A message of hope in a dark world
The world is spinning out of control and each of us has turned to his own way as we continue to rebel against our Creator. Yet despite our iniquities, God’s love still surrounds us as he desires all to be saved. His love is so far reaching that while we were his enemy, he sent his only Son to die to pay our debt to him. Why would Jesus want to suffer on the cross for people when he knew that most would reject him? This is a love that defies definition. The depths of our minds cannot contain the understanding required to comprehend the love that God has for us.
We are told that this world and even the highest heavens cannot contain God, yet man is always attempting to define him within the limitations of our own finite understanding. If we truly realized the magnitude of the knowledge of God and how great is his love for us, we would constantly be on our face before him. His holiness would bring us to our knees in utter contempt for our sin. Sadly, the fact is that we have allowed the darkness of this perishing world to occlude the revelation of the truth.
But Jesus, the Son of God, gave up the splendor of heaven to come to earth to suffer and die so that we might have eternal life. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life who gives us freedom from the bondage of sin and death. His sacrifice was made as a free gift to all so that none who call upon his name shall perish. The love of Christ invites us to be joint heirs with him in heaven for all eternity. He is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto the path of all who are seeking him. He has a way out of every storm in our life and his purpose and plan for us cannot be hindered.
For this reason, our momentary problems are far reaching in working out a reward that will last forever. The furnace of our affliction is burning off the corrupt carnal nature which keeps us from being with God. After we emerge from the crucible knowing that our God was with us the whole time, we can joyfully proclaim with the Apostle Paul in saying, “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me”. (Galatians 2:20) As we stand by faith in the battles of this earth, we know that Jesus has already made us winners. We can never be taken from him for the Good Shepherd knows how to keep those who are his.
We are never without hope, for the peace that comes from trusting in Jesus will never fail. Those who are facing divorce or separation can know that he can restore your family. To those suffering with serious medical issues, the Great Physician has your life in his hands. He knows how to heal you and bring you to wholeness. He can give peace to the hearts of those who have lost loved ones. Our God owns the sheep on a thousand hills so your financial problems are not too hard for him. He knows how to rescue godly men from trials and he will give you rest as you struggle to make ends meet. He can and he will mend the pieces of your broken heart if you are willing to put your trust in him.
In all of life’s difficulties, faith is the key to allowing God to work through your problems. He can make a way through impossible situations and there is no tough circumstance that can hold back the promises of a loving God. The one thing you must remember as you endure hardship is that you can NEVER be defeated. Your victory has been paid in full by the blood of Jesus. The enemy of your soul knows this and will use lies from the pit of hell to convince you that your situation is hopeless. But God is faithful and will help you to understand that he alone is sufficient for all that you need. His love never fails!
May God give you the understanding to believe the truth of this message that he has given just for you!
7 comments
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December 15, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Jeremy
Marianne,
I notice that much of what you write is straight up reformed theology – and I love it. You do have a gift to write and I believe you have a real ministy opportunity to women especially. What do you think about teaming up with the Time2Stand mens ministry by writing a womens version via a blog page. I will design it if you would be willing to write the majority of the blogs. I would write some here and there but mostly stay focused on the men. We could link these two together via links. Let me know what you think. Just a thought.
Talk to you soon! Jeremy
http://www.time2stand.wordpress.com
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December 15, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Marianne Lordi
Thanks Jeremy, I will talk to you soon! You have a great ministry and God is using you mightily!
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December 15, 2008 at 10:26 pm
time2stand
Marianne, you need http://www.chrisbrauns.com Chris is the pastor of the Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley, IL where I live and attend. He also has a new book out called, Unpacking Forgiveness. Good site to check out! Send him a comment.
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December 18, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Jeremy Strang
Marianne,
Here we go! Just after you send out your first blog, I will send out an email and blog about our site. PS are you going to the True Church Conference in 09? If so, sign up by Dec 31 otherwise price goes up.
May the Spirit of Almighty God move mighty!!!
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December 19, 2008 at 12:59 am
Marianne Lordi
Jeremy.
I am planning to go to the conference. I will need to fully decide this week. I willl let you know.
God is getting the message ready. We’ll see what he has to say!
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December 22, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Rachel
Marianne,
A great post . . . I particularly liked how you wrote “The furnace of our affliction is burning off the corrupt carnal nature which keeps us from being with God. ” What great writing of that truth. It is so true, I find every affliction leads me more into His embrace.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. It has been a joy and pleasure to “met” you this year and I am very grateful for our encouragment and support.
Love,
Rachel
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December 22, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Marianne Lordi
Merry Christmas to you Rachel! Thanks for your comments.
I always know when I go to your site at http://www.stirringthedeep.com
that I am going to receive a great truth from God. You never fail to bring the message of hope in all of your messages.
I believe that God has big plans for you and your ministry this coming year. It will be awesome to watch what he does in your life.
God bless.
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