God wants to have a close personal relationship with Christians. True fellowship with Him hinges on us admitting sins that creep into our lives. He will forgive them and restore fellowship.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
A true Spirit-filled life isn't one that's sinless. it's a life lived in close fellowship with God.
Knowing I'm not perfect, I'm glad there's a place to go for cleansing and peace. No matter how often we confess our sins He forgives them, forgets about them, and declares us "Not guilty".
The sacrificial blood Jesus shed on the cross also cleanses sinners who come to Him, confessing thier sins and trusting Him to be their personal Savior. Come just as you are.
In a world of doubt and confusion we can still believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of the living God.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
You can still believe God's promise to save you when you call upon His Name, that He will take care of you when you pass through the valley, and that He is coming back again.
Critics who deny "Thus saith The Lord" believe there are no absolutes--no standards of right and wrong. That's why we have the theory of evolution with no scientific proof.
But there is a Holy and righteous God Who died on the cross for our sins. Those who believe on Him will have everlasting life.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise . . . . but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Young David wasn't afraid to go to battle with the giants in his life.
1 Samuel 17:37 David said, moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of the Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and The Lord be with thee.
Facing the approximately 9'9" tall giant, David declared victory before the battle began. This is the essence of faith. It allows you to give your victory speech before you fight the battle.
If by faith you bring your hopeless, impossible situation to God, you will see Him snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Whether your giant is sin or some other difficulty, it can be defeated by the power of God and for His glory.
Lay it at His feet and embrace His defeating method, whatever it is.
Spiritual growth isn't automatic. God gives born again saints the means of grace to help them live godly lives.
The Apostle Peter lists qualities of godly character which grows out of a vital relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-7): Virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity develop as we exercise each of them.
It's not enough to "let go and let God" work out our spiritual growth. We have to work with Him--surrender to Him.
2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
These beautiful qualities of character exist within us because we possess the divine nature of Christ. We must cultivate them so they will produce fruit in and through us.
When we get saved, we begin to live under the economy of grace. God will do everything to see that we are looked after on our journey of life.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not for I am with thee. Be not dismayed for i am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Dear believer, don't ever think The Lord isn't with you. His presence has the power to drive away fear, to help your need and to hold you up at your weakest time.
He will strengthen you, support you, and sustain you all the way to Heaven.
Praise God that we can count on the promises of God. We can trust Him. We should memorize Isaiah 41:10.
Be not dismayed what'er betide
God will take care of you
Beneath His wings of love abide
God will take care of you.
Civilla D. Martin
God always has His people, those secret ones through whom He is working. We ought to praise Him for the unsung heroes of the Christian faith.
People like Hur who, along with Aaron, held up the arms of Moses while Israel battled the Amalekites (Numbers 17). People like prayer warriors, the silent servants--those who do the little things that no one notices, who serve behind the scenes.
The Holy God in Heaven sees who you are and watches what you do. Carry on, and He will bless you in His way, in His time.
Galations 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Keep on serving The Lord. One day you'll receive rewards from Jesus and hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
Whether we are leaders or followers, believers are under the authority of The Lord. He is our Commander, and His will is what matters most.
1 Peter 5:5b-7 . . . . God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Bow at the feet of Jesus and humbly submit to His will, whatever that will may be. Admit your weakness and inability to gain victory. Learn that you can't, but God can. Give your battles to Him.
Who is Lord in your life? Are you totally yielded to God or do you call the shots.
Who is your master? If it's you, prepare for a life of defeat. If it's Him, there will still be battles, but you will be firmly on the road to victory because he cares for you.
