Press on
The Lord was really speaking to my heart today about pressing on. Press on in spite of your feelings. Feelings come and go, but that is not what our faith is based on. Faith is in God who has called us and keeps us therefore, He will give us the strength to press on. When you have moments where you struggle, like I did and do, pray through it. Stand on the Word of God and remind yourself you are a child of the King. This morning, I woke up and so many negative thoughts were running through my mind. I began to become anxious. Anxious over money, anxious over loved ones that are not yet saved and just thoughts that I was not good enough and don't deserve God's love. I began to pray and ask God to give me and show me today His grace and mercy and to remind me that He loves me in spite of me, in spite of all my wrong choices, in spite of my past-God loves me and you unconditionally. This love is not based on conditions or performance. God doesn't love you more if you do good deeds, nor does He love you less if you sin. Yes, He hates sin, and when we sin that fellowship is broken, however as soon as we confess the sin, whatever it is, God immediately forgives us. "If we confess our sins, He is FAITHFUL and JUST and WILL forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 Immediately, the fellowship with God is restored. Paul writes in Philippians, "not that I have already obtained all this (speaking of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection), or have already been made perfect, but I PRESS ON to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." 3:12
Like you and me, Paul is not perfect, but He holds on to the hope he has in Jesus and "forgets what is behind and strains towards what is ahead. (He) presses on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has CALLED me heavenward in Christ Jesus." 3:13 God has called you and me. He has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world. Think on things of Christ. It is so important to watch what goes into your mind whether it is a t.v. show, magazine or something online. All of this has an impact on you whether you realize it or not. In Galatians we are to "live by the Spirit." when we do, we will not "gratify the desires of the sinful nature (which is in all of us). The sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." 5:16-17 Friend, we are in conflict daily. Our flesh is selfish and wants what it wants right now. Our Spirit desires for us to live a godly life in Christ. Be aware of this and be on your guard. satan would like nothing more than to beat you down and get you discouraged. He does not want you to have victory in any area of your life and he does whatever he can to steal your joy. He will attack your mind, your family your finances, your friends-be aware of his schemes. He is a liar and the father of lies, his mission is to steal, kill and destroy. In Christ, however, we have already won the battle. We don't fight for victory, we fight from it. As a Christ follower, you have that same Spirit that raised Him from the dead living on the inside of you! He will help you to overcome, to press on even in the most difficult circumstances. Get into God's word, surround yourself with other believers, pray and ask others to pray with and for you. One day you can say like Paul did in 2 Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." 4:7-8 Be blessed today my friend and press on because you are called and kept by God.
Like you and me, Paul is not perfect, but He holds on to the hope he has in Jesus and "forgets what is behind and strains towards what is ahead. (He) presses on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has CALLED me heavenward in Christ Jesus." 3:13 God has called you and me. He has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world. Think on things of Christ. It is so important to watch what goes into your mind whether it is a t.v. show, magazine or something online. All of this has an impact on you whether you realize it or not. In Galatians we are to "live by the Spirit." when we do, we will not "gratify the desires of the sinful nature (which is in all of us). The sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want." 5:16-17 Friend, we are in conflict daily. Our flesh is selfish and wants what it wants right now. Our Spirit desires for us to live a godly life in Christ. Be aware of this and be on your guard. satan would like nothing more than to beat you down and get you discouraged. He does not want you to have victory in any area of your life and he does whatever he can to steal your joy. He will attack your mind, your family your finances, your friends-be aware of his schemes. He is a liar and the father of lies, his mission is to steal, kill and destroy. In Christ, however, we have already won the battle. We don't fight for victory, we fight from it. As a Christ follower, you have that same Spirit that raised Him from the dead living on the inside of you! He will help you to overcome, to press on even in the most difficult circumstances. Get into God's word, surround yourself with other believers, pray and ask others to pray with and for you. One day you can say like Paul did in 2 Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." 4:7-8 Be blessed today my friend and press on because you are called and kept by God.
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