spiritual endurance

Keeping Love Alive in Cold Times

Keeping Love Alive in Cold Times

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”

Matthew 24:12

Understanding Our Times

Have you noticed how easy it is to become numb to the needs around you?

Maybe you’ve caught yourself scrolling past tragic news stories or ignoring a friend’s struggle.

Jesus warned us about this – how increasing wickedness can make our hearts grow cold.

The Cooling Effect

What Makes Love Grow Cold?

Think of your love like a flame. Several things can dim it:

  • Information overload
  • Constant negativity
  • Compassion fatigue
  • Repeated disappointments

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Your Love Might Be Cooling If:

  • You’re less moved by others’ pain
  • Helping feels more like a burden
  • Prayer becomes mechanical
  • Relationships feel more distant

The Root of the Problem

The verse points to “wickedness” as the cause.

This isn’t just about obvious evil, but includes:

  • Growing selfishness
  • Loss of community
  • Digital disconnection
  • Values erosion

Keeping Your Love Warm

Practical Steps

  1. Guard your heart carefully
  2. Stay connected to God’s Word
  3. Keep showing up for others
  4. Practice intentional kindness
  5. Pray for compassion

Daily Love-Warming Practices

Think of these like adding wood to your fire:

  • Start each day with gratitude
  • Look for ways to serve
  • Share encouragement
  • Stay connected to community

Today’s Prayer

Lord, guard my heart from growing cold. Help me stay sensitive to others’ needs and keep my love burning bright. Give me strength to show your love even when it’s difficult. Amen.

Your Love Temperature Check

Take a moment to assess:

  • How’s your compassion level?
  • Are you still moved by others’ needs?
  • Do you make time for relationships?
  • Is your love active or passive?

Fighting the Freeze

Remember:

  • Small acts of love matter
  • Consistency beats intensity
  • Every kind gesture counts
  • Love is a choice, not just a feeling

Practical Ways to Keep Love Warm

  1. Make one phone call each day to check on someone
  2. Write encouraging notes
  3. Pray specifically for others
  4. Take action when you see a need

The Power of Choice

Love growing cold isn’t inevitable. You can choose to:

  • Stay engaged
  • Keep caring
  • Maintain connection
  • Continue giving

Remember, Jesus warned us about this tendency not to discourage us, but to prepare us. We can keep our love warm even in a cold world.

Your Daily Challenge

Pick one person today who needs to experience warmth in their life. Reach out with:

  • A kind word
  • A helping hand
  • A listening ear
  • A genuine prayer

The world needs your warm heart more than ever. Don’t let increasing wickedness win by stealing your capacity to love. Keep your flame burning bright – someone needs your warmth today.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy Today – Pray Upside Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Love
Enduring Hardship

Enduring Hardship

Life can be tough. We all face challenges that test our faith, strength, and perseverance. The Bible, in 2 Timothy 2:3 (NIV), offers us wisdom on how to navigate these tough times:

“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

2 Timothy 2:3

The Soldier’s Call

Paul, the writer of 2 Timothy, was speaking to Timothy, a young leader in the early church. He used the analogy of a soldier to describe the kind of dedication and endurance needed in the Christian life.

Soldiers are trained to face hardships with courage and discipline. They don’t give up when the going gets tough; instead, they dig deep, press on, and fulfill their mission.

Embracing Hardship

The idea of “suffering” might sound daunting, but Paul isn’t telling us to seek out pain or hardship. Instead, he’s reminding us that challenges are a part of life, especially for those who follow Jesus.

Whether it’s dealing with personal struggles, standing firm in our beliefs, or helping others through their difficulties, we are called to endure.

Strength to Endure

But how do we endure?

Like soldiers, we need to be prepared. Just as soldiers are equipped with armor and training, we need spiritual strength and wisdom.

We gain this through prayer, reading the Bible, and staying connected to a supportive community.

When we rely on God, we find the strength to keep going, even when it feels impossible.

Worth Fighting For

Soldiers don’t fight without a purpose; they fight for something greater than themselves.

As Christians, our mission is to live for Christ, sharing His love and truth with the world.

This mission gives meaning to our struggles and helps us see beyond our current difficulties to the bigger picture.

Encouragement for the Journey

It’s important to remember that we’re not alone in our struggles. Just as soldiers work together in an army, we have each other.

We can find comfort and strength in knowing that others are walking a similar path. Encouraging one another, praying together, and sharing our burdens helps us all endure.

Conclusion

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but with the mindset of a soldier, we can face them with courage and perseverance.

Remember, you’re not just enduring for the sake of enduring—you’re part of a greater mission, one that brings hope, love, and truth to this broken world.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration