If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us, but, if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin, for I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge. Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, Ephesians 1:7
“It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant, and they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Thank you, Lord!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
“With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption”.
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you actually fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5
I considered my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies. I used to wander off until You disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. Before, I turned away from You, but then I was sorry. I kicked myself for my stupidity! I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days. But, You disciplined me like an unruly calf, and I have been truly disciplined. Restore me, and I will return, because You are the Lord my God. There is hope for your future,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 31
For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. Psalm 66:10
You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance. He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me”. Thank you, Lord!
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise master builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have – Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
one we already have – Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
”Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials–gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But, on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames”. How firm is your foundation? It is built on Christ the Solid Rock?
For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. Romans 11:29
God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Whatever God does nothing could be added to it and nothing could be taken away from it. For God’s gifts and His calls are irrevocable.
He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Isaiah 40:29
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary! The God of Israel Himself gives strength! The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with His peace”. Blessed be God!
“Take up thy cross the Savior said, if thou would my disciple be, take up thy cross with willing hearts, and humbly follow after me”. My brothers and sisters in Christ, I am sharing this beautiful hymn written by Charles William Everest with you, to encourage you in your walk with God, as I am encouraged myself.
Jesus is calling on all of us, to deny ourselves, to take up our crosses, and follow him, if we want to be his disciples; he is calling on all of us, to lay aside all the worldly things that we covet and possess, because we could gain all of these things and lose our souls, and that is not his desire for us. He went to Calvary to give us the free gift of salvation. So as the song-writer encourages us, “Take up your cross; let not its weight, fill your weak spirit with alarm; Christ’s strength shall bear your spirit up, and brace your heart and nerve your arm. Take up your cross, heed not the shame, and let your foolish pride be still; the Lord for you accepted death, upon a cross, on Calvary’s hill. Take up your cross, then, in Christ’s strength, and calmly every danger brave: it guides you to abundant life, and leads to victory o’er the grave”. Praise the Lord!