“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!
Related upcoming events
-
23/04/2024 - 24/04/2024 All day“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31)
There are many instances we find in the scriptures where God came and told a person, “I will come!” It was quite difficult to comprehend then and the waiting took a bit of time, but the Lord came through.
We find so in Gen 18:10, how the Lord spoke to Abraham, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” And surely at the right time the Lord came through.
The prophet Isaiah did long before the birth of Christ prophecy, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (9:6-7).
Well, it took a bit of time; but it surely came to pass. There is here a remarkable fact about knowing God which none of us should ever lose sight of. As He once spoke through the prophet Balam, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” ( Numbers 23:19).There is a world of difference between God and man! If He has promised; He will fulfill. The Lord’s “Yes” is truly “Yes;” and His “No,” quite frankly, “No! “ Listen to God. If He has said, “I will come”, just wait, for as with the prophets, the Lord is not in the business of falling back on His own word!
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you word says, you are not a human that you should lie, and for this, I hold on to your promises over my life, as I wait on you, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
