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Trying to get "right" with God? |
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There are times in our lives as Christians when we stray from God's design and cease to "walk in the light as He is in the light". Surely no two of us are the same, we each are drawn away in our own way. Some of us even go as far as to utterly turn our back on the One who died for us "while we were yet sinners". Our adversary, the devil (Satan the accuser of the brethren), would like nothing more than to convince us that "this time we have gone TOO far.........we've crossed that invisible line with God!" This is a lie straight from Hell. The battle is in our mind and when we fall for the lie.........we have been defeated, we feel condemnation. God's word PLAINLY states in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness". Friend, it doesn't get any easier to understand than that.That is the power of the Blood of Jesus. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In whom WE have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace". If we will confess our sins we know by God's word that He will forgive us. Immediately, our relationship is restored, we are "in Christ". In God's eyes we have NO sin on the books, a clean slate, a fresh start. Psalm 103:3, "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases". Psalm 103:10, "He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities". Psalm 103:12, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us". Remember, if you are genuinely sorry for your sins, and ask forgiveness........you are forgiven! Sometimes we know that we should feel sorry for our sin, but we just can't seem to find that desire. Guess what? You are not alone! God in His mercy and grace has made a way where there was no way! Romans 2:4, "Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forebearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" All you have to do is ask God for a repentative heart.........He will honor your request! Nothing pleases God like a lost son or daughter that finally realizes "there's no place like home!" Read the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. Forgiveness comes instantly, however sometimes we might not "feel" the effect of it immediately. Nevertheless, regardless of how we "feel", our sins are gone. Psalm 30:5 says, "For His anger endureth but a moment: in His favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning"! The prophet Jeremiah said in Lamentations 3:22-24, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him". When you wake up tomorrow, spend time getting to know God, after all, He is your Father. Give yourself enough time to read His word. Believe me, He really does care. Ask Him to help you walk in His light, because to be frank with you, no one can do it without His help (Holy Spirit). Greet the day with a smile realizing that this day is the first day of the rest of your life........you are FORGIVEN. Remember Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now NO condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit". When Satan comes to tempt you with sin or guilt, and believe me he will, look him square in the face and quote Romans 8:1 to him. When he tries to "push your buttons" quote him 1 John 4:4, "Ye are of God , little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world". Jesus prayed for you in the Garden of Gethsemanie. I have prayed for you. I don't have to know you in order to have prayed for you. God knows you. It is no accident that you stumbled upon this page. In God's realm (and everything is in God's realm), there are no coincidences. God is always in control. May the Lord bless you and keep you, according to His word. Welcome back home, Pepperbob
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