" DIFFERENT FORMS OF SUFFERING "

Welcome Aboard,

Today I'd like to discuss pain and suffering. Please take a moment and let's see if I can share something new with you. We all have been introduced to pain at some point in our lives. Those who struggle with pain, physical limitations, or disabilities can have wonderful hope in the resurrection. Some people will do almost anything to avoid pain. Now as Followers of Christ however, we should be willing and prepared to do God's will and to suffer for it if necessary. Sin loses its power to defeat us in our suffering if we focus on Christ and what He wants us to do.

When our bodies are in pain or our lives are in jeopardy, our real values show up clearly, and sinful pleasures seem less important. If anyone suffers for good and still faithfully obeys in spite of their suffering,now this person has made a clean break with sin. OK, let's go in a different direction now, how painful are honest words? We must be mindful that words can hurt and sometimes we must be brutality honest. Please understand the point that I'm trying to convey. These are times when it's OK to protect another's feelings, and then times to be point blank about going to Hell. Most of the time it's our sin that leads us to pain and suffering. One may ask when suffering or troubles come our way, is it always from Satan. God allows everything that comes our way and I believe that we must constantly be on alert. If God can oversee the forces of nature, surely he can see us through the trials we face. Suffering is unavoidable in bringing the Good News Of Christ to the world. It is called Christ's suffering, because all Christians are related to Christ. When we suffer, Christ feels it with us. But this suffering can be endured joyfully because it changes lives and brings people into God's Kingdom.

LAST POINT: I'm just saying life without God is senseless. All of life's work: building a home, erecting your career, and bring up a family must have God as the foundation. God is not against human effort. Hard work honors our Father God. But working to the exclusion of rest or to neglect of family may be a cover-up for an inability to trust God to provide for our needs. We all need adequate rest and times of spiritual refreshment. On the other hand, we are not to be lazy. be mindful to maintain a balance: Work while trusting God, and also rest while trusting Him.

 Until Next Time...
 Jim,