when you have no enthusiasm

Life is, for most of us, a series of peaks and valleys. We have times of enthusiasm and sometimes we fall into the pits of depression. When we have times of great enthusiasm we stand on the mountaintop and often feel as if we are God. When we feel depressed we often think God has abandoned us. In both instances, we are wrong. When we are on the mountaintop and we think we have the power, we are wrong because it is God who gave us the mountain and it is God who enables us to reach the top. When we are in the valley, God has not abandoned us, we have abandoned Him. In both cases, we must remember our enthusiasm for life and for life's opportunities.

We must remember to be thankful in times of plenty and in times of poverty. Our enthusiasm for life must not be tied to what we have or do not have. Our enthusiasm must be tied to God. God is with us in our times of need and in our times of wealth and plenty. It is God who brings us the blessings of life and it makes no difference whether the blessings are resting in our hands or not yet received. Our enthusiasm for life must remain rooted in the source of all blessings. Our enthusiasm for life must remain rooted in Christ who hung from His Cross where He gave his life for each of us. Psalm 13:3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death (NIV)

about picking up your cross

Picking up your cross of suffering and following our Lord Jesus is a choice you make. Perhaps in your life, your decision for Christ was made so long ago you have forgotten about the implications of choosing Him. This message is to be a reminder of your choice and a reminder your suffering is to be dedicated to Christ. In your suffering, you can turn away from Christ, as many people do. However, if you remain with Him in your trials, you become one of His most precious treasures. God can see every moment of your hardship. In every darkness, God is with you. Suffering, for some people, is a way of life. For some people, their faithfulness in suffering is the greatest kind of prayer any human could ever pray. God glories in your faithfulness in the dark times.

When you suffer God pours out His blessings, power, and grace upon you and through you. As you remain faithful in hardship, God does greater works through you. Although we do not always see what and how God works, the power of love you exert by standing firm in faithfulness surely unleashes His power in the world. He did not admonish you to carry your cross for no reason. He admonished you to carry your cross so His kingdom would be empowered upon the earth through people like you. Matthew 10:38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (NIV) with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." 55 "Where, O death, is your victory? (NIV)

about God's gift of peace

In your darkest hour, God will give you His most gracious gifts of peace. We do not know how these things work. We do not know how God gives us peace when peace is not humanly possible. Yet, we remain faithful to Christ, for we know that in every circumstance, no matter how troubling, the Spirit of God strengthens and empowers us to always do the will of God. It is Christ's greatest victory when you remain true to the calling of God in spite of great suffering.

In our world of ego and fame, we may want the world to know how much we suffer. However, for Christ, just your act of quiet and humble obedience in trials and afflictions is the greatest work of all. Standing firm against afflictions is looked upon by Christ as the greatest of offerings and will surely bring you His greatest of rewards. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

One More Thought

Love is the greatest. Love is the best. Love is the most powerful. Love is the secret ingredient. Love is greater than faith for faith depends upon love. Love is greater than hope for love keeps hope alive. Love keeps life alive. Love banishes all darkness. Love is the motive force in the universe. Love is your key to the Kingdom of God and is the Door through which you must pass to enter the Kingdom of God. Spread love. Show love. Display love. Share love. And surrender to Love for Love surrendered Himself to be crucified on the Cross for you.

when you have no enthusiasm

Life is, for most of us, a series of peaks and valleys. We have times of enthusiasm and sometimes we fall into the pitts of depression. When we have times of great enthusiasm we stand on the mountaintop and often feel as if we are God. When we feel depressed we often think God has abandoned us. In both instances, we are wrong. When we are on the mountaintop and we think we have the power, we are wrong because it is God who gave us the mountain and it is God who enables us to reach the top. When we are in the valley, God has not abandoned us, we have abandoned Him. In both cases, we must remember our enthusiasm for life and for life's opportunities.

We must remember to be thankful in times of plenty and in times of poverty. Our enthusiasm for life must not be tied to what we have or do not have. Our enthusiasm must be tied to God. God is with us in our times of need and in our times of wealth and plenty. It is God who brings us the blessings of life and it makes no difference whether the blessings are resting in our hands or not yet received. Our enthusiasm for life must remain rooted in the source of all blessings. Our enthusiasm for life must remain rooted in Christ who hung from His Cross where He gave his life for each of us. Psalm 13:3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death (NIV)