“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” - Phil 4:13 (NIV)
The first time I became aware of believers, I was held back by the emphasis of so many “don’ts” ! I was made to understand that when one became a believer such was meant to live of a life of - don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t borrow money, don’t have long hair, don’t miss fellowship, don’t dance, don’t listen to secular music etc. Knowing a bit about myself I decided to demure. The too many don’ts had become a stumbling block to my salvation.
The Scriptures are of course clear and there are many areas covered where God is not pleased if we indulge in certain unholy habits or just fail to obey his commands. However, ours is a forgiving God and we must always remember that where we fail him he is in the business of lifting us up for we are but his children. Must we start with a message of don’ts - or concentrate on grace!
And another point. The life of a believer is not a routine of denials but enjoying the blessings of a full life in Christ . There are many blessings that come with knowing Christ worth always sharing as every believer knows. Shouldn’t we focus on received blessings!
As believers let us make a point to share more of those blessings we all know too well than scaring off the weak with a club list of don’ts!
Prayer for today: Lord Father today that through the power of the Holy Spirit you help me live a full life in you!
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“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” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“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" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
