Prayer, Bible Study 8, Standing In God's Power

Look real close at what 1 Cor. 1:30 & 31 is saying to us. We did not attain God because of who we are, what religion or church we belong to. Nor just because we are good people, because of what position we have attained in life or for that matter, who we know in life. We cannot think for a moment we are of God just because Mom or Dad believe.

We are God's people because of Jesus and the atoning blood he shed willingly for us. Jesus was the obedient son (Adam was the disobedient). He has become our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Who is man that God is so mindful of him. I cannot for the life of me figure out why he cares about us so much. It is too high for me to comprehend.

We are God's because of the great compassionate love the Captain of Our Faith displayed for us when He died in our place. He payed the price for our sins. This is the basis of our child like faith. When I meditate on this it brings me to tears.

I have heard so many times from the mouths of people that they wish they had the joy and excitement they once had when they first came to the Lord. The point is, we have strayed from this basic state of mind. We Christians have grown in the Word and have left our first love. Now we try to correct everyone we meet and point the finger at sin because we feel we know Him better or we are more righteous. We begin to work out everyone's salvation instead of our own.

I have known Him for almost 32 years and I know only one thing. I am where, what and who I am only because of Jesus. I am nothing without Him. He is my all. I have felt the refiners fire. I remember when I was ordained in 1979 I was told by a wise and faithful friend from the Philippines that God was going to 'mellow' me. For a long time I wondered what God meant by that. Today after 25 years now I understand. To mellow means to basically ripen, become fully grown, mature, season or evolve.

I have found this one thing out. I have only one basic difference than those without Jesus, I have Him. There is no other difference between me and him. I love Jesus because he first loved me and I believe that and even know that.

You can argue all you wish but if you want to return to the joy of your salvation take heed to what I am saying. The only reason I have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption is because of my Jesus. This is now and will always be my state of mind.

That is enough food for you for this week. Study well and win the race set before you. You alone are responsible for winning or losing. No one else is in competition with you.

Please email me and let me know how you feel about this study we are doing. It would be good to know if one is following it and to hear your comments. See you next week.

Remember,

Jesus Really Does Love You
Just as you are.
He has not changed.