Exhortations for The Soul

This is probably one of the hardest things for us to imagine or understand. How can there be purpose in affliction? I am hurting so bad. How can something good come out of this? Many times, I know I have asked the question and maybe you have as well: "Why is life so hard right now? Why does it feel like no matter what I do, something keeps pushing against me?"   Well, if you have ever felt that way - overlooked, mistreated, delayed, rejected, abandoned, or like your prayers are hitting a wall, I’m glad you’re here. Let’s talk about it and see how our great God works behind the scenes to shape us through every storm. Our main Scripture is taken from Romans 5:3-5 (NKJV): "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." The Apostle Paul tel...

Yesterday, we got real about affliction, did we not? We talked about the reality of affliction with our special guest. We were reminded that affliction is part of the Christian life. Today, I want to stir our faith with this truth: no matter how big our struggle feels, God is greater! Hallelujah. 1 John 4:4 (NKJV) says, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” So in this life, Family, we will face some battles, struggles, afflictions, trials, and tribulations. But before we talk about that, let’s look again at our identity - who we are in Christ. The Word says, “You are of God, little children.” That means our very origin is divine. We belong to God. Our story doesn’t start with our problems; it starts with our relationship with the Almighty.   Romans 8:16-17 (NKJV) reminds us, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and ...

So for the past two weeks we have been zoning in on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have come to recognize and accept that this is not a once a year observation but gift that must be lived out in our lives every day of every week of every month of every year. Jesus died so that our sins will be forgiven. He rose again so that we might have eternal life. This is not only the cornerstone of our faith—it is the launchpad of our mission. When Jesus rose from the dead, He didn’t just conquer the grave; He commissioned His followers to rise as well: rise in faith, rise in boldness, and rise in purpose.   Today, we are going to talk about what it means to rise and witness , and how the resurrection gives us the power to live and serve with confidence in this world. Let’s begin in Matthew 28:6–7 (NIV): "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead…’” The angel’s messag...