christian

Grace Strength ~ Part Two

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Hebrews 4:15 is another picture. It says, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Since we do have Jesus as our High Priest, verse 16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Humility acknowledges we have a need. Pride seeks to figure out a way to navigate. Humility looks to our Navigator. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus died on the cross, fulfilling the will of His Father. Hebrews 10:26 says, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God…” Trials are endued with His grace strength to endure.

God Watches Our Hearts~Part Two

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Harboring an offense in our hearts makes us a stumbling block for others. How? I think Ecclesiastes 10:1 is a perfect answer. It says, “Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.”

We hurt and offend others when we attack them through our reactionary flesh. We say things that ought not to be said. We act in a way that does not exemplify the Lord. If you want to know what is hidden in your heart ~ ask the Lord to reveal it. He loves that prayer and is faithful to fulfill it.

Caution. The hidden offense will emerge in a very unexpected time. Proverbs 4:23. We won’t even know it happened until it displays itself. It is that quick. Not premeditated, but triggered in a moment because of something that was said, we were slighted, or our goal was blocked.

Praying In The Spirit ~ Part Three

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Romans 8:26 says, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought…” That is why we need to be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s leading as we pray.

Part of spiritual warfare is standing in the gap as stated in Ezekiel 22:30. The enemy looks for ways to break through against us. Isaiah 7:6 says, “…let us make a gap in its wall for ourselves, and set a king over them…” In context this was written about Judah, but we can apply it personally.

In Galatians 6:1 Paul wrote that we are to restore one caught in sin, “…in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” We don’t know when the person will be triggered to fall back into sin. The Holy Spirit does and He can alert us to pray in the moment of the need. Our part is to be attentive to His leading.