For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].
2 Timothy 1:7 AMP
Without a doubt, we live in uncertain times. That’s no reason to fear or worry though. It’s all the more reason to dig in deeper to your relationship with God. There’s only one firm foundation in this world, and that’s the love of Christ.
When worry knocks on the door of your heart, put out the do not disturb sign. Instead of letting external things dictate your mood, find your peace in God’s Word and eternal truth.
The world seems to be getting crazier and crazier everyday. All that does for me is affirm that what Jesus prophesied is true. Take a look at Matthew 24 to refresh your memory.
The message of the Cross is Good News to those who are being saved. Christ died and rose again to take away our burden of guilt for living self-directed lives of sin. Sin is disobedience.
I think too often we think that sin is only the really obvious bad stuff, like not loving your neighbor and instead invading their territory. Coveting leads to murdering. Not obeying God’s Word is sin as well. It’s all sin. Something to think about.
Clearly we’re all guilty. Jesus died to take away the sins of the world. He’s coming back again to take away His Bride. She’s going to the marriage supper of the Lamb and all the unrepentant sinners are going somewhere else.
It’s not enough to merely listen to God’s Word, you must do what it says. That’s called following the teachings of Christ.
Jesus commands us to make disciples. We’re supposed to be fruitful and multiply. Be full of spiritual fruit and make disciples.
The crazy thing is most believers know what the Bible teaches, they just don’t do it. That’s disobedience. If you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, it’s sin.
I think some people are afraid to make disciples because they think they don’t know enough. If you know Jesus, that’s enough. He can tell you what to do, day by day. Trust in God and listen for His voice to lead you in all circumstances.
The other day, I met with a friend who I’m helping discover more about what it means to follow Jesus. I didn’t have anything planned except for having lunch together and praying. As I was driving to pick him up, I prayed and asked God what His will was for our time together. He said to go over the Lord’s prayer. Which we did. Very interesting discussion.
After lunch we prayed some more and let the Holy Spirit guide our time. That’s Spirit led disciplemaking. It’s fun, easy and reproducible. No building, no budget, no programs needed. Just two or more souls submitted to the Lord, meeting for mutual encouragement and edification. Simple, right?
If I can do it, you can do it. I don’t have any advanced degrees or special theological training. I’m just an ordinary dude that had a radical encounter with God over 20 years ago and recently started taking God more seriously.
Judging by the appearance of the way this world is going, I’d encourage everyone to take God seriously. He takes you seriously. He died to save you. Won’t you live for Him?
God loves you. That’s the truth. It doesn’t matter if you’re the most wicked sinner in all Creation or the most Spirit led person on the planet. It makes no difference. God is love. So loving is what He does. He wants us all to repent of our self-directed lives and turn to Him and to keep following Him.
Maybe you followed Him at one time and have strayed. Maybe you think He won’t take you back or He couldn’t possibly love you after what you’ve done. If you’re still alive, there’s still hope. I’ve wandered near and far and yet God has welcomed me back every time I come to my senses and say, “Lord, forgive me. Wash my sins away and make me whole.”
God wants you in His family. He made the ultimate sacrifice to make that possible. Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.
Cry out to Jesus and live.
Lord, save me from my sins. Fill me with Your Spirit. Help us to do Your will, everyday, all-day. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 AMP