Be Convinced!

Romans 8: 38 – 39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The more I read the Bible every day, the more reassuring I find the promises of God.

I decided this early morning hour, to meditate on what that really means to me.

As I sort through all my own personal problems/challenges, I have to admit, that God sometimes seems so out of my reach.

There are times, that I can even convince myself, that He’s just too darn busy, to care about the likes of me.

But nothing could be further from the truth.

So what do these verses of scripture, actually mean?

That His love for me, will never be apart from me.

The love of God is eternal, and nothing can separate me from it.

So I went back to the first words of verse 38….. For I am convinced…..

Are you convinced of God’s love?

God loved us so much, that He allowed His Son’s blood to spill on the cross for our sins.

God’s love for me, and for you, is far more reaching, than we could ever imagine. It’s beyond our ability to understand.

When things are going good, or when things are not going so good, His love for us, never changes.

I don’t know about you, but I take great comfort in that…….

Claim it!

1 John 4: 6

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

 

Do you rely on the love of God?

If not, you should.

 

I have always believed God loves me, especially when He first took up residence my heart.

I can’t always say though, that I have fully relied on that love.

 

When something happens in my life, that does not feel good, I must admit that I have questioned His judgment.

I am slowly believing, that everything in my life is allowed by Him.

Although I sometimes wish my circumstances were different, He really does know, what’s best for me.

 

Each step of my life journey, I know that God is conforming me into the image of His Son.

Talk about perfect love!

 

Can you claim this verse today?

We should claim it, even as we anticipate surgery, or a migraine, or trouble at work.

Some people rely on God’s love through cancer or Parkinson’s or loss of Job.

 

The life line of God, is what we should always cling to…….and sometime’s that easier said, than done……..

 

Father God—give me the extra measure of faith I need today, to grasp the depth of Your great love.

That I may not only know of it, but that I would learn to rely on that love, at all times during my life.

Unbelief

Ephesians 3: 16 – 19

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

 

The Bible tells us that God loves us, and the cross actually proves that.

Sadly, many people in the world don’t believe that.

I many cases, it’s because they’re senses are somewhat deadened.

 

Maybe it’s because of a current circumstance in life, or because of a sense of unworthiness.

Maybe it’s because our focus is on our past sins, and not the love of the cross.

 

The devil is very good at promoting defeating thoughts, but God does  not work that way.

The root of not accepting God’s love, is often times the spirit of unbelief.

We so often doubt scripture, and His great concern for us.

 

Do you know that as we start this new week, God wants us to experience His great love?

We should not allow circumstances, or the prince of lies, to tell us anything different.

When doubt creeps in about that love, rely on God’s Word.

 

If you begin to believe it, eventually you’re going to feel it.

Maybe you need a fill up this morning, of the measure, of the fullness of God?

Power!

Hebrews 4: 12

For the word of God is living and active.

Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The Word of God is living.

The truth of the Words of the Bible, is actually the authentic, living mind of Jesus.

The Word of God is active.

The Greek word used for “active”, is “energeo”.

Because the Word of God is active, it is an enabling, energizing and powerful force.

A sword used during Roman times, was double edged, and it was wider at the tip, than it was at the base.

It was mostly used for powerful, penetrating thrusts. It’s the image given to us, for God’s written Word.

The sword was of no real good use, unless it was sharpened. That’s why Bible study is so important. (Iron sharpth iron)

Will you allow maybe your hardened heart, to be exposed to the living Word of God today?

To some people, that may sound a little on the threatening side—and it is.

The truth of God’s Word, really uncovers the truth about us. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

But let’s face it, we’re not only visible to God, but we’re vulnerable to Him as well. He knows everything about us.

No created thing, is hidden from God.

Maybe it’s time we allow, the deep powerful thrusts of His Word—to penetrate the hard, thick places of our heart?

No other book in the world, has the power to penetrate, reform and transform………..

Ready Yourself !

I Peter 5: 8 (NKJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

 

As believer’s in Christ, when we first awake in the morning, we should ready ourselves for the attack.

I see way too many people these days, who are falling for the schemes of the devil.

We often times, make ourselves very easy prey.

 

There is no way we can be capable enough, to handle this battle of warfare on our own.

Often times, we think we can operate this way in our own strength.

That would be our first mistake.

 

I don’t know about you, but I’m sure glad we’re never alone.

The Lord Jesus Christ is our constant companion, and we need Him to help us in the midst of the battle.

Jesus is the One who equips us for the battle—who protects us against the attack.

 

Are you ready for the battle today?

The lion is lurking, but the enemy who looks to inflict carnal pain, is no match for the Lion of Judah!

 

How can we resist the attacks of our adversary? By remaining firm in the faith that we testify to.

Today, claim the truths of God’s Word with confidence.

 

The everyday battle will always be there, but the ultimate victory in Christ, is secure………………

Demon Dilemma?

Matthew 17: 21                (NKJV)

‘However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

 

The disciples faced a bit of a dilemma one day.

They were trying to minister to a child, who had physical and spiritual issues.

The disciples were operating within their own power, and because of that, they weren’t able to cast out the demon in this boy.

 

Some people in the church, think that prayer and fasting went out of style, right after the covered wagon.

Maybe that’s why so many people, still deal with all the demons in their life. Are you facing a demon dilemma today?

 

Our church has surrendered this day (Tuesday)—and have set it aside to pray and fast.

Did you know, that prayer & fasting puts you in the best position, for spiritual breakthrough in your life?

 

Most people never pray and fast.

It could be the reason, that their mind is still troubled.

It could be the reason, why a loved one still deals with pain in the physical realm.

If we only knew, what kind of power could be unleashed by prayer & fasting—we’d pray & fast, a whole lot more than we do.

 

Scripture teaches us to pray & fast. Breakthrough comes, within the realm of the Spirit.

Maybe you have issues in your emotional realm—then pray & fast.

Maybe you have problems in your financial realm—then pray & fast.

 

It is widely documented, that people who spend great periods of time praying & fasting, experience great break through and great results.

If you’re still trying to operate within your own power—good luck!

 

I guess if the Bible teaches us to do something—then by God, maybe we should do it………..

Self Control

Galatians 5: 22 – 23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

If anyone claiming to be a Christian, and then watched the Super Bowl last night, you would have needed to demonstrate the last fruit of the Spirit mentioned here by  St. Paul; Self control.

The half time entertainment was sexually suggestive in nature as always. Many of the commercials were much of the same.

All done for the sake of entertainment?

Have we lost all direction when it comes to morality?

Did we miss the fact, that 1,000’s of young women, were hauled into New Orleans like cattle, to appease the sexual appetite of Super Bowl tourists?

Most people hardly even noticed, and some would chalk it up as play-full fun.

Anytime our culture turns a blind eye to sexual trafficking, we certainly are not displaying any self control.

Is this what we have been relegated to as a country?

For the sake of football, have we really accepted this behavior as normal?

Sure seems that way.

What we sow as a culture, is surely what we will reap.

How will you show self control this week?

Folks had no problem, watching 4+ hours of questionable entertainment. That surely took some self control.

4+ hours of church, would be considered my many, a heinous crime.

Will you be self controlled enough, to seek God with all of your heart this week?

The Bible says, that’s the only way to find God—when we seek Him, with all of heart………