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Keep Moving Forward When Christians have direction from the Lord, and are well aware of His promises to them, they must keep moving forward. Warfare is never fun, but the victory is awesome! We should not be overly surprised if we encounter some kind of setbacks, or unexpected glitches, but we must not let ourselves be distracted from the ultimate goal. It is important that all believers should beware, or be aware, of the discouragement that can come as a result of set backs. During the battles the enemy always tries to capitalize on the failures and setbacks that take place in the lives of Christian believers. If he can discourage us he will gain an angle of advantage. Discouragement is one of the biggest strategies used to thwart the effectiveness of those who hope to advance the Christian faith. As Christians we must understand that faith is the most effective weapon in every battle, and according to the writer of Hebrews without continued faith there can be no continuation of hope. Heb 11:1 (KJV) {1} “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The results of living in a state of defeated faith are hopelessness, and various levels of deception. Those deceptions come from believing the lies of the enemy as he puts thoughts of defeat, despair, and depression into our minds. We may think that we have dealt with our thought life, and that we are standing strong, but to know that for sure we must take a look at our walk. According to the Word of God there is one sure way to assess the true condition of our faith, and that is simply to check the level of faithfulness we are walking in. Heb 10:23-25 (KJV) {23} “Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;) {24} And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: {25} Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Has our profession of faith, as in witnessing and testifying of the victories of God in our lives been ebbing? Has our church attendance or desire for brotherly fellowship with the family of God waned? Faithfulness is the fruit of faith in operation, and faithfulness is also the first thing that will deteriorate if we start to lose heart and vision. No matter how physical the battle may seem the brunt of the attack is always upon the mind. Knowing that, we can see how important it is to develop a new mindset. Rom 8:5-6 (KJV) “{5} For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. {6} For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.” So get up! Get back into the victory lane. Yes, the road is long, and the race is hard, but we have been destined for victory! If we will set our minds on the will of God for our lives through Jesus Christ, repent for pouting and doubting, and keep moving forward, we will have clear vision along with a hope that inherits every promise. -Kurt Thurston February Newsletter 2004 | Forgiveness | Test of Perseverance part 2 of 2 | Pastor's Journal February 2003 Holding Truth in Humility | Keep Moving Forward | Be Not Fruitless or Barren Part 2 of 3 |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
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