Search Results for ‘continue’

Growing Up

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

We are to walk and grow in a manner worthy of the calling on our lives (Ephesians 4:1). God promises that the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until the full day (Proverbs 4:18). For the sake of the call, choose to grow and increase for your entire life.

The Anatomy of Victory

Then they came to Jericho and as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the road. When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many were sternly telling him to be quiet, but he kept crying out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him here.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.” Mark 10:46-49

Get Desperate and Determined. Blind Bartimaeus was desperate and in need, and he called out to Jesus. So often, when we get under pressure, the temptation is to shift into neutral and zone out in front of the TV. Instead of letting lethargy set in, we need to get desperate and cry out to God for help. “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:6).

Alert Expectancy

We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! Romans 5:3b-5 The Message*

God wants all of us to be ready for what is up ahead in terms of our call and fruitfulness. The presence of lethargy signals the absence of faith, and that’s why many people in a crisis situation become numb with fear. A percentage of people, though, respond to adversity with clarity and boldness.

Faith

And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him.” Mark 11:22-23

Have faith in a faithful God. To understand faith, look no farther than the One who is ever urging us onward, the One who is ever present and all about seeking and saving. We need to trust God, who is our teacher, and study the Word, which is more than a history book—it’s God’s heart revealed.

It Is Well With My Soul

“And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Genesis 50:20

This statement at the end of Joseph’s life reinforces the providential care of God through the ages. From beginning to end in the Bible, what Satan meant for harm, God turned around for good! (Romans 8:28). And His faithfulness doesn’t stop with the saints found on the stained glass windows.

Continue in Patience

Life can get rough, but for the committed believer in Christ, quitting must never be an option. Sitting down in the middle of life’s path might sound good today, but giving up brings its own pain and regrets. Here’s a reminder of God’s faithfulness and commitment to see you through. Key Bible Verses: Hebrews 6:11-12; 10:35

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Pray About Everything

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; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:26-28

We are called to a dynamic life of prayer, but not alone: we have the advantage of the Holy Spirit’s help. Prayer is going before the Lord with the authority He’s delegated to us and exerting that influence by the power of the name of Jesus to impact the world we live in. Great social changes are attributed to believers who prayed.

The Value of Continued Devotion

Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem . . . He did right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him. 2 Chronicles 26:3-5

As Uzziah sought the Lord, God blessed him in every feature and aspect of his life. Uzziah built, restored, reigned, prospered, went forth, warred, and broke down walls, and he became famous. Uzziah didn’t prosper automatically—he prospered as long as he sought God.

The Reward of Acting on the Word

The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:9b-11

The Word is a map to a blessed life. It tells us what to do with our problems, finances, and relationships.

Grow in Grace of Christ-like Speech

Key Bible verses: 2 Peter 3:17-18; Colossians 4:6 Our words are powerful: life-giving carriers of blessing and strength or destructive weapons that bring pain and sorrow. In this message, Pastor Jeff Perry shows how God’s grace and our continued growth in Christ are instrumental in bringing life and hope to our world.

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Continue Growing in Grace

Key Bible verses: 2 Peter 3:17-18 God’s grace, when accompanied by a right attitude and a right response, is a force that can take us through every trial and trouble. In this relevant and practical message, Pastor Jeff Perry points us to the Bible keys to ongoing, lifelong growth in the grace of Jesus Christ.

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Continue in the Faith

Key Bible verses: Colossians 1:23; Philippians 3:14 The Bible is filled with illustrations of men and women who continued in the faith–even though they could not see the outcome of trials. Like they did long ago, we must have confidence in God’s faithfulness today and His promises that He will bring us through every challenge we face. This is true faith.

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Believers Who Continue

Key Bible verses: James 5:7-11 Continuing patiently in Jesus has many rewards. Pastor Jeff Perry points out what the abiding believer can expect, and he outlines the five things that can disrupt our devotion to God and draw us off His path to fulfillment and victory. In this message Pastor Jeff refers to the true story of a young man who was born with cerebral palsy. Doctors told the fahter to institutionalize the boy because he would never be more than a vegetable. Instead, the father chose to devote his life to lovingly care for his son, ultimately demonstrating that his son could do more than anyone expected. It’s a deeply moving video account that shows how our loving Heavenly Father cares for us and helps us like no other.

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To Be Continued

Key Bible verse: John 15:7 Pastor Jeff Perry focuses on the amazing promises Jesus made to those who continue with God. Through the Scriptures, he defines the great value and power of living a sustained Christian life.

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Continue to Continue

Key Bible verses: Job 42:2; Psalm 84:11 Life can get pretty tough. Pastor Jeff Perry opens the Scriptures to underscore the truth that we can always rely on God’s goodness, His enduring mercies, and His ability and desire to sort things out on our behalf. His grace makes it possible for us to continue.

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Persevering As We Continue

Key Bible verses: Hebrews 10:35-36 Life’s challenges and losses can ruin us or make us stronger. Pastor Jeff Perry underscores God’s goodness and looks at the lives of famous people who demonstrated remarkable perseverance–and breakthrough–in the midst of repeated failure and incredible difficulties.

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