Tag Archive | God

No Sin is too BIG

Jun24

Have you ever felt that your sin is too BIG for God to forgive? Let me assure you, it’s NOT.

When I was a new believer, I wondered if God could really forgive my sins, or were they too great. Over the years, I felt I needed to keep asking God’s forgiveness for the same old sins of my youth, even though I was a new creation in Christ, the old ways were gone, and I hadn’t returned to them. Was my sin too BIG for God to forgive or was God’s forgiveness too BIG for me to grasp?

No sin is too BIG for God to forgive. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul assures the new Christ followers who previously were sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanderers, and swindlers, “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

When you accepted that Jesus Christ died for your sins and invited Him into your heart to be your Savior and the Lord of your life, He wiped your sin debt clean. By His death on the cross, He paid the penalty for all your sins—past, present, and future. By His resurrection, He made it possible for you to know and experience a living God who dwells in you. Jesus cleansed you of all unrighteousness, and the Holy Spirit continues to sanctify you through and through (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

It turns out my sins were NOT too great for Jesus to forgive, however, His forgiveness was too BIG for me to comprehend. Once I dug deeper into God’s Word and more fully understood His plan of salvation, I could more fully appreciate His amazing grace and accept His forgiveness. Then I could let go of the guilt and shame I tightly held and claim the freedom that His forgiveness offered me. I no longer dwelled in the prison of my past sin, but I lived the life of peace that God intended for me.

Have you asked Jesus to forgive you? He has. Have you fully accepted His forgiveness? If not, dive into Scripture to more completely understand and appreciate His plan of salvation and His promises. You are a child of God. You are forgiven. You have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God. Enjoy the peace that a Spirit-filled life extends to you.


 

Are You Ready?

Apr26


“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready†(Revelation 19:7).

Planning a wedding ceremony and reception is a monumental task. The bride and groom spend months scheduling, organizing, and formulating all the details—the attendants, the pastor, the church, the reception venue, the DJ, the photographer, the wedding music, the colors, the decorations, the meal, and so on.

A year in advance, the bride shops for the wedding dress of her dreams. Next, it’s the veil, shoes, jewelry, and lingerie. Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.

As the big day draws near, the bride begins to prepare herself personally. She tans her body, so her skin tone makes that beautiful dress come alive. She cuts and colors or highlights her hair the week before so it’s at that perfect stage on the day of. She enjoys a manicure and pedicure the day before with her bridal party. A “run through” of the wedding ceremony is practiced that evening so the attendants know what’s expected of them, and the wedding affair will be executed perfectly the next day. The groom’s parents host a rehearsal dinner, where the bride and groom relay their gratitude for the presence and support of their close family and friends who participate in the wedding.

Finally, the special day arrives. The exciting event the bride and groom so carefully planned comes to a culmination. The bride wakes up early and starts her day with a warm, relaxing shower or a soak in the tub. Her nerves surge and her mind races going over all the details of the day. The entire day is devoted to preparing herself for her groom. A professional artist styles her hair and applies her makeup with great perfection. At her side, her attendants help her get ready, physically and emotionally. The bride’s mother holds her daughter’s dress as she steps into it. The groom’s mother assists her with her veil. The maid of honor fastens a necklace around the bride’s neck. At last, she is ready to join the bridegroom for the long-awaited wedding—a union of their hearts, minds, and bodies. The two shall become one.   *******

Are we as diligent about getting ourselves ready for our Bridegroom? Do we spend months and years preparing for our marriage to the Lamb? Will we be ready when that special day arrives?

When we accept that Jesus Christ died for our sins, believe that God raised Him from the dead, and confess Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we become a child of the King. He washes us whiter than snow and clothes us in His righteousness, so that we may be reconciled to God. Then, He sends His Holy Spirit, our Best Man, to make ready our spirits. He dwells in us and prepares us for the day we will meet our Bridegroom. This begins our sanctification process where the Spirit counsels us, encourages us, teaches us, and guides us to become more Christ-like.

It is such a blessing that Jesus receives us just as we are. We need no special hairstyles or manicures to prepare ourselves for Him. We don’t have to shed bad habits and sinful behavior before coming to Christ. By His amazing grace, A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.He accepts us in whatever condition we approach Him. And then, He begins His transforming work in us, making us a new creation in Christ. The old fades away, the new life is here. Rejoice and be glad. Give Him all the glory!A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

Becoming more like Jesus is the “getting ready†process. We need to get to know God better by reading His Word daily, allowing the Scriptures to permeate our hearts and minds. Tuning in to the voice of the Holy Spirit within us is vital in developing a mind and heart like Christ. We need to make time to walk in close relationship with Jesus by talking to Him, listening to Him, and obeying Him. Loving and serving others, by laying down our lives for our friends, will provide opportunities to share with them the goodness of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. These efforts describe some of our preparation work for our special event. This life is our rehearsal to get us ready for the big day when we will meet our Bridegroom, become united in marriage, and live happily ever after in eternity with Him.

Are you ready for your Bridegroom? How will you prepare for your big day—the wedding of the Lamb?

Do Not Be Fooled on April Fool’s Day!

Apr1

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. (1 Corinthians 3:18-19)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)

Do not be a fool and do not be fooled. Do not be deceived by the world’s wisdom, for it is merely foolishness in My eyes. My foolishness is much wiser than man’s wisdom. Hold Me in a place of honor and reverence, and My knowledge will become your strength. My weakness is much stronger than man’s strength. Seek my wisdom, and do not despise my discipline, for in it, the lessons of the wise unfold. Let My wisdom be your guide and My strength be your armament. Leave the world’s wisdom to the fools, and garner your wisdom from Me. Spend time with Me daily to know Me more intimately. Listen to My voice. Search for My wisdom as for buried treasure. Accept My words, and hold onto My wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. They will be your adornment.


 

Now Choose Life

Jan1

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.

I have made it very simple for you—you may have life and prosperity or death and destruction. You choose. You can love Me, walk in My ways, and keep My commands. On this path, I will bless you and prosper you with true life. Or you can turn away from Me, disobey Me, and worship other gods, which will surely cause death and destruction to your soul. Choose Me and live. Do not choose Me, and you will reap what you sow. I desire close relationship with you through daily two-way conversation. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. Love Me, listen to My voice, and hold fast to Me, for I am your life.


 

When Can You Meet with God?

Aug20


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? (Psalm 42:1-2)

My child, do you desire time with Me the way I desire time with you? When can you meet with Me? I look forward to sitting with you and communicating with you in two-way conversation. Pour out your heart to me; I am attentive to your voice. Listen to me; I have great plans for you.

When you don’t connect with Me on a regular basis, your soul slowly dries up inside you. My living water will satisfy your thirst. Spend time with Me, and I will give your soul the refreshment it requires.

I am the living God who dwells in your heart. You need not go far to find me. Search your spirit, My Spirit is there too. Do you need rest? Rest in Me. Do you need comfort? I am your Comforter. Do you need counsel? I am the wisdom you seek. Do you need love? I am love.

I created you with a hunger for Me in your heart. Nothing else will satisfy your longings. Do not chase after the wind when I sit on your doorstep. Open your door and let me in. I have everything you desire and all I have is yours. Meet with Me; I will give you exactly what you need. Give your soul its longings and spend some time with Me. I am here, my love.


 

Walk in the Light

May5


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

My precious children, I have chosen you. You belong to me. I have made you holy and righteous through my death and resurrection. No longer are you sons and daughters of the darkness. I have called you into my wonderful light. Declare your praises to me. You are mine.

Rid yourselves of all evil and abstain from immorality. Live good lives to glorify me. Those that remain in darkness may still accuse you of doing wrong. However, you have chosen a better path. This road leads to everlasting life.

Live life according to the Spirit, rather than the flesh. Like a newborn craves milk, yearn for spiritual milk, that will satisfy your longings and help you grow up in the Lord. You have now tasted that the Lord is good. Only I can satisfy your thirst.

Fill your souls with spiritual wisdom by feasting on my Word. Keep it in your heart and mind that you may recall it and use it as your weapon of choice. When your adversary temps you and lies to you, draw the sword of the Spirit, which is my Word. As you now walk in the light, the darkness will not overcome you. I have already defeated your enemy. Stand victoriously in my triumph.

You are my precious children. Do you know how much I love you? Can you grasp how wide and long and high and deep my love is for you? I loved you to the grave and back. I gave my life to pay for your sin. Now you are a child of the King, you belong to God. Live into the light and leave the darkness behind.

 

I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet

May2

Do you think it’s a coincidence that the verse I posted this morning was from Hebrews 12:28-29? “Therefore since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”—Today the earth shook in Kalamazoo with a 4.2 earthquake, but the eternal kingdom we are receiving cannot be shaken. Let’s be thankful and worship God in awe and reverence!

Daughter of the King

Apr11


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.“Then you will know that I, the Lord your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill.†(Joel 3:17)

Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel. Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.†(Zephaniah 3:14-17)

You are my Daughter of Zion. As I dwell in Zion, I also dwell in you. I live in your heart. Be glad and rejoice, for I am with you. I take great delight in you. I rejoice over you in song. You are my child. I have adopted you as my own daughter. You are the Daughter of Zion, the Daughter of the King, my precious princess, the beautiful bride of Christ. You are mine. You belong to me.

Do not fear, I am with you always. Rejoice in the one who has saved you. Lift your hands in praise to the King. I am the one true God, and you have access to me at all times. Seek me within your own heart and you will find me. Listen to my voice from within. I will not lead you astray. Let me direct your paths. I have marked out the best way for you to go. Follow me, and I will lead you beside still waters. I will restore your soul. Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of the King! Your God is with you, he dwells in you.

You Created Me–I am Yours

Apr8


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139: 13-14)

O Lord, my Lord, you saw me before you created me. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. You ordained all of my days before one of them came to be. You know my heart, O God. Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely. Lord, replace my words with your words. Speak through me. I am your instrument of love. Play me as a harp making sweet, pleasing melodies. I am your megaphone. Let me magnify your name, praising you before all nations. Let the words that flow from my lips be a fragrant offering to you, my Lord. May all who hear me, respond in praise to you.

I delight myself in you, my King. I am fearfully and wonderfully made in your image. You live in me and mold me into your likeness day after day. You have refined me like silver and tested me like gold. I belong to you, O Lord. I will glorify your name and lift your name high above the earth. I raise my hands to the heavens in honor of you. You have adopted me as your own. You are my God and Father, my Creator and Sustainer, my Rock and Redeemer. You rule and reign over heaven and earth. Please rule and reign in me, my King. My heart is yours; my tongue is yours; my will is yours. I surrender myself to you. Use me for your glory today and every day. I love you with all my heart.

My child, I saw you before I created the world. I designed you and formed you in your mother’s womb. I laid out your days before you were born. I know your heart and mind. I am familiar with your ways and know the words on your tongue before they are uttered. I will use you to glorify my name in all the earth. You have surrendered yourself to me. You are like putty in my hands. I am the potter; you are the clay. I will mold you and make you after my will. Daily give yourself into my hands, and I will lead you on the path I have marked out for you. Honor me in all you do and say.

Your heart is safe with me. I will guard it against all evil. Be true to me and remain in me, and I will remain in you. I am your God and Father, your Creator and Sustainer, your Rock and Redeemer. I have freed you from your prison. I rebuilt you and refined you to carry out my plans. I am with you always. Be strong and courageous. I go with you wherever I send you. I shadow you in the wings of my protection. You are mine. Nothing will take you over on my watch. I never sleep, nor slumber. You are always on my mind and in my heart, as surely as I live in yours. You are my darling daughter. I love you beyond your comprehension.

God’s not dead–He is alive!

Apr5


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!†(Luke 24:5-6)A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

It is the first day of the week. You have come to worship me. When you arrive at the place where they laid my body, you see the large stone at the entrance has been moved. You enter to see only the empty strips of linen that once covered my bruised and broken body, lying on the ground. I am not there. I have risen! Do not look for me among the dead. I am alive! You do not worship a god carved out of stone. I am alive, and I dwell in you. You need to look no farther than within your own heart. I have not gone anywhere. You are not alone, I am with you always. Worship me with your songs and praises. Lift my name high above the earth. I am alive—Hallelujah!  Happy Easter!