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  • 7 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
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  • 12 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38 WEB.We once had a prophet come to our church who was scheduled to preach elsewhere but was canceled...
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  • March 25, 2022 - led by Lynn Brown
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The Stress Test

  • Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1 ESV

    As the treadmill stepped up to another difficulty level, it became more and more difficult to keep up with it. Every three minutes it increased the incline and speed until I was literally running uphill. I had monitors taped all over me and the hospital staff was closely watching a computer screen with little jagged lines that scrolled by while it recorded my progress.

    Before I started, I had asked them if there was a time limit or a difficulty goal and they said just run until you cannot run anymore. When I asked about a level cap, they just smiled and said no one beats the machine. After four or five increases, I totally agreed and finally told them that I could not go on. At that point it was more like torture than a stress test. They began to slow the treadmill where I could get off but that took a little while. (For those wondering, they said I did excellent).

    When walking with God there are times when we will endure a stress test. Jesus Himself did because it was written that he endured the cross and His sweat was as great drops of blood (Luke 22:44). During these times, there is a great cloud of witnesses watching us take this test and no matter how much faith you have, God has a test for that level. At a point in my life, I thought that I had great faith but God had a great test for it. In the end, I was a broken man. No one beats the machine because it scales accordingly. If you disagree, read the book of Job again and picture yourself in his place.

    God knows how much you can take and He is not out to kill you. When you have finally reached your limit He will slow the treadmill. Like me though, you may find that you can go much further than you thought you could and you will be stronger in the end.

    Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me grace and strength to serve you with all of my heart. Help me face the challenges that come with the right attitude, in the name of Jesus I pray.

    Note: For those interested in capturing or viewing photos of God's creation, here is this week's theme message from Creation Photographers: Job 12:7-10 'But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." - "All God's Creatures" will be our next fun theme. Our themes are always open for interpretation and we encourage you to post anything else that inspires you as well. My photo this week is of a Pelican we spotted at our after-bay a couple of days ago. May you enjoy the blessings and favor of our Heavenly Father today, enjoy the beauty that this week brings! Here is the link to participate in this group: Creation Photographers group


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20 comments
  • 0
Debi Burton
Debi Burton Praise the Lord, Hallelujah.....Thank you!
July 17, 2018
  • 1
Kay Collinsworth
Kay Collinsworth

Amen Father!

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer

Amen Lord

July 17, 2018
  • 2
Jim Jarrell
Jim Jarrell

Amen! Father, please give me the stength I need to complete the test!

July 17, 2018
  • 2
Celeste Strenn
Celeste Strenn

Amen thank you Lord so much for your strength 

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Ed Frye
Ed Frye

Amen

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Perry Robertson
Perry Robertson

Amen Lord!

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Wanda Pennington
Wanda Pennington

Amen!!

July 17, 2018
  • 1
David  Earlywine
David Earlywine

Amen 

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Linda Clark
Linda Clark

 Praise God for his passion and love for us

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Barbara Neahring
Barbara Neahring

Thank you!

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Yvette York
Yvette York

Thank you for all the strength you have given me Amen 

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Marilyn DeJongh
Marilyn DeJongh

Lord, I feel as if I'm running up a VERY steep hill.  I know You are here, but I do get tired.  Please give me the strength to master the trial, Lord.  In all things I thank You for being there for me.  Amen. 

 

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Lynn Brown
Lynn Brown

Thank You Father for getting me through the stress tests of life, I can't do it on my own.

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Jose Simo
Jose Simo

Heavenly Father, You know  sometimes I feel discouraged, give me the strength to keep going. In Jesus name I pray. 

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Liesel  aka  Lisa Wardle
Liesel aka Lisa Wardle

Amen and Amen!!!!!!!

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembrezaedited: July 17, 2018

Praise the LORD and give thanks allways. Stress test as they may be, I can do all things through JESUS CHRIST who strenthens me. 

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann

I really appreciate these devotionals I learn a lot from you thanks much God bless you all at RHM and all who read this sincerely your brother in Christ Scott R.

July 17, 2018
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus

Amen!

July 18, 2018
  • 1
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams

Amen.  Praise God!  Thanks Pastor Todd!  Heavenly Father, give me grace and strength to serve you with all of my heart. Help me face the challenges that come with the right attitude, in the Name of Jesus I pray.  Amen.

July 18, 2018