Perseverance, Christian, Faith

You confessed your sins, accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, and were baptized. You felt the joy of that moment of great faith and salvation as it ripples through you and lifted you high, but what have you done in the months and years since? What place Has your faith taken in your life; has it fallen to second place, third place, or further than that? To Jesus you are still as important and loved as the moment you first believed... can you say the same about Him?

On the Subject of Sin, and How to Eat the Elephant

Richard Forbes
Sin, Righteousness, Holiness, Daily Devotion, Christian

Are you a branch on the vine of Jesus Christ? Do you know what that means to you? When we are grafted into the vine of Jesus, you become righteous as He is righteous, and free of sin as He is free of sin. Grafting doesn’t transform the branch’s nature, but it is from that moment on supported and fed by the new vine. Are you fed and supported by Jesus? Is your fruit made more perfect and full by its perfect new source of nourishment?