In the classic Alexandre Dumas story The Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond Dantès lives a seemingly perfect life, which causes three of his so-called friends to become wildly jealous of him. Because of their jealousy, they hatch a plot to have Edmond unjustly accused of treason and imprisoned. Edmond spends the next two decades of his life plotting revenge against his enemies. When he is finally able to escape from prison, he sets out to carry through his plans for revenge, throwing in some kind deeds along the way.
When someone persists in revenge fantasies, over time they can develop anxiety and remorse, as well as feelings of shame,” says California-based psychotherapist Beverly Engel, who treats clients who have been abused and often struggle with vengeful thoughts. These feelings can also take up important cognitive resources, depleting you of time and energy that could be better spent on healthier, more constructive ways of dealing with anger, such as learning to accept the injustice, putting yourself in the other person’s shoes, or acknowledging that you, too, may have hurt someone in similar ways.
Our desire for vengeance comes from our desire to see justice done. We forget so easily that justice has already been done. The person who hurt us will pay for what he or she did, either by receiving forgiveness from God and allowing Christ to take the penalty for their sin or by spending eternity separated from God because of their sin. Either way, justice will prevail.
“Fighting the good fight simply means that we are to uphold sound doctrine and live holy lives.” —John MacArthur
"The call to ministry comes with a declaration of affection and intimacy with the living God where you will want others to experience the intimacy you have as well.” —Carl Hargrove
“God ordinarily accomplishes His work on earth through the steadfast devotion of a faithful (but otherwise unimpressive) remnant.” —Phil Johnson.
Jesus keeps His promises, and He will keep His promises to you. Whatever you have given up to follow Jesus will be more than made up to you in this life and in the life to come.
“To flee from Yahweh, you must flee to Yahweh” (Josiah Grauman).
“In Christ are treasures that will require digging to the end of the world.” — Thomas Goodwin
"Train up a child in the way he should go—but be sure you go that way yourself." —
Charles Spurgeon
"We must learn to never ascribe any earthly comfort to any earthly source." —
Charles Spurgeon
"Our Christ is not dead. He still holds the stars in his right hand." —
Charles Spurgeon
"We dwell in a temple of providence and grace where everything speaks of his glory." —
Charles Spurgeon
"The gospel is all about Christ from beginning to end." – Charles Spurgeon
"O that I could always see myself in proper Colours! I believe I should have little reason to fall down and worship myself. God be merciful to me a Sinner!" —George Whitefield
“Joy is a quiet gladness of heart as one contemplates the goodness of God’s saving grace in Christ Jesus.” — John Calvin
I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but through Jesus Christ, I'm more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. -Alistair Begg
If you outgrow the need for the church you should make a quick U-Turn and repent of arrogance and foolish elevated opinion of yourself. God has never intended for you to journey onward to the fates of glory alone. The church matters.
What is the secret of stability and maturity? Every preacher that comes into my office has three weaknesses:
1) He isn’t disciplined.
2) He has no prayer life.
3) He doesn’t know a thing about worship.
“The cost" of being a true Christian:
-it will cost you your self-righteousness
-it will cost you your sins
-it will cost you your love of ease
-it will cost you the favor of the world
Expect less of yourself and more of Christ. -J.C. Ryle
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