I Need Jesus

In Paul’s incredible statement in 1 Timothy 1:15 the man who says that if anyone could have confidence in the flesh it was him (Philippians 3:4-6), reminds us that he is the chief of sinners. Notice his word was “am” not was. This word is not past tense as in “I was” but present tense as if to say: no matter how far I’ve come, in light of God’s holy perfection I still desperately need the grace of Christ.

 

When we attempt to minimize the cross or our own sinfulness, we are attempting to minimize our need for Jesus. Tonight no matter how holy and sanctified you are, be careful where (or whom) you are placing your trust in.

 

For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Philippians 3:3 NIV

https://philippians.bible/philippians-3-3

Through the Darkest Valley

Spiritually speaking valleys can be times of darkness, struggle, trial, uncertainty, and pain. Interestingly, it is here in the midst of valleys where I feel the presence of God the strongest. It is here deep in the midst of turmoil that I see God is growing me, patiently and tenderly. It has been said: without the test their is no testimony.
 
If we never met resistance, our faith would remain shallow and superficial. It is when we meet moments of great crisis where what we really believe becomes clear. The same God who is with me on the mountain top experiences is the same God who is close to me in the valleys of trial. If you are walking in a valley today, remember: this too shall pass. Jesus promised to never leave you or forsake you and in Him nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).
 
My prayer is that you and I would stop focusing so much on the “why” we are in the valley and instead seek God’s guidance on what He wants us to learn in those moments. It is here we learn to trust Him. Before He can call us into deeper waters, we must learn to trust Him here.

Jesus. No other name is given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

 

Jesus. God’s only Son, given as a ransom for our lives out of God’s heart love so we would not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

 

Jesus. The way, the truth and the life… the only way back to the Father (John 14:6).

 

Today my greatest hope is that you (yes you) would know the love and hope found only through faith in Jesus. (Romans 10:9) No matter where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or what you are facing Jesus died for you (Romans 5:8). You can begin your whole life again today… if you’d only come (Matthew 11:28).