Romans 6:12-14
12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
When sin reigned in my flesh, I was forced to obey its passions, impulses. However, now I am under God's grace through Jesus Christ and my body is free from sin's slavery. I no longer have to obey sin's impulse. Instead, I have the power through grace to overcome those desires and use my body as an instrument of righteousness.
I need to stand on this freedom. My body is an instrument of righteousness. I'm not the seductress that I used to be. For example, I used to kiss boys impulsively, but now, by the power of Christ, I can resist temptation and use my mouth for prayer and for blessing. I kiss my husband and that is righteous.
Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me free through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus, thank You for being the Lord of my life and my body's members. Use me for righteousness. Forgive me for believing the lie that my body is sinful and junk. I know the truth now, that I am an instrument of righteousness for Your purposes. I love You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Bigger picture
Matthew 2:16-18
16Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:
18 "A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more."
What has really caught my attention in the book of Matthew is how each event is a fulfillment of prophecy. All these events, didn't just happen...God orchestrated it. Also, it's not like Joseph and Mary could have planned to fulfill the prophesies on their own. They could not make the wise men come, nor make Herod come after them. They were simply watchful of God's promptings and they were obedient. It makes me wonder though, that Jesus was born to forgive the sins of men like Herod who sought his life as a baby and killed many infants in an effort to achieve his goal. Also men like Pharaoh. I guess the truth is, no sinner is worse than another. We are all sinners and therefore unworthy of the redemption that Christ brought.
I think my scope of thinking is way too narrow. The Bible is not an end in itself. The Bible is living and active. Also, I am part of God's plan. I have a role to play. However, like TJ said last night at Fuse, the movie isn't all about me. What prophesy am I a part of? I can be part of God's kingdom or against God's kingdom. What am I doing today to bring God's kingdom to earth? When I look at myself, all I see is a small existence. I just cook, clean, and take care of Lion. These seem so small to me that I often don't take much pride in them. I almost feel like I want to serve God in other ways; more splendid and recognizable ways. What I hear God telling me today is that I am part of His plan, His prophecy, and that my existence has great significance. Therefore, I need to do all things with joy and confidence because I am doing them for Christ and His kingdom. There is a bigger picture that I may not be able to see, but I am definitely a part of.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for my sins and my narrow, self-centered way of thinking. Lord, show me how to be more like Jesus. Jesus, I do everything for You and Your kingdom. Help me to be the mother and wife You created me to be. Keep me for sinning and fill me with Your love and joy. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
16Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:
18 "A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more."
What has really caught my attention in the book of Matthew is how each event is a fulfillment of prophecy. All these events, didn't just happen...God orchestrated it. Also, it's not like Joseph and Mary could have planned to fulfill the prophesies on their own. They could not make the wise men come, nor make Herod come after them. They were simply watchful of God's promptings and they were obedient. It makes me wonder though, that Jesus was born to forgive the sins of men like Herod who sought his life as a baby and killed many infants in an effort to achieve his goal. Also men like Pharaoh. I guess the truth is, no sinner is worse than another. We are all sinners and therefore unworthy of the redemption that Christ brought.
I think my scope of thinking is way too narrow. The Bible is not an end in itself. The Bible is living and active. Also, I am part of God's plan. I have a role to play. However, like TJ said last night at Fuse, the movie isn't all about me. What prophesy am I a part of? I can be part of God's kingdom or against God's kingdom. What am I doing today to bring God's kingdom to earth? When I look at myself, all I see is a small existence. I just cook, clean, and take care of Lion. These seem so small to me that I often don't take much pride in them. I almost feel like I want to serve God in other ways; more splendid and recognizable ways. What I hear God telling me today is that I am part of His plan, His prophecy, and that my existence has great significance. Therefore, I need to do all things with joy and confidence because I am doing them for Christ and His kingdom. There is a bigger picture that I may not be able to see, but I am definitely a part of.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for my sins and my narrow, self-centered way of thinking. Lord, show me how to be more like Jesus. Jesus, I do everything for You and Your kingdom. Help me to be the mother and wife You created me to be. Keep me for sinning and fill me with Your love and joy. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Live by God's promises, not by the law
Galatians 3:13-14, 17-18, 21-22
13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— 14so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
17This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
21Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Paul clearly explains the difference between the law and the promise. Those who know God's commandments and the Book of the Law tend to place justification in those laws. I think mankind's fallen state drives us to look for works and evidences of our works to edify ourselves and others. However, God clearly wants to free us from this bondage of justification by works. The truth is, none of us will ever be holy by our works or by following the law. Only Jesus was able to completely follow the law and be pure and holy. Then, he was offered up as a righteous sacrifice to pay for all the sins, all the faults, of mankind. He took the curse of the law upon Himself even though He was free originally from this curse because He was upright and holy His whole life. To satisfy the wrath of God and release God's promise to Abraham to all the nations, Jesus took the curse and wrath upon Himself and then He conquered the power of sin and death by being resurrected. God had promised Abraham that he would be a blessing to all nations. The law came after the promise to ensure that the promise would be kept. Even though mankind cannot completely follow the law, God is able to keep His promise.
What promises has God given me? What laws am I making myself follow? Those laws are keeping me from God's freedom. I haven't been keeping up with my devotions and the thought of how I'm failing at this really made it hard for me to start doing them again. This little law I made for myself was getting the best of me. Devotions are not things that God requires me to do. Devotions are things I get to do with God. God has promised me that if I seek Him, I will find Him (Deut. 4:29). I've also been imprisoning myself with the burden of keeping the house in order. God has promised me that if I put Him first, then all things will be added to me (Matt. 6:33). I've been feeling so sapped of joy because I've been laboring with my own effort. God promises that if I come to Him weary then He will give me rest (Matt. 11:28). I need to stop trying and rest in God's promises. When I try to do things on my own, I'm refusing Jesus' sacrifice and victory.
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for this time in Your word. Please forgive me for trying to do it all on my own. I love You so much and can do nothing of eternal value apart from You. Release me from my own laws and bondage to abide in Your will. I ask for You to take control of my life once again. Jesus, thank You for overcoming the curse of the law so that I may have freedom and abundant life. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— 14so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
17This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
21Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Paul clearly explains the difference between the law and the promise. Those who know God's commandments and the Book of the Law tend to place justification in those laws. I think mankind's fallen state drives us to look for works and evidences of our works to edify ourselves and others. However, God clearly wants to free us from this bondage of justification by works. The truth is, none of us will ever be holy by our works or by following the law. Only Jesus was able to completely follow the law and be pure and holy. Then, he was offered up as a righteous sacrifice to pay for all the sins, all the faults, of mankind. He took the curse of the law upon Himself even though He was free originally from this curse because He was upright and holy His whole life. To satisfy the wrath of God and release God's promise to Abraham to all the nations, Jesus took the curse and wrath upon Himself and then He conquered the power of sin and death by being resurrected. God had promised Abraham that he would be a blessing to all nations. The law came after the promise to ensure that the promise would be kept. Even though mankind cannot completely follow the law, God is able to keep His promise.
What promises has God given me? What laws am I making myself follow? Those laws are keeping me from God's freedom. I haven't been keeping up with my devotions and the thought of how I'm failing at this really made it hard for me to start doing them again. This little law I made for myself was getting the best of me. Devotions are not things that God requires me to do. Devotions are things I get to do with God. God has promised me that if I seek Him, I will find Him (Deut. 4:29). I've also been imprisoning myself with the burden of keeping the house in order. God has promised me that if I put Him first, then all things will be added to me (Matt. 6:33). I've been feeling so sapped of joy because I've been laboring with my own effort. God promises that if I come to Him weary then He will give me rest (Matt. 11:28). I need to stop trying and rest in God's promises. When I try to do things on my own, I'm refusing Jesus' sacrifice and victory.
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for this time in Your word. Please forgive me for trying to do it all on my own. I love You so much and can do nothing of eternal value apart from You. Release me from my own laws and bondage to abide in Your will. I ask for You to take control of my life once again. Jesus, thank You for overcoming the curse of the law so that I may have freedom and abundant life. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Monday, October 26, 2009
It's been done
Acts 26:22 To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles."
Paul is on trial in front of King Agrippa and he shares his testimony. His words are rational, clear and concise. These two lines sum up Paul's ministry, that he is helped by God to tell others that what the Old Testament has already written has come to pass. His words are of encouragement and hope, yet Festus said Paul was out of his mind. To those who do not receive revelation from the Holy Spirit, words of truth are radical and mind blowing.
Hanzo mentioned something last night that I've been thinking a lot about. He said that the things of the world make sense to those who are fallen and it is God's truth that flips the perspective of the world upside down. I see this here with Paul in that he is telling the truth but it absolutely boggles the unbeliever's mind. So how do I share that which sounds so crazy to people of this world? How do I keep pursuing the truth and not allow the world's way of thinking to consume me? God's truth is full of love, grace, and hope. Why do we, as fallen humans, choose to disbelieve God's goodness? Is it so hard to believe that the God of the universe who created us loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to make a way for us to be with Him in eternity? Instead, we choose the pity party route. "Oh no, how can God be a good God if I think that things are bad? I'll just believe that He doesn't exist because I think that no God is better than a God who has a different judgment from my own." What a negative generation! I know that I think this way often and I need to repent. I need to take God's truth and believe it with all that I am. He says to rejoice. He says to have peace. He says to love. He says that He loves me. He says that He has a plan for me. He is good. He is faithful. He has abundant grace and mercy. I can stand on this truth because it is solid and firm no matter how uncertain the knowledge and ways of this world are.
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for being so negative and buying into the world's way of thinking. I repent and I turn to Your truth and stand upon it confidently. Thank you for fulfilling Your promises. Lord, thank You for forgiving me. Show me, Jesus, how to be more and more like You. May I die to who I am and claim my life in You. I want to live a resurrected, new and hopeful life instead of an old, stale, and depressed life. I love You, Lord. You are my daily bread. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Paul is on trial in front of King Agrippa and he shares his testimony. His words are rational, clear and concise. These two lines sum up Paul's ministry, that he is helped by God to tell others that what the Old Testament has already written has come to pass. His words are of encouragement and hope, yet Festus said Paul was out of his mind. To those who do not receive revelation from the Holy Spirit, words of truth are radical and mind blowing.
Hanzo mentioned something last night that I've been thinking a lot about. He said that the things of the world make sense to those who are fallen and it is God's truth that flips the perspective of the world upside down. I see this here with Paul in that he is telling the truth but it absolutely boggles the unbeliever's mind. So how do I share that which sounds so crazy to people of this world? How do I keep pursuing the truth and not allow the world's way of thinking to consume me? God's truth is full of love, grace, and hope. Why do we, as fallen humans, choose to disbelieve God's goodness? Is it so hard to believe that the God of the universe who created us loves us so much that He sent His only begotten Son to make a way for us to be with Him in eternity? Instead, we choose the pity party route. "Oh no, how can God be a good God if I think that things are bad? I'll just believe that He doesn't exist because I think that no God is better than a God who has a different judgment from my own." What a negative generation! I know that I think this way often and I need to repent. I need to take God's truth and believe it with all that I am. He says to rejoice. He says to have peace. He says to love. He says that He loves me. He says that He has a plan for me. He is good. He is faithful. He has abundant grace and mercy. I can stand on this truth because it is solid and firm no matter how uncertain the knowledge and ways of this world are.
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for being so negative and buying into the world's way of thinking. I repent and I turn to Your truth and stand upon it confidently. Thank you for fulfilling Your promises. Lord, thank You for forgiving me. Show me, Jesus, how to be more and more like You. May I die to who I am and claim my life in You. I want to live a resurrected, new and hopeful life instead of an old, stale, and depressed life. I love You, Lord. You are my daily bread. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Everything God has is mine
Luke 15:31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.
The older son was jealous of the younger son. He felt like he had been righteous this whole time and when this rebellious son had returned, it didn't seem fair that the younger brother got the feast and special treatment. But the father tells the older son that all that the father has is the son's. The faithful son was more wealthy than the prodigal son because he had everything the father had. The prodigal son left the father to make it on his own. I think the older brother didn't realize just how rich he was. He had everything and then wanted more because he felt self-righteousness.
I think I can be like the older son a lot of times when I see abundant grace and blessings upon new believers or other families. However, I have no need for that and need to avoid this sinful pride because really, I have everything my Father has. If I continue to humbly abide with my Heavenly Father, I have access to everything in Heaven. God doesn't withhold from His children. I am truly rich because I have a relationship with Jesus. If I seek that first, then everything else is available to me. I should not play pity party because I am truly rich.
Heavenly Father, thank You for everything good and lovely. Lord, I thank You that I have a relationship with You. Jesus, please cover my sin with Your precious blood. I repent for being prideful and self-righteous. Lord, I am just a sinner like everyone else. It is only because You call me Your daughter that I have any inheritance at all. Lord, help me to love You more and more. I pray that I would be more like Jesus today. I love You, God. I pray for Monica and Tony, that You would give them access to the storehouses of Heaven for provision for their mission to China. Lord, I also ask that I would continue to trust in You for every need's fulfillment. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
The older son was jealous of the younger son. He felt like he had been righteous this whole time and when this rebellious son had returned, it didn't seem fair that the younger brother got the feast and special treatment. But the father tells the older son that all that the father has is the son's. The faithful son was more wealthy than the prodigal son because he had everything the father had. The prodigal son left the father to make it on his own. I think the older brother didn't realize just how rich he was. He had everything and then wanted more because he felt self-righteousness.
I think I can be like the older son a lot of times when I see abundant grace and blessings upon new believers or other families. However, I have no need for that and need to avoid this sinful pride because really, I have everything my Father has. If I continue to humbly abide with my Heavenly Father, I have access to everything in Heaven. God doesn't withhold from His children. I am truly rich because I have a relationship with Jesus. If I seek that first, then everything else is available to me. I should not play pity party because I am truly rich.
Heavenly Father, thank You for everything good and lovely. Lord, I thank You that I have a relationship with You. Jesus, please cover my sin with Your precious blood. I repent for being prideful and self-righteous. Lord, I am just a sinner like everyone else. It is only because You call me Your daughter that I have any inheritance at all. Lord, help me to love You more and more. I pray that I would be more like Jesus today. I love You, God. I pray for Monica and Tony, that You would give them access to the storehouses of Heaven for provision for their mission to China. Lord, I also ask that I would continue to trust in You for every need's fulfillment. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The sin of complacency
Psalm 126: 1When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
3The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.
Luke 14:16But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.' 19And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.' 20And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' 21So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.'
In Psalm 126, the psalmist is remembering those times in the past when God had restored Zion and blessed it. There was joy and gladness in Zion because prosperity was there and great things had been done. However, the psalmist is asking God to do it again, to bring that restoration and fruitfulness back to Zion. In Luke 14, Jesus is having dinner with the Pharisees and one of them says, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" Jesus senses that these men are proud and assume that they are definitely going to Heaven to be in God's kingdom. However, Jesus tells them a parable to show that those who are even invited to the kingdom can be rejected by their own complacency and excuses.
God does amazing, miraculous things, over and over again and too soon, we get lazy, comfortable, and complacent. Then we ask God to show up again and perform miracles and great works. He seems to be our personal magician that we summon or call upon whenever we want to be helped, entertained, or blessed. God is not our own personal magician or clown. He wants me to be in a personal ongoing relationship with Him which will take work, effort, alertness, and engagement. I'm still taken aback by God's provision for our rent. I think I'm shocked. It seems so surreal. Hanzo and I prayed for God to provide money for the rent in a miraculous way and it happened. We have just enough for our rent because God provided through giving a word to Monica and Tony. It is amazing. I have to admit though, I'm not leaping with joy like I thought I would be. I think this is a sign that I am still holding onto some sin. I had an expectation of how God would provide and what was going to happen. However, God works in His ways which are higher than my ways and so now, I'm here...wanting to be filled and overflowing with joy but I have this comfortable, complacent attitude. It's like I wanted to see a huge illusion, but instead, God showed a card trick. I must admit, I need to repent and truly receive the joy of the Lord. He has provided and He didn't need to. He doesn't need to answer our prayers, but He does and He does so with love. I realize today, that I am like the Pharisees, expecting things from God. God wants me to be humble and to be filled with joy even when the miracles and wonders are not present. I must work on rejoicing because God is God and not because He does what I want Him to do.
Heavenly Father, I repent. I am so sorry for being so comfortable and complacent and for expecting things from You. Lord, thank You so much for providing for our rent. Lord, thank You for stretching my faith. And now, I also thank You for keeping me humble. Just because my faith is growing, doesn't mean I have anything to boast about. Lord, fill me with Your joy. Lord, I cast all my cares upon You. I will receive Your joy into my heart. I want to be faithful in rejoicing in Your goodness. Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness. I love You. Show me how to be more in love with You. I pray all this in Jesus' name, Amen.
we were like those who dream.
2Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
3The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.
Luke 14:16But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.' 19And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.' 20And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' 21So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.'
In Psalm 126, the psalmist is remembering those times in the past when God had restored Zion and blessed it. There was joy and gladness in Zion because prosperity was there and great things had been done. However, the psalmist is asking God to do it again, to bring that restoration and fruitfulness back to Zion. In Luke 14, Jesus is having dinner with the Pharisees and one of them says, "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" Jesus senses that these men are proud and assume that they are definitely going to Heaven to be in God's kingdom. However, Jesus tells them a parable to show that those who are even invited to the kingdom can be rejected by their own complacency and excuses.
God does amazing, miraculous things, over and over again and too soon, we get lazy, comfortable, and complacent. Then we ask God to show up again and perform miracles and great works. He seems to be our personal magician that we summon or call upon whenever we want to be helped, entertained, or blessed. God is not our own personal magician or clown. He wants me to be in a personal ongoing relationship with Him which will take work, effort, alertness, and engagement. I'm still taken aback by God's provision for our rent. I think I'm shocked. It seems so surreal. Hanzo and I prayed for God to provide money for the rent in a miraculous way and it happened. We have just enough for our rent because God provided through giving a word to Monica and Tony. It is amazing. I have to admit though, I'm not leaping with joy like I thought I would be. I think this is a sign that I am still holding onto some sin. I had an expectation of how God would provide and what was going to happen. However, God works in His ways which are higher than my ways and so now, I'm here...wanting to be filled and overflowing with joy but I have this comfortable, complacent attitude. It's like I wanted to see a huge illusion, but instead, God showed a card trick. I must admit, I need to repent and truly receive the joy of the Lord. He has provided and He didn't need to. He doesn't need to answer our prayers, but He does and He does so with love. I realize today, that I am like the Pharisees, expecting things from God. God wants me to be humble and to be filled with joy even when the miracles and wonders are not present. I must work on rejoicing because God is God and not because He does what I want Him to do.
Heavenly Father, I repent. I am so sorry for being so comfortable and complacent and for expecting things from You. Lord, thank You so much for providing for our rent. Lord, thank You for stretching my faith. And now, I also thank You for keeping me humble. Just because my faith is growing, doesn't mean I have anything to boast about. Lord, fill me with Your joy. Lord, I cast all my cares upon You. I will receive Your joy into my heart. I want to be faithful in rejoicing in Your goodness. Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness. I love You. Show me how to be more in love with You. I pray all this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Power of the Spirit
Zechariah 4:6Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.
Luke 12:22And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
God doesn't use power or might to achieve His will, but rather He uses His Holy Spirit. The Spirit is what accomplishes God's will and so we shouldn't place our trust in anything else. Jesus tells us in Luke 12 that we shouldn't be anxious about our life because God provides everything we need. If we seek God and His spirit through Jesus Christ, then we will never have to worry where our next meal or clothing will be coming from.
I feel like God is trying to drill this into my heart and brain. I need to trust in Him. I need to know that it is only by the power of His spirit that His will is accomplished. Is the Holy Spirit in me? Am I abiding in Jesus? I think I'm trying really hard to do so, but I'm missing something. I'm somehow holding something back. I think I am still anxious in my core. On the outside I seem together and calm, but in the inside, I'm doubting and worrying. As I take a step back and look at my life from an outside perspective, I see the bigger picture. My life is greatly (almost unfairly) blessed. I am healthy, young, married to a wonderful, handsome, God-fearing man, a mother of a healthy, cute baby boy, living in the most beautiful place in the world, eating abundantly everyday, sleeping in a comfortable, safe place every night, and surrounded by encouraging and loving family and friends. Who could ask for more? Who could call that struggling or scraping by? No way! God has been so gracious and good to me. I need to have faith in Him. He has never forsaken me.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your lovingkindness. Forgive me for trusting in power, strength, and man. Lord, I repent and place all my faith and trust in You. I ask that You would fill me with Your Holy Spirit and that Your Spirit would move mightily in my life. Lord, I believe Your will is good. Keep me close to You. I love You, Lord. I ask that my heart be in the right place and that I would stop worrying and being anxious. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Luke 12:22And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
God doesn't use power or might to achieve His will, but rather He uses His Holy Spirit. The Spirit is what accomplishes God's will and so we shouldn't place our trust in anything else. Jesus tells us in Luke 12 that we shouldn't be anxious about our life because God provides everything we need. If we seek God and His spirit through Jesus Christ, then we will never have to worry where our next meal or clothing will be coming from.
I feel like God is trying to drill this into my heart and brain. I need to trust in Him. I need to know that it is only by the power of His spirit that His will is accomplished. Is the Holy Spirit in me? Am I abiding in Jesus? I think I'm trying really hard to do so, but I'm missing something. I'm somehow holding something back. I think I am still anxious in my core. On the outside I seem together and calm, but in the inside, I'm doubting and worrying. As I take a step back and look at my life from an outside perspective, I see the bigger picture. My life is greatly (almost unfairly) blessed. I am healthy, young, married to a wonderful, handsome, God-fearing man, a mother of a healthy, cute baby boy, living in the most beautiful place in the world, eating abundantly everyday, sleeping in a comfortable, safe place every night, and surrounded by encouraging and loving family and friends. Who could ask for more? Who could call that struggling or scraping by? No way! God has been so gracious and good to me. I need to have faith in Him. He has never forsaken me.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your lovingkindness. Forgive me for trusting in power, strength, and man. Lord, I repent and place all my faith and trust in You. I ask that You would fill me with Your Holy Spirit and that Your Spirit would move mightily in my life. Lord, I believe Your will is good. Keep me close to You. I love You, Lord. I ask that my heart be in the right place and that I would stop worrying and being anxious. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
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