No Longer a Sinner

 

We were all sinners at one time; but as Born Again Believers, that is in the past tense. That is no longer our spiritual identity. We are now saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). God calls us Saints (Ephesians 2:19; Psalm 31:23). This word means “holy one.” If we call our self a sinner, we may focus on sin and fall into sin. If we realize that we are Saints, we will focus on holiness and live a life set apart for Christ.

Who we are is what determines what we do. If I am a miner, I will mine. If I am a seamstress, I will sew. If I am a mechanic, preacher, teacher, laborer, sales person...you get the picture. Since I am a Saint, I will live a holy life unto the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:10). We may still fall to temptation and sin, but it is as a Saint not as a sinner, because we no longer live in a lifestyle of sin.

We often want to change our circumstances; however, God put them here for our edification, admonition and education. Do not struggle so hard against the areas of your life, which you do not like (Acts 26:14). God allows circumstances into our life, not to punish us, or to force us to do something we do not want to do, but to enlarge our borders (1 Chronicles 4:10) and to equip us to help others who come to us in their time of need (Luke 22:31-34).

God will create a clean heart in us (Psalm 51:10). We are coheirs with Christ and we inherit all of God’s promises with Him (Romans 8:17; Hebrews 6:12; 2 Peter 1:3-4). We can trust God to keep us in the palm of His hand and to continue to perfect us as His chosen priesthood and royal nation regardless of what is going on in our life (1 Peter 2:9; Isaiah 49:16).

Prayer:

Father God, teach us to live in the awareness of Your calling on our life (Ephesians 2:10), so that we can walk according to Your will for our life. Help us to accept with joy what You provide for us, the good, the bad and the ugly. You always supply what we really need, even if it is a trial. As we prove faithful over the little things, You will give us charge over much (Matthew 25:21-23). 

Thought for the Day:

Our faith does not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power within us. – 1 Corinthians 2:5

The God of Faithfulness

 

There is so much suffering in this world. We get so discouraged after experiencing abuse and degradation day after day. Even if we have a blessed life, we see the deprivation in lives all around us. We long for the Lord’s return; so He can initiate His Kingdom on the earth and do away with sorrow and sighing (Isaiah 51:11). Yet, God tarries, in His patience and loving kindness, as He gives every person alive, one more chance to surrender to His love (Psalm 86:15).

Actually, the impact of the suffering in our life dwindles in the effect it has on us, as God’s glorious presence rises more prominently in our heart (Romans 8:18). We see Satan exploiting the people we love, but we learn to surrender their suffering and ours to God’s capable hands. He is our Rock, and His work is faultless. All of His ways are holy. He is the faithful One. We can relinquish our disappointment and anger to Him as we put this life’s evil into God’s perspective (Isaiah 65:16).

Even if people, who claim that they are Christians, live unfaithful lives, this does not mean that God is unfaithful (Romans 3:3). God does wondrous things for us, which He planned before He ever created the earth, and we can praise and honor His name (Isaiah 25:1). He causes everything to work out for the good for those who love Him and are called for His purpose (Ephesians 1:11; Romans 8:28). He is our Father God, our strength, our defender and our salvation (Exodus 15:2; Psalm 98:1).

Even in the light of the wonders He provides for us, none of this compares to who God is (Psalm 40:5). He is faithful to every generation from the beginning of time (Psalm 89:1). Even our suffering has value, because we comfort others with the same comfort, which He provides for us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). We are one with our living God. He sustains us with His righteousness, peace and joy by His Spirit. He is our everything, our Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13).

Prayer:

Father God, without You, we could do nothing (John 15:5). We praise, bless and exalt Your holy name (Psalm 118:28). We teach our children and show every generation the marvelous things You do for us all (Psalm 78:4; Psalm 111:4). Yet, even then, many refuse to believe. They are so caught up in their pride and rebellion that they cannot see Your goodness and grace. They may never experience Your love, but we continue to pray for them as long as we have breath.

Thought for the Day:

We serve the living God of faithfulness who does no wrong and is totally just and holy. - Deuteronomy 32:4