I CAN SEE IT NOW:

EXPERIENCING TOMORROW'S REALITY TODAY -- Daily Bible Study Devotionals

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Good morning -

They are the most chilling words that we could ever hear or read: "I am against you" (Ezekiel 29:3). On numerous occasions the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel to convey these words to those who had incurred the wrath of God. What a terrifying prospect to face opposition from the Almighty One!

The good news is that through Jesus our Lord God's opposition is turned to favor towards us.

Romans 8:1 contains a tremendously encouraging truth: "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." We later read in that same chapter: "If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31).

Rather than being against us, God is actively working for us through Christ . Rather than His active opposition, we have the full resources of His support.

The favor of God ought to bring about favor with ourselves and with the members of the family of the Lord. I've encountered many godly believers who were incredibly down on themselves because they sensed the disfavor of God toward them (I've been there too). That personal sense of disfavor, unfortunately, can spill over into relationships with others member of the body of Christ. If we sense that God is against us it is very easy to be against one another.

Few truths are more liberating than the truth of God's favor toward us. This truth is the basis for healthy self-esteem as well as healthy relationships. As Kingdom citizens we have all the favor and resources needed to overcome obstacles and live the abundant life that Jesus has promised. Believing and living within that favor is the means of appropriating the power and reality of the Age to Come that is a compelling witness to unbelievers. This truth gives life and reality to the message we proclaim!

"If God is for us, who is against us?" We are assured that God IS for us, so the answer to this question provides us with unlimited possibilities, confidence and boldness.

May this liberating truth truly liberate you today.

Pastor Steve

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home