Bible Verse of The Day – 5-31-21

Acts 14:21-22 (NLT) 21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.

As I have been making my way through the book of Acts again recently, I have found more and more very deep, “meaty” topics than I remembered were there since the last time I read through it.

The verses above are just a sample of this.

In today’s world, everyone wants comfort and an easy life. Convenience and ease of living are in high demand.

In fact, there are even some who would teach that God offers us all of this (wealth, comfort, happiness, etc.) if we would just “give Jesus a try”. Follow Him and He will make your life fantastic!

Sadly, many people (yes, even some genuine believers) fall for this fallacy, believing that God is the path to easy wealth, creature comforts and unending happiness.

What’s even more sad is that many are led away from God by this, instead of toward Him.

You see, God’s word says that trials and tribulations will come for all of us. It’s a fact of life. It’s reality.

Jesus Himself told us this.

John 16:33 (NKJV) 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

In fact, James says that we should count it all joy when they come.

James 1:2-3 (NKJV) 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

And Jesus, after telling us that there would be tribulations, tells us to be cheerful because He has overcome the world in which we live, where those tribulations will come upon us.

So, let’s not make the mistake of seeking and pursuing lives where there are no trials or tribulations.

No, none of us likes trials or tribulations. They hurt. They’re uncomfortable. They’re inconvenient.

But it is by way of those trials and tribulations that we are cleansed, pruned and purified in the fire, allowing us to enter into the kingdom of God.

Thank you, Father, for all that you do, even when it hurts.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

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