God's Grace Is Sufficient For All

                                             When The Door Slams 

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.                           Psalm 34:17-22 NIV.  

            This is how we know what real love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16).  Throughout His earthly life, Jesus was constantly exposed to personal violence. At the beginning of His ministry, His own townsfolk: They got up, drove him out of town , and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was build, in order to throw him off the cliff (Luke 4:29). 

            The religious and political leaders often conspired to seize and kill Him. At length He was arrested and brought to trial before Pilate and Herod. Even though He was guiltless of the accusations, He was denounced as an enemy of God and man, and not worthy to live.

            The sufferings of Jesus also included the fierce temptations of the devil: "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil" (Matthew 4:1).

            Remember, too, Jesus knew in advance what was coming, and this enhanced His suffering. Jesus knew the contents of the cup He had to drink; He know the path of suffering He should tread. Jesus could distinctly foresee the baptism of blood that awaited Him. Jesus spoke plainly to His disciples of His coming death by crucifixion.

           Jesus, came to suffer for our sins. As a result of His suffering, our redemption was secured. Christ living in us will enable us to live above our circumstances, however painful they are. Perhaps you who read these words find yourself almost crushed by the circumstances which you are now facing. You may wonder how much more of this suffering can you stand. Don't give in to the enemy! God's grace is sufficient for you and will enable you to rise above your trials.  

            Think about this: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or violent death?...But in all these things we have full victory from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LORD.

            Renewal: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark word and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand (Ephesian 6:12-13).

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 

    

                      

The Powerful Weapon Of Intercessory Prayer

                                             When The Door Slams

Jesus answered them, "I assure you: If you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you tell this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea, it will be done. And if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:21-22 HCSB). For nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37 HCSB).  

            The person who sins is the one who will die. A son won't suffer punishment for the father's iniquity, and a father won't suffer punishment for the son's iniquity. The righteousness of the righteous person will be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked person will be on him (Ezekiel 18:20 HCSB). 

            These words from the LORD should end the controversy once and for all. Each adult is responsible for his own behavior, and that of no one else. So where does this leave us as Christian parents? Are we without spiritual resources with which to support our sons and daughters? Absolutely not! We are given the powerful weapon of intercessory prayer which must never be underestimated.

            The Scriptures teach: Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect (James 5:16 HCSB). God's answer to our requests will not remove the freedom of choice from our children, but He will grant them clarity and understanding in charting their own course. They will be given every opportunity to make the right decisions regarding matters of eternal significance. I also believe the LORD will place key individuals in the paths of the ones for whom we pray--people of influence who can nudge them in the right direction. 

            Think about this: "What would Jesus want me to do first? What would He want me to forget? Who would He like me to forgive?" Establish clear goals so that there is purpose to your life. More important, be clear about what reality matters. This will help you to deal with the waste-products of your life, to dump the unnecessary disappointments or the criticism that comes from someone who doesn't matter anyway. Receive from your LORD GOD and Master the poise of a balanced, unhurried mind that knows the will of the Father in all things--and you will begin to be guilt free.   

             Confession : The LORD hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers (Proverbs 6:16-19 HCSB). 

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

                                                   Never Rest Ministries