There is nothing a good resurrection can't fix.

Thankful for the example of friends who fix their eyes heavenward:

"My eczema has been terrible. But it's okay — I'll get a new body in heaven."

-

Our citizenship is in heaven and we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who.. will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:20-21

When you're dreading tomorrow.

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the former as well as the latter. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.

Ecclesiastes 7:14

-

I guess you can say that it's quite inconvenient that God does not usually explain his immediate actions nor reveal his immediate purposes for what happens in our lives, especially when we're in dread. And it leaves us hanging over whether tomorrow might bring joy or despair—we just cannot know for sure, although it is no secret to God.

Yet it is a beautiful thing that God has revealed his ultimate purposes for his children: to be pardoned of sin, to be justified by faith through grace, and to share in the glory of our risen Saviour Jesus. It will be a day where there will no longer be any shame nor guilt nor dread nor anxiety.

So for those who are anxious about tomorrow:

1. If God is to grant you peace and blessing, then may you receive it with thanks and praise to God. 
2. If God is to grant you suffering and hardship, then may you receive it remembering that God works for the good of those who love him–that our momentary troubles are refining our faith and character to be like gold, fitting us for entry into the glorious kingdom of heaven above.
3. And in everything, pray—present your requests and thanks before God our Father in patience and in trust.

Let us fix our eyes on our home of righteousness in heaven, and let not the troubles of this life move us.

Unhappy songs addressed to God, ftw.

Psalm 13
For the director of music. A psalm of David.

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts 
and day after day have sorrow in my heart? 
How long will my enemy triumph over me? 

Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. 
Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 
lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” 
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. 

But I trust in your unfailing love; 
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 
I will sing to the LORD, 
for he has been good to me.
-

It is a comfort to be able to read God's word to find that he understands how you feel—crap and all.

I feel indebted to the psalmists who, despite their immense angst and suffering, continued to trust in the goodness and salvation that God promised his people. And although it was not revealed to them, they would've been overjoyed to have known the mysteries of Christ, of what he has done and what he will do.

An angry man.

An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

Proverbs 29:22

-

Incessant distress and frustration is no excuse; 

For the anger of man does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
May God impel that spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline in us,
And be merciful unto me, a sinner.

Not in vain.

-

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

When it feels like freedom.

The below is a good description of what I fear most when I'm overwhelmed by stress, anxiety and frustration; when my ears become closed to the voice of reason yet very wide open to the voice of my nerves and mass emotions; when I won't give a damn about the world, truth or responsibility.

And, after the storm, amendments may need to be made, apologies may need to be said, and certain requests may need to be offered to God.

Emotions are real. Sin is real. Responsibility is real. We will have to deal with it. But thank God that Jesus died for the church that there may be support, encouragement and friendship.

-

In your anger do not sin;

when you are on your beds,

search your hearts and be silent.

Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.

Psalm 4:4-5

Technical problems with God.

O: I'm finding it hard to pray or even just to focus on God through all of this.

A: That is only normal in a time like this. But even when you don't know what or how to pray, he knows what you need before you even ask — you don't even have to say a word. Keep groaning and crying out to him. 
- 

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 

 Romans 8:26

In wringing and twisting pain.

Jesus is coming back—
What a beautiful thing to know.

Heavenly Father,

This feels like hell and (bad word) right now.

I don't know or fully understand absolutely why you are letting this happen,

But I am absolutely certain that Jesus has forgiven my sins and prepared a place for me.

Thank you for the comfort of the brothers and sisters who love me,

And for the confidence that at the end of the day Jesus will reign.

Please give me the strength, wisdom and love to persevere in steadfastness.

That even in this hell state, your glory may be revealed in me.

Amen.

-

Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray.

James 5:13

3 thoughts.

1. A reminder for men:
   • God always takes first priority
   • Then, your wife/family
   • Then, your ministry
2. Being faithful to God's word has its importance but skills in teaching, inspiring, communicating, organising and time management also have their roles in good leadership. This will hit you like a train.
3. Don't be anxious, but pray. For our flesh and our hearts may fail, but may God be the strength of our hearts and our portion forever.

I've been convicted in the midst of my current responsibilities, but immensely glad that God is refining us as through fire so that our faith can become like gold.

-

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

Hebrews 12:7