“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Fear is a natural emotion for all humans. It usually arises when your life is in danger and will cause you to do things you wouldn’t consider under normal circumstances. God knew the devil would press his children and make them think their life was in danger. His promise to you is, I have given you a spirit of power. Jesus calmed his disciples by saying, “Be not afraid. It is I.” God promises you the same in all that you face. His voice sweetly calls, “Fear not, for I am with you.”
Isn’t it comforting to know that you can retain your sanity in any circumstance? As a young child and teenager I had a problem with anger. I could be pushed to a certain point until I would snap. I would find myself in fits of uncontrolled rage. The thought of growing up with this caused me to be anxious. I was also afraid that I would not be able to control it. It is funny, but I could identify with the Incredible Hulk. The guilt he felt after he had created destruction was similar to how I felt when I finally came out of a fit of rage.
As a child of God I can stand on the promise of his power over feelings and emotions that once controlled me. I can have his spirit of power. Yea, even more I can have a spirit of Love. I can have love even for my enemies! I don’t have to worry about what I will face, how I will be mistreated, or how I will react. I have a calm assurance, a blessed assurance, that God’s power will sustain me.
Every person faces difficulties. How have you faced them? Did you have fear? Did you lack power? Have you felt like you lost your mind or ability to make rational decisions? There is a great source of power God has promised for you.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Psalms 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
I imagine you are like me in that you have had a few embarrassing moments which you never want to relive, nor think about. Just the sight of certain reminders, conjure up powerful emotions or possibly physical reactions such as sweaty palms, hot flashes, shaking, or many other things. What is even worse are the events of life that make us ashamed. The world is full of people who run from such personal events in their lives.
When you consider the goodness of God toward you it doesn’t take long to feel ashamed of anything you have done contrary to his will. God allows those feelings within so you might be compelled to ask his forgiveness. The devil desires to use those feelings to make you feel horribly depressed and ashamed, even to the point where you believe God won’t forgive you.
God promises you some relief. When you repent and ask God to forgive there is an action taken within the mind of God. The act that used to define you and was inseparable is now removed from God’s mind when he thinks of you. Just as the East can never touch the West, the sin you repent of is no longer associated with you. By your faith in God’s promise you no longer have to be fearful or nervous of reminders of what you have done wrong. Have you considered the worth of such a treasure where you can live your life without guilt or shame?
I imagine you are like me in that you have had a few embarrassing moments which you never want to relive, nor think about. Just the sight of certain reminders, conjure up powerful emotions or possibly physical reactions such as sweaty palms, hot flashes, shaking, or many other things. What is even worse are the events of life that make us ashamed. The world is full of people who run from such personal events in their lives.
When you consider the goodness of God toward you it doesn’t take long to feel ashamed of anything you have done contrary to his will. God allows those feelings within so you might be compelled to ask his forgiveness. The devil desires to use those feelings to make you feel horribly depressed and ashamed, even to the point where you believe God won’t forgive you.
God promises you some relief. When you repent and ask God to forgive there is an action taken within the mind of God. The act that used to define you and was inseparable is now removed from God’s mind when he thinks of you. Just as the East can never touch the West, the sin you repent of is no longer associated with you. By your faith in God’s promise you no longer have to be fearful or nervous of reminders of what you have done wrong. Have you considered the worth of such a treasure where you can live your life without guilt or shame?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Romans 8:37
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
It is important to point out that a true Christian experience is one of dominance over powers that would oppose us in our service and obedience to God. As the enemy of our soul comes out to battle against us he will present himself as a mighty army capable of destroying me as well as those I love.
This reminds me of the story of David and Goliath. Goliath was a man of large physical stature, experienced in war, capable of destroying enemies, and intimidating with his speech. His skills caused the army of Israel to become fearful, defeated in their mind. Yet the little boy David, trusting God, slew the giant and cut off his head as a symbol of victory.
The familiar story teaches us faith in God is stronger than our enemy no matter how terrible he makes himself to appear. I am comforted to know David was more than a conqueror, he was a hero in all of Israel. As you face the devil and difficult circumstances in life you don’t have to lose. You don’t have to settle for just making it. You don’t even have to settle for being victorious. Just as the head of Goliath was a trophy and memorial to David, it is possible for you to collect “trophies” each time you defeat the devil. A closet full of trophies from past victories, breed confidence in God’s power and make for peaceful habitation that inspires faith in a God who hears and answers prayer.
How is your experience? Do you go from failure to failure? Maybe you hide out hoping not to be noticed? There is a real experience in this life where you can boldly face the day and its troubles, knowing you will be more than a conqueror.
It is important to point out that a true Christian experience is one of dominance over powers that would oppose us in our service and obedience to God. As the enemy of our soul comes out to battle against us he will present himself as a mighty army capable of destroying me as well as those I love.
This reminds me of the story of David and Goliath. Goliath was a man of large physical stature, experienced in war, capable of destroying enemies, and intimidating with his speech. His skills caused the army of Israel to become fearful, defeated in their mind. Yet the little boy David, trusting God, slew the giant and cut off his head as a symbol of victory.
The familiar story teaches us faith in God is stronger than our enemy no matter how terrible he makes himself to appear. I am comforted to know David was more than a conqueror, he was a hero in all of Israel. As you face the devil and difficult circumstances in life you don’t have to lose. You don’t have to settle for just making it. You don’t even have to settle for being victorious. Just as the head of Goliath was a trophy and memorial to David, it is possible for you to collect “trophies” each time you defeat the devil. A closet full of trophies from past victories, breed confidence in God’s power and make for peaceful habitation that inspires faith in a God who hears and answers prayer.
How is your experience? Do you go from failure to failure? Maybe you hide out hoping not to be noticed? There is a real experience in this life where you can boldly face the day and its troubles, knowing you will be more than a conqueror.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
John 8:32
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
I want to begin by expressing the importance of the fact that the truth is singular, constant, and able to be comprehended. God not only preserves his truth, but he also makes it possible for you and I to know what that truth is. The truth is none other than Jesus Christ and the fullness of his gospel.
The word “know” as it is translated here means more than just a head knowledge, it implies a heartfelt realization and understanding. A head knowledge of Jesus is to realize I am a lost sinner worthy of an eternal hell where I am forever separated from God. A heart knowledge of Jesus is to accept his sacrifice for my sins, vow to live according to his purpose and turn away from sin altogether. Do you have a head or heart knowledge of Jesus?
The obvious aspect of this promise is freedom. Sad to say so many confuse the principle of freedom. In a country like America, land of the free, citizens have the ability to choose how their life will go. This is true within reason. Even today many Americans are not completely free. Millions live in financial debt while others are stuck at a job or career they don’t enjoy. I have heard it said, “They live quiet lives of desperation.” There are natural constraints of life that limit a person’s freedom.
In the spirit of man there is obedience to either God or the devil. Our natural tendencies are to follow the ways of the devil. The freedom that accompanies the truth is power over self and natural tendencies to sin. Jesus allows us to escape the bondage of the devil, thus we are “free.” In our freedom we have both the knowledge and ability to love God by our obedience here on earth. Without Jesus (the truth) there is no power to do what is pleasing to God.
I want to begin by expressing the importance of the fact that the truth is singular, constant, and able to be comprehended. God not only preserves his truth, but he also makes it possible for you and I to know what that truth is. The truth is none other than Jesus Christ and the fullness of his gospel.
The word “know” as it is translated here means more than just a head knowledge, it implies a heartfelt realization and understanding. A head knowledge of Jesus is to realize I am a lost sinner worthy of an eternal hell where I am forever separated from God. A heart knowledge of Jesus is to accept his sacrifice for my sins, vow to live according to his purpose and turn away from sin altogether. Do you have a head or heart knowledge of Jesus?
The obvious aspect of this promise is freedom. Sad to say so many confuse the principle of freedom. In a country like America, land of the free, citizens have the ability to choose how their life will go. This is true within reason. Even today many Americans are not completely free. Millions live in financial debt while others are stuck at a job or career they don’t enjoy. I have heard it said, “They live quiet lives of desperation.” There are natural constraints of life that limit a person’s freedom.
In the spirit of man there is obedience to either God or the devil. Our natural tendencies are to follow the ways of the devil. The freedom that accompanies the truth is power over self and natural tendencies to sin. Jesus allows us to escape the bondage of the devil, thus we are “free.” In our freedom we have both the knowledge and ability to love God by our obedience here on earth. Without Jesus (the truth) there is no power to do what is pleasing to God.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Romans 8:28
"And we know that everything works together for the good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose."
This promise is one that is not realized without faith. In life we face many hardships and difficult circumstances and our human ways of thinking leave us to believe God has disappeared while we are being destroyed. It is possible for a child of God to be courageous during these times if they have faith to believe that God is in control.
A greater blessing stemming from this promise is an assurance that everything that happens in my life is for my benefit. This thought alone gives me a weapon to fight bitterness towards God for what bad things might come my way. Too often we are taught to look out for “Number 1” because everyone else is out to take advantage of us. What a contrast to know that God is continually looking out for our best interests, even while we sleep!
I personally have found this verse to provide power over the enemy when he brings thoughts to my mind about how God is “unfair.” You can search the entire Bible and never find that God promises “fair.” However, we can see God exceeds the idea of “fairness” as he promises to always work according to our benefit.
This promise is one that is not realized without faith. In life we face many hardships and difficult circumstances and our human ways of thinking leave us to believe God has disappeared while we are being destroyed. It is possible for a child of God to be courageous during these times if they have faith to believe that God is in control.
A greater blessing stemming from this promise is an assurance that everything that happens in my life is for my benefit. This thought alone gives me a weapon to fight bitterness towards God for what bad things might come my way. Too often we are taught to look out for “Number 1” because everyone else is out to take advantage of us. What a contrast to know that God is continually looking out for our best interests, even while we sleep!
I personally have found this verse to provide power over the enemy when he brings thoughts to my mind about how God is “unfair.” You can search the entire Bible and never find that God promises “fair.” However, we can see God exceeds the idea of “fairness” as he promises to always work according to our benefit.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."
Here we have a promise from God to completely solve our problems associated with sin. When a person commits sin, they are causing a stain to appear on their spiritual man. I envision it this way, a freshly bathed child wearing their best clothes goes out to play in the mud. Any parent knows the child will return with at least one stain on the clothes. Depending on the severity of the stain, the garment may be completely useless and fit only for the trash.
God likens sin to having this effect on our spiritual man, yet he boldly proclaims both ability and willingness to fix the spirit of a man. I find it ironic that God encourages us to reason with this principle, “Let us reason together.” Have you ever tried to clean a white towel that had blood stains on it? Even the best of modern chemicals are not strong enough to completely remove such a stain. Some chemicals (soaps/cleaners) will take out most of the stain where it isn’t completely noticeable, but the integrity of the material is compromised (looks used rather than new).
When God cleans the garment he removes the stain while restoring the garment back to the purest of white. He is able to do this without compromising the integrity of the garment as well. How does your garment look (spiritual man)? God has a restoration for you that surpasses logic.
Here we have a promise from God to completely solve our problems associated with sin. When a person commits sin, they are causing a stain to appear on their spiritual man. I envision it this way, a freshly bathed child wearing their best clothes goes out to play in the mud. Any parent knows the child will return with at least one stain on the clothes. Depending on the severity of the stain, the garment may be completely useless and fit only for the trash.
God likens sin to having this effect on our spiritual man, yet he boldly proclaims both ability and willingness to fix the spirit of a man. I find it ironic that God encourages us to reason with this principle, “Let us reason together.” Have you ever tried to clean a white towel that had blood stains on it? Even the best of modern chemicals are not strong enough to completely remove such a stain. Some chemicals (soaps/cleaners) will take out most of the stain where it isn’t completely noticeable, but the integrity of the material is compromised (looks used rather than new).
When God cleans the garment he removes the stain while restoring the garment back to the purest of white. He is able to do this without compromising the integrity of the garment as well. How does your garment look (spiritual man)? God has a restoration for you that surpasses logic.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Titus 1:2
"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”
There a few things in this world I can’t stand; two of which are liars and thieves. There is something about these two that violate the inner part of a person. I especially abhor lying. It causes much damage, most of which is personal and long lasting.
Today we live in a society where a person’s word is meaningless. Lying in some cultures is considered a desirable business practice. The largest section in a phone book is full of people who make a living based on bold lies or deception. As is our human nature, we grow accustomed to what society deems appropriate and before long we expect it as a normal and acceptable behavior. 100 years ago a man could buy a house, car, or land on his word and a handshake. Today athletes negotiate million-dollar contracts only to hire a lawyer or agent to weasel their way out of the agreement. What is even worse is how they will spin a tale to earn your sympathies.
It is vastly important we do not grow so accustomed to this that we expect God to be that way as well. God never tells a lie. God makes no provision for a “white lie.” In fact, God considers a liar just as guilty as a murderer! What is encouraging to the soul is the promise that God will always tell you the truth. We can be sure as we trust himwith our life. We can rest ssured he will direct us to heaven to be with him. We can be encouraged to know the promises within his word will never be broken. Aren’t you gladGod doesn’t lie?
There a few things in this world I can’t stand; two of which are liars and thieves. There is something about these two that violate the inner part of a person. I especially abhor lying. It causes much damage, most of which is personal and long lasting.
Today we live in a society where a person’s word is meaningless. Lying in some cultures is considered a desirable business practice. The largest section in a phone book is full of people who make a living based on bold lies or deception. As is our human nature, we grow accustomed to what society deems appropriate and before long we expect it as a normal and acceptable behavior. 100 years ago a man could buy a house, car, or land on his word and a handshake. Today athletes negotiate million-dollar contracts only to hire a lawyer or agent to weasel their way out of the agreement. What is even worse is how they will spin a tale to earn your sympathies.
It is vastly important we do not grow so accustomed to this that we expect God to be that way as well. God never tells a lie. God makes no provision for a “white lie.” In fact, God considers a liar just as guilty as a murderer! What is encouraging to the soul is the promise that God will always tell you the truth. We can be sure as we trust himwith our life. We can rest ssured he will direct us to heaven to be with him. We can be encouraged to know the promises within his word will never be broken. Aren’t you gladGod doesn’t lie?
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