Biologically, humans are wired to work hard and to be rewarded for their efforts. Known as the “reward molecule.” Dopamine is released each time you achieve a goal. Flooding your mind and body with the euphoric feeling of satisfaction.
Want an inexhaustible reserve of dopamine?
Change the way you think about struggle and perseverance. Both are doorways to success and pleasure, not drudgery and pain.
Perseverance is discussed repeatedly in the book of Revelation. Time and time again, Christ reminds us that if we will persevere… overcome… conquer, there are promises awaiting us here on earth and in eternity.
What are some of these promises?
Blessed are those who wash their robes in the blood of Christ by believing and trusting in Him. The righteous who do His commandments so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14
Knowing we would choose to disobey Him— to sin. Papa created us nonetheless with free will because He had a foolproof plan to redeem us. A redemption plan predicated on obedience.
Papa does not remove His gaze from the righteous. But He seats them forever with enthroned kings, and they are exalted. If people are bound with chains and trapped by the cords of affliction, God tells them what they have done, and how arrogantly they have transgressed. He opens their ears to correction and insists they repent from iniquity.
If they serve Him obediently, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in happiness. But if they do not obey, they will cross the river of death and die without knowledge. Job 36:7-12
Papa isn’t indifferent to sin, especially His children’s! Holiness isn’t a suggestion. It’s a requirement, and only Almighty God defines what is acceptable… righteous… holy.
Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
Papa’s merciful and gracious salvation plan offers each of us a second chance. Die to sin and begin your eternal existence with Him today. An existence that reaches its zenith when we receive our resurrected bodies.
Beloved, our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.
But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. When the trumpet sounds those who have died will be raised to live forever, and we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die. Our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
Then when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die. This Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? 1 Corinthians 15:50-55
To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17
Jesus Christ is your manna. Nourishing both your spirit and soul.
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature. Created to be like God— truly righteous and holy.
So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful. So that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, He has identified you as His own. Guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Ephesians 4:20-31
What if the name written on your white stone is a reflection of your new heart?
A liar who is now transparent and authentic.
A thief who is now a philanthropist.
A slanderer who is now an exhorter.
Yes, a new name awaits all who are willing to receive Papa’s Manna— Jesus into their hearts and live a holy life 24-7.
He who overcomes the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God. I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God. He will most certainly never be put out of it, and I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God— the new Jerusalem. Which descends out of heaven from My God and My own new name. Revelation 3:12
A pillar is a structural unit that uses compression— a pushing force to distribute the weight of the structure above it to the other structural components. As a disciple of Christ, you are to be a load bearing pillar in the Kingdom of God. Supporting Kingdom precepts and resisting the forces of evil so that perseverance and resolve in the midst of trials and tribulation prevail.
Want to be an indestructible pillar?
Your actions must complement your words and vice versa.
You can’t squander your time. You must be intentional with it.
Generosity must be a character trait, not an event in your life.
If Papa asks you to serve someone, you must obediently serve even if you are inconvenienced or receive no praise or recognition.
Papa’s purposes, not yours, must be at the center of your financial planning.
You must make decisions that reject the wisdom of man when it opposes a biblical worldview.
Perseverance is fundamental to achievement and success. Without it nothing of greatness is ever achieved. By renewing your mind— changing the way you think and aligning yourself with Christ’s truth. You too can become a perseverance giant.
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