Calling Sinners To Repentance

Luke 5:32, I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:10, If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

God Can Only Calm Our Souls

Many times we are hurt and don’t know where to turn. In Matthew 23:37, we read Jesus saying how often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! God cares for us as a mother bird protects its young. We often reject Christ’s help because we think He can’t give us what we need. Listen, my friends Jesus is our Creator, who alone knows our needs, helps us in our weakness and comforts us. Can we say as in Psalm 56:1, Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. My soul trusts in You! I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by. Know that, when life becomes hard, only a person’s relationship with His God can calm their souls.

Expect Good From God

We read in Isaiah 36 -37, Rabshakeh, spokesman for King of Assyria said that Hezekiah, king of Jerusalem could not save the city because they relying on Egypt would not guarantee success for Jerusalem. Also, God was against Jerusalem. Hezekiah made requests to God. God spoke through Isaiah to King Hezekiah, that God has heard how Assyrians have belittled God with idols who could not deliver. Today, when you are in problem know that the word of God is answer to our problems and receive the promises of God in faith. As written in Ephesians 3:20, now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Let us not limit God in our thinking "God can't do it." God is God of impossibility. So, we can expect great things from Jesus, knowing that He will honor us in our trials.

Cast Your Burdens On The Lord

In Isaiah 37, we read an account of King of Assyria who threatened Jerusalem for two years. King Hezekiah of Jerusalem was fearful that his city will conquered by the Assyrians. But God spoke through Isaiah the prophet that the two years of trouble, they will be sustained by the spontaneous growth of the earth. In the third year, after King of Assyria left Jerusalem people could plant again. So, cast your cares on the Lord believing Jesus has solution to all our problem. In the meanwhile, we are sustained by God's strength in our weakness and faith in the word of God till we see victory over our problem. Can I hear "Amen!"?

Recognize Your Talents

Elizabeth George says, “Having a purpose, a goal, is one of the most dynamic forces in human nature. With purpose, a man or woman can accomplish amazing feats, achieve challenging goals, and persist through staggering difficulties. Without purpose, many people drift through life with little to show for their existence.”

Psalm 139:14 says, I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. You are valued treasure for God. Psalm 121:3 states, He will not allow your foot to be moved;

He who keeps you will not slumber. He is looking after you day and night.

Matthew 24:14, it is written, And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Likewise, God has gifted us with different talents. In Matthew 24:23, His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ We have to recognize hidden treasure in us and utilize it in godly way.

Let us pray, "God, help me to identify talents, You have given me and let me not waste my talents, help me use to glorify Your name, Amen!"

Continue In The Word Of God

People respond differently to God’s messages. The fault is in the hearers not the word of God. Tribulation, persecution, worries of life or deceitfulness of the wealth choke the word. Those hear, understand and continue in the word of God is like good seed falling in good ground will be productive. As we meditate on His promises daily to bless us in the challenges of life. We will see the harvest in due time. Amen!

Jesus Redeemed Us

The kingdom of God pays the ultimate price to posses the pearl; the price God was willing to pay to redeem us. 1 Peter 1:18 &19, says knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. We can see that we cannot escape from sin and the consequences brought by sin that is death, curse, sickness or poverty. Jesus shed His precious blood through His death on the cross to redeem us. Then in, 1 Corinthians 6:20, For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. We know God redeemed us from all sins by the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Now our body belongs to God, we must live our life pleasing to God.

Jesus Came To Restore Us

A smoldering wick was useless for giving light. These can mean people considered useless by the world. In Matthew 12, we read Jesus saw a man who had a withered hand. And in order to accuse Him Pharisees, asked Him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?" Jesus answered, “How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Here, Jesus shows tender compassion towards the lost and restores people not hurting them. As written in Matthew 12:7, Jesus desires compassion and not condemnation. In Psalm 53: 6, God restores his people and people rejoice. So, we may feel that we are all alone, lost, even there are people who doesn’t understand us, be encouraged today because Jesus came to restore us.

Peace Of God

We can never avoid chaos in the world. When we are devoted to Him, our whole attitude is steady and stable. Do you want peace? Keep your thoughts on the word of God and simply reject what is not of God. A fixed trust in the Lord will bring peace.

Jesus Revealed God To Us

How blessed we are that Jesus has clearly revealed to us God, His truth and how we can know Him. Know Him means have intimate relationship with Father through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. In 2 Corinthians 13:14, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Let it be fulfilled in all our lives. Amen!

Fully Depend On God

 

In Isaiah 22:11, But you did not look to its Maker, nor did you have respect for Him who planned it long ago. Jerusalem depended on their defense, fortified cities, walls and reservoir to stand against enemy nation coming to attack instead of depending on God. Jerusalem was trusting on other nations for deliverance from enemy nation. We can read in Isaiah 2:22, stop trusting in mere humans. Even when we take medicines or may ask help from men, our eyes should always fix on what Jesus what He has done for us on the cross. He has promised our healing, blessing, victory and deliverance. We need to always believe and confess, “Jesus has done everything for me on the cross.”

Joy Of The Lord Is Our Strength

We may face many sorrows in life. To have the joy from the Lord which we can receive by spending time in presence of God. When we pray, sing hymns, read Bible or good Christian books daily, we receive joy from God. Then, when we face sorrow of the world, the joy will overcome sorrow the enemy brings. That is why it is written in Nehemiah 8:10, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. As you give thanks and magnify God’s presence in your life, His grace and power go to work on your behalf!

Know That God Will Help You Come Out Of Trouble

When we face various sorrows, we think this will bring an end to our future. During the waiting time we face various temptations by the devil. If you read Mathew 4:1-10, we see that Jesus was tempted by the devil for 40 days. But Jesus overcame devil’s attacks with word of God. So, we can overcome temptations when we believe and confess word of God.

a) Know that there is way of escape: If we read, 1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

b) Know this trouble will not destroy you: Isaiah 17:13, though they thunder like breakers on a beach, God will silence them, and they will run away. They will flee like chaff scattered by the wind, like a tumbleweed whirling before a storm. In Psalm 46:5, God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.

c) Know there is date of your deliverance has been determined by God, though you never know it: In Mathew 4:11, we see devil left Jesus, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. You know why, in Colossians 2:15, He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Jesus has won victory for us on the cross. If you look at, 1 John 4:17, it is written, we live like Jesus here in this world. Jesus is victorious. When we believe Jesus, we too have the victory.

Know Word Of God

Have you tasted honey? I am sure you all have. Just imagine having a spoon of honey, our mouth is filled with sweet taste. In Psalm 34:8, it is written taste and see that the LORD is good. In the same way, when you open and read the bible you will receive gifts from God such as peace, joy, healing and strength. Also, there is no other way to know God except by the word of God. We don't read to gain intellectual knowledge. We should read the word of God to know Jesus, who is the image of the invisible God and has made Father God known to us by the works He has done (Colossians 1:15; John 1:18 & John 5:19).

Be Comforted In God

 

Are you sorrowful in life just as the fishermen on banks of Egypt? The fishermen also will mourn; all those will lament who cast hooks into the River, and they will languish who spread nets on the waters (Isaiah 19:8). Those who are mourning, lamenting or in sorrow, bible has a beautiful promise for us. Blessed are those are who are mourning, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4). Blessed means spoken well of, to be praised or to make happy. Good part is we shall be comforted. Comforted means exhorted or encouraged which makes our pain bearable. How will we be comforted? According to 2 Corinthians 1: 3- 4),  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. We receive the strength, encouragement and hope from God to deal with our troubles. Not only that, we cannot bring divine deliverance from affliction to another, but it is possible to share with others the encouragement we received from the Lord. In the book of Job, we read Job lost his family, health and possessions. The Lord restored Job’s losses not only that the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Finally, we see Job was comforted for all the adversity. All his sorrow was turned to joy. Let us read, John 16: 22, therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. Take courage, you too will be comforted by the Lord as Job.

God's Plan For Your Life

 

We see in Isaiah 14: 23, 27 it is written, The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, And as I have purposed, so it shall stand…For the Lord of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? Then we can read in Jeremiah 29:11-14, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Also, in Ephesians 2: 10,  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. God has purpose prepared for you before the foundation of the word. God desires that we walk in them. Even enemy has plan for us, he may come against you, but he can't defeat you unless you let him!  We have to keep believing and saying that God’s plan will prevail in my life and not the plan of the enemy. We can see, during the birth of Jesus. Joseph was warned in a dream to take Mary and Child Jesus to Egypt. Herod was furious, when he realized the wise man outwitted him. He gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem. He could not harm Jesus. Herod was king by a human appointment. Jesus was King by a divine appointment. No one can thwart God’s plans for you as you are the child of the living God. If you look at, 1 John 4:17, it is written, we live like Jesus here in this world.Romans 8:14, when we believe we are led by Holy Spirit who makes us walk according to His plan. Let us learn to walk in guidance and obedience and submission to Him.

Forgiveness

 

 In Acts 6 and 7 we read the story of Stephen who was called before the Jewish council and falsely accused of blaspheming God and Moses by preaching the Gospel. After he had delivered a sermon that angered the council, he was taken out and stoned. But even as they were stoning him, Stephen prayed for his enemies, saying, Lord Jesus, receive and accept and welcome my spirit! And falling on his knees, he cried out loudly, Lord, fix not this sin upon them [lay it not to their charge]! (Acts 7:59,60). We would have been tempted to pick up a rock and throw it back. But that is not what Stephen did. He forgave his tormentors and prayed for them, saying in essence, "Forgive them, Lord, they don't understand what they are doing." A large majority of the time those who injure us don't understand what they are doing. They are just operating out of selfishness. God does not want us to have an offended heart. It is easy for us to be offended. But according to the Bible love is not easily offended.

Emotions

We all have emotions, but we must learn to manage them. Emotions can be positive or negative. They can make us feel wonderful or awful. They are a central part of being human, and that is fine. Unfortunately, most people do what they feel like doing, say what they feel like saying, buy what they feel like buying, and eat what they feel like eating. And that is not fine, because feelings are not wisdom. Feelings are fickle; they change frequently and without notification. Since feelings are unreliable, we must not direct our lives according to how we feel. You can be aware of your feelings and acknowledge their legitimacy without necessarily acting on them. God has given us wisdom, and we should walk in it, not our emotions. Healthy emotions are very important. They help us recognize how we truly feel and what we value. But a good life also means being able to manage our emotions and not be managed by them. Negative emotions such as anger, unforgiveness, worry, anxiety, fear, resentment, and bitterness cause many physical illnesses by raising our stress levels.Thank God we no longer have to be like “most people.” God doesn’t want anyone to be a slave to their feelings. Trust God to help you learn to manage your emotions so they don’t manage you.

God Knows You and Me

God will never expect more from me than the Holy Spirit will do in and through me if I allow Him the freedom.

What a blessed relief to be reminded that God knows me-in fact, He knows me so well He understands that apart from Him I can do nothing.

I don't have to prove myself to God.

I don't have to worry about disappointing God.

I don't have to earn His respect.

I don't have to deserve His blessings.

I don't have to work hard to be accepted.

I don't have to produce a quota.

I don't have to be successful.

He created me in the first place. "He knows how [I] am formed, he remembers that [I] am dust." I am just a little dust person infused with the very breath of God!

Throne Of Grace!

God Himself is the throne of grace and the blood of Jesus which speaks mercy and not condemnation is before Him at the throne of grace therefore we are called to come to this throne that we may find the help we need.

We all have needs and we all need help. None of us deserves the help we need, But we need to say no to despair and pride and go to the throne of grace; to our great High Priest, that we may get the help we need.

The help we get at that throne is mercy and grace to help in time of need. Grace to help! An undeserved help, a gracious help.

We are to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence not with fear or timidity knowing that we are new creatures in Christ, therefore we are to fearlessly approach God without guilt or consciousness of sin.

Renew Your Mind!

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Until one is transformed in his or her mind, which is, in the way he or she thinks and act they cannot come to the realm God destined for them in life

Deeper insight cannot be revealed to you if you do not change in your thinking capacity.

A wrong mindset will stand as a resistance to greater glory in your life if you do not work on it.

For you to make positive impart, you need to have a rehabilitated mind. Change your mindset that you may reign in life and that you may be a vessel of honor, glory and praise.

Abide In Him

Two spiritual weapons available to you are praise and prayer. Praise and prayer should both be filled with the Word of God.

Jesus used the weapon of the Word in the wilderness to defeat the devil (see Luke 4:1–13). Each time the devil lied to Him, Jesus responded with, “It is written,” and quoted the Word. Likewise, you can use the Word to tear down the strongholds in your mind and defeat the devil.

 Learn to fill your prayers and praise with the Word of God by abiding (staying, continuing) in God’s Word. Pray, speak, sing, and study the Word, and you will experience victory in all areas of your life.

War Is Fought By Jesus!

 

We have to believe God even when we get the miracle or don't get miracle, even if it delays, God will do the miracle in due time, not one day late or not one day early. We are tempted by satan through problems in life, but God tests in those problems to make us better person. God makes all things work together for good those who love God and chosen according to His purpose. We have to cast down worries, imaginations and unbelief that God won't deliver us, this causes satan to build stronghold of lies around us. That stronghold when built even if God wants to deliver us, He can't because of unbelief. We have bring every thought under obedience of Jesus. Even though we are in warfare, our war is fought by Jesus.

Don't Not Remember Former Things!

“Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old” (Isaiah 43:18).

Every time when we go through trials and tribulations, we tend to look at the past, lose heart and grumble saying, “Alas! How wonderful was the past! Today, it is too bad and I struggle to survive.” Instead of this, if they forget those things which are behind and reach forward to those things which are ahead, they will receive new joy, patience and divine blessings (Philippians 3:13).

We should forget the past and press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).

You too may be living with no peace in your heart. Don’t worry! Surrender your life to God! Forget the past and look at the future. God, in His mercy, will lead you in the right path and bless you abundantly (Romans 12:2).

Don't Give Up!

A Prayer for those Ready to Give Up: God I need Your help. I'm really struggling with [say what's on your heart}, and I'm ready to give up. I pray You'll show me what to do. Help me to be receptive to Your answer and to trust that You have my best interests at heart. Help me remember that I'm not alone and You'll help me keep going even when I'm ready to quit. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dig in with both heels and say, "I am never going to quit and I am never going to give up. Devil, you just go wear yourself out bothering somebody else because I am going to get from the pit to the palace and you are not going to stop me."

My True Identity

I have an identity that cannot be marred by the circumstances of life.
It does not fade, nor age, nor fail, no matter how great the strife.
It grows! It becomes more beautiful!
It defies all the world can give!
For it has its roots in Him who died who was raised and through whom I live.
But how to live without worldly acceptance?
Without recognition or fame?
How to live with the patterns Ive built and not be a “winner” in the game?
How?
By knowing who I am,
By accepting His truth about me.
By grasping, clutching, and tenaciously clinging to the truth I have come to see.
Sweet victory–sweet triumphal fragrance, confident, persuaded, content to be.
No longer controlled by who I was
But to live!
Accepted!
In my true identity.

Written By Anabel Gillham

Obey The Word

To receive from God what He has promised us in His Word, we must obey the Word. There will be times when doing what the Word says is not easy. Obeying the Word requires consistency and diligence. There must be a dedication and commitment to do the Word whatever the outcome. "Yes," we all say, "but I have been doing the Word for a long time, and I still don't have the victory!" Then do it some more. Nobody knows exactly how long it is going to take for the Word to begin to work in this life. If we keep at it, sooner or later it will work.

There is a fight. Satan tries to keep you out of the Word; and once we do get into the Word, he tries everything in his power to keep you from putting the Word into practice in your life. We need to start putting the Word into practice, he does everything he can to make us think it won't work. That's why we must keep at it.

Let us ask God to help us by giving us a desire to get into His Word and to do it no matter how hard it is or how long it takes to produce any results in your life.

Written By Joyce Meyer

God Has Power To Do The Supernatural

If you are questioning the sufficiency of God's power to resolve your problems and pressures, your suffering and stress, your crisis and change, His answer is the same. The infinite power of the Living Logos of God is adequate for any need you or I will ever have.

We may intellectually grasp the truth that God's power is adequate, but we can never know that by experience if we stay in our comfort zone. If all you ever attempt is what you know you can do yourself, if all your needs seem to be met through someone or something other than God, if you never have any difficulties that are greater than you can bear - how will you know the awesome greatness and personal availability of His infinite power? It's when the Red Sea is before you, the mountains are on one side of you, the desert is on the other side, and you feel the Egyptian army closing in from behind that you experience His power to open up an escape route. He has power to do the supernatural, the unthinkable, the impossible.

Written By Anne

Do You Weakness In Your Flesh?

The Bible says that God works through our weakness so that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power in our lives may be shown to be from Him and not from ourselves (See 2 Corinthians 4:7). God uses ordinary people like us with flaws and cracks in our pots (our earthen vessels), so that people will know that it has to be God working in us if we are doing good works.

If people knew us before we trusted in Jesus, they especially notice the difference that a few years of walking with the Lord has made in our lives. We become totally different creatures when we allow His love to shine through our weaknesses. We may look the same, but we don’t act the same. We just ooze with love when we are filled with God’s exceeding greatness. Let His glorious light shine through you all day.

Written By Joyce Meyer

Don’t Frustrate The Grace Of God

Paul is saying that if you are depending on your good works, your doing and your ability to keep perfectly the Ten Commandments to become righteous, then Jesus died for nothing! That’s what “in vain” means - for nothing!

So don’t frustrate the grace of God by depending on your good works to make yourself righteous and put God on your side. Jesus’ sacrifice is more than enough to make you righteous. And when you know that you are made righteous by Jesus’ work alone, regardless of your performance, you can be confident that God’s unmerited favor is on your side. You can expect good to happen to you today and every day!

Written By Jospeh Prince

Go, It Shall Be Done For You!

Positive minds produce positive lives, but negative minds produce negative lives. The New Testament tells the story of a Roman soldier whose servant was sick, and the soldier wanted Jesus to heal him. That wasn’t uncommon—many wanted Jesus to heal them or their loved ones in those days. But this soldier, instead of asking Jesus to come to his servant, expressed his belief that if Jesus would just speak the word, his servant would be healed (see Matthew 8:8). Jesus marveled at his faith and sent out His word to heal the servant. The soldier’s positive mindset—his faith—brought positive results. He expected healing, and that’s exactly what happened.

Too often, we cry to Jesus to heal us, to take care of our finances, or to deliver us from problems, but we don’t fully expect the good things to happen. We allow our minds to focus on the negative aspects. Doubt and unbelief war against our minds and steal our faith if we allow it. Negative thinkers are never happy.

Keep studying the Word of God, push away negative thoughts. God’s Word is positive and uplifting. Our responsibility is to become the kind of believer who honors God with our thoughts, as well as as our actions and our deeds. As we continue in His Word and in prayer, He will free us from Satan’s stronghold.

"Gracious God, thank You for every deliverance in my life. Thank You for setting me free from negative and wrong thinking. Thank You for defeating Satan in this area of my life." Amen.

Written By Joyce Meyer

God Knows Each Grain Of Sand

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world. (Jeremiah 1:5)

Have you ever seen photographs of individual grains of sand blown up over 250 times their actual size? Some grains look like red, glossy stones, others look like icicles; some resemble speckled yellow and brown eggs, and still others seem shaped like corncobs, snowflakes, and precious gems. Some grains are square; some, spherical; and some, flat. No two grains are the same - in fact, you’d never know you were even looking at grains of sand if no one told you.

So the next time your toes are gripping the warm sand, think about each and every tiny grain, unique in shape, depth, color, and texture. God created each and every one of this infinite variety of grains.

Since God shows off His creative abilities in tiny bits of sand, think about what He has done - and can do - with us, the crown of His creation.

Each one of us is unique in appearance, personality, gifts, and experiences; each of us is wired with feelings, preferences, responses and tastes that are ours alone.

Too often, however, we try to model ourselves after another person. We want to dress like her, speak as she does, wear our hair the same way, or, worse yet, allow her opinions to become our own - and the list can go on. Whether the object of our admiration is a friend, celebrity, or church leader - yes, even a beloved Bible study teacher or ministry leader - we lose ourselves in trying to be like her. Our reasons for doing so vary, but the key issue is dissatisfaction with ourselves.

As believers, however, we have within us the Holy Spirit who is using His power to, among other things, transform us into the Christlike image God created us to have. No one else possesses this ability to transform us, regardless of how spiritual, beautiful, or “together” someone appears.

The Lord knows why each grain of sand is a certain way, and He knows the same about you.

Lean into Him to find out why you have the characteristics you have and what purposes He has in mind for you.

Lord, thank You for wiring me the way You have, and I ask You to reveal to me how You will use me in Your kingdom work. Thank You for giving me the free will to accept or reject Your intended purposes. Today, right now, I pray that I will choose to accept them.

Cheer Up! You Are An Overcomer Through Jesus Christ!

In this world you will have tribulations but be of good cheer because I have deprived it of power to harm you and have it conquered for you .(John 16:33). Tribulation can be persecution, affliction, trail, sorrows, care, distress suffering and worry. But in the midst of all this, Jesus tell us to cheer up. Now, what does cheer mean? Cheer means to brighten up, gladness, clap, comfort, hopefulness, liveliness, merry, light- hearted, elevate and encouragement.

See, Jesus is telling us to be courageous, being confident because Jesus has won the victory for us on the cross.

In John 16:33, Jesus has overcome the world. Overcome means prevail, conquer, crush, defeat, rise above, subdue or triumph over. Jesus has conquered the satanic opposition inherent in fallen humanity. This is finished work of Jesus Christ. We belong to Jesus Christ by being born of God. Born of God means receiving Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour (John 1:12; 3:5).

In 1 John 4:4 & 5, we can see that believers who belong to Christ and preserve in relationship with Jesus Christ also said to overcome the world just as Jesus. This is by believing the finished work of Jesus Christ. Our faith is that wins victory over the world.

When you believe Jesus is Son Of God who has made sacrifice for your sins on the Cross and God raised Jesus from the dead. When you believe with your heart and confess with your mouth is Jesus is my Lord and Savior, you are saved. You are born into the kingdom of God. You have God as your Father. You are not saved by works but by the grace of God. Your name is written in heaven. Jesus  is Savior means He delivers us from destruction and preserves us from harm. Our salvation is not limited to going to heaven when we leave this earth. It pertains to everything about physical body, finances, health, relationship etc. Jesus is Lord means He is the ruler and master of your life. You no longer belong to yourself but to Jesus. Now, Jesus is your Lord and Savior when you are born of God. Whoever is born of God overcomes the world because Jesus in you, leading you to victory.

In Colossians 2:15, Jesus stripped/disarmed the evil rulers and authorities of their power which was at war against us; shamed them publicly and marched them naked around the streets by His victory on the cross. These evil rulers were committing practices that were evil. Jesus defeated them on the cross for us. So, we can see Jesus has overcome the world by defeating satan on the cross. We also have victory over satan because we are born of God.

We have many reasons to cheer up. We have looked in previous sections. We can know form the scripture. When we believe the scriptures, it will happen in our lives. Jesus has finished His work on the cross. Jesus has overcome the world. We become the child of God by believing in Jesus is the Son of God, who came to earth to die for our sins and God raised Him up from the dead. Those believe in Jesus Christ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). He has predestined to adoption (Ephesians 1:3). Predestined means God has determined to adopt us. Adoption means accept, approve, select, choose, maintain and support. We have been adopted into God's family. The Holy Spirit has brought about your adoption to sonship. By the Holy Spirit we can cry "Father" (Romans 8:15). When we are adopted as sons/daughters of God we can be sure we have victory in Christ because we have been adopted into God's family.

For us to live victorious life, first of all we need to have relationship with God, have time alone with God, study about God and attend church/prayer meetings to learn the word of God. After that you will receive the knowledge of God. You will start to have confidence in God revealed through faith in God and His promises. We come to know God, and we finally say "with God nothing is impossible". When we are rich spiritually, we say "let God’s desire take place in His time." The hungrier you are for God, the happier you are.

Don't Ask Why!

We may go through really hard situations. We keep asking "why did I fall into this trouble?", "why is not God delivering me out of situations?", "how long should I bear this, it has been years?", "did I do something wrong that I have go through this sorrow?". Let us not ask these questions. Let us believe Jesus finished His work on the cross. Know that all those things will work out for good for those love God, who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Character Study On Eve

 

Genesis 3:13, the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Satan came in the form of serpent. Serpent told her, if you eat, you will be like God. Eve found it desirable to her eyes and gave it to her husband. Serpent deceived Eve by taking her focus of the freedom God had given and made her look to restriction. When tempted to rebel we need to look to God's mercy and grace. He restricts us from sin that will harm us. We must not rely on our strength but on God. Also, our actions should not lead others to sin.
We know that Eve persuaded Adam to sin. As in Romans 14:14; Matthew 18:7, let us make up our mind not to pit any stumbling block or obstacle in way our brother or sister. Eve was created by God to be helper. Helper also means supporter. It describes function not worth. Woman became his partner in the task of obedience to God and dominion over the earth. Enemy/devil/satan came in the form of serpent and tempted Eve by getting her to doubt God's goodness. Serpent made her focus on what God had forbidden and made her forget what God has given rest of the tree to eat. Many times when we fall into hardships, enemy focuses on hardship telling us God has forgotten you etc. These are all lies of devil. Thereby, we forget God's countless blessings as well as the promises of God. We should continue to hold fast to His promises no matter what in faith.

Adam and Eve choose their course of action (disobedience). The consequence of Adam and Eve's sin is seen extreme, that set the son set in motion the world's tendency towards disobeying God. But when we disobey God is willing to forgive our sin and restore our relationship with Him. Here in Genesis 3, we can see God revealing His plan to defeat satan and offer salvation to the world through His Son, Jesus Christ.

In Timothy 2:17 , we read women saved through childbearin. Paul mentions women as he was reflecting on Eve's part in the fall. The refers to special childbearing of Jesus. Women and men are saved spiritually because of the important birth of Christ Jesus Himself.

In Genesis 3:15, "Your seed" refers to satan and his children. "Her seed" refers to Christ descendant of Eve and those in Him. The woman's offspring who is Christ will defeat satan. Satan could only bruise Christ's heel (caused Him to suffer), while Christ will bruise satan's head (destroyed him with final blow).

Believers should recognize that they participate in the crushing of satan because along with the Savior and because of His finished work on the cross, they are also of the woman seed (Romans 16:20). We have already won victory over satan because of Jesus Christ.

The LORD God asked, “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” "The serpent deceived me", she replied. “That’s why I ate it” (Genesis 3:11-13).

We can glean from this that Adam and Eve fell into sin. Then, as read on we can see God making redemption plans for mankind.

So the Lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:23). Both Adam and Eve spirit became dead, they became sinners. They lost connection with God.

When you believe Jesus is Son Of God who has made sacrifice for your sins on the Cross and God raised Jesus from the dead. When you believe with your heart and confess with your mouth is Jesus is my Lord and Savior, you are saved. You are born into the kingdom of God. Those believe in Jesus Christ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

In Genesis 3:24, Adam and Eve had to leave Garden of Eden. If they continued to live in the garden and eaten from tree of life they would have lived forever. But that eternal life in a state of sin would mean forever trying to hide from God.

As written in Romans 5:1, that scripture states that when we believe in Jesus' finished work, we are made right in God's sight. We are justified as if we have never sinned. We know that guilt is caused by our sinfulness. We are free from guilt because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. As a result, we have peace with God.

Now, what was lost in Garden of Eden is now restored the relationship with God through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. We have to be grateful for Jesus Christ and what He did for us on the cross.

Joy

Jesus came down for one purpose and one assignment: to redeem mankind. When He was buried in the tomb over 2,000 years ago, He had your name written on the palm of His hand. He knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb, and He had already chosen you. I can’t tell you that I understand it all, but I can tell you that I’m glad about it!

When Jesus was on the Earth, scripture tells us that for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross. He didn’t focus on what He was going through. He didn’t focus on the accusations, beatings and betrayal; He focused on you and me. He focused on the joy of our salvation! Jesus was thrilled that He got to come to us, and we should be thrilled that we now get to go to Him.

See, joy is a spiritual force. It can only be obtained by knowing the Father. Joy isn’t something you get when things are going good. It’s something that keeps you stable no matter what is going on around you. Jesus tapped into joy to through the cross, and He’s telling us that we need to tap into joy to through the trials and tests that we face as well.

Today, open your heart and receive the joy God has for you. Focus on the fact that He’s got you in the palm of His hand. Trust that He is working all things out for your good. Dwell on the truth that if God is on your side, there’s no enemy that can stand against you!

As you meditate on these things and the other promises found in His Word, faith will come. Hope will come. It will be easier for you to cast your cares on Him because you trust Him. Before you know it, you’ll feel that supernatural joy welling up in your heart and giving you strength! You’ll have an attitude that says, “I don’t know why I’m in this difficult situation; I don’t know what’s going to happen, I just have faith! I don’t why, but I just believe God’s going to get me out of this!” Other people will wonder why you have a smile on your face and a spring in your step, but you’ll know it’s because His joy is giving you the strength you need to push past the challenges and grab hold of the victory that God has in store for you!

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Written By Victoria Osteen

You Are Spoken For

Let that sink in. God is after you. He wants you. Yes, you the perfectionist, the shy one, the one who struggles with anxiety, who is ashamed of your past, who has messed up too many times to count. You, who loses his temper, the doubter, the lover of things, the one who does things in secret that you would never tell anyone about, the one who has had things done to you that has left you feeling helpless, hopeless and undesirable. HE WANTS YOU. ALL OF YOU. He sees you as you are- everything- past, present and future- and wants you. And not only does He want you, but He has given everything up to have you. Desire shown in action love. He is calling your name. He is holding His arms open to you, eyes on you, heart beating for you.

God’s way of pursuing us is by patiently drawing us to Himself. His love letter is laced together with beautiful, soul-stirring evidence that we humans are the object of his affection. He wants us to be his. You think that since you deserve to be punished for something you did that you know broke God’s heart, His response to you should be the same as what a human’s response would be – vengeance, shunning, disgust, anger. But that isn’t how He treats us. Never has been, never will be. The consequences are always there for our choices but God’s arms are always open as He waits for us to return to Him. James 4:8, promises us that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us.

As believers, we grow up hearing of how much the Lord loves us. We sing the songs at church, we read the verses. We know we are loved. And yet, how many of us actually believe it? Actually let it penetrate our lives, sink into our hearts and change us? How many of us live differently in light of that truth? But it’s one thing to be loved, and another to need that love; to put our hope, fulfillment and identity in their love. People will let us down. They can’t love us unconditionally as Jesus does because we’re imperfect people. We’re all learning what love looks like- and we can only fully know by looking at our Savior.

We have been called out of this world and its value system and invited in to God’s eternal kingdom. We belong to the One who made us, loves us, and knows what’s best for us. That’s why we will only be happy when we fix our hope and affections on his kingdom and all that is eternal. Many times being called involves a deliberate action on our part in which we step away from whatever is holding us back from knowing him more fully. He has called us out of darkness and into light (1 Peter 2:9).

My value is not based on what I do or offer, but it’s based on who He says I am. It’s based on the mere fact that I am an image bearer of Christ. I am His daughter, His bride, His chosen one. My value is based on Jesus. And I am priceless to Him. When we see that our value and worth come from Him alone, we are set free. No longer do we become devastated when things that we do aren’t perfect, or when we have seasons where we have to cut back and not do as much. We don’t have to earn anyone’s favor or approval. We don’t have to fear what others think of us, or try to prove ourselves. We are set free- set free to be who God created us to be. You are of great value. Worthy. Priceless. Whenever you doubt your worth, look to the cross, where Jesus died for you. What else shows you how much He treasures you!? He died for you, sacrificed His Son for you, gave up His life for you because you were worth it.

We aren’t of any great use to God. He can do whatever he wants; he doesn’t need us to be puppets, servants, or envoys to do his work for him. The only way anything happens for his kingdom is when he gives us the power and invites us to come alongside him and to be part of what he is already doing. God can use us, and he does all the time. But in and of ourselves we aren’t of any great use to God. However, we are of great value to him. Being of great value is different from being of great use.

Written By Robin Jones Gunn