Life's Toughest Moments

We were formerly dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1), but now as authentic Believers in Jesus, we are dead to sin, and our life is hidden with Christ in God (Romans 6:11; Colossians 3:3).

The Holy Spirit continually fills us with His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). We view the visible issues of life as transient and passing, because we know that only the spiritual aspects of life are everlasting.

Paul experienced tremendous hardships (2 Corinthians 11:16-33); yet, reminded us that with an eternal perspective on life, we know that our eternal weight of glory far outweighs the momentary, comparatively light affliction we experience in this world (2 Corinthians 4:17).

When life reaches its toughest moments, we totally trust in and hide our self in God. His presence within us keeps us separate from our experiences as they are happening.

We view life from God's perspective and we no longer hold on to fears and wounds of the past. He heals us from them and Satan's lies one at a time, as we submit them to Him

( www.theophostic.com ).

We live in this world as manifestations of God through Christ. We have the same abilities and expression of the Spirit that Christ did, because He lives within us (1 John 4:17).

We obey God’s Spirit with an awareness, which exceeds human understanding. We cannot prove this relationship intellectually or physically, but the Spirit of God bears witness to our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16).

As we allow God’s light within us to shine brightly, many in the world will see Him through us and want to give their life to Christ as well (Matthew 5:16).

Prayer:

Father God, we want people to see the fruit on our branch, and realize it is actually the produce of the Vine, which is the only real source of our productive life (John 15:5). As authentic, Born Again Believers, our life on earth has Jesus’ supernatural capabilities, and He uses our body, soul and spirit for His glory.

Not only does Your Spirit lead us (Romans 8:14), but He also fills us to overflowing (Acts 4:31). We are privileged as Your children, with Christ living in us by Your Spirit (Romans 8:11). The more we decrease, the more You will increase within us (John 3:30).

Thought for the Day:

We are alive in Christ, created to do every good work through Christ in us for the glory of God and for the furtherance of His Kingdom in the earth. - Ephesians 2:10

Freedom from Sin

So often we humans cry out to God to free us from the addictions of the flesh, which harass us continually. However, we are more interested in being free from the effects of these sins than in living an ethical life.

We have no interest in being justified from our sins or having a personal relationship with God, we just want to be free from the consequences of our obsessions.

Then we wonder why God does not answer our prayers. Our pride and rebellion against God, and our insistence on living life according to our own plans, prevent God from showering us with His blessings (Romans 1:18:26).

Actually, sin is not our problem. A lack of relationship with Jesus Christ is at the root of our sin and all of our other problems. The cessation of sin can only be accomplished through the presence of God in our life.

Satan will not easily give us up; yet, when we receive a new heart of flesh, then we are more sensitive to the conviction of God's Spirit, and we more readily submit our flesh to Him for sanctification (Ezekiel 36:26).

Once we fully come to Christ for our salvation and totally surrender our life to God, we seek Him rather than His benefits, regardless of the trials and unhappiness we experience. We live and walk in His Spirit (Romans 8:5).

As we set our mind on things above, the things of this earth have no more attraction for us. Our mind is renewed with the mind of Christ (Romans 12:2). God's Spirit crucifies the desires of our flesh for us (Romans 8:13).

As we submit to the leading of God's Spirit, He replaces our carnality with the fruit of His Spirit (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:22:23). This only occurs once we are children of our Daddy God (Romans 8:15-17).

 

Prayer:

Father God, expose Satan's lies in our life and help us to cast down his arguments and to take captive every thought, word or deed, which fights against our relationship with You (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Thank You for setting us free from sin, so that we can be slaves of righteousness instead. Now we can reap the blessings of a moral life (Romans 6:18). We are so grateful also that you sent Christ to purchase our salvation on Calvary's Cross (John 3:16-17).

Thought for the Day:

In Christ, who is our life, we are forgiven and given the holiness of God in Christ. 

- Colossians 3:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21

Victory Regardless of Trials

Biblical guidelines help to establish a routine in our life, which encourages wisdom and safety. Prior to our relationship with Christ, our spirit was dead in sin and our soul was carnal at best. Our body reaped the negative results of our sins and we were children of God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3). Satan used us as tools for his evil plans (Proverbs 16:18).

If we continue to practice a sinful lifestyle or to maintain a worldly attitude and world view, the Spirit of God does not dwell in us (Romans 8:9). We are not truly Born Again. We prayed a prayer, but did not consecrate our life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. God only forgives the repentant heart of the penalty of our sins. He brings us out of the kingdom of Satan’s darkness into His glorious light (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Our only true liberty comes by choosing to live under the grace and mercy of God. Jesus advises us to deny our self, to bear our burdens through His peace and to follow Him (Matthew 16:24). When we do, we find true success in our life and live victoriously over every set back and obstacle (Romans 8:31-39). God showers us with His blessings and we feel His love flowing over us like a waterfall.

Authentic Believers derive our identity from the fact that we are God’s child, as well as from the wonderful account of His love for us. The human, Adamic nature is wiped clean and we no longer dwell in the flesh or focus on aspects of this world. Once we come to Christ, He replaces our former carnal tendencies with His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Through His regenerating power within us, we live a life honoring Him and furthering His Kingdom on the earth.

Prayer:

Father God, increase our concept of what it means to live in Christ and to dwell in victory regardless of the trials in our life. We are secure in Your love and mercy. Remind us that our husband, Jesus Christ, desires a pure and holy bride without spot or wrinkle (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25). You provide Your grace so that we will choose holiness and not live a destructive life of debauchery and lust.

Thought for the Day:

As authentic Believers, nothing will ever separate us from the love of God as we live a victorious life in Christ. – Romans 8:38-39