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!

God’s Word is clear.  He has us!  Remember He spoke the universe into being.  Nothing is impossible for Him. 

Personal Reflection

Read Ephesians 2:8-10.  We didn’t earn our place in His hand, He gave it to us.  We receive it by grace through faith.  Spend some time thanking God for His wonderful gift of salvation today!

Prayer Focus

Almighty God help us to rightly give you all the glory for our salvation.  Fill us with the assurance of faith in your Word. You are holding us and will not let us be snatched.  Help those who worry about their salvation to know you have sealed your promise with the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and testifying with ours that we are your sons and daughters.  In the power of Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen!

We’re talking about the 3 G’s of the Christian life before glory.  You can click here to go back and read day 1 if you haven’t already.  Yesterday I mentioned how these G’s are progressive and concurrent.  They lead us deeper in our relationship with Christ and yet there is a component that stays with us.

Progressive

Guilt is a realization that we are out of line with God’s law. It’s purpose is to lead us to repentance  by revealing our need for our matchless Savior Jesus Christ.  It’s purpose is not to lead us to a place of “I am a failure”.  It saddens me the number of Christians that walk with their heads down reciting “I’m a sinner saved by grace” as if they are on death row.  It’s the reason they don’t get too involved, compartmentalize their Christian live, and quite honestly lack joy.  Have we forgotten that we are more than conquerors in Christ?  Have we forgotten that we have a Savior that has overcome the world?  Guilt is part of a process that draws us closer to Christ, not a destination and isolation from Him.

Concurrent

As we embrace and surrender to Christ and experience His transforming and cleansing power over our sin, it seems there is an endless supply to continue to work on.  On this side of heaven, it appears the flesh will always war against the spirit.  Our lives are a series of trial and errors as God continues to reveal Himself to us.

I am so thankful that God is a loving and patient Father.  When you look to the mountain and as where does my Help come from, may you rejoice and say, My help comes from the LORD!