ENDURE!

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Pastor Greg, I am coming apart”

“I am trying.” “I quit the stuff, at least most of the time”. “But I feel trapped.” “I can’t see this getting better.” “I am so disappointed.” “I’m lonely.” “I’m confused.” “Are we going to be okay?” “I am trying so hard.” “When will things get better?” “I really really want to USE today.”

Some tough stuff there huh?

Want to know something?

I heard all of those just yesterday.

Yep. Not exaggerating. Opened the door to the Jeremiah Tree yesterday for 4 hours and that is what I experienced; the enemy doing a number on people.

And that got me to thinking.

The enemy never lets up does he?

He is tireless in his efforts to discourage and molest the minds and spirits of all of us; especially children of GOD.

We know he takes his job quite seriously, that is for sure.

John 10:10

The thief’s (enemy’s) purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.

And he was being awfully "purposeful" on the Jeremiah Tree clients yesterday.

Maybe he was doing the same to you?

I have a word for you!

Endure!

You've heard this before, but much like exercise is good for the body, being reminded of truth is good for SPIRIT!

1 Corinthians 10:13

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

We must remember and exercise TRUTH when the trials and the enemy’s attacks seek to overwhelm us.

Why? Because it is the truth that gives us perspective and promise; gives us the power to endure!

2 Timothy 2:12

If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.

James 1:12

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Never ever forget, GOD has got your back! He knows the way out! He is faithful to bring you through it, to protect you, to give you exactly what you need to turn back the enemy and emerge a winner!

So endure!

For when we firmly fix our faith in the face of the enemy’s best shots and his most intense attacks, he BACKS DOWN...

James 4:7

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

...and GOD lifts us up!That’s not me talking, that is GOD Himself signing that promise!

1 Peter 1:5-7

And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honoron the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

So endure!

Love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney