Do you find yourself hung up on things from the past? Are there things that still bother you? Still bring a tear to your eyes? Are there hints of anger or shame that come at you from the past?
Did you know that the past isn't yours any more? When Jesus took your sins, He took your mistakes, your shames, your hurt, your pain. He already took the guilt that bothers you for not doing what you think you should have done as well as for what you did that you shouldn't have done.
The past belongs to God. Don't try to hold it away from Him. Give it up, put it down. Turn loose. It's not yours.
Friday, December 20, 2019
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
What God Called You to Be
Acts: 19:11-13
Paul was called to a unique ministry. His very presence made people expect miracles and cloths he had touched were taken to those who were sick or had evil spirits and they were healed. How wonderfully God used this man!
We look at this today and some think that because Paul was that way, they can be, too. They want to be like Paul, and indeed God might have called them to heal people and do other miracles through them, but God didn't call anyone but Paul to be Paul.
He called you to be you. What He has for you is right for you.
If you want to be a part of the kingdom of God, then "take up your cross" - accept the role God has given you and don't try to carry someone else's.
Paul was called to a unique ministry. His very presence made people expect miracles and cloths he had touched were taken to those who were sick or had evil spirits and they were healed. How wonderfully God used this man!
We look at this today and some think that because Paul was that way, they can be, too. They want to be like Paul, and indeed God might have called them to heal people and do other miracles through them, but God didn't call anyone but Paul to be Paul.
He called you to be you. What He has for you is right for you.
If you want to be a part of the kingdom of God, then "take up your cross" - accept the role God has given you and don't try to carry someone else's.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Not Just Theory
Many of the things our teachers and preachers have told us have been, for the church in the USA especially, theoretical. We know them in our heads and we quote them and we do believe them... but not for real. We have not been tested so we don't really know.
I was reading the Gospel of John, chapter 12 and came to these verses:
Nevertheless, even among the rulers, many believed on Him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess Him lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 12:42-43, NKJV
In this age, we are drawing near the end of things, if not the world itself, then nations. Critical changes in nations are beginning to happen with godless men and women forcing their way into our cultures and systems. There seems to be no room for common politeness or good manners as people curse each other, scream and lie and carry on like demons themselves.
I don't have to tell you all of this, but the point is that there will very likely be a time in your life time and possibly very soon now, that you will have to decide. Do you love the praise of men more than the praise of God? For real, I mean.
If you are in a meeting and you know you should speak up but you know that no one will believe you when you speak of God, will you speak anyway? If you're having a fun, comfortable get together with your family but the talk has turned to subjects Christians don't agree with, will you speak up, or keep silent?
Things to think about. The curtains are beginning to come down and we must hold out until the end.
I was reading the Gospel of John, chapter 12 and came to these verses:
Nevertheless, even among the rulers, many believed on Him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess Him lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 12:42-43, NKJV
In this age, we are drawing near the end of things, if not the world itself, then nations. Critical changes in nations are beginning to happen with godless men and women forcing their way into our cultures and systems. There seems to be no room for common politeness or good manners as people curse each other, scream and lie and carry on like demons themselves.
I don't have to tell you all of this, but the point is that there will very likely be a time in your life time and possibly very soon now, that you will have to decide. Do you love the praise of men more than the praise of God? For real, I mean.
If you are in a meeting and you know you should speak up but you know that no one will believe you when you speak of God, will you speak anyway? If you're having a fun, comfortable get together with your family but the talk has turned to subjects Christians don't agree with, will you speak up, or keep silent?
Things to think about. The curtains are beginning to come down and we must hold out until the end.
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