Tag Archive | sins

“United” States of America? Not!

Nov16


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

Jesus Christ is the One and Only True God of the “United” States of America.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of UNITY among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (emphasis mine, Romans 15:5-7)

The one star on the flag pictured here suggests UNITY–Fifty individual states that come together to form ONE nation under GOD. In a week of divided discontent and the protests of a nation against the man elected by its people to serve as the next leader of the free world, it would behoove us to consider the Scripture above.

As followers of Christ, we are called to a spirit of unity, so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify God. Therefore, we MUST ACCEPT one another, just as Christ accepted us, in order to bring praise to God.

If you find yourself wanting to protest the most recent leadership choice of the nation, should you instead channel your energy into glorifying God by accepting one another? Remember the words of Paul in Romans 8:28 & 31, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose…What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

UNITY–“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Since Jesus Christ graciously accepted me, a sinner, shouldn’t I imitate and obey Him by accepting others? With man (or woman), this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Paul is the perfect example of how God can use even the worst of sinners for the good of those who love Him. I think God can handle the latest election results. Yes, God can use even Donald Trump for the good of those who love God. Let this be your testimony to your friends who are eager to sign their name to a petition and march with a sign in their hands. Imitate God and encourage a spirit of unity. Accept one another in order to bring praise to God.

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

Pray for Donald Trump as he prepares to lead the Not-United States of America.

 

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?

I Believe

Apr19


Day 4 – God woke me up early to the lyrics of this chorus from This I Believe – The Creed by Hillsong

I believe in God our Father I believe in Christ the Son I believe in the Holy Spirit Our God is three in one I believe in the resurrection That we will rise again For I believe in the Name of Jesus

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?â€

“Yes, Lord,†she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.†(John 11:25-27)

Sons & Daughters of the King—When you believe in me, you will live. I came into the world to save those who are lost. I died in your place for your sins, but even more, I rose again. I am the resurrection and the life. Even though you will die, you will rise again with me. Believe in my Name and live forever.

Do not give in to the customs of this world, but live for me, the One who has saved you. You once were lost, but now you are found. The old life has passed away; your new life in me has begun. Turn from your former ways and live in the fullness of the life I intended for you. Seek me with all your heart and you will find me. I dwell in your heart. Listen to my voice within you. All my wisdom belongs to you. It is within your grasp any time you need it.

Spend time with me. Dig into the Scriptures. Listen as I speak to you through the verses in my Word. I am the bread from heaven. I will give you some of the hidden manna. Dine with me and I will satisfy your hunger. I am the bread of life. Believe in me and live.A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

Obedience is Love

Mar20

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. (2 John 6)

Children of God, I ask you to walk in truth and love—the truth that I am the Father’s Son, Jesus Christ, and the love that the Father has bestowed upon us. True love is this: that we obey the commands of God. I have asked you to love one another, just as I have loved you. Love is obedience. Obedience is love. One does not exist without the other. When you are obedient to His commands, you demonstrate your love for the Father. When you love the Father, you demonstrate your love through your obedience. I love God, therefore, I demonstrated my love with my obedience, even unto death on the cross. Obey God, and walk in His true love. This love is a gift from God above. You cannot manifest this kind of love from any efforts of your own flesh. You must draw on the pure, unadulterated love of God, in order to love another in His grace. Do not be taken in by the kind of love the world offers, but cling to the love that has saved you from your sins. My blood was shed for your atonement. Claim your victory in my name. Live as I live. Love as I love. Demonstrate your love of God by loving one another. Love from the depths of the Spirit of God within you. When you do, your reward will be great.

Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving

Nov27


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100)

My children, you are my sheep. You are my people and I am your God. Bring your songs of worship before me and serve me in thankfulness. I am Lord of all the earth, the Master of all creation. I make provision for all your needs. I am the Good Shepherd and I take care of you. I feed you in green pastures and lead you beside still waters. The bear and the wolf are no match for me. I will lay down my life to protect you. I love you more fully than you will ever comprehend. My love endures for all time.

I am the source of everything good in your life. I am faithful to all generations. Stand together and lift your praises to my holy name. Rejoice in the knowledge that I am the Lord God and I am good. Glorify me with your songs of praise. Exalt me above the heavens and the earth. Lift high the name of Jesus, your Savior.

I have prepared a feast and I invite you to sit at my table. Commune with me and partake of the bread and the wine. My body was broken for you. My blood was shed for your sin. I demonstrated the depth of my great love for you as I hung on the cross in your place. The cross was not the end. I have risen from the dead. I am alive, and I live in you. The gift of my Spirit in you is priceless! Do not take it for granted. I am your life and peace. Rejoice with thankful hearts. Again, I say rejoice!

 

Your Heart is My Dwelling Place

May5

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.” (Psalm 25:4-7)

My child, my love for you is great and unfathomable. My mercy is as from old. I remember not the sins of your youth, nor do I have record of your rebellious ways. I remember you according to my love for you. As I have given love and mercy in great portions to you, so you should be generous with your love and mercy to others.

My Spirit will show you my ways, and teach you the paths I have set down for you. Put your hope and trust in me. My truth will guide you on your journey. Look to me for your direction, and I will instruct you in the way chosen for you.

You are the one I love. I cherish the time we spend together. Seek me first in your day, and everything else will fall into place. Give me your first fruits, and the flood gates of heaven will open with blessing for you. Give me your reverent love, and I will confide in you. Call on me, and I will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

You are my beloved child. Hunger and thirst after me, and you will be satisfied. Seek me with all of your heart, and you will find me. You need to look no further than the depths of your own heart; I am there. Your heart is my dwelling place. The living God is living in you. Live not according to your own power, but by the Spirit who lives in you.