Devotional Time with God

I can do all things through Christ who gvies me strength. (Philippians 4:13)

God is faithful. He will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

These are my reassurances. I hold on to the promise that Jesus will give me the strength to handle all of my problems.  Also, He promised I can handle the temptations that he allowed me to endure, and He’ll be there to help me.  The same principle of parenting I’m teaching my child, God is working through the same molding process with me.

My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19)

I am being transformed into Christ’s likeness with ever increasing glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

When Jesus saved me, I am being transformed into His likeness. I am becoming holy. Not only in my spirit and mind, but also my body.  God will resurrect my body when I die, so I won’t abuse it.  I need to take care of this one while I’m on this earth, so I may serve Him well.

I am being transformed into Christ’s likeness with ever increasing glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The Word of God is at work in me. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

When I follow Jesus, I love myself less, and love God more. I am changing my life to become more like His: blameless, patient, loving, holy.  I use the scripture to make that transformation happen.  I become like Jesus to glorify His name, for He is good and worthy to be praised.

The Son has set me free, I am free indeed! (John 8:36)

Jesus came to this earth to die for me, and rescued me from the bondage of sins. I’m no longer a slave to my sins – I am free!

I’m crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)

I count myself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:1-14)

I am a new creation in Christ; the old life is gone, a new life has begun. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I’ve let my sins and past mistakes die.  My old self is no more.  I’m now a living as embodiment of Jesus, who takes over my life.

The scripture tells me Jesus died for my sins and rose again from the dead on the third day. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

This is my faith confession.

These days, everything needs to be visualized or presented in-the-flesh for anyone to accept.  Even then, with advance editing tools, photos and videos can be altered to deceive the viewers.

Same thing with my belief.  I sometimes demand God to show me what I have to do. I demand God to present something, in front of my eyes, before I can believe it.  But the scripture tells me otherwise:

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

John 20:29

To have faith, I must start believing in order to start seeing.  I will be more blessed.

Many times when I pray, I always wander off and talk to God about “world peace”, “healing”, and “forgiveness”.  Another words, I always talk in generality.  God knows exactly what I need or want, so I really don’t have hide around those vague words.  I should just come out and say exactly what I want!

Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.

Luke 18:40-41

“Lord, I want to see.”  Right to the point!  Expect a miracle.  Have faith!

Lord, I want a baby boy!  Lord, I want my parents to live another 30 years!  Lord, I want this bad back to heal!

Romans 8:32 said, there’s nothing God won’t do for me.  He already gave His only Son for me!

I listened to Greg Laurie’s service today on Harvest Christian Church, and he talked about the most difficult part of my Christian life: How to evangelize.  Sharing my faith can be tricky in this day and age.  He covered what I need to do:

I need to go to Samaria (John 4:4), which is practically everywhere, especially where no one wants to go and be with people no one wants to be associated with. The gospel is for everyone.  If they don’t hear about Jesus’ love, they’ll be going to hell.  I have to overcome my prejudices and biases.  Everyone’s the same in the eyes of the Lord.

I need to be tactful. Evangelism is about a dialogue, not a monologue. I have to do a lot of listening. Everyone’s favorite topic is himself or herself.  I must need to learn how to respond, with tact.  The objective is to win the soul, not the argument. For example, Jesus was using the well and its water as a metaphor for her life (John 4:13).

I need to adapt to the situation.  People might try to change the subject (John 4:20), but I have to keep trying to go back to the main issue.  There is no one way to evangelize. Sometimes I have to answer a question with a question – it’s for those who just want discredit what I know.  Asking questions engages the other person, creating a bridge to a dialogue.

I need to use my story.  It’s a way to preach to a person without actually preaching.  Many people will believe as a result of my testimony (John 4:39).  A real story is a powerful message, as real as I experienced it – not exaggerated.  It’s not about me, it’s about God.

I need to faithfully deliver the word of God, giving everyone the true gospel. The truth is, the way to heaven is through Jesus Christ.  Jesus died for my sins. He’s the way, the truth, and the life.

I need to let God work through me.  He’ll give me the strength to deliver the Good News to anyone – everyone.  I need to let God direct me.

It’s amazing how much things I have to deal with on this temporary place called earth.  The people, the conflicts, the heartaches, the disappointments, the hardship, etc.  I don’t think I can ever do this without God’s help – every day, every hour, every minute.

What benefits the attitude of gratitude bring for me?

1. Keeps me in God’s will.
2. Makes me better, not bitter.
3. Defeats the devil!
4. Causes miracles.

Having faith in God, it means I have to thank Him in advance.  I have to thank Him all the time, even when it seems like it’s hopeless.  Even when I don’t feel like it.  Faith keeps me going.  Faith gives me hope.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7