37 Days – A Promise to Finish His Work in Us

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6

February 1^st Prayer:
Father, You promised that I would be transformed into the image of Jesus. You predestined it at the point of my salvation. Thank You for changing me from the inside out. I get off sometimes and wonder if I’m going ever get back on track. But You have promised to get me to the finish line looking like Jesus. I receive Your promise today and cooperate with Your spirit’s work to finish what You’ve begun in me . . . in Jesus’ name!

My thoughts:
So many of us have disqualified ourselves from the grace and salvation of our Lord because of something we have said or done.  Even those of us who claim to be “saved” and part of His Kingdom will find ourselves discounting our salvation because we find ourselves in the act of sinning again.  We need to realize that God has called us to salvation, not in order to expel us once we have slipped, but to bring us to an eternal peace with Him.  God created you, He knows your inner thoughts and weaknesses.  He also has provided the Holy Spirit to dwell within you as you Counselor, Comforter and Advocate (as we discussed yesterday). 

The Holy Spirit is strengthening and growing your wisdom, your courage, your resolve and your ability to stand firm in the righteousness of the Father.  In 1 Peter 2:2-3, we learn that all Christians grow up in our salvation; ”Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good”  Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:2 “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it.”, letting us know that we are all going to learn, grow and mature in our salvation. 

My friend, do not be discouraged when you fall.  You will fall.  The key is to realize God’s love doesn’t change because you make a mistake.  He can’t love you more tomorrow than He does today.  His plan of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is infinitely designed.  You will always fit under the umbrella of His grace and loving forgiveness; and one day when Christ returns, we will be found holy and righteous enough to enter into His presence.  He will finish what He has started in you.

Be Blessed,

Rich

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Walk with Confidence

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"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."      - Joshua 1:9

The turning of the page so to speak in the Israelites flight to the promised land.   Moses had passed away without crossing over the river Jordan and experiencing the joys and abundance the Lord had promised.  Joshua was now to take the reins and lead the children of God into the land God had prepared for them.  Just as Joshua needed to hear from the Lord that day, as I’m sure the emotions were high and the task at hand seemed overwhelming, we need to hear it as we face the challenges in our lives. 

God’s promise was clearly articulated to Joshua on that day.
v 5a. “No one can stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, I will be with you.  I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  - I’m sure Joshua took that to heart.  I mean if the God of the Universe told me that no one could ever defeat me, I’d be walking pretty tall and confident.  Regardless of what challenge he came upon or who threatened his life or his purpose, he knew without a doubt that God was his protector.  But it required Joshua to be very strict in following the law handed down to Moses, and to meditate on it day and night. 

How much more so are you in need of God’s promise to walk with you daily and be your protector?  I surely have fallen at moments in my life when I was fearful and in need of a certain, strong provider.  Drawing on the faith that only through God can a situation be resolved, forces one to reflect on His promises to us, similar to His promise to Joshua.  Do you recall in Matthew 28:20, “…surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.”  These were the words from Jesus to His disciples to encourage them after His death and resurrection.  This same spirit that was given to the disciples is available to you and I, if we so chose to accept and grab a hold of it.  Also, I’m sure you’ve heard Paul’s words to the Hebrews, in the 13^th chapter the 5^th verse “… Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”  The same claim from Joshua 1:5 is recalled here by Paul in his epistle to the Hebrew nation, not by co-incidence, but carefully thought out and perfectly structured to encourage them and us 2000 years later.

We need to hold true to these promises of Jesus Christ and those of His disciples recorded in the New Testament.  God is our provider, our comforter, our strong tower and our protector.  He will stand before us against all enemies and protect our rear from evil that might approach unseen.  You can trust in God’s promises to His children just as Joshua did as he led them into the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey.  Pass them on to your children, and their children.  The God of the Universe is with you everywhere you go and will not forsake you.

Prayer:Heavenly Father,
We hold firm to the truth that you are in our presence and our stronghold in times of need.  You are our protector and our comforter.  We lean upon the promise that no one can stand against us; no evil, unrighteous and ungodliness act can succeed against Your power in our lives.  Even unto death we are victorious when we are walking in Your light.  Build within me the strength and confidence to draw upon Your promise as I face trials, tribulation and strife, for I have faith in Your Son Jesus Christ as the redeemer of my soul.  Amen.

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