Elim Christian Fellowship: Greensboro NC

Dealing With Doubt in the Midst of Trials

ElimCF — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:56:03 +0000

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

When something bad happens to us, we may respond with, “What did I do? I must have done something terrible.” Then we proceed down the trail of morbid introspection or what I call “navel gazing.” We look down and into ourselves. We take ourselves apart piece by piece, examining and re-examining ourselves. Then we put ourselves back together trying to figure out what we did wrong.

It may be that you have done absolutely nothing wrong, but God is simply testing your faith. You see, if we don’t understand this, we may get discouraged.

The seeds of doubt and discouragement sprout in the soil of ignorance.

Claim the promises of 1 Peter 1:3-9 for strength in the midst of your trial.

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How to know when you’ve found the right person to marry?

ElimCF — Fri, 28 May 2010 19:58:48 +0000

So you think you’ve found ‘the one.’ How do you know for sure? Check this out.

Use the ‘too’ check:
If they drink too much. Work too much, Spend too much, brag too much then they are probably not the one.

Use common sense:
Steer clear of individuals who use illicit drugs, talk to you in a harsh or crude manner, are dishonest or untrustworthy. You’re just asking for trouble with that bunch.

Use the listen and look test:
Having someone not only say ‘I love you’ but show it with actions is a definite green flag. Do they notice when you are tired, remember your birthday, want to spend time with you, listen to you, are they patient and attentive … sometimes for no special reason. Green flags, baby!

Use your family and friends:
This isn’t a fail-proof test but it’s always a good idea to check with the people you love and respect when making important choices. Finding a lifelong mate ranks as an important choice. Take their opinions with a grain of salt.

Use some foresight:
You don’t have a crystal ball, but you do have two eyes. What do you notice about this wonderful object of your affection. Do you two share common life goals, hobbies, interests?

Finding the right person doesn’t mean you’ll both always agree and live forever and always in marital bliss. No, really, it doesn’t. Marriage has it’s ups and downs, but being in a loving supportive relationship with someone far outweighs all the down days.

Should you also list …

Wrong reasons to get married:

Want to be free from you parents
You want to have sex
Because of a pregnancy
You want respect from peers or family
You want a person to make you happy

So what do you think? When do you know you’ve found the one? Leave a comment below.

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Holy through Hardship

ElimCF — Fri, 28 May 2010 19:51:01 +0000

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul… hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him.” Psalm 42:5

Here’s an anchor for your soul in the storms of life: “I am growing by His plan.”

What is God’s plan for you? He wants to enlarge you, not indulge you. God is not so interested in making you happy and healthy as He is in making you holy. And so God will allow troubles to make you more like Christ.

Think about the times when you have grown the most. It is when your friend “Trouble” came along. I have grown the most in my own life in times of deepest despair.

Can you look at the troubles in your life, not as adversaries, but as friends? Take a second look and get a godly perspective of it. See how you can become holy through hardship.

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