2022 CHALLANGE

Self-control has become a flashy concept. This hyphenated English word has turned heads and grabbed headlines since the 1960's. People spend millions of dollars every year on the latest Self Help program trying to harness this elusive virtue. Controlling our desires has proven to be the epitome of "easier said than done."

Let's face it...the reason we keep coming back for more every year is because there is a lot more riding on this than saying "NO" to another Oreo!

The good news for believers is we have our own super power living within us- the Holy Spirit- to help with our personal transformations. Think of self-control as the glue that holds the other virtues together. We can't love properly without it. We will never experience real joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness without developing self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

This fruit, as it's called in the Bible, is the result of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. As we live our lives in Christ we grow a little bit at a time. With God's help we don't have to struggle to measure up to some impossible standard. Change will come as we continue to draw close to Him. 

Jesus is our example and he also grew and developed as he worshiped God. We can't change by believing in the 'gospel of self-help'. Instead, we are guaranteed to be Transformed by the renewing of our minds."So don't be conformed to this world; instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so you can prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)

NAUGHTY OR NICE?

Some people have the idea that God carries around a list, like Santa, giving him a blow by blow description of everything they have done wrong in their lives. Maybe you are one of those people who believe its only the church goers who get their prayers answered; not some runaway sinner like you.  You imagine if you keep off the radar God will forget about you and shoot that lighting bolt of vengeance in some other poor souls direction. Somewhere along the line you were told that God gets glory when you suffer in silence and accept your lot in life.

WHAT A LIE! The Bible tells us God gets glory when the lame walk and the blind see!

God sent his son into this dark, hurting world to seek and save the lost.  Jesus was born on our harsh planet not to condemn humanity but to heal your diseases, to deliver you from all your hurts and disappointments, and to set you free from every type of bondage so you can live with hope and joy.

As you approach this Christmas and New Year, realize one thing.  Jesus keeps no record of wrongs. He told us to ask and receive.  Instead of running away, go to the manger just as you are. Don't be afraid to tell Him what you need.  Our problems and failures seem huge to us but "nothing is impossible with God." Let this be the year you begin to believe He cares for the naughty and nice.

Luke 19:10  "For the Son of man came to save that which was lost."
Salvation is just the beginning of all God has in store for those who trust Jesus.  He intends to save us from our sins, and everything that tries to ruin our lives.

John 3:17  "For God did not send his Son into the world in order to pass sentence on people, but that humanity might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.

A father came to Jesus and told him a spirit would often throw his son into both the fire and water, intending to kill him. The dad begged Jesus and said,  BUT IF YOU CAN DO ANYTHING have mercy and help us.

Jesus answered him as he answers us....."All things are possible if you will believe."  Mark 9:23

  

TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY

 Funny how "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" has a way of magnifying our sins and failures. As I sat at my desk pondering what I could possibly write to encourage others when my own thoughts were full of defeat and condemnation... God showed up... in my morning devotional with a word that set me back on the right track.  

You don't have to get to the end of your struggle to experience wholeness. Jesus came to forgive our sins and bridge the gap that separates us from God. Let His presence soothe your anxiety and give you peace and a sound mind. Accept His forgiveness this Christmas and share his gifts of mercy, grace and love with others. Remind this generation that God sent His only son into the world to forgive their sins. "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

 

"Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool." (Isaiah 1:18  NLT)