Faith vs. Fear

Here we again see Peter's personality of boldness and rashness and his love for Jesus and faith in Jesus. Faith that is strong and fierce one moment but weak and doubtful next moment. But in the end, he knew Who alone could save him from peril.

O Lord, please increase our faith...please grant us vibrant, childlike faith...
faith that is shown by our action
faith that steps out in obedience even into the unknown or the impossible (the supernatural)
faith that does what You say even when it's against all odds or logic
faith that desires to go to You and to imitate You
faith that realizes You empower those You call
faith that focuses on You, not on circumstances or difficulties
faith that overcomes fear or gives us courage and confidence in spite of fear
faith that believes and trusts in Your goodness, faithfulness, love, and power without doubt
faith that sustains us in the midst of the storm
faith that gives us peace, knowing we are always in Your presence
faith that reminds us that all we need to do to get help is: crying out to You, Jesus
faith that reveals how weak & helpless we are and how desperately we all need You to save us; for without You, we all would be sinking in sin and death! 

Fishers of Men

These fishermen forsook all and followed Jesus. Complete devotion to Christ requires sacrifices and willingness to surrender all. Christ gave these men their new calling ("fishers of men") which is also the calling for all His followers. "'Behold, I will send for many fishermen,' says the Lord, 'and they shall fish them.'" (Jeremiah 16:16a) We are to cast out the net of the Gospel & God's patient love and bring people out of the sea of sin & hopelessness unto Jesus and His kingdom. The Greek word used here means to capture alive. We are to catch people/win souls to eternal life. Like fishing, soul-saving business (evangelism) takes patience, hard work, perseverance, and ultimately reliance upon the Lord (the miracle of Christ providing the fish demonstrates this truth). Jesus alone can save souls. The success comes from faith in Him, not confidence in our own skills.

"Like this netted arm, running far out into the busy world, is a genuine Christian life. It has none of the special gifts of a Finney or a Moody, but in the coming and going tides more than one soul is arrested by this standing net of a godly life. Unconsciously guided by the holy barrier in their way, they are drawn into stiller waters, and when the tide goes out at last, many, I believe, will be found taken for Christ, and taken by fishers of men whose chief skill has been to stand, to stand firm and without rent, in the midst of a restless sea." (J. B. Clark)

Peter, Surrender!

"'No,' said Peter, 'you shall never wash my feet.'

Jesus answered, 'Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.'

'Then, Lord,' Simon Peter replied, 'not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!'" (John 13:8-9)

"No" and "never" are such strong words, especially when spoken to the Lord of lords, King of kings. Peter was rash, audacious, and outspoken (often unfiltered). Peter meant well because he didn't want his Master to stoop down to wash his feet (a servant/slave's job). He didn't realize Christ's mission theme: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

We are not unlike Peter. How many times have we insisted in our own ways and resisted what God wants us to do? How many times have we thought we know what's best so we dictate what God should do (in our prayers)? We ought to humbly receive God's gifts of grace, surrender to God's will, and trust His doing even when we don't understand. Obedience matters!

Jesus replied to Peter with a lesson on spiritual washing/soul cleansing. Only those who are spiritually washed by Christ's blood and His Spirit have a part in Him, enjoy His fellowship, and share in His kingdom. He saves, justifies, and sanctifies us. By the act of washing the disciples' feet, Jesus also exemplified selfless, sacrificial love and servanthood that we are to imitate. 

Then Peter wanted Jesus to wash not just his feet but also his hands and head. He wanted to cover all the bases. Don't you just love Peter's personality :)? He certainly had weaknesses. We all do. It's wonderful to know that God does use all sorts of people with various personalities to do His kingdom work.

Life and Death

For my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ:
Life (on earth) is short! Don't waste your life!
Live for God, not selves...for His kingdom, not yours.
Live in the light of eternity.
Live life with purpose and passion.
Live by faith in Christ Jesus.
Live a life of love (love God and others).
Live to tell what Christ died to do.
Live each day with a heart of gratitude.
Live to make an eternal impact in this world.
Live to bless and bring joy to others.
Live fearlessly with blessed assurance and confident hope.
Live and rest in God's constant presence.
Live.

"Don't be afraid of death...Be afraid of the unlived life." (quote from the movie, "Tuck Everlasting")

Death has no dominion over those who are in Christ!

"Life is your business--not death!
Your only concerns are...
living on Christ;
living for Christ;
living like Christ; and then,
living forever with Christ!"
(James Smith) 

When the Puritan Richard Baxter lay dying, he said to his friends who visited him: "You come here to learn to die. I can assure you that your whole life, be it ever so long--is little enough to prepare for death. Beware of this vain deceitful world, and the lusts of the flesh. Be sure that you choose... 
 God for your portion,
 Heaven for your home,
 God's glory for your end,
 His Word for your rule--
and then you need never fear but we shall meet with comfort."
He also said, "Lord, what is man? What am I? A vile worm to the great God! God may justly condemn me for the best duty I ever did. All my hopes are from the free mercy of God in Christ!" (taken from Grace Gems)

For those who have not surrendered their lives to Christ:

Life (on earth) is short! Do you know where you will spend eternity after death? There are only two options: Heaven or Hell. I hope and pray that you will choose Christ and Heaven. To not decide now is to decide against it. None of us is promised tomorrow or another second for that matter.

"To be almost saved--is to be altogether lost! There are many in Hell who once were almost saved--but who are now altogether damned! Think of that, you who are not far from the Kingdom. It is being in the Kingdom that saves the soul--not being near the Kingdom." (Charles Spurgeon) 

Jesus is the Answer; He is the only Way
Surrender to Him; don't delay
There may not be another day
I love you so this I must say
You'll choose Jesus I hope & pray

Thinking Through Grief

I feel things very deeply; therefore, I tend to get emotional easily. However, I also like to process my feelings and thoughts through words/writing. January went by as a blur and a nightmare. My mother-in-law went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 22. It was very unexpected. We had her celebration of life service on Monday, January 30. It's now a new month...a new day. I hope and pray that we all learn and grow through grief and other trials or storms of life.

- Value the gift of life. Each life is a precious gift from God! - Be thankful for families; cherish them now; show & tell them how much you love & appreciate them. Don’t wait to say, “I love you.” - Live for God, not self...for His kingdom, not ours. Live life with purpose and passion. Don't just go through the motions. God leaves us here for a reason. - Keep an eternal perspective always; life (on earth) is short but eternity is forever. And don't sweat the small stuff! Read Ecclesiastes every now and then; it's a great reminder for us all. - Trust God even when we don't understand. Trust in His infinite wisdom and loving heart. - We cannot change the past but we can do something about the future. Love God more. Love people more. Serve more. Pray more. Share the gospel more. Spend time, treasures, and talents more wisely and for God's glory. Keep shining His beautiful light wherever we go. - Open our eyes to see beauty everywhere and give thanks to God for all the blessings in our lives. Be more appreciative of what we have right now. - Be quick to listen and forgive. Be more patient. Be more gracious. Be more compassionate. Follow the example of Jesus Christ. Open our eyes to others' needs and provide support & comfort. - Don't compare our own unique path/journey with someone else. Stay strong and faithful to what God has called us to do. - Without Christ, life is meaningless. Without grace, life is hopeless. - We shall never lose hope when our hope is in Christ alone. Our eternal hope of being in Heaven with Him gives us strength, comfort, and courage to go on and assures us of our future reunion with our loved ones who are saved by grace through faith in Him. - Be a blessing. Enrich other people's lives. Love like Jesus...unconditionally, selflessly, & sacrificially. - Choose our thoughts, words, actions, and reactions wisely. May they honor and glorify God and draw others to Him! - Seek God in each moment and dwell & rest in His presence at all times.

See You Later, Mom!

We did not see it coming You were improving at our last visiting We were in shock and disbelief Words cannot describe how we have grieved

Our only comfort is: knowing you're in Heaven with Jesus Whom you dearly love and Who has saved all of us You shared His light by how you lived You were kind, generous, always eager to give

You exemplified how to love like Christ Unconditionally, selflessly, sacrificially day and night You always took care of those in need You were a beautiful & precious blessing, indeed

Your faith was authentic and strong You loved to study God's Word and praise Him in Psalm & songs We know you're ecstatic about your new home Without burdens of this world you freely roam

We miss you terribly and you'll forever be in our hearts We know you want us to be happy and not fall apart We shall continue your legacy of Christ-centered living We thank God for the time we had with you and for eternal hope to which we're clinging

By God's grace we will any storms get through God will guide and sustain us as He did for you This is not a goodbye; it's a mournful moment in time We always love you! See you later, Mom!

Written by your daughter-in-love who’s so blessed to know you and call you Mom 01/30/2017

“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” (Isaiah 57:1-2)

God's Goodness and Love Never End

Psalm 107 is a beautiful song of deliverance. O the wonders of God's amazing lovingkindness!

"Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind."--These same exact words are repeated four times in Psalm 107. Over and over again, we see that whenever people cry out to the Lord when they are in trouble, He delivers them from their distress, even those who wandered away from Him, rebelled against Him, and/or were foolish (morally corrupt). That is the unfailing love and goodness of our God! He is our good, good Father! Our Heavenly Father is always willing to restore those who call on Him. He hears the prayers of those in need and delivers them.

How shall we respond? 

Give thanks to the Lord! Praise God! "God's goodness should drive us to our knees in gratitude." (Anne Graham Lotz) Trust in and celebrate God's loyal love for us. Keep telling others of God's redeeming love and wonderful deeds. Tell others what God has done for you (share your own personal testimonies). Even when we cannot see God's hand, we can always trust God's heart. God always loves us with an everlasting love. God's love is better than life. God is good all the time. How can we not have a constant, permanent thankful heart? 

"Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD." (Psalm 107:43)

Beautiful Feet

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those
who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!"
(Isaiah 52:7)

"The vision is of the feet of the one who runs from the scene of battle across mountains to the city waiting for news (2 Sam. 18:26) The glorious message of this runner is salvation, meaning 'victorious deliverance'. This is good news or glad tidings. The idea appears in the NT as 'to tell the Good News.' The message Your God reigns stands behind all history; the Lord controls every power on earth." (commentary from my NKJV Study Bible)

"How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"" (Romans 10:14-15)  Feet are usually considered dirty and disgusting, especially after traveling in the dust...thus we see the custom of foot washing in the Bible. However, the feet of those who bring good news/glad tidings of salvation and proclaim God's sovereignty and peace are seen as beautiful and attractive because they do the Lord's work (the Great Commission). They are beautiful instruments of motion in the hand of God. They are "feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:15) If the coming of a messenger declaring that the captivity at Babylon was ended, was delightful and exciting, how much more so should be the coming of the messenger proclaiming that people can be reconciled to God and be forgiven & free (from the captivity of sin) forever?

"What is the greatest crime in the desert? Finding water and keeping silent." (Eastern proverb) We Christians have found the living water, but...have we been keeping silent? Have we committed the greatest crime in the spiritual desert? We must be vocal and active in sharing the Good News that offers the living water to the thirsty, pardon to the guilty, deliverance to the oppressed, hope to the hopeless, and salvation to the lost.

The character of the messenger should correspond with his/her message. Can others see in our lives the joy of salvation, the beauty of transforming grace, and the peace of putting our trust in God alone? May we, who are to be joyful messengers of the Gospel, always walk in faith and obedience, in love and holiness, exuding grace, mercy, compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and gentleness! Often, people really don't care to hear what we have to say about God, Jesus, the Bible, Heaven, the Good News until they are convinced that we sincerely care about them.

Let's do all we can to reach the lost (especially the unreached) with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The harvest is ripe.  The need is urgent.  What are you doing about it?

Ministry of Reconciliation

"All this is from God, Who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

God is the Initiator of reconciliation. God's plan of redemption and reconciliation is accomplished by Christ's finished work on the cross. His death removed the barrier to reconciliation as described in Isaiah 59:2, "Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." Sin separates us from God; Christ restores our relationship/ fellowship with God. "All this redemptive work that Christ has done to help and transform men is from God. Men neither deserve it nor share the credit for the results." (James Reid) The unsaved (those without Christ) are enemies of God. Those who are in Christ are friends of God and children of God.

One of the jobs God assigns to all His children (no exception) is a ministry of reconciliation. Ministry ("diakonia" in Greek refers to servanthood/service). As Christ's followers (who have been reconciled to God through Christ), we are to serve as Christ's ambassadors. We are called to be His representatives spreading His message of reconciliation to the broken world...that by our words and actions, we might bring others into reconciliation with God. We should take this task and responsibility seriously with passion and conviction as though God were making His appeal (urgent request) through us. We are to implore (plead or beg for urgently) people on Christ's behalf to be reconciled to God. Can you see the sense of urgency? Tons of people die and go to Hell every day. Are we diligently doing our job of sharing the Gospel? Are we living out our faith in Jesus boldly and faithfully? God has entrusted us to share the Good News of redemption and reconciliation with others so that they too can be at peace with Him. We must tell people that Jesus died on the cross to forgive all their sins, resulting in the canceling of the debt they owe God because of their trespasses. Because our trespasses were imputed to Jesus, the justice that our sin demanded is satisfied (not excused). When we trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we make the greatest exchange--our sin for Christ's righteousness. Our sin was laid on Christ at His crucifixion and His righteousness is imputed to us at our conversion. We must help others see the need for repentance, reconciliation, and redemption. Tell them that God loves them and wants to restore them to a relationship with Himself. May we share Paul's resolution: "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace." (Acts 20:24)

"How tragic when God's messengers of peace harbor enmity toward each other. It is a travesty to carry a message of love and yet be filled with hatred. If there is someone whom you refuse to forgive, your message of reconciliation is hypocrisy. The evidence that you are a disciple of Jesus is that you love your fellow Christian (John 13:35). In each of your relationships, make certain that your actions share the love and forgiveness that reflect what you received from God. Then you will not only speak the message of reconciliation, but you will live it as well." (Henry Blackaby)

"God has a purpose and plan for your life
When from your sin He has given release;
You're an ambassador for Jesus Christ—
Go and tell others of His perfect peace."
(Hess)

"The goal in ministry isn't culture, relevance or innovation. The goal is Jesus. Let us please Him, preach Him & prepare the world to see Him." (Paul Chappell)

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for reconciling me to Yourself through Christ! I am forever grateful for Your rescue, redemption, reconciliation, and regeneration! Please remind us to take our job as messengers of reconciliation seriously since it is Your will and commission for us. Please empower us to faithfully and boldly spread the Gospel and be effective in our ministry of reconciliation. I pray for unity among Your children that we may love one another and work together to further Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Choose Joy

Habakkuk goes from complaining to God and arguing with God to praying to God and praising God. In the end, he remembers that God is always faithful, powerful, and good. He is resolved to rejoice in the Sovereign Lord, who is his Savior and Strength, no matter what happens.

We, God's children and heirs, who are redeemed and forgiven, who are blessed with every spiritual blessing, and who are born again into a living hope of eternal life with an imperishable inheritance, always have reasons to rejoice ("agalliao" in Greek, meaning "jump for joy")! "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4) We can rejoice even in our trials and sufferings for we know Whom we trust and Whom we belong to. The joy of the Lord is our strength! Rejoice in His forgiveness. Rejoice in the Lord always. This joy of the Lord gives us strength to obey and persevere. Find joy in Who God is, in His faithfulness, in His presence, in His provision, in His power, and in His promises. A heart that always sees God's goodness and praises Him cannot help but being joyful. Rejoice at God's Greatest Gift, Jesus Christ. Rejoice at His redeeming grace. Rejoice that you are forgiven and free. Rejoice that someday Christ will return.

Is Jesus your constant Joy and Delight? Joy is the deep gladness that is not dependent on circumstances. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit living in us. Joy is found in our gratitude to Jesus for loving and saving us. Joy is found in knowing Jesus. Joy is found in having an intimate relationship with Him. Joy is found in relying on God and obeying Him. Joy is found in living for God and doing His will. Jesus is the Source of joy. O let us take joy in the God of our salvation! Joy unspeakable... unexplainable...undisturbable! 

When we struggle to understand God's ways and/or when our prayers are not answered the way we hope they would be, it's important for us to remember God's faithfulness over the years and choose to trust Him and be joyful in Him. Remember that we cannot always choose what happens to us or around us, but we can choose our attitude towards each situation and how to respond/react. "I can alter my life by altering my attitude of mind." (Unknown) "It has been said that the habit of always seeing the bright side in life, is worth a large income to a man. It makes life a great deal easier." (J.R. Miller)  When we change our attitude into one of gratitude, we can experience joy. It's also important to remind ourselves that God is ultimately in control. "There is no attribute of God more comforting to His children than the doctrine of Divine Sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe troubles, they believe that Sovereignty hath ordained their afflictions, that Sovereignty overrules them, and that Sovereignty will sanctify them all." (Charles Spurgeon)

"You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." (Psalm 16:11)

There is fullness of joy in God's presence. Each day is a gift from the Lord filled with new possibilities. Though.....(fill in the blank), yet I will rejoice and take joy in my God who loves me and saves me...who never leaves me nor forsakes me. The omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent Jehovah is always with me and for me. When all seems lost and all else fails, remember that God alone is enough and He never fails. Circumstances change but God never changes. May we live by faith in God's strength with joy always!

"The secret of Christian joy is to believe what God says in His Word and act upon it. Faith that isn't based on the Word is not faith at all; it is presumption or superstition. Joy that isn't the result of faith is not joy at all; it is only a 'good feeling' that will soon disappear. Faith based on the Word will produce joy that will weather the storms of life." (Warren Wiersbe)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and saving me! Thank You for always being with me giving me grace and mercy in all circumstances. I am so grateful for Your presence and sovereignty which bring me much comfort, confidence, peace, and joy. Please help me to keep my eyes on You. Please empower me to trust in You totally and choose gratitude & joy through any trials and uncertainties. Please make my life a joy to You & to others everyday. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Be Merciful and Forgiving

"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:12-13)

"Debts" here refer to sins. As we ask and accept God's forgiveness, we are to forgive others. A forgiven child of God operates by the principles of love and grace. It's unthinkable for us to seek God's forgiveness while withholding forgiveness. A forgiven person should be a forgiving person. Be merciful as your Heavenly Father is. Reflect Christ in all your interactions with everyone, including those who have wronged you. You're freely and fully forgiven by God. Now go and do likewise.

We need God to keep us from temptation and deliver us from the evil one (Satan) that tries to put in us evil thoughts. When someone mistreats you, it may be tempting to retaliate, to hold grudges, to indulge in self-pity, to complain, to gossip, to slander (your offender), or to employ silent treatment (ex: when you're mad at your husband for something he did or said). We need to pray and ask God to empower us to respond in Christlike manner with a forgiving spirit.

"Nothing humbles and breaks the heart of a sinner like mercy and love. Souls that converse much with sin and wrath, may be much terrified; but souls that converse much with grace and mercy, will be much humbled." (Thomas Brooks)

"The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from Heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes."
(William Shakespeare)

"O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness like a fetter bind my wand'ring heart to Thee;
Prone to wander--Lord, I feel it--prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart--O take and seal it; Seal it for Thy courts above."
(the last stanza of Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, written by Robert Robinson)

Forgive Everyone Everything

Unforgiveness/bitterness/resentment/holding grudges is a hindrance to our prayers and our intimate relationship with God. If you don't forgive, you disobey God. God wants us to forgive anyone anything. Treat others with agape love, grace, kindness, and compassion. If we want our prayers to be answered, our hearts must be right with God, and that includes having a right attitude towards people. This alone should be enough motive to forgive :). "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer." (Psalm 66:18-19) Yes, unforgiveness is sin!

By the way, in this verse, Jesus is not referring to God's forgiveness (that comes with our salvation and reconciliation) which we receive when we repent and believe in Jesus Christ and His finished redemptive work on the cross. The penalty for our sin is fully paid by Christ and we are fully forgiven by grace alone through faith in Christ alone. Our eternal destiny does not depend on our forgiving others. Here Jesus is referring to our day-to-day prayer of confession, asking God to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9). Our sweet fellowship with our Heavenly Father is interrupted by sin (including the sin of unforgiveness).

"The person who is living by grace sees this vast contrast between his own sins against God and the offenses of others against him. He forgives others because he himself has been so graciously forgiven. He realizes that, by receiving God's forgiveness through Christ, he has forfeited the right to be offended when others hurt him." (Jerry Bridges)

Unlimited Forgiveness

It's interesting that Peter asked Jesus a question about how many times he is supposed to forgive someone who sins against him but without waiting for an answer, he immediately offered his own suggestion (7 times). It seems he's sure there should be a limit (he probably thought he was generous with his number). Jesus clarifies that in essence, there's no limit. We must forgive indefinitely. Love "keeps no record of wrongs!" (1 Corinthians 13:5b) That means no counting...no keeping track of offenses. It means seeking no revenge and having no resentment. Consider how much God has forgiven you and me. Countless times, right? Go and do likewise. Compared to the extent and degree of offenses we've committed against God (how enormous our debts to God are), whatever offenses done to us by others are puny. Yet, we have trouble forgiving them. True forgiveness from the heart is not easy, specially if the same offender keeps repeating the same offense over and over again. We need the Holy Spirit's help to enable us to offer forgiveness over and over again. May we treat others with the measureless grace and mercy that God has poured out upon us! Live forgiven and live to forgive readily!

P.S. Some commentaries state that we are to forgive only those who repent and ask for forgiveness since God forgives only when we repent of our sin. I personally believe our forgiveness should not only be unlimited but also unconditional. It's for our own good (health and peace of mind) and it's for God's glory. I believe we should forgive anyone about anything, regardless of whether the offender acknowledges his/her wrongdoing or asks for forgiveness or not. "Forgiveness doesn't excuse their behavior. Forgiveness prevents their behavior from destroying our heart." (Unknown) "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." (Lewis B. Smedes) "We don't forgive people because they deserve it. We forgive them because they need it--because we need it." (Bree Despain) There is freedom that comes through forgiving others! When we choose to/are willing to forgive, we move away from the hurts towards the healing.

World Overcomers

"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4)

Who overcomes the world? 
Those who are born into God's family through faith (believing that Jesus is the Son of God and trusting Him as Lord and Savior)! 

Our regeneration along with faith in Jesus Christ gives us victory that has overcome the world.  Those who love God and obey God rather than following the way of the world are world overcomers. To overcome the world is to be victorious over its sinful patterns of life. Our (God-given) faith (God-confidence that overcomes fears & doubts) and the indwelling Holy Spirit empower us to live a life of obedience to God and to have daily victory over the world (overcoming the sinful, carnal ways of the world). And when the world tries to knock us down and discourage us, faith in Jesus will help us get back up and keep on keeping on. We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us! "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." ~Jesus (John 16:33)

"The world gains the victory over the unregenerate by captivating their affections and capturing their wills. But the Christian overcomes the world, because his affections are set upon Christ and his will yielded to Him.

Here--then, we have a sure criterion by which we may determine our Christian progress or spiritual growth. If the things of this world have a decreasing power over me--then my faith is becoming stronger. If I am holding more lightly the things most prized by the ungodly--then I must be increasing in an experimental and soul-satisfying knowledge of Christ. If I am less cast down when some of the riches and comforts of this world are taken from me--then that is evidence they have less hold upon me." (Arthur Pink)

"Growth in faith will be manifested by increasing deadness to the world. The more faith discovers of the beauty and glory of the Savior, and the splendors of that heavenly country to which the Christian is bound--the more worthless will this world appear!" (William Nicholson)

No Longer Slaves to Sin

"For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." (Romans 6:6)

Our old, unregenerated self was crucified with Christ in order that our sinful desires would be done away with. The chains are gone; we have been set free. Christ's death on the cross paid the penalty for our sin and set us free from slavery to sin. We are no longer enslaved to the old sinful nature. Through Christ's suffering and death, He destroyed the power of sin so that we may be dead to sin and alive in Him.  As a result, we now ought to live by the Spirit and live for God and His will, not live the rest of our earthly lives for evil human desires or worldly pleasures. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:24-25) Die to self and sin. Live to glorify God, not gratify selves. Walk in newness of life serving God, not sin. 

Sin has no power over us. Instead, under a new management (grace), we (because of the Holy Spirit in us) have the power to say no to sin. "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace." (Romans 6:14) “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and Godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14) 

Paul wants us to know about our union with Christ (being identified with His death and resurrection), to reflect on our position in Christ (dead to sin but alive to God), and to live it out (by refusing to yield our body to the service of sin as an instrument of wickedness and by surrendering all to God to serve Him as an instrument of righteousness). "Don't you know that when offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness...leading to holiness." (Romans 6:16-18, 19b) This is the transformation that follows our salvation! We cannot serve two masters. We cannot be servants of sin and servants of God; we must choose one or the other. It is not possible to please God and continue to live in sin at the same time.

"Do not ask, "How far may I go, and yet be guiltless?" 

Rather ask,
"How may I walk more closely with God?"
"How may I enjoy most of the love of Christ?"
"How shall I best glorify my Father in Heaven?" 
...
Above all, bear witness for Christ in the world by a very holy and consistent life...

Keep a very tender conscience.

Don't make light of little sins, as many think them. Little acts . . .
of dishonesty,
of selfishness,
of neglect,
of indulged vanity,
of pride and self-conceit,...
of petty deceits and half-untruths--
who can tell how much harm is often done by these things, and to what far greater evils they often lead?

Do not judge of sin by the standard of those around you, but . . .
in the light of God's Word,
in the light of the cross, and
in remembrance of the day of judgment." (George Everard)

Prayer: Thank You, Abba Father, for Christ's death on the cross! It is there that my sins are forgiven and I've been set free. Please help me to daily die to self and walk in freedom to serve You and others. I'm so happy and blessed to become Your bondservant. Please enable me to serve you faithfully with a grateful and obedient heart. Please empower me to say no to temptations, ungodliness, worldliness, and sin. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Mind Metamorphosis

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2 NIV)

Do not conform to worldliness (the world's evil and corruption). Do not be molded by the values of this world. But be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The Greek word for "transform" is metamorphoó (meaning "to change form") from which the word "metamorphosis" derives. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, metamorphosis is "a major change in the appearance or character of someone or something." For example, a fuzzy, crawling caterpillar is transformed into a graceful, flying butterfly. Metamorphosis provides a wonderful illustration of the amazing spiritual transformation in a believer's life. A good example is Paul who wrote more than half the books in the New Testament. He used to be Saul who persecuted Christians. After encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul was completely changed and became an effective & enthusiastic evangelist.

Spiritual transformation begins in the mind and heart (inwardly, not outwardly) and continues throughout our lives. We are gradually changed into the likeness of Christ as we spend time in intimate fellowship with Him. Our mind (thoughts and will) must be renewed by God's Word/God's truth and guided by the Holy Spirit to be able to discover/understand that God's will is indeed good (it is good for our spiritual growth), pleasing (to God, not necessarily to us), and perfect (no improvement is needed). Mind metamorphosis is a prerequisite to being fruitful in every good work and growing spiritually. To know God more & more and to understand His heart/will, we must spend much time with Him in prayer and in His Word. There are no shortcuts! "This kind of transformation can occur only as the Holy Spirit changes our thinking through consistent study and meditation of Scripture. The renewed mind is one saturated with and controlled by the Word of God." (John MacArthur) It is only through God's Word that we can understand what God's will is and resist the pull of our own flesh, the Enemy, and the world. Seeing our circumstances, trials, tasks, identity as our Heavenly Father sees them changes our attitudes and actions. Think right thoughts. Think God's thoughts.

"Without the renewed mind, we will distort the Scriptures to avoid their radical commands for self-denial, and love, and purity, and supreme satisfaction in Christ alone." (John Piper)
Sad but true, we have seen people, including those who appear to be "active" Christians distort the Scriptures to justify their sins, to serve their own agendas, and even to commit crimes. Satan knows the Scriptures. Most atheists know the Scriptures. Pharisees and false teachers know the Scriptures. What do they all have in common? The lack of the renewed mind (and transformed heart)!

"The difference between worldliness and godliness is a renewed mind." (Erwin W. Lutzer)

Without the renewed mind, the world continues to have a hold on you. Self is still on the throne of your heart. Love is still conditional and selfish. Purity is only for nuns and monks. Supreme satisfaction in Christ alone...no way. However, the Scriptures are clear about denying self (Mark 8:34-36), sacrificial love (1 John 3:16), purity (1 Timothy 4:12), and the spiritual satisfaction which can only be found in Christ alone (John 4:10, 13-14). This quote from St. Augustine comes to mind: "If you believe what you like in the Gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself."

We're a new creation in Christ. We no longer think the way our old self thinks or the way the world thinks; we embrace the mind and the attitudes of Christ. Our old way of thinking and living has gone, being replaced with the new way of thinking and living according to God's Word.

"Conformity to the world, in all ages, has proved the ruin of the church!" (Rowland Hill)
We live in a culture that bombards us with non-Biblical messages. We really need to spend much time in prayer and in God's Word to transform the way we think. Worldly pleasures are enticing and deceiving. We must prayerfully guard ourselves and our children. We must teach our children that God's Word is the final authority for our faith and practice and teach them to be like the Bereans (look up what God says about any given thing). 

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

“Farewell, vain world; my soul bids you adieu.
My Savior taught me to abandon you.
Your charms may gratify a sensual mind,
but cannot please a soul for God designed.”

          ~David Brainerd

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" Matthew 16:24-26a

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2:15-17

Prayer: Lord, please mold me and make me be more like You every day. Please renew my mind to reflect Your mind/Your thoughts/Your will. Please give me the strength to remain steadfast in faith and in pursuit of holiness. Please protect my children, my husband, and me from the enemy's lies, the world's lures, and the fleshly desires. Please empower my children to resist the negative peer pressure and immorality of the society in which we live and hold true to the values they learn from Your Word. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen! 

New Creation in Christ

Praise God for our new birth/new lives in Christ! Those who are saved by grace through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ are made new creations through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Transformation follows salvation. God gives us new heart and new identity. We are no longer slaves to sin. We are now beloved children of God and saints, equipped to do good works. When we die to self and surrender all to follow Christ, the Holy Spirit does His recreating work in us and we evidently have new priorities, new values, new vision, new character, new worldview, new perspectives, new attitudes, new affections, new direction, new habits, and new desires. "The new has come!" By the grace and power of God, we are being transformed into Christlikeness.

"The old has passed away." Don't go back to your old life. "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24) We are not to be driven by the old sinful nature. We must daily put on Christ and have the mind of Christ, the new way of thinking that the Holy Spirit gives. "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh." (Romans 13:14) We are to glorify Christ, not gratify selves!

Don't let your past define you, either. You are now forgiven and free. When you let your past pain and failures be your present identity, you are stuck in a prison of shame. God's grace and forgiveness can heal you and help you break free from the shackles of shame. We cannot change our past but we can do something about our present and future. We are not what we did or what happened to us; we are who God says we are. Give God all your broken pieces; He will make a beautiful mosaic for His glory.

Prayer: Thank You, Abba Father, for Your forgiveness, redemption, restoration, and sanctification! Thank You for my union with Christ that gives me a new life to live for You. Please continue to mold me to be more Christlike and enable me to walk faithfully in obedience. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and change me from the inside out. May the fruit of the Spirit be evident in my life so that my life may be a blessing to others and point them to You! May my life manifest Your transforming grace! Please help me boldly share the Good News with anyone who needs to experience Your grace and forgiveness. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

"Does anyone ask me what we may expect to see in a true conversion? I reply--there will always be something seen in a converted man's . . .
  character,
  feelings,
  conduct,
  opinions
  and daily life. 

You will not see perfection in him; but you will see in him--something peculiar, distinct, and different from other people.

You will see him . . . 
  hating sin, 
  loving Christ, 
  following after holiness, 
  taking pleasure in his Bible, 
  persevering in prayer. 

You will see him . . .
  penitent, 
  humble, 
  believing,
  temperate,
  charitable,
  truthful,
  good-tempered,
  patient,
  upright,
  honorable,
  kind. 

These, at any rate, will be his aims--these are the things which he will follow after, however short he may come of perfection.In some converted people you will see these things more distinctly--in others less. This only I say--wherever there is true conversion, something of this kind will be seen." (J.C. Ryle)

"He who is born again, gives evidence that he has passed from death to life. It is visible in his conduct--the observer of him perceives the change. How different now, from what he once was! The following are the principal evidences of regeneration:
(1) Hatred to sin.
(2) Victory over the world.
(3) Brotherly love.
(4) Delight in spiritual duties.
(5) A life of holiness.
(6) Self-loathing, and constant faith in the sacrifice of Christ. 
(7) Sincere love to Christ." (William Nicholson)