Sanctification

Hunger Pains

September 28, 2015September 27, 2015 cherylz1961

“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” John 1:16

Feeling Empty?

When we have an overall sense of emptiness, it is likely that we are suffering from spiritual “hunger pains.” The living Word of God is our spiritual food. There are several scriptures that speak about feeding upon His word. Ezekiel equates the eating of God’s Word to the sweetness of honey, and Jeremiah tells how eating scripture echoed the joy and rejoicing found in his heart.

“And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.” So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness.” Ezekiel 3:3 Continue reading “Hunger Pains” →

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Facing Adversity

December 2, 2014December 2, 2014 cherylz1961

The last book of my devotion trilogy is now available on Amazon. Here is an excerpt from a devotion titled SUFFERING UNITES US ALL

http://www.amazon.com/Facing-Adversity-Though…/…/ref=sr_1_4…

“God has a plan and a purpose for everyone. Nobody is insignificant. We are, after all, created in the very image of God. This includes the homeless person living in a cardboard box and the abused child in a home of neglect. We all have a part to play in God’s divine design, and sharing in the sufferings of Christ is part of His game plan.

Suffering is an effective tool God uses to refine our spiritual character. Adversity is permitted, or sent, as a loving gift from heaven above. Perspective is critical here. God gives good gifts therefore trials are beneficial.

So how can our painful moments be of any use? How can something hurtful, shameful, or grievous actually be a blessing? Do not trials teach us valuable lessons? Do we not gain insight, knowledge and wisdom as we muddle through our adversity? Is this not something we can share with others? Healing and lessons of perseverance are not only a witness of God’s grace but also an encouragement to others.

The process of sanctification chips away self-reliance and causes even the most prideful of mankind to cry out for help, help that only God can provide. Learning to depend on the Father is a major lesson in our spiritual walk. When we trust Him with all things and remain peaceful in the midst of an uncertain fate, faith has carried us. Others will notice our manner and desire the same inner peace we exude. Life style witnessing is a powerful tool and useful in the work of the Great Commission.

Suffering unites us all. Each person has experienced pain. Therefore, we can compassionately connect with others through this common bond. No race, creed, social status or level of education can escape the reality of suffering. Because of this fact we have an open door, a first step in sharing the Good News. We can build relationships in many different ways and there is a fellowship of suffering, with Christ Jesus and with others.

Here then is the great blessing found in adversity. Because of the pain you endured, thanks to the grace of God, you are now equipped to encourage and bless others. Your victory over tribulation will give them hope.”

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New Beginnings & Our Refinement

October 19, 2014October 20, 2014 cherylz1961

TO READ MORE DEVOTIONS BY CHERYL ZELENKA GO TO HER BLOG AT http://facingtrials.com

“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV)

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV) Continue reading “New Beginnings & Our Refinement” →

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Diamonds & Pearls

June 12, 2014 cherylz1961

“Deep in the center of the earth, a diamond is formed. Though many will admire its beauty and usefulness, when its formation is complete, none views the process by which it is formed. It is hidden, unseen, in the darkness. So is the work of God in the heart of man.” -Diane Dew

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a Merchant looking for fine pearls. When He found one of great value, He went away and sold everything He had and bought it.” Matthew 13:45-46 (NIV)

God looks down upon us and sees a mighty treasure. We are all precious jewels in His sight, for He took great care in our unique and marvelous design. And just as every snowflake, pearl, or diamond is rare and distinct, so are we! In fact, the Lord paid a great price to rescue us from a fate worse than death, and from the hand of an evil and powerful foe.

Pearls start off as grains of sand tucked inside a clam. Confined to a season of constant darkness and pressure, they eventually break free of their confines as transformed beauties. Humble and unpretentious, pearls are unique for they are the organic products of another living creature.

Diamonds are also created with pressure. However, they don’t emerge from the earth perfect and beautiful, like some natural pearls. Diamonds require additional work. Their transformation is not finished until a Master artist chips away their rough and pitted surfaces.

The skillful hand of this master craftsman is needed to finish their transformation. With careful hands He chips away unwanted surfaces from the diamond, eventually exposing the stark beauty within its specific shape and design.

Transformation requires intense pressure and this pressure involves pain.

Through the process of sanctification, we too endure extraordinary pressures. Our refinement is not an easy enterprise. Perseverance is vital while the Lord transforms us into perfect gems. A heart full of submission will spur on the refinement process. Our wills must completely surrender to the King if an honest transformation is to occur.

As you undergo this miraculous and life-long process, comfort is always near by. God provides His supernatural strength when it is most needed. He may send believers your way to share words of encouragement and hope. He will definitely speak to you in ways only you can acknowledge and recognize. There are so many encouraging promises written in the Bible and the Holy Spirit will faithfully guide you to them as well.

“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” John 17:17 (NKJV)

The Devil just can’t be happy when a saint receives victory over a sin during this refinement. It means that he has one less way to seduce, trap, and deceive. And since he is a prowling lion, ever hungry and forever watching for opportunities to pounce and devour, we must remain on the defensive.

A soldier in battle never lets his guard down. He may be injured or weary from the fight, but he is always alert and awake. We too, are in battle…. Always! The principalities of darkness never forget us, so don’t think you have gone unnoticed during a season of rest and peace. These sinister principalities are always watching and know nothing of mercy.

As the rocky edges are chipped from your being, and God continues to transform you from coal to diamond, look up. Yes, the pain will end and the enemy will not have any place in your eternal home. There is hope in today and joy to be found, even in the midst of your present suffering.

You are the pearl in Matthew 13:45-46. God is the Merchant. When finding you, He sees your value and sells everything He has in order to purchase you. Jesus purchased you with is blood. You are His treasure. Think about your value and cost to God. With this in mind, will you now submit your whole heart and ask God to have His way with you? Are you ready for the astonishing process of sanctification?

CONSIDER THESE SCRIPTURES AND QUOTE DURING YOUR QUIET TIME

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV)

“Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22:21 (NIV)

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, its about learning to dance in the rain.” ~UNKNOWN