God Does Not Discriminate

                                                      When The Door Slams

There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham's descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God's] promise.                                         Galatians 3:28-29 ASB 

        Of all the people on earth, there is one group that should have the most interest in eliminating racial discrimination from their thoughts and actions, yet every generation of Christians has struggled to embrace a truth that tends to be ignored-God does not discriminate based on the color of our skin.

        We can still divide ourselves from each other based on how much money we make, where we live, our skin tone, or even our ethnic heritage. We may have great intentions-like wanting people to feel comfortable by putting them in groups that match their background-but this is not received well.

        Jesus was clear that His sacrifice was for all mankind. He said salvation came to the Jew and the Gentile-that 's everyone. In His time on earth, He even preached to the Samaritans, an ethnic and religious groups that the Jews called "half-breeds" and went far out of their way to avoid. As in everything, Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God is our example of how to live and how to love. 

        Jesus said His love was for the world, and He didn't add a list of exceptions. Why should we? God has a family-and when we don't exclude people because of their skin color, it is larger than we thought.   

        Think about this: When you embrace God's love, your life's purpose is forever changed. When you embrace God's love, you feel differently about yourself, your neighbors, your family, and your world. More importantly, you share God's message-and His love-with others.

        Petition: May I be an example for other believers in speech, in behavior, in love, in faith, and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12). The LORD will deliver me from every evil work and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever (2 Timothy 4:18).                     

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge These to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.   

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Struggle With Feelings OF Insignificance

                                                         When The Door Slams  

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.                                           2 Corinthians 12:9 

        Some women are indecisive, but she wanted people to like her. Some women are shallow, but she had a lot to hide. Some women are miserable, but she wore a smile to mask the pain. There was man. He was demanding because it stopped any questions. He was unapproachable because he couldn't allow anyone to get close. He wore his pain proudly and never believed there was relief. 

        We have all resembled one of these issue in our struggle with feelings of insignificance. Many men and women believe they will never live up to the expectations of others and then we convince ourselves that we are failures.         

         These people were attempting to keep others away from their secret place of pain and insecurity. They were miserable. They were unsure of their choices.

         Only God can secure us from the outside influences and inner conflict in our lives. Our security is not found in our own ability, but God's. We became sufficient or acceptable because of God's grace, mercy, and peace through Jesus the Son of the Living God. There will be hard days when our feelings sneak up on us. But spending time in scripture will remind us of how Jesus loves us and came to rescue us when, in our sin, we could not offer Him anything in return, not even love (Romans 5:8). Feeling insignificant is normal. Knowing we are accepted by God, no matter what we are feeling at the moment.

         Think about this: Every day, including this one, is brimming with possibilities to grow, to serve, and to share. But if you are entangled in a web of lies and worry, you may overlook the blessings that God has scattered along your path. So don't give in to pessimism, to doubt, to negativity, or to cynicism. Instead, keep your eyes upon the possibilities, fix your heart upon the Creator, do your best and let Him handle the rest.   

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.  

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Forgiveness Can Feel Like A One-Sided Gift

                                                     When The Door Slams 

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.                                                      Ephesians 4:31-32                           

        

        Whom do we spend the most time thinking about? Those we love? Maybe, but there is another group of people with equal or greater access to our thinking. Many will think about them every day. Who are those who have hurt us.

        We will replay their misdeeds over and over again. The more we think about them, the angrier we will get. The angrier we get, the more hurt we feel. The more hurt we feel, the more blame we place on the offender. In some cases, unforgiven offenses will consume the majority of our thoughts. 

        Forgiveness is something you can give even when there is no apology-even when the offender never asks-but forgiveness can feel like a one-sided gift

        Think about this: On the other hand, forgiveness do not mean an automatic renewal of friendship or trust. You can forgive an offense, but if the offender does not change his or her behavior, they may be forgiven but not trusted. In certain cases, it may be wise to keep your distance from some offenders who may be quick to reapply the hurt, because of foolish and disobedience to the Word of The LORD God.

        Humans are incapable of forgetting the hurt inflicted by others. Thankfully, God forgets every sin that we confess and removers it from us "as far as the sunrise is from the sunset" (Psalm 103:12). We should forgive as God forgave us so as to prevent a "bitter root" from springing up in our hearts (Hebrews 12:15). A renewed relationship will depend on the truth of both the forgiver and the forgiven. The heart is deceitful above all things. Are you willing to let go of the offenses you have been holding on to?

Confession: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones (Proverbs 3:5-8). All a man's ways are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weight the motives (Proverbs 16:2). 

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness. 

                                                        Never Rest Ministries                                                                                                                                                                                

Those Who Cleanse Themselves

                                                     When The Door Slams

My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.                                                                                                                                                                Proverbs 3:11-12  

        If God constantly sends hardship, financial problems, or health issues into your life, you can begin to get mentally and physically stress out. You may even think that the Lord God allows you to experience grief because He hates you. This kind of thinking  is from the enemy. The Lord God chastens you because He love you. The Lord especially delights in you and rejoices to see you do your best-and He knows that you only truly excel under pressure. 

        You are already used to dealing with a certain level of problems and difficulties in your daily life. But sometimes problems go on and on and become very serious threats. At this point, they can seem so overwhelming, so impossible to deal with, that you feel like simply throwing up your hands in despair and saying, "I give up!"      

         The Lord says, "The people I love, I call to account-prod and correct and guided so that they will live at their best" (Revelation 3:19). It is no fun being repeatedly called to account for your actions and decisions.

        At times, you wish God would just let your sloppy behavior slide. And if He didn't care for you as much as He does, He just might do that. But He has a purpose in continually correcting you. The Lord refining you, and He invites you to actively join the process. Paul wrote, "Those who cleanse themselves...will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work" (2 Timothy 2:21). Lord God seeks to make you into a better person, capable of great things. 

       Think about this: We must entrust the things we cannot change to God. When we do, we can prayerfully tackle the important work the Lord God has place before us: doing something about the things we can change, and doing it sooner rather than later. Can you summon the courage and the wisdom to accept life on its own terms? If so, you will most certainly be rewarded for your good judgment.

Accept each day as it comes to you do not waste your time and energy wishing for a different set of circumstances.

Renewal: How great is Your goodness, Which You have stored up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who take refuge in You Before the sons of men! (Psalm 31:19) When I have done all the things which are commanded me, Let me realize that I am an unworthy servant; I have only done what I ought to have done (Luke 17:10).

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the LORD and thank Him for His forgiveness.      

                                                          Never Rest Ministries