From Sin To Salvation

Teenagers are known to measure themselves against peers, but many adults today also struggle with comparison. Social media platforms make it especially difficult to outgrow this type of thinking. When comparing ourselves to others, we tend to …

Think security is based on what we own. This attitude tempts us to work longer hours or pressure others to do so. But since material things can’t bring lasting security, the search for better or more possessions can be endless. Real security is found only in our position as the heavenly Father’s adopted children Eph. 1:5. Our place in heaven sets us free from materialism.

Believe we are failures. When we think this way, no success in business or personal life can be effective—we crave affirmation but can never get enough praise to really change our opinion of ourselves. But God says He has chosen us and made us co-heirs with His Son Jesus Rom. 8:16-17. Our value comes from belonging to Him.

Let’s acknowledge any detrimental thoughts, surrender them to God, and intentionally embrace what He says is true about us. This is the path that leads to spiritual maturity and healthy relationships.

God delights in hearing your prayers! We can’t even get the plumber to call us back, so why would God listen to our prayers? Your prayers matter to God because you matter to God. You aren’t just anybody, you are his child.

When God saved you, he enlisted you. He gave not only forgiveness for your past but also authority in the present and a role in the future. This life is on-the-job training for eternity. “If we endure, we will also reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:12).

When you, as God’s child, seek to honor the family business, God hears your requests. Will God do what you ask? Perhaps. Or perhaps he will do more than you imagined. He knows what is best. Stand firmly on this promise– “When a believing person prays, great things happen” (James 5:16).

A core issue of the Bible is whether we submit to God’s governance or try to form a government based on our own perception of what is good or what works. God’s way results in eternal life, but it comes with the obligation to submit ourselves to God. It requires keeping all of His commandments and overcoming our human weaknesses that do not rise to that standard. How do we do that?

Empowerment through the Holy Spirit is a good place to start. We have God’s divine promise that He will be with us always through His Holy Spirit. When you face challenges that go against God’s commands for your life, take advantage of and tap into the power source within. The Holy Spirit. By releasing control of our lives to God it will result in the flood gates of heaven opening and showering us with all that God has for us. Going your own way is not the best path to take. Trust God with all your heart and He will make your path straight.

“So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them”—Luke 4:39

When Jesus went into the room where the elderly lady lay, Luke writes, “He stood over her and rebuked her fever,” another detail Matthew and Mark omit. Was he addressing some hostile power? On another occasion, He rebuked the raging wind and water to end a storm on the Sea of Galilee (Luke 8:24). “Rebuked” in this verse is the same word used in Luke 4:35 and Mark 1:25, where Jesus “rebuked” the demon during the exorcism in the synagogue. The word means “to censure or admonish.” When Jesus rebuked something, evil was present, and His example instructs us that evil must be condemned if real healing is to occur.

There are times when the solutions to our problems may require rebuke or strong admonition. No one enjoys being on the receiving end of a rebuke, yet if sin has caused the problem, it must be rebuked before repentance can happen. In a larger sense, the world desires peace, but few are willing to punish evil. The attitude toward evil today is not that of condemnation but of toleration.

If we as believers continue to tolerate the conduct of our nation’s leaders then we are doomed to a life filled with fear and dread. I think it’s time our nation returned to its core principles and values as stated in the pledge of allegiance – “One nation under God.” If we don’t take a stand soon America will crumble and decay due to the forces of evil at work in our country.

The weekend is here and no doubt, if you’re like most, you’ve been planning to do a number of enjoyable activities. Allow me to encourage you to let Jesus Christ be a part of your plans. He’s patiently waiting to be with you and love you. Here’s an idea, why not let Jesus be at the top of your list?

Have you ever had a day when you woke up and it was dark, overcast, raining and cold? It’s the kind of day that you want to pull the covers over your head and go back to sleep. But, we all have responsibilities, including work and praising the Lord. Wait a minute. I thought you said it was ugly outside? Yes, I did, but let me ask you a question. What does that have to do with anything? God made the day and the weather in it. And, He put breath in your lungs to see another day. So, what am I saying here?

Your perspective or outlook at the beginning of your day can be either positive or negative. It’s your choice. I am reminded of the bible verse that says, “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Can you do that? Rejoice in spite of what you face in the day. Your ability to rejoice will make the difference between having a good day and one that is miserable. As a believer in Christ you know you have the power to overcome your circumstances. Even the negative ones brought on by the devil.

Take the power you have in Christ and do two things. First, put a smile on your face because you know God is in control. Second, reach out to others who are hurting and let them feel the love of Christ through you. Now, both of you will have a great day.

Resistance to God will cause a hardening of your heart, but those who regularly submit to Him quickly address sin in their life and return to the place of obedience and blessing. When we yield to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, our heart becomes increasingly pliable and sensitive to His leading. Then God can give us greater understanding of His Word.

People with a responsive heart tend to stay connected to the body of Christ and seek to build up and encourage others. Such individuals are not only receptive to what God wants to tell them; they’re also willing to listen and be corrected by others.

Where do you stand today? Is your heart hard and calloused or interested in receiving all the Holy Spirit has to offer? If it’s the later, you will receive blessings and guidance for your life. May the Holy Spirit be your main compass in life causing you to have a responsive heart when relating to others.

Isaiah 55:8-11 explains that God sometimes does things in a very round-about way, but it has a kind of boomerang effect. At times, it seems God goes in one direction, off the beaten path, but that is merely our perspective of it. We find out later—after we have grown in wisdom and understanding—that He has been following His plan all along. We are the ones who have not kept up. Habakkuk deals a great deal with perspective—man’s perspective versus God’s.

God always gets His job done. When He sends forth His word to accomplish a work, it always comes back to Him with the result He intends. It may not make much sense to us at the time, but it surely works because God is behind it. In the end, it is the best way.

Are you on the road to nowhere? Are you dealing with sin in your life or difficult circumstances that appear unchangeable? No matter what you encounter in this life you can have hope in the midst of your trials. How do you have hope—through perseverance and endurance. Your trials in life are not difficult to deal with when you have God’s help.

God’s plans for His people in this world rarely involve helping us escape from our trials completely. He doesn’t make our suffering disappear. Instead, He helps us persevere through them. He helps us grow and mature in ways we wouldn’t otherwise grow and mature apart from tough times. He helps us find joy in the unlikeliest of circumstances. It’s the kind of joy that affects not just our lives but the lives of others as well. He prospers us in ways that expand our understanding of prosperity.

God will guide you through your trials if you give Him control of your life. As Jeremiah 29:11 says, “He wants the best for you.”

We were made to live a life that says, “Look at God!” People are to look at us and see not us but the image of our Maker. This is God’s plan. 2nd Corinthians 3:18 says, “We…are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Because God’s promises are unbreakable we can have complete confidence He is there for us.