All creation cries out

Sometimes, living in this world among believers and unbelievers, it's hard to get my mind straight and hold fast to God's word. Everyone thinks they have the answer and that their way of thinking is correct. As I ponder this, I wonder, "How can I really know who is right?"

The only answer to this question is: Turn to the Bible. I know that God's eternal power and divine nature is understood and seen through the things he has made, so those who have suppressed the truth are without excuse (Romans 1:20). I want so badly that everyone would know the truth and be exposed to the light. There is nothing in creation that doesn't cry out to God and his wonderful works. Our God is a creative God, and He is also a jealous God (Exodus 34:14). And one day, everyone will be subject to the wrath of His judgment, and we will all give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:12).

Because of our steadfast and righteous King, I will only follow His statutes and will not walk in the way of the wicked, but I will delight in the Lord day and night, and meditate on His laws. God, help me to judge according to Your word, and not become bitter or proud. I love you and want to imitate Christ Jesus in my life, so that others will recognize that I follow a powerful and great King because of the great love He has shown me. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

IT IS DONE...

Today, I was challenged with the obstacle of overcoming my anger with joy, and choosing to be patient and forgiving. Being obedient to God is going to Him when we're in trouble, and not relying on our own strength. Paul once had a vision of a thorn in his flesh. Scripture does not go into detail what this passage means, but there is something that is true: We can all relate to it. The thorn in my flesh today was the idea that I have to be patient, and my will and desires need to conform to what God is planning for me and how He is preparing a place for me. So God, please forgive me for sinning against you and against others. Help me to be more patient, and slow to anger and abounding in love. Teach me to be like you. Amen.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made PERFECT in weakness. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.

"You tore the veil, You made a way....when you said that it is done."

The importance of GRACE

Grace: God's provision for every need:
Through a bible study called "Seeking Him", the women in the church have been studying different concepts that help us 'experience the joy of personal revival.' This week, we focused on grace, and how we are able to approach the throne of grace because it is a gift that we DO NOT deserve. I have always had a hard time understanding the magnitude of what grace is, and why God gives it to us abundantly.


Ideas that I have struggled with:
1. When I'm in the midst of a sin, my mind can say, "STOP!" all it wants, but I continue in my sin. My fear is that I love my sin too much, and have a barrier between myself and God when He sends His Holy Spirit to guide me and help me.

2. I feel overwhelmed by my guilt and failure before God. I know how great of a sinner I am, and I know that as long as I'm living on this earth, I will never be completely sanctified.

3. When I know that something I'm going to do is a sin, I sometimes think to myself: 'But afterwards...I can ask God for forgiveness, and He'll give it to me.' I know this is cheating and not following with a pure heart, but I don't know how God wants me to act in this circumstance.

4. The farther I am encompassed in my sin, the harder it is to approach God and face Him. I can't open my bible and let Him show me how I've failed. I am too great of a sinner to speak to such a Holy God.


Things I've learned this week:
1. There is no sin too great that God cannot cover with His unfailing grace. I've doubted God's power and love, and that has led me deeper into sin. Just proclaiming the truth that we can "draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

2. The more sin that we have, the more grace God will give us. "Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.." (Romans 5:20)

3. We are not free to sin whenever and however we want to, as long as we intend to confess it. God's grace is a restraint on us, not a license to sin. "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By NO MEANS! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" (Romans 6:1-2)



God, I realize that I need to trust You more and invite Your Holy Spirit to convict me of my sin. I desperately need your grace and mercy, and I accept them as a free gift, by the power of Jesus's blood. Help me to live a life free from all unholiness and wordly passion, but one that has self-control and godliness. Thank you for giving me authority over sin, and pour Your grace over me as I seek to live rightly before You. In Your son's name, Amen.