DIVINE SETUPS - Do not be surprised if Jesus allows you to experience some painful circumstance. Sometimes the lessons we must learn are very painful - this confrontation with reality is necessary at times in our lives - Peter perceived himself to be so spiritually strong that he was prepared to suffer greatly for his Master. Yet Jesus knew where Peter really was in his own pilgrimage. He knew that Peter’s enthusiasm did not match his reality. He was suffering from an attitude of self-righteousness. So, how did Jesus help Peter match his perception to his reality? Peter was the object of a divine setup. Notice that Satan asked permission to sift Peter as wheat. Jesus determined that Satan would be used to bring Peter to the maturity level both Jesus and Peter really desired. And Jesus was praying that Peter would pass the test. Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times that very day. Peter could not believe what Jesus was saying. Sometimes the lessons we must learn are very painful. This experience was necessary in Peter’s life. It was necessary to purge Peter from his sin of self-righteousness. This very lesson would allow Peter to come face to face with his own misperception of where he was in his relationship and devotion to Jesus. When he was forced to confront this, it nearly broke him apart. He wept bitterly once he realized he had done just as Jesus had predicted.

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Divine Setups

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Do not be surprised if Jesus allows you to experience some painful circumstance. Sometimes the lessons we must learn are very painful - this confrontation with reality is necessary at times in our lives

by: Os Hillman

 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32

Have you ever perceived yourself to be at one place spiritually only to discover that you were actually far from this place?

Peter perceived himself to be so spiritually strong that he was prepared to suffer greatly for his Master.

Yet Jesus knew where Peter really was in his own pilgrimage. He knew that Peter’s enthusiasm did not match his reality.

He was suffering from an attitude of self-righteousness.

So, how did Jesus help Peter match his perception to his reality?

Peter was the object of a divine setup.

First, notice that Satan asked permission to sift Peter as wheat.

Jesus determined that Satan would be used to bring Peter to the maturity level both Jesus and Peter really desired.

And Jesus was praying that Peter would pass the test.

Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times that very day. Peter could not believe what Jesus was saying.

Sometimes the lessons we must learn are very painful.

This experience was necessary in Peter’s life. It was necessary to purge Peter from his sin of self-righteousness.

This very lesson would allow Peter to come face to face with his own misperception of where he was in his relationship and devotion to Jesus.

When he was forced to confront this, it nearly broke him apart. He wept bitterly once he realized he had done just as Jesus had predicted.

This confrontation with reality is necessary at times in our lives.

Do not be surprised if Jesus allows you to experience some painful circumstance.

You may be the subject of a divine setup designed to bring you to a greater maturity level in your walk with Jesus.

It may not be a fun experience when you go through it, but you will, like Peter, become a leader whom God will use to lead others.

Os Hillman formerly owned and operated an ad agency in Atlanta for 12 years. He began Marketplace Leaders in 1995 and since then Os  has encouraged thousands of men and women to seek God’s calling on their own lives as it relates to their vocation and to view their work as ministry. Marketplace Leaders and the TGIF devotional that is read in 104 countries today helps men and women fulfill their calling and purpose in their work and life. Os has written 18 books and spoken in more than 26 nations around the globe encouraging, equipping and educating people to live out God’s calling in their lives. His latest book released in July 2017  is The Joseph Calling: 6 stages to fulfill, navigate and fulfill your purpose.

Os Hillman speaks at conferences, churches, luncheons, retreats, and other events and also teaches workshops. If your group is looking for insights, guidance and inspiration to follow God’s call, contact us to partner with you in your ministry!

https://todaygodisfirst.com/divine-setups/

REMEMBER, WHEN IT’S REALLY TOUGH, YOUR FAITH IS… - we can and should consider it all joy when we find ourselves in various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith are for very noble reasons in our relationship with God - When we realize our faith is being tested for a purpose – for the production of a loyal, enduring spirit, and very important spiritual qualities – specific areas to mature and be experienced in, then we should be more apt to embrace the trial of our faith and go through the process with God with the known purpose. The trial is not completely wasted, but obtained for its allowed intended purpose. Your love for Jesus endures temptations; and Jesus’ love for you rewards your enduring love for Him with special approval and with a crown of life. Too often believers try to “do it alone”, and sometimes “act” like everything is okay. They begin to isolate themselves from the help they desperately need. We all need God, and each other, to function well. It’s vital we go to God and meet with Him when we are in a period of suffering. Through our suffering and meeting with Jesus, we also get to enter into the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ. As we fellowship with Jesus in His sufferings, we also receive direct comfort and consolation from Him. This gives us ability to be patient in tribulation, ability to effectively minister to others and share with them what God has shared with us.

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Remember, when it’s really tough, your faith is…

we can and should consider it all joy when we find ourselves in various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith are for very noble reasons in our relationship with God 

Raphael Anzivino

⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. - 1 Peter 1:8-9 New International Version (NIV)

Remember, when it’s really tough spiritually, your faith, loyalty and love towards Jesus is definitely the thing being tested, tried, stretched and proven- for specific purposes. Which is a good thing to be reminded of.

Here are two specific purposes of your trial:

1. To allow you to experience the test and adversity and so become a more experienced disciple.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let [the trial that is designed to produce] patience [endurance] have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature and seasoned) and complete, lacking nothing.” - James 1: 2-4

When we realize our faith is being tested for a purpose – for the production of a loyal, enduring spirit, and the production of some very important spiritual qualities – specific areas to mature and be experienced in, then we should be more apt to embrace the trial of our faith and go through the process with God with the known purpose.

In this way, the trial is not completely wasted, but obtained for its allowed intended purpose.

2. Another specific purpose of your trial: to show forth your love and loyalty to your Savior and Lord. This also must be put to the test to show its worth.

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” - James 1: 12

Notice here that your love for Jesus endures temptations; and Jesus’ love for you rewards your enduring love for Him with special approval and with a crown of life.

3. Another specific purpose of your trial is to come nearer to God in dependency for more revelation of Him, for help and comfort from Him, and in turn to pass on to others what you have received from Him.

This would also include receiving support (encouragement and prayer) from other members of the body of Christ.

Too often believers try to “do it alone”, and sometimes “act” like everything is okay. In essence they begin to isolate themselves from the help they desperately need. We all need God, and each other, to function well.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

⁷ And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.” - 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7

Here we see, that it’s vital we go to God and meet with Him when we are in a period of suffering.

James said, “If anyone is suffering, let him pray.”

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Through our suffering and meeting with Jesus, we also get to enter into the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ.

As we fellowship with Jesus in His sufferings, we also receive direct comfort and consolation from Him. This gives us ability to be patient in tribulation, ability to effectively minister to others and share with them what God has shared with us.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” - (Hebrews 10: 24-25).

4. Another purpose for the testing of our faith is to give Jesus opportunity to delight in and reward your persistent faith, love and loyalty to Him.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” - Hebrews 11: 6

“Who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.

“Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.” - 1 Peter 1: 5-9

Here we see the purpose of the testing of our faith at the Bema, the Judgment Seat of Christ.

This is the rewards ceremony where Jesus gets to express the things of His heart toward us for our love and faith toward Him, as seen in our patient endurance through the difficult times and all the character that was produced through it all, and all the people that were blessed because of it.

He will praise (commend), and honor your faith in Him and all that was attached to that, and He will glorify you big time!

In light of these reasons, we can and should consider it all joy when we find ourselves in various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith are for very noble reasons in our relationship with God.

Quote from a fellow Christ-Life Family member:

“The joy that I get in this trial of waiting is to know that I will show my trust in and loyalty to Him. Our being joyful in these times of trouble shows that our Father God, Jesus and His Spirit are enough for us.”

Prayer:

Father, I rest in Your love and trustworthiness towards me. You are the strength of my life. I set my attention toward You and receive Your grace to help me be victorious through this season. Help me to be attentive to anyone that You would lead me to who needs to be comforted or encouraged in their trial today. Thank You for leading me and for giving me the victory. 

Raphael Anzivino is living proof of the wonder of God's grace, love and power. Born in Texas (1959), his first accident left him with a broken nose at the age of two. At the age of four, he was hit by a car, a hit-and-run driver, that left him broken. Being met with a series of more accidents, he'd become more like Humpty Dumpty whom no one could put back together again, that is until his first encounter with his heavenly Father who began the slow process of the making of a new Raphael, a name which means God heals.
Raphael left his twelve year teaching career in schools to answer God's call to full-time ministry. He is now an ordained minister available to travel to ignite hungry hearts with encounters with the Father and Son and much more.

http://www.hosannafirst.org/remember-when-its-really-tough-your-faith-is/

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http://puricarechronicles.blogspot.com/2018/05/find-us-faithful-steve-green-after-all.html

GOD WANTS YOU TO BE AN OVERCOMER - The resurrection life of Jesus empowers us to overcome any situation and become all that God wants us to be. Victory is not avoiding tests, trials and sufferings. Even Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert to be tempted by the Devil. Our salvation in Jesus’ name is not exemption from such terrible things as sickness and diseases, economic crisis, bankruptcy, loss of a family member, or natural calamities. God allows evil in the world to develop us, to raise a people who will rise above, and combat evil. This is why the Bible so often uses the word ‘overcome.’ We are to be ‘overcomers’ whatever the Devil or this earthly life throws at us. God does not intend for us to be casualties by becoming confused, depressed, angry or resentful.

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God Wants You To Be An Overcomer, Not A Casualty

p u r i c a r e  f i l e s

Be Like a Tree...

By Apolinario Villalobos

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A tree, though standing still
and on a windless day
with not even a rustling leaf
is still erect and majestic -
host to winged creatures
that in the sky frolic.

We can be like a tree
by being still and patient -
under a heavy burden
in times of challenges,
we should not waver
but strive for success!. 
https://www.facebook.com/apolinario.villalobos.5

Plant hobbyists know that the most beautiful miniature trees are found in high cliffs and rock mountains. 

These trees have endured the parched environment and strong winds and have developed tough and gnarled branches and stems and long root systems through the years.

Whether we like it or not, everyone of us would have to undergo tests, trials and sufferings.  .

Jesus died on the cross not that we might avoid sufferings and trials, but that we might be overcomers.  He gives us grace to overcome every situation. 

Jesus lived a sinless life, died a painful death on the cross, went to Hell, ripped the authority and the power of sin, death, and Hell from Satan, rose from the dead, ascended to the right hand of the father, and there is interceding for us every minute of the day [Ephesians 4:9, Hebrews 7:25]. 

This is proof of God’s love for us.

The resurrection life of Jesus empowers us to overcome any situation and become all that God wants us to be.

Victory is not avoiding tests, trials and sufferings. Even Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert to be tempted by the Devil (Matthew 4:1). 

Our salvation in Jesus’ name is not exemption from such terrible things as sickness and diseases, economic crisis, bankruptcy, loss of a family member, or natural calamities. 

Those ‘religious’ people who have concocted a religion teaching of a fantasy world where salvation means exemption from unwholesome circumstances on this earth become sitting ducks to the Devil when reality invades their lives.

God allows evil in the world to develop us, to raise a people who will rise above, and combat evil. 

This is why the Bible so often uses the word ‘overcome.’ 

We are to be ‘overcomers’ whatever the Devil or this earthly life throws at us. . .

God does not intend for us to be casualties by becoming confused, depressed, angry or resentful. 

Neither does He want us to look the other way or bury our heads in the sand and pretend evil is not around us. 

God wants us to allow what is taking place on this planet to develop our lives, without letting it overtake us.

The choice is ours. 

We can either let evil strengthen us or we can let it weaken us and become casualties in the spiritual war.

In this spiritual war there are no fence-sitters – you are either with the Lords’ victorious army or with the wicked “Powers” of Satan.

Be listed on the victorious army of the Lord. 

Settle that sin issue right now by saying this prayer:

“Father God, I confess I am a sinner and my sins have separated me from You.

I am truly sorry.  I now want to turn away from my past sinful life and live a new life pleasing to You.

Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again.

I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer.

I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. I promise to study Your Word – the Bible.

Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. Thank You, Lord, that according to Your Word, I am born again. I promise to study Your Word - the Bible.

Use me for Your glory.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.”