Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Talk Tuesday-Don't Stay Down!

Have you ever felt really down about yourself and distant from GOD? Have you ever felt despondent, discouraged or disappointed by your own behaviour as a professing Christian? Well, I certainly have!

This week I was reminded of GOD's infinite mercy, grace and love. As I considered my own sinfulness, I felt the Holy Spirit encourage me to simply confess, repent and pray. So, I did. I acknowledged my waywardness before the LORD (because that is exactly what sin is!), I asked for forgiveness and petitioned Him for help. Afterwards, I felt refreshed, restored and ready to face the future.

The Bible tells us that, “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. JESUS CHRIST is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and He advocates on our behalf. “But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world,” 1 John 2:1-2. The HOLY SPIRIT teaches us the Word of GOD and convicts us of sin. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you,” John 14:26. “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment,” John 16:8. 

Today, if you are feeling down, dive into His Word and pray. He has a great plan for your life! “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,” Ephesians 2:10. Remember whose you are. "14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children," Romans 8:14-16. Then, remember who HE is. “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy,” Psalm 145:8. Now, RISE, REJOICE and RECEIVE HIS promises for your life!

"Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways." Psalm 128:1

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Talk Tuesday-Trust Him More

Last week my faith felt smaller than a mustard seed! I felt weak, defeated and overwhelmed by situations in the storm we were facing. My disappointment in myself rose to the surface as I considered the many times GOD had shown Himself strong and mighty in my life. Shouldn't my faith have been larger and more constant in the midst of it all? Then it came to me, 'CONFESS and PRAY.' So I did.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the LORD says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” I confessed my weakness and asked for His perfect strength. I remembered His promise that, “...if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you,” Matthew 17:20. So I confessed that my faith felt smaller than a mustard seed, and prayed for more faith. “7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened,” Matthew 7:7-8.

This week, I am so very thankful to be able to say that my faith is at least the size of a mustard seed again! Imagine, a mustard seed is between 1 or 2 mm in diameter! Now I find myself commanding the mountain to be moved!! He has answered my prayer and increased my faith. I am beginning to see the situations in the storm change and soon the storm itself will dissipate.

This morning the Holy Spirit reminded me of GOD's great promise from Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

To all my Christian Brothers and Sisters, both present and soon to come, remember this: “'No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,' declares the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17 

When you find yourself suspended between the reality of faith and unbelief, TRUST HIM MORE!