Only as transformation (i.e., sanctification) takes place can we start to prove (know with certainty) the will of God. Without transformation/sanctification we cannot know God's will. And so we stumble, taking uncertain steps in life: never quite sure what we are about, or what to do or where to go and how to get there. We have the Light but not the Sight.
God's wisdom and knowledge are infinite; the decisions of Almighty God cannot be rationalized by mere man. Who knows enough to argue with God? Who is wise enough to give God counsel?
Is Salvation valuable enough to give up everything to get it?… For Salvation to come to our lives, it must displace everything from our lives… If Salvation means ANYTHING to us, it must be EVERYTHING to us. How much are you willing to lose just to get Salvation? How much is too much to lose to get Salvation?
Though we can, and often do, suffer (poverty, war, alienation) for the sins of our ancestors, we are JUDGED for our own sins. We are not slaves to our History. We can make our own choices and we can choose righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
It is quite revealing to compare how much time, effort and money we spend on our outward appearance versus our heart (inward appearance). Think of how much is spent each day on preparing clothes, hair, skin, diet and physique. So much time, so much effort, so much money spent just to look good enough for those around us. How does it compare to the time and effort spent in preparing our hearts for God?
…Anger management takes practice and deliberate effort. However, we should always remember that God is on OUR side. As we develop the habit of constantly communicating with Him, as we practice seeking His will in everything, as we learn to live within His hedge of protection, we will gradually learn how to draw strength from Him when we are sorely aggravated. We CAN win the battle…
If we are ever to live victorious Christian lives, we must first seriously seek to live obedient sacrificial lives. It's not more 'churching', it's not louder singing, it's not even better preaching that's going to transform us. We will be transformed when we "offer ourselves as living sacrifices" to God (Romans 12:1-2): when we sacrifice our will to live in obedience to His will.
Salvation requires faith in the true God, the God described by the authentic Scripture. If we do not believe in the God of the Scripture, then we are not saved by the God of the Scripture. Every god defines his/her/its own terms of salvation. The God of the pure unabridged Scriptures defines His terms too. If we do not like His salvation plan, we are free to construct our own god from the parts of the scripture we find convenient to our lifestyle and philosophy. But, make no mistake, that god is NOT the God of the Bible.
If you are facing loneliness or pain as once again you pick up your burden, you can draw on the Lord's resources and be a living testimony of His all-sufficiency. If you're filled with thanksgiving and praise, you can tell others of God's goodness.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.Selah. ~Psalm 46:1-3
Despite the damage sin does to us spiritually and physically, the Blood of Jesus Christ washes us clean and makes us new. From human eyes, it might not look like much, but we have everything we need to build up our spiritual wall of salvation. And that wall is indestructible, because God is its architect. Therefore, if/when we fall into sin let us not doubt our spiritual growth (if indeed we have been growing!). Rather, we should keep an eye on the gates watching and praying so that the enemy does not infiltrate our spiritual wall and lead us into temptation (Mark 14:38).
Is Salvation valuable enough to give up everything to get it?… For Salvation to come to our lives, it must displace everything from our lives… If Salvation means ANYTHING to us, it must be EVERYTHING to us. How much are you willing to lose just to get Salvation? How much is too much to lose to get Salvation?
Whether my life in under the influence of a good government/boss/parent/economy, OR a weak government/boss/parent/economy OR a bad government/boss/parent/economy; I can still choose to do what is right, I am still the only one who is responsible for my actions.
Each and every believer has been chosen by God to do SPECIFIC work in His Kingdom, here on earth… God's blueprint for your life is there but you will only find it if you willing to seek it out. And, you will only seek it out if you really want to serve Him.
We often miss our most important responsibility to our children: tilling/cultivating the soil of their heart (getting rid of all the growth-hindering rocks and all the life-choking weeds of distraction) and planting the seed of God's Word in it (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23).
Wisdom for living is ONLY found in the WORD of God and only the Holy Spirit can guide us through life. So, let us "clothe" our children in the scarlet Blood of Jesus Christ so that they will be prepared for the harshest winters of life.