Thursday, January 24, 2013

I recently signed up for an online weekly Bible study.  These words are from it.:

"When we turn away from the light of Christ, even for a brief season, it’s unsettling how quickly darkness clouds our minds. We begin to doubt, to question, to fear.

What if God isn’t real? What if believing in him is pointless?

That’s when we run to the Word. Drink in the truth. Let the words refresh our faith and bring new life to our souls. Jesus is our only hope. And our best hope."



I have a confession to make.  I haven't read my Bible in several months.  I haven't been to church since August.  I brought my Bible with me to Hawaii, but so far, it has just been sitting in my bedroom waiting for me to pick it up.  It has even gone so far as to collect MOLD because 1. we live on the rainy side of our Hawaiian island and 2. I haven't read it.  (Personally, I think #2 has more of an impact than #1 does.)  That doesn't mean I haven't talked to Jesus and heard him answer me.  It just means that I haven't grown in THE WORD.  The Word is where we as Christians grow and get the strength we need to get through our daily tasks.  Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." I personally take this to mean that it influences how we think -- are we manipulative or pure in our hearts and thoughts?

I am far from being a Bible scholar.  I am SOO not perfect!  However, I am forgiven by Jesus' blood on the cross.  I sin so much every day even though like the apostle Paul, I don't want to.  "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate."--Romans 7:15 


We must persevere toward our goal. What is our goal?  To be more Christlike and to live our lives in a manner that's pleasing to him.  Faith comes into play here also.  "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1  If we have faith, we can be assured that God is for us.  He will never leave us even when it seens the whole world is against us.  Faith, hope and love get us through our darkest days    Do YOU have God's love in your life to help you?  If not, I pray you will.  If you desire to come to know Jesus, all you have to do is sincerely seek him and pray for his forgiveness & for him to come into your heart.  If you would like to, but you don't know how, here's a start.  (It's just like talking to a friend....He IS THE FRIEND!)

Dear Jesus, I know I've sinned & come before You asking Your forgiveness.  Please enter into my heart and cleanse me of my sins.  Amen.  That's it.  You don't have to do anything to earn forgiveness.  I'd love to hear from you with your thoughts about this post.  It's not my usual post, but I felt led by God to post it this morning.

Love
Dea