We Pay A High Price For Following God

                                                       When The Door Slams

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sin, in which you used to live when you follow the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.                     Ephesians 2:1-3 NIV          

        No one said getting from where we are to where we want to be in God is easy. Anyone who says it is easy is a liar. Anyone who believes it is easy is a fool. James said we should rejoice in trials because of what they produce in us (James 1:2-4).

        Paul compared this life to the harsh discipline of an athlete in training (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Jesus warned us that we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33). The Bible compares our spiritual journey to gold in the refiner's fire or clay on the potter's wheel (Proverbs 17:3; Jeremiah 18:1-5). Thomas Aquinas seems to echo Ephesians 2:1-2 when he warned against "the world, the flesh and the Devil."

        When we pursue Christ with all our hearts, we live a life that challenges the world around us and prompt an angry, hostile response. They hate Him and all who follow Him. That pursuit draws us into spiritual warfare. Our enemy uses all his power and influence to deceive us, block our way, and make sure we pay a high price for following God

        Think about this: But we are our own worst and greatest enemy. We run from, resist, and resent the struggles we inevitably face. We want glory without the cross. It never, ever happens that way. What does God intend for me to do with my life?" It is not an easy question to ask but, for many of us, a difficult question to answer. Why?  Because we have sinned with our fathers; We have committed iniquity and acted wickedly (Psalm 106:6). 

        God's purpose are not always clear to us. Sometimes we wander aimlessly in a wilderness of our own making. And sometimes we struggle mightily against God in an unsuccessful attempt to find success and happiness through our own means, not His. No one said it would be easy...just worth it!

        Affirmation: Christ was chosen before the creation of the world but was revealed in these last times for our sake. Through Him I believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, so that my faith and hope are in God (1 Peter 1:20-21).  

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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The Road To Resurrection Run Through Golgotha

                                                     When The Door Slam

As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (with means "the place of the skull").                                                                                  Matthew 27:32-33 

         The road Christ walked that day was good for us. It was not "good" for Christ, who suffered physical, emotional, and spiritual agony few can imagine. But at the end of that road was the fulfillment of His mission, a new and resurrected life, and the immeasurable joys of glory. 

        It was not the road Christ wanted to follow. In Gethsemane we are told that "He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me"(Matthew 26:39). He would have preferred to fulfill His mission and live a new and glorious life without taking the road to Golgotha. So would you and me. It just can not be done.

        The trials and suffering of Good Friday were the only way to pay the penalty for the sins of the world, gain salvation for mankind, and fulfill the divine plan to redeem the world.

        The challenges we face along the road to a deeper and richer life in Christ are just as necessary to break our sinful will, to teach us the lessons of godly living, and drive us to ever greater intimacy with and dependence on God. But how?

        Christ shows the way: submission-"Yet not as I will, but as You will"-and trust-"Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit" (Luke 23:46). If we refuse to submit and trust, if we reject the way of the cross, we will never see new life, and our journey to spiritual greatness ends. 

        Think about this: It's different for everyman. Some face the painful challenge of confessing sin and making amends to those we have harmed. Some have to leave behind a career, friends, or family. Ambition, pride, selfishness, or lust must die in others. It may cost cherished relationships, pleasures we enjoy, or the future we want. It will cost...everything. And we know it.

Petition: You are the door; whoever enters through You will be saved and will come in and go out find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; You have come that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:9-10). May I be strong and courageous, being careful to obey Your word; may I not turn from it to the right or to the left, that I may act wisely wherever I go (Joshua 1:7).    

 Prayer: Dear LORD, I know that You have a purpose for my life, and I will seek that purpose today and every day that I live. Let my actions be pleasing to You. and let me share Your Good News with a world that so desperately needs Your healing hand and the salvation of Your Son. 

Ask the 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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We Are Not Equipped To Do Life Alone

                                                        When The Door Slams

I know, LORD, That a man's way of life is not his own; no one who walks determines his own steps. Discipline me, LORD, but with justice-not in Your anger, or You will reduce me to nothing.                                                                                  Jeremiah 10:23-24

        Humans are prone to wander, make mistakes, and become defeated. The first couple of the Bible had very simple rules to follow, but they easily became convinced to be lawbreakers. Adam and Eve had every reason to follow a trustworthy God. However, it seemed easy to believe that God was holding all the best for Himself and following Him would not be in their best interest. 

        We are no different. We feel that God doesn't really understand us. We believe He wants to withhold something we want right now. God designed us to embrace His plan and purpose, but thanks to sin, and now our natural understanding is to look out for ourselves. 

        We can be convinced that, fame, lies and money provide a path to the satisfaction we want, but they don't. Instead, the religious self-centered pursuit of these things pulls them away from God, the only One who can truly satisfy us.

        We are not equipped to do life alone, so God gave us directions to follow, lessons to learn, and the Holy Spirit to lead us. A self-focused lifestyle often leads us to conflict, communication breakdown, and destructive behavior. In what parts of your life have you been looking out only for yourself?

        Think about this: When we truly turn our hearts toward the face of Jesus the Son of the Living God, we feel the sense that Jesus is inviting us to walk with Him. And that's precisely the path that we must follow. When we behave ourselves as faithful servants, we honor the Father and the Son. And we  live righteously and according to God's commandments, Jesus blesses us in ways that we cannot fully understand.    

 Adoration: How great are Your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep. The senseless man does not know; Fools do not understand That when the wicked spring up like grass And all the evildoers flourish, They will be destroyed forever. But You, O Lord, are exalted forever (Psalm 92:5-8).  

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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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. 

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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