What is Progressive Christianity?
Monday, August 10, 2020
Thursday, August 6, 2020
O AntÃdoto para Preocupação
Palavras de Jesus
Lembre-se sempre que o futuro está nas
Minhas mãos. Sempre que se sentir tentado a temer ou se preocupar com o futuro,
lembre-se que está apenas especulando. Você não conhece o futuro, só Eu conheço
o futuro, e sempre cuidarei dele por você, não importa o que enfrente.
Você está falando com o Grande Mestre em
transformar derrota ou aparente derrota em vitória. Mas preciso de liberdade de
ação. Vai confiar em Mim? Estou aqui ao seu dispor. Lembre-se que nunca estará
só ou desamparado nas suas dificuldades. O Meu EspÃrito está sempre ao seu lado
para consolá-lo, protegê-lo e animar o seu coração desalentado. Eu entendo pelo
que está passando e prometo estar constantemente presente para consolá-lo
durante esse perÃodo.
Eu
lhe darei a graça para cada passo e o guiarei nesse caminho que escolhi para
você. Ficará surpreso com a fé e a confiança que receberá para poder passar por
esses momentos sem vacilar ou temer. Apegue-se às Minhas promessas não abra mão
da confiança que você tem; ela será ricamente recompensada.[ Hebreus 10:35 NVI.]
Não
importam os problemas que enfrente, Eu o tirarei dessas águas profundas. Você é
o Meu amado, e o ergo para que as águas não o encubram.[ IsaÃas 43:2.] Quanto
piores as coisas parecerem, mais apertado o segurarei. Quando se sentir
avassalado por uma situação, coloque o seu coração nas Minhas mãos. Você não
precisa caminhar só nem batalhar sozinho. Deixe-Me carregá-lo em segurança nos
perÃodos atribulados. Eu o ajudarei a vencer, basta descansar nos Meus amorosos
e reconfortantes braços e ouvir Minhas palavras que trarão sossego à sua alma.
Não existe problema além da Minha
capacidade, mas às vezes não os resolvo de imediato nem altero a situação,
porque estou alinhavando algo melhor. Confie em Mim, que Eu sei o que é melhor.
Fique firme no que Eu considero melhor e será abençoado!
Navegando
na tormenta
Quando
prometi cuidar dos Meus filhos e os livrar, não disse que os pouparia das
dificuldades que enfrentam. É bem verdade que às vezes faço isso, mas na maioria
dos casos prefiro ajudá-los a transpor as
dificuldades. Se os Meus filhos soubessem que assim que enfrentassem uma
dificuldade Eu imediatamente os tiraria da situação, que força de espÃrito e
caráter produziria em suas vidas? Ao ajudá-los a superar os momentos difÃceis, os problemas e as
dificuldades Eu consigo trazer as Minhas bênçãos de plena paz no meio de
qualquer situação; fé que não é abalada, e um amor por Mim que nada nem ninguém
pode tirar de você.
Durante as dificuldades é preciso fé
para acreditar que tenho um plano para a sua vida e que você está seguindo o
caminho certo. Requer fé acreditar que está realmente fazendo uma diferença no
coração e na vida das pessoas. Mas conforme seguir Minhas orientações para a
sua vida, entenderá que está realizando a Minha vontade e cumprindo o Meu
chamado para você.
Um dia, no futuro, você ficará
agradecido pelas coisas que hoje lhe parecem tão difÃceis, porque terão lhe
ensinado importantes lições de fé, paciência e sabedoria. Nunca é fácil, mas
depois que estiver mais forte espiritualmente, no futuro, Me agradecerá e
louvará por ajudá-lo a vencer todas as dificuldades.
Pode-se comparar a vida a velejar. Eu
sou o Capitão, conheço os mares da vida. Muitos se contentam em velejar próximo
às docas e nunca se aventuram. Outros, porém, desfraldam as velas para seguirem
na direção do horizonte e do mar aberto. É preciso ter fé para se lançar rumo
ao desconhecido, acreditar que a Minha Palavra é verdadeira e que o protegerei
e guiarei no rumo correto. Esse tipo de fé se adquire passando por situações
difÃceis, quando a sua fé é colocada à prova e você aprende pela experiência
que sempre o ajudo a enfrentar as tormentas da vida.
Aqueles que ficam no cais e nunca se
aventuram por medo das águas agitadas, não conseguem ver as praias das Minhas
bênçãos. É preciso fé para largar as velas e confiar que o ajudarei na
navegação durante as tempestades. Eu o chamo para se aventurar e deixar o
conformismo do mundo, para que Eu determine a rota que deve seguir na vida.
Cada prova que enfrenta e vence resulta
num maior fortalecimento da sua fé. Lembre-se que nenhum problema ou
dificuldade dura para sempre. As coisas vêm e vão. A vida é como uma
montanha-russa, mas Eu sou constante. O Meu amor por você está sempre presente
e o ajudarei a enfrentar e superar qualquer desafio.
Vivi na Terra, por isso conheço tudo que
vai vivenciar, e o ajudarei a passar por qualquer dificuldade que venha a
enfrentar. Prometo que não permitirei nada na sua vida que não seja para o seu
bem. Você Me pertence e o Meu amor por você o guardará durante todas as
dificuldades. Os seus dias estão nas Minhas mãos.
Mantenha os olhos fixos no Céu. Encha o
coração com as Minhas promessas. Apegue-se à sua fé, sabendo que o sofrimento
presente (por mais difÃcil que seja) é apenas temporário e nem se compara com
as bênçãos e recompensas que lhe tenho reservadas.
Cansado
e sobrecarregado?
Peça reforço espiritual quando sentir
que não vai aguentar mais um dia; peça mais força, mais graça e mais capacidade
para suportar. Quando sente que não tem mais um pingo de forças, venha a Mim e
o reabastecerei. Eu o ajudarei e continuar se doando e você será um canal da
generosidade do Meu EspÃrito.
Não se turbe o seu coração; não se sinta
avassalado pelos desafios que enfrenta. Confie que permiti isso na sua vida
para que desenvolva qualidades como fervor e humildade. São dons que lhe dou e
que serão uma força para você e o ajudarão nos dias por vir.
Às vezes, quando você está no meio de um
perÃodo turbulento, pode lhe parecer que tem um muro impregnável bloqueando o
seu caminho, e todos os seus esforços para derrubá-lo são vãos. Mas se
continuar avançando, esse muro de resistência por fim se desvanecerá e você
estará mais forte do que nunca!
Não pense que esse perÃodo de batalhas e
provações significa que o estou rejeitando. Considere-o um momento para largar
todos os cuidados do mundo e correr para os Meus braços. Às vezes permito que
passe pelo vale da sombra e do desespero para que recorra a Mim em busca de
consolo e encorajamento.
Observe a natureza e as estações do ano.
Quando chega o inverno parece que toda a vegetação morre e resta apenas o vento
frio soprando e o céu cinzento. Mas a vida continua ativa, só que oculta no
calor da terra até o frio passar. É possÃvel fazer o mesmo quando surgem
batalhas e dificuldades. Aconchegue-se a Mim, esconda-se no Meu amor e calor e
deixe os problemas e dificuldades do momento passarem. Eu serei a terra
quentinha ao seu redor o protegendo e guardando de todo o mal.
A verdadeira fé nunca desiste, e você
será fortalecido enquanto continuar lutando, orando e buscando as respostas na
Minha Palavra. Você sempre vencerá os obstáculos da vida, enquanto perseverar e
confiar que a Minha força o ajudará.
Não
se canse de fazer o bem, pois se continuar apesar das circunstâncias, colherá
as recompensas e ficará feliz por não ter desistido.[ Gálatas 6:9.]
mais informaçôes: Dennis (+351 915 016 534)
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
The Antidote to Worrying
Words from Jesus
Always remember that the future is in My hands. Any time you are tempted to fear or worry about the future, remember that most of your concerns are just speculation on your part. You don’t know the future, only I do, and I will always take care of you, no matter what the future holds.
You’re talking with the Premier Master at turning even defeat or seeming defeat into good. But I’ll need you to give Me space to work. Will you trust Me? I’m here for you. Remember that in your times of trouble, you are never alone or forsaken. My Spirit is always with you to comfort and protect you, and to lift your drooping heart. I understand what you’re going through and I promise that My presence will be with you constantly to comfort you during this time.
I will give you the grace for each step that I will lead you on in this path I have chosen for you. You’ll be amazed at the faith and trust that you’ll receive from My hand to be able to go through these times and to face down worry and fear. So hold fast to My promises and do not cast away your confidence in Me, which holds great reward.1
No matter what troubles befall you, I will bring you through these deep waters. You are My beloved, and I hold you up so that the waters cannot overflow you.2 The worse things may seem, the closer I’ll hold you. When your heart is overwhelmed, bring it to Me. You need not walk alone or battle on by yourself. Let Me carry you and bring you safely through troubling times. As you rest in My loving arms of comfort and hear My reassuring words, I will see you through.
No problem is beyond My ability to solve, but sometimes I don’t solve problems right away or change the situation because I am working out something better for you. Trust Me that I know best. Hold out for My best and be blessed!
Navigating stormy waters
When I promised to keep My children and to deliver them, I didn’t say that I would take them out of the difficulties that they faced. True, sometimes I do, but more often than not I bring them through those difficulties. If My children knew that as soon as they faced a difficulty they would immediately be pulled out of it‚ what strengthening of character and spirit would that bring about in their lives? In bringing you through tough times‚ difficulties, and hardships‚ I am able to give you My blessings of ultimate peace in the midst of any situation, faith that is not shaken, and a love for Me that nothing and no one can take away.
When you are experiencing troubling times, it takes faith to believe that I have a plan for your life and that you are on the right track. It takes faith to believe that you are actually making a difference in the hearts and lives of others. But as you follow My leading for your life, you will see that you are accomplishing My will and doing what I have called you to do.
The things that seem so difficult today are the things that, in the future, you will be thankful that you experienced, because they will have taught you important lessons of faith, patience, and wisdom. It’s never easy, but these will be the things that the spiritually stronger you of the future will praise and thank Me for bringing you through.
Life can be like sailing. I am your captain, and I know the seas of life. Many are content to just sail around in the safe harbors and not venture out into new waters, whereas others set their sails toward the horizon and head out into the open sea. It takes faith to set out into the open seas, to believe that My Word is true and that I will keep you safe and lead you on a true course. This type of faith is often gained through difficult situations where your faith is tested and you learn through experience that I will always bring you through the storms of life.
The shores of My blessings are not visible to those who stay in the harbor and never venture out for fear of stormy waters; it takes faith to set sail, trusting in Me to navigate you through them. My call to you is to venture out of conformity to this world, to let Me set the course of your life.
With each test you face and come through in life comes stronger faith. Remember that no problem or difficulty lasts forever. Things come and go. Life can be like a roller coaster, but I am your constant. My love for you is always present, and I can help you get through any challenge that you face.
Having lived on Earth, I know everything you will ever go through, and I will be with you to help you through whatever difficulty you face. I promise that I will not allow anything in your life that will not work for good in some way. You are Mine, and My love for you will hold you close through all your times of trouble. Your times are in My hands.
Keep your eyes on heaven. Fill your heart with My promises. Hold on to your faith and your crown, knowing that your present suffering, trying as it may be, is only for a moment and is not worthy to be compared with the blessings and rewards that I have in store for you.
Weary and heavy-laden?
When you feel that you can’t make it through another day, call to Me for spiritual reinforcement and ask for an extra measure of strength‚ grace, and endurance. When you feel as though you don’t have one ounce of strength left to give, come to Me and let Me refill you‚ which will help you to give again‚ with My Spirit giving through you.
Let not your heart be troubled or overwhelmed by the challenges you face. Trust that I have allowed this into your life so that you can grow in spiritual qualities, such as desperation and humility. These are My gifts to you, and they’ll be a strength and help to you in the days to come.
Sometimes when you’re in the midst of a trying time, it can seem like you are facing an impenetrable wall blocking your way‚ and all your efforts to break through seem to have no effect. But if you keep forging ahead, this wall of resistance will ultimately vanish, and you will come through stronger than ever!
Do not look at times of trials and tests as a rejection by Me‚ but rather as a time to leave all the cares of the world behind and to run into My arms. Sometimes I have to let you go through the valley of shadow and despair‚ where you will turn to Me for the comfort and encouragement you need.
Consider the passing of the seasons in nature. When winter comes, it seems like all plant life is dying out and all that is left is a cold wind blowing and a gray sky. But life is still present‚ only hidden in the warmth of the earth while the cold passes over. You can do the same when trials and difficulties arise. Come close to Me, bury yourself in My love and warmth, and let the problems and hardships of the moment pass over you. I will be like the warm earth all around you, protecting you and keeping you.
Real faith never quits‚ and you will find renewed strength as long as you keep fighting, keep praying, and keep looking to My Word for the answers. As long as you never give up, but trust in My strength to help you, you will rise above the obstacles of life.
Be not weary in well doing, for if you keep on going despite the circumstances, you will reap the rewards and be happy that you didn’t give up.3
https://anchor.tfionline.com/post/antidote-worry/
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
The Waters of God's Word
By William B. McGrath
In Psalm 27 we read that King David considered it his principal joy, his top priority in life, to be able to gaze on the beauty of the Lord. Back then, he would go into the beautiful tabernacle where the artifacts symbolizing God’s intervention on behalf of His people were kept. Today we have a place just as beautiful and amazing to go to; we have His Word in its fullness, and His Holy Spirit dwelling within us to speak to our hearts personally.
People have testified to the fact that, although they had heard so much about the Bible and had read it off and on for many years since childhood, after having received Jesus and His forgiveness for their sins, the Bible then came alive to them in a unique way. The Bible becomes a book much different than any other, a book with inexhaustible truth to meditate on, a book that can sometimes seem to have Someone living in its pages, so to speak, imparting much more than what is on the printed page.
Each time you read a Bible passage, things old and new can be discovered. Here’s one example of a Bible account that I reflected on:
The story of Naaman, in 2 Kings chapter 5, is about the great royal captain of the Syrian army who had success, position, wealth, and high esteem. But he had leprosy, which isolated him and caused the grandeur that he had worked so long to attain to fade and lose its value.
His wife had a young Hebrew slave girl who had been taken captive through the conquests of his army. This girl mentions to her mistress: “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”1
Naaman has money, position, and is highly respected, so he acts accordingly and first goes to his king, the king of Syria, explaining why he wishes to see the prophet in Samaria. The king of Syria then sends a letter to the king of Israel to explain why Naaman would like to make a trip there. The king of Israel is very upset, as he does not wish to be responsible for the outcome.
Naaman sets out with his royal band to find Elisha in Samaria, prepared to pay a large sum of money and hopefully have a glorious healing event. Naaman is doing things according to the culture of his great country, and he plans on approaching the God of Israel in this customary, royal manner. He thought the king of Israel would command Elisha to cure him, and that surely the God of Israel would grant the petition upon seeing the large payment and recognizing Naaman’s importance on the social ladder.
But when Naaman and his company finally arrive at Elisha’s house, a servant comes out to meet him instead of the prophet, and the servant tells him to go to the Jordan River and wash seven times. To Naaman, this is an insult. He is prepared to pay a great price, and he is a top dignitary; to be met by a servant giving instructions is unacceptable. He no doubt envisioned the prophet Elisha himself coming out and honoring him with some sort of elaborate ceremony.
He leaves angry, but one of his own servants, who had come on the journey, suggests to him that he at least try to comply, to wash seven times in the Jordan, to find out if it might work. Naaman calms down, humbles himself, heads to the Jordan River and washes seven times and is marvelously healed!
In his book Counterfeit Gods, Timothy Keller tells us that this well-known Bible story is chock-full of meaningful lessons for our contemporary society. Individual success, high achievement, position, and economic status are instilled by our culture as top priorities—all the things Naaman had going for him. Naaman’s life and mentality revolved in this culture and he had done well for himself. He thought he should use his special connections and his wealth to approach Elisha and the Hebrew God. But he found out that the true God of the universe is “not an extension of culture, but a transformer of culture, not a controllable but a sovereign Lord … whose salvation cannot be earned, only received.”2
We, like Naaman, may also hold the subtle desire of wanting God to put on some great show for us when we seek Him for salvation or answers to our fervent prayers. He will sometimes do astounding things, but not always. As this story brings out, He will often request that we do the simple, humble thing. Naaman was told to “go wash,” and at first that felt like an insult to him, an affront to his pride and status. Today we’re told to wash ourselves in the water of His Word.3 Such a simple thing that anyone can do it, and as with Naaman, it brings about marvelous results and is a thorough means of inner healing.
When we return again and again to His Word, it becomes our main joy, and then naturally, our top priority. Just as it was for King David, going to the temple and gazing on the beauty of the Lord, meditating on God for who He is, for all He does. This was the one activity in David’s life that he would never neglect, as he found such joy and fulfillment there. And so it can be for all of us, as we return again and again to our living room, or wherever it may be, to gaze on His Word and commune with His presence. When we go through hardship, when we stumble along our walk of life, when we suffer great disappointment, this is the one recourse that comes through for us over and over again, to sustain us.
When Naaman did go down to the Jordan and wash “according to the saying of the man of God … his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” And Jesus tells us, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” His Word cleanses and regenerates our spirits. And through the years, as we gaze more deeply and come to enjoy it more fully and understand it more completely, our assurance and faith gradually grow stronger. This simple thing, going to His Word, changes our motivations, our identity, our views, and our actions.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. … And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. … Rivers of living water. … Waters to swim in. … Come ye to the waters … hearken diligently unto me … and let your soul delight itself in fatness. … There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God. … For the Lamb shall lead them unto living fountains of waters.”4
1 2 Kings 5:2–3.
2 Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods, Chapter Four, “The Seduction of Success.”
3 See John 8:31, Ephesians 5:26, Titus 3:5, Psalm 119.
4 Excerpts from Psalm 34:8, Revelation 22:17, John 7:38, Ezekiel 47:5, Isaiah 55:1–2; Psalm 46:4; Revelation 7:17.
https://anchor.tfionline.com/post/the-waters-of-gods-word/
