Thursday, August 25, 2016

APPRECIATING YOUR AFFLICTIONS

Title: Appreciating Your Afflictions
By: Pastor William B. Galang

Matthew 7:24-27, NLT, Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 47 years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my experience, has been through affliction and not through happiness.

Psalm 119:71, NKJV,It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.

Psalm 119:71, NLT,My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.

Psalm 119:71, CEB, “My suffering was good for me, because through it I learned your statutes.

Read again Matthew 7:24-27

Wise Builder
Foolish Builder
Listens and follow
Listens and follow not
Builds on solid ground
Builds on sand
V.25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 
V.27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

At the end of the day, “It’s not how much you have heard or listened to but how much you have obeyed of it in your life. Really the bottom line is not “HOW MUCH YOU BUILD, BUT WILL IT STAND THE STORM?”                  

1 Corinthians 3:13-14, CEB, “each one’s work will be clearly shown. The day will make it clear, because it will be revealed with fire—the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work survives, they’ll get a reward.

Remember: Today’s Toil is Your Tomorrow’s Joy!

Proverbs 17:3, NLT, “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

1.   Our afflictions are Opportunity provider
-      James 1:2, NLT, “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity.”

2.   Our afflictions are character builders
-      Psalm 105:16-19, NLT, “He called for a famine on the land of Canaan, cutting off its food supply. 17 Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them—Joseph, who was sold as a slave. 18 They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. 19 Until the time came to fulfil his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character.

3.   Our afflictions are integrity sustainers
-      1 Peter 3:13-17, NIV, “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[b]; do not be frightened.”[c] 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.


Hymn: He Giveth More Grace

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.


His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again

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For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. – Romans 11:29, NIV

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Glaiza Samson-Siron
A seeker and lover of our Lord Jesus Christ. A favored princess who is patiently waiting for our King’s promises comes to pass. A child of the Most High God who is hungry and thirsty to our Abba Father’s words. A person who wants to be the person God wants her to be.
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