repent - Brian Friedl

There Is Always Hope

Brian — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 11:41:46 +0000

The promise of God’s ear inclined to us when we turn to Him, is the thread of hope in the midst of the battle. As hard as we try in or human efforts, we fall and sometimes hard causing damage we regret for many days, months, and years to come.

“But God”; two words that interrupt this cycle of sin and provide hope. But God, in His great faithfulness and mercy, hears us when we see the mess we’ve made and turn back to Him and cry out. He has made a provision for every stumbling, for every transgression. For the blood of Jesus has washed every stain you have ever caused to be white as the purest untouched snow in the most beautiful of places. He has the power to redeem every situation no matter its complexity.

You are declared clean when you put your faith in God’s provision of Jesus and His finished work at the cross. When God looks at you He sees the righteousness of His Son. You are no longer held captive, but instead are free to live a life in the Lord. Will you stumble again? Most likely. Don’t waste your time beating yourself up. Acknowledge your weakness, mourn your sin, turn and cry out. For He will hear your cry.

Personal Reflection

By all means learn from your mistakes but remember: Every moment spent beating yourself up over your bad choices is a moment you miss gazing at our beautiful LORD and sharing Him with others. Your eyes can only be fixed in one place. Make sure they are on Him!

When your eyes are focused on Him you will want more of Him. God speaks of loving Him and keeping His commands in that order. Commandment keeping flows as a by product of loving Him. Let the passion of your love grow by leaps and bounds!

Prayer Focus

Precious LORD, we confess to you that have have all stumbled and strayed and made messes in our lives. Help us to turn from any wickedness that impedes our view of you. Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus that our love for you may overflow. Thank you for hearing our cry, sustain us by your hand of grace that we may do Your will, In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

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So What?

Brian — Fri, 20 May 2016 13:02:34 +0000

Did you catch the “so that”? God’s plan for you is to live in righteousness through His son Christ. Wait a minute, don’t miss the dead to sin part. Jesus’ work on the cross accomplished all of this.

Personal Reflection

If you are struggling with sin this morning, repent and return to God’s truth. Every sin promises life and comfort but delivers death and shame. Too often we dwell on all that we’ve done wrong instead of what Jesus has done right. This only keeps us off track longer and in a place where lies seem more like truth. Have you ever thought any of these thoughts:

How can God use me if I keep doing this?

Why can’t I beat this sin?
I’m a fake.
How can God use me? I’m not worth anything.

These are planted thoughts to keep you from Christ. It’s a simple principle really. Satan knows that when our eyes are on ourselves they are not on God. The longer our eyes are on ourselves, the longer we will feel alone, abandoned, and worthless. We know we’ve sinned because God’s perfect law clearly shows us that, but it also brings with it understanding that we need a solution…we need a Savior.

Be serious about the temptation you struggle with but always remember sin was conquered by Christ. For you are more than a conqueror in Christ. God is teaching you that all you need is Christ. Turn from sin and run to Him today.

Prayer Focus

LORD help us to understand your teaching. Let us fully receive in our hearts the truth that Jesus is sufficient in all things. We know this requires us to learn through trials and joys. Bring us whatever is necessary that we might more closely walk with Him in the light. Break the chains of sin that we might walk in your freedom. We lift all of this to you in the Name above all names, Jesus Christ, Amen!

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Confess And Honor

Brian — Sat, 07 May 2016 15:21:52 +0000

It’s easy for us to watch the news and see how sinful others are. It’s also tempting to look at the state of our country and blame it on political party, a program, or a person. When in reality, we are all responsible. Daniel understood this and includes himself among the sinners that have turned from God.

If we Know, Live, and Speak the Truth by grace through faith while walking in the Spirit, wouldn’t we see a change in this country regardless of the demographic or party line? Wouldn’t we be a nation filled with grace and truth, wisdom and humility? If we love the way Jesus showed us, would we not see an entire country change?

Personal Reflection

The actions of each influences the entire nation. The penetrating question is: Are you willing to humble yourself, count yourself with sinners, confess, fast and pray for your nation?

Prayer Focus

LORD, we confess that “we have sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances.”

Please forgive us Father and equip us to life in such a way that you may be glorified and our land may be healed to a place of honoring you. May your love reign among every neighborhood and around every corner. In the Name of Jesus, Amen!

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