#Christian perseverance

[chadbrodrick]

Sometimes, we begin the journey with passion and clarity, but over time, we feel stuck. Our energy fades, our faith feels sluggish, and we wonder if we’ll ever regain our spiritual rhythm. In those moments, we need to remember that the Spirit who started the work in us hasn’t stopped and is still moving.

[bvthomas]

Overcoming BESETTING SIN: A Call to Spiritual Maturity in Hebrews 12:1

In Hebrews 12:1, the Apostle challenges believers to live with perseverance, casting off everything that hinders their spiritual journey. This passage offers profound insight into the nature of sin and spiritual growth, especially when it speaks of “the sin which doth so easily beset us.” The phrase here invites us to reflect on how sin, particularly besetting sin, can hinder our walk with…

[iamentertainmentclub-blog]

Proverbs Daily Reflection – February 17, 2025

If you thought Captain Jack Sparrow commandeering a ship at the port in Pirates of the Caribbean was daring, you might want to reconsider. Think again. You really need to think again. Consider Robert Smalls's story. Consider the story of Robert Smalls. He did it in real life! #josephmekaelpageministries

Proverbs 17:3 (NKJV) “The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the hearts.” Refined Through Fire: Black History & the Fight for Justice The struggles of the civil rights movement were like a refining fire, strengthening those who stood for justice. Many freedom fighters endured trials, but their faith and perseverance shone like purified gold. Unsung Freedom…

[thinkingonscripture]

Victors Rather Than Victims

Last year, I unexpectedly found myself caught in the crossfire of work-related drama, which briefly disrupted my psychological and emotional state. It took me a few days to evaluate the situation, diagnose my mental state, and recalibrate my thinking to align with God’s Word. From there, I chose to live by divine wisdom and walk by faith rather than fear, to be a victor and not a victim. Though…

[seekingtheosis]

Christian Perseverance through Faith - Advent Meditation on St. Luke 1:1-25

The post reflects on the annunciation to Zechariah, providing insights into the faith and struggle of Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. Despite their childlessness and societal ridicule, they stayed true to their faith. The post underscores the transforma

A reflection on the Annunciation to Zechariah In the name of God the Father, Christ Jesus His only begotten Son and the Holy Spirit, One True God. Amen Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus The Christians around the world are gearing up for one their most important festivals which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ in the manger in Bethlehem. The weeks prior to the Feast of the Nativity…

[apenitentialprayer]

The desolation will certainly come. Prepare for it, not only by laying up a store of comfort, but also by laying up a store of strength to carry you through the dark hours of the storm. Train yourself now to a rule of life, to exactness in prayer, to good methods of performing your several duties, to patience and charity, so that when the storm breaks, you may gather in all your sails, pull your ship together, and hold on bravely and faithfully through darkness and dryness and disgust and despair. Fidelity is the great virtue of the time of desolation; fidelity to God, fidelity in faith, fidelity in hope, fidelity in charity, fidelity to your own good resolutions of the time of consolation, and fidelity to prayer, the sacraments, and all the outward helps of a holy life.

George Porter, S.J., future Archbishop of Bombay, in a letter to a young nun dated April 27th, 1882

[momentsbeforemass]

50% of God’s love

One of the promises you make at Ordination is to pray the Divine Office. Morning prayer and evening prayer. Every day.

If you’ve tried to do it, you know that some days are easier than others. Some days it just flows. Other times, not so much.

There are distractions. Intrusive thoughts. All kinds of things can turn quiet time with God into anything but.

But none of that is really about the Divine Office. That stuff happens with every kind of prayer.

The good part? Even when it’s not easy, or even particularly coherent, God is listening, taking it all in. None of it is ever lost or unheard.

Just as important? What God is not doing.

God’s not evaluating our prayers, figuring out whether they’re worth His time. God doesn’t grade our prayers. God has never said to anyone after prayer,

“That was a mess. Truly one of your worst. You were all over the map. Half the time, you were distracted. When you weren’t, it was all about you. And all the stuff you’ve got going on.

Really, it doesn’t even deserve a response.

But, because I’m Me, I’ll meet you halfway. I’ll give you 50% of My love, some of My grace, part of what you need.

Next time, pray better.”

God’s not looking for perfection. And prayer isn’t a performance.

Prayer is all about talking with God. Drawing closer to God. Being with God.

What God really wants is for us to persevere in prayer.

Even if we’re distracted. Or if we don’t feel God’s presence right now. For us to keep trying.

Even when it’s not easy. For us to keep coming back to God.

To persevere in prayer. Until our hearts rest in Him.

Until we are able to receive 100% of His love, all of His grace, and everything we need.

Today’s Readings

[kahtiihma]

that's not what that word means

[twinklarentruther]

ladies and theydies I SURVIVED!

papaya europe gifted us with a 1st and 2nd

papaya america clinched a 2nd and 3rd

THREE races in one weekend took me OUT

[aparticularbandit]

Responding to this post as a separate post because I want to respond to something that I think is beyond the scope/intention of the original post (and honestly the scope/intention of the response in the linked post) but that, like.

I want to respond to it because it's been churning in my head.

Specifically the idea of the Protestant Work Ethic and trying to earn your way into heaven.

Because that's the very antithesis of what the Gospel is.

Over and over, it is made very clear that you cannot earn your way into heaven. (Titus 3:5 and Ephesians 2:8-9 are the ones that come immediately to mind, but there are more than that. (I also like - Romans 4 and the entire discussion about it being faith and not works and especially Romans 4:4-8.)) Literally one of the entire points is that you are stuck in your sin and you cannot get out and no matter what you do, you cannot earn your way in, but God loves you and chose you and wants you, so He paid your debt Himself (Jesus) and is giving you His righteousness - His perfection - because He was the only one who could earn His way in.

God is for you, not against you.

Are there things you should be doing? Yes. (Ephesians 2:10 talks about that, too.) But, like. It's not to earn your way in. It's out of love and gratefulness to the One who got you out of your horrible predicament? And then on top of that, made you a co-heir with Him?

Because it's...He paid for you to get in and then also you got adopted as a child of God? And someone described it once as good works after that being like when a child makes a drawing for their dad and their dad hangs it on the fridge? It's not to earn anything; it's because you love Him, too?

So, like - I want to know where the Protestant Work Ethic went wrong. Why so many people think it's about earning their way when it isn't that at all.

It's a gift. It was always a gift.

[alwaysrememberjesus]

Keep Going

[theheartslament]

"That his love never changes. That even in our darkest moments, He is in control and his goodness remains. That He is always able and that He works all things together for the good of those who love him. And this has always been enough to keep me going."

— Cafe Thoughts of Christ

[iamentertainmentclub-blog]

Proverbs Daily Reflection – February 14, 2025

We thank You for the lives of those who have gone before us. They showed us how to walk in love, truth, and righteousness. May we embrace that same love in our own lives. Help us demonstrate the kind of selfless love You have called us to. #josephmekaelpageministries

Bob Marley: A Legacy of Love, Faith, and Resistance Through Peace 🎶✝️💚 “Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.” – Proverbs 14:22 (KJV) Throughout history, those who have chosen love over hate, unity over division, and peace over violence have often faced persecution. Bob Marley was no exception. His message of love, justice, and faith in God…

[thelordismylightandmysalvation]

Verse of the Day - Hebrews 12:1

[karisumawrites]

Whenever you feel helpless, think of the things you know you can do for others.

[hiddenplacx]