Sin is a terrible enemy, and we all wish that we did not have to battle with sinful choices. Sin is a constant reminder how much we need God. God told Cain that if he would do the right thing that he would have victory in his life. Unfortunately, Cain chose to go through the door of temptation and the result was the murder of his brother Abel. Sin and temptation create a real battle in the lives and hearts of people. It is a constant reminder that we must remain close to our heavenly shepherd in order to gain victory over those things in our lives. We would prefer not to battle with Sin, but praise the Lord that we have a God of compassion, who will enable us to overcome all temptations. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Our battle is won through the work of God in our lives through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, based on the work of Jesus Christ. Choose to live in the victory that provides on a daily basis. … READ MORE

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I need to understand that God is in sovereign control of everything, and that everything that happens in the world is controlled by Him. Yet even though we believe and teach this, we often become nervous when people ask us “If God is all powerful, why would God permit sin?” In answering this we need to begin with Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” We need to understand is that God is not accountable to us, as to what He permitted. Because He is God, and our creator, He can do what He wants, and how He wants. Having said this, I believe that we have some clues in the Word of God that can help us understand His purposes. Sin allows us to see and understand much about God that we would never know or appreciate without its entrance into history. God uses sin as a tool to help us see Him in a different light, and from … READ MORE

What are you looking forward to? as we continue to consider 1 Peter 1:13, we are reminded to “hope to the end.” We have been encouraged to Know the Truth, and to Live in the Truth, and here we are reminded to Trust the Truth. Are we living in an expectation for what God is going to do in our lives? God has a wonderful plan for His children, we are reminded that He is preparing a place for us where He is! With that we need to ask ourselves if we are living each day with an anticipation for what is to come. This understanding should cause us to strive for personal holiness. We need to understand that, as a believer, Satan will attempt to cause us to rationalize our sin, and justify our actions. We are to protect ourselves by choosing to live holy lives, and choose to live in the power of the Word of God as the Holy Spirit applies that Word to our lives. The expectation that we have as believers is a great motivation to anticipate what is to come. … READ MORE