“You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.”
Hebrews 3:13-14 NLT
http://bible.com/116/heb.3.13-14.nl
As we come closer to the beginning of a new year it is common for this time of year, though it is festive, for it to be a very depressing time of year. People are focused on buying gifts or not being able to buy gifts at all. If not that, it is also easy to get caught up in the bad things that have taken place throughout the year. I want to take some time to encourage us.
During Thanksgiving, I encouraged us to be thankful for what we have. Not just one day out of the year, but all year round. In that same vein I want to do that again. Again, it’s easy to get caught up in not being able to buy lavish gifts or to focus on the not so pleasant things that have happened this year. Bump that! Let’s continue to be grateful. While it may be easy to complain about everything that’s wrong, think about the fact that whatever happened you are here NOW. You endured whatever trials came your way and it is something you can use to make you better and stronger.
Whether we realize it or not, we are made stronger by the things we endure. The Bible says in Romans 8 that all things work together for good to those that love God and are called according to His purpose. Not that everything is good, but it works for our good. Like when you exercise. It puts a physical strain and even pain on your body, but the result of it is good. You become stronger. When you’re sick you take medicine. The medicine doesn’t taste good, but it helps to heal your body.
Before we get too deep into a pity party about anything, it is important to remember that God has brought us from one thing to where we are now. It’s not always easy. You feel pain sometimes. You may have to cry sometimes, but God will use that thing for your good. My dad passed earlier this year. As bad as it hurts for him to be gone, God has used it to work for my good. The relationship between me and my mother has gotten closer. I’ve used that struggle to help me write these articles so I can encourage others.
In Hebrews 3, the writer encourages us to hold on to our beginning confidence until the end. That confidence we had in Christ the day we met Him should stay with us until the day we leave this earth and meet Him face to face. It is this hope in Christ that should keep us and build a resolve in us to endure tough times. Tough times don’t last always, but tough people do. God has put His strength in each of us by His Holy Spirit so we can endure the tough times and give Him glory on the other side. I encourage you all to keep pushing. That ministry call God has given you, that business idea, that promotion you want to try for or your marriage is in tough spot, look to the hills where your help comes from. Your help comes from the Lord. Look to God for strength to get in the place God desires for you to be in and get to work. One day at time. Keep runnin’.
That leads us to our Throwback Song of the Week. We’re headed to Freeport, IL to a vet from the legendary Grapetree Records. Grapetree was one of the early labels to help set the foundation for CHH. This artist named Antonious song is from his 1999 project entitled “Good vs Evil.” The song is entitled “Keep Runnin’” and it captures the essence of the word throwback. It samples a classic song by the R&B group the Gap Band, “Yearning For Your Love.” Antonious encourages on this track to keep runnin’ for Jesus no matter what.
Make sure you tune into the Trackstarz show this Saturday so you can hear DJ Jeremaya spin this track for the Throwback Song of the Day. Until next time…
Peace and blessings,
Damo
