EXCUSES *
I was raised that way. Everyone else is doing it. I am the product of my environment It is hereditary. He made me do it. These words are often said by people in an attempt to excuse themselves of personal responsibility and accountability when they do something wrong--Excuses. This is what Adam and Eve sought to do after they ate from the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam blamed both God and Eve, while Eve blamed the serpent. Genesis 3:11-13
Sin is transgression of God’s Law (I John 3:4) and separates us from a holy God (Isaiah 59:1,2). Separated from God we are in a hopeless situation (Ephesians 2:12). May we stop making excuses when we sin and shifting the blame to others and may we resolve to turn to God’s Word for the answers to the problem of sin. Have a great day!
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him…" (Heb. 11:6) The importance of faith is likewise taught by the Master Teacher Himself (Jn. 8:24). Faith is the sustaining force in the Christian’s life (James 2:14-26). Since this is true, our faith must be nourished and built up regularly. A neglected child will soon grow weak and die. This, no doubt, explains why Christians sometimes drift back in the world. In view of the preciousness of faith, let us consider some important ways of building our faith:
Bible study is a faith-builder. Faith is produced by hearing God’s Word (Rom. 10:17). If faith is produced initially by Hearing His Word, it should not surprise us that study is essential to sustaining our faith.
Worship is a faith-builder. Weak faith can often be directly attributed to a failure to worship often. The early disciples assembled regularly for worship (Acts 2:42,20:7) We are commanded to do the same (Heb. 10:25) When we worship God we are equipping ourselves with the faith required to resist life’s temptations.
Good Works are faith builders. Christians are "to be ready to every good work" (Titus 3:1). Faith is always strengthened when, in everyday life, the principles of God’s Word are applied.
Don’t allow your faith to die of neglect. Without it, you can not survive spiritually. Have a wonderful day!
No one wishes to be a second-class person with second-rate accomplishments. But there is a difference between wishing and believing. Many wish for success, but believe they will fail. They simply don’t have the faith to climb the ladder of success. They get a rung or two off the ground and doubt will not permit them to go any higher. Doubt is a negative power. It cripples the initiative and cramps energy. It makes failures of us before we even start. When the mind begins to doubt, then it begins to marshal reasons to support its disbelief. Our can’ts and excuses are born of doubts; so faith, the positive attitude will cure us of the killer-diseases of can’titis and exusitis. "And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith" (I Jn. 5:4).
FEAR *
"In the middle of the journey of our life, I found myself in a dark wood." So begins Dante’s Divine Comedy. For many people today the "dark wood" of life is fear. Fear is a crippler. It cripples us emotionally, physically and spiritually.
However, God through His Word informs us that fear does come from Him and that fear can be conquered.
" For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (II Timothy 1:7)
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (I John 4:18)
God does not want us to live a life of fear and if only we will turn to Him and apply His word to our lives we can with His help win over fear. Have a great day.
HOME *
After a hard day’s work we seek to go home—a place to relax, a place to be with loved ones, a place of security and peace. The Christian too seeks a home. In Jn. 14:1-3 we read that Jesus has prepared us a home.
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." --HOME
In II Tim. 4:78, Paul nearing the end of his life would say,
" I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." --HOME
The Bible teaches us that our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20) and that we are set our affections on things above and not on things of this earth (Col. 3:2). May each of us realize that heaven is a home for prepared people (Mt. 7:21). May each of us seek to go home.
* Devotional By:
Mike Gurganus
PO Box. 916
Henderson, NC 27536
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